New CCTV cameras will be installed to boost community safety, as police and council bosses insist they are doing all they can, following the murder of a teenager.

Southend Council has confirmed three new cameras will be added to Old Leigh after the murder of Luke Bellfield.

District commander Chief Inspector Ian Hughes says his officers and Southend Council are doing all they can to make the borough safer after the murder of Luke Bellfield in Old Leigh.

Officers have been carrying out extra patrols in Old Leigh with the council’s community safety officers, in addition to the usual daily patrols, to ensure people feel safe and to identify anyone intent on committing crime.

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Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety for Southend Council, said: “My sincerest thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of this young man. This tragic incident has shocked me and indeed the whole borough.

“Our community safety officers have been constantly supporting Essex Police across the borough, with our community safety hub based in Southend Police station. We are on the front line, working collaboratively with the police to assist with investigations where we can.

Echo:

“We recognise residents’ concerns, and we are going through the process to install three additional CCTV cameras in the Old Town in what is a very popular area for both residents and visitors to the town. Overall, we are currently spending £2.2million upgrading and expanding the whole CCTV network, which will further strengthen our already comprehensive coverage across the whole borough."

He also urged any residents with concerns around anti-social behaviour to contact the council or Essex Police so that they can address any problems that arise.

District commander Chief Inspector Ian Hughes said: “Any death, especially in such tragic circumstances, will understandably have an effect on our close knit community, especially as they are rare.

“Detectives have been working tirelessly over the last week and have arrested several people in connection with their investigation.

“Over the last year, we have been working with partners and the community to address issues of anti-social behaviour and crime, which have mostly involved a small minority of individuals.

“We have also been working to protect vulnerable people at risk of being involved in crime.

“We will use the laws and powers available to us to take robust action against offenders and are working with Southend Borough Council on this.

“I would like to thank the community for their continued support and ask that if you have any information about any crime and persistent anti-social behaviour to please report it so we can take appropriate action.”