A WOMAN was assaulted and had a number of items stolen, including cash, on Southend seafront, while a dispersal order was in place.

The victim, in her 30s, was attacked near Adventure Island on Thursday evening, an hour after a dispersal order had been put in place across the seafront.

The order was introduced for 24 hours, after a large group of "drunk Londoners" were "behaving anti-socially".

The woman was approached by a group of people on Western Esplanade, around 9.25pm.

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A spokesman from Essex Police, said: "We are investigating after a woman was robbed in Western Esplanade, Southend at around 9.25pm on Thursday 22 July.

"The victim, who is in her 30s, had been approached by a group of people.

"She was then assaulted and her handbag, containing phones, a bank card, and cash, was stolen.

"If you have any information you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

"Please quote the crime reference number 42/145717/21

"You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."