Southend seafront sees increased police presence

This is because specialist officers were out on another Project Servator deployment.

These deployments are deliberately unpredictable in nature and use a variety of police assets, including plain clothes officers.

Project Servator aims to deter, detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a "reassuring presence" for the public. 

A spokesman for Essex Police in Southend said: "The officers are trained to identify tell tale signs that somebody may be feeling anxious or nervous about the police presence, and will engage with them as appropriate.

Officers at Adventure Island. Photo: Essex Police

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"This is all to disrupt a range of criminality, while reassuring the community.

"Together we’ve got it covered."

During Project Servator patrols, officers will arrive unannounced at various locations. 

Residents will see, as a minimum, uniform and plain-clothes officers, but officers from other departments may be included such as dog or horse units or armed officers, depending on our specific requirements.

Essex Police might also work with British Transport Police at transport hubs or Aviation Police at airports.

Officers talk to members of the public, businesses and private security staff to let them know what they're doing and remind them to be vigilant and report any suspicious or unusual behaviour.