Police in Southend are working with shops in the area to reduce anti-social behaviour in the lead up to Halloween.

Some shops in the city are restricting the sale of flour and eggs to young people in an effort to combat this anti-social behaviour.

These shops, including some in Leigh pictured, have put up signs in their windows to let customers know of these restrictions.

The poster reads: "This shop is operating a restriction on the sale of flour and eggs to young people.

"Please help us support Essex Police in reducing criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in this Halloween period.

"Use of any items to cause damage or distress is an offence and is likely to be investigated by police." 

A spokesman for Essex Police in Southend said: "In the lead up to Halloween we're working with local shops to reduce antisocial behaviour.

"PCSO Fox spoke to local shop keepers in Leigh whilst she was out on patrol about the sale of flour and eggs."