Police in Basildon are being given additional stop and search powers after concerns about violence and disorder.

Officers have received information indicating there may be disorder in the Laindon and Pitsea areas this evening, possibly involving weapons.

As a result, and to protect the public, an order under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 has been made.

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This means officers can now stop members of the public without having reasonable grounds to do so.

It is an extension of the stop and search powers police use "responsibly and effectively" on a daily basis.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "As a result, we have an obligation to make the public aware it’s in place, the area it covers and the time period it’s in place for.

"It will be in place from 6pm today (Monday 31 October) until 7am tomorrow (Tuesday 1 November) and covers an area spanning from Laindon railway station, the Laindon Link and to Southernhay in Basildon.

"We want all our communities to have a safe and enjoyable evening whilst also ensuring those who don’t wish to participate, feel reassured our Officers will be there keeping the public safe."