Southend's first police station had a team of four and one bicycle

There is a sizable gap, and a beautiful murals by Murals from Gent and Curtis Hylton, there now.

It was Southend’s first police station and was built in 1873.

The photo was taken in the 1950s and was sourced by Jon Wennington, member of Ros Southend Past in Photos. Old Southend and memories, taken from a book by Dee Gordon.

Then and now - the old police station on Alexandra Street and the space that was left behind (Image: Jon Wennington and sourced image from a book by Dee Gordon)

The police stations and courthouse was a much needed amenity because the town had become popular for visitors and crime increased as a result.

According to the local history Facebook group, at one time the force was quite minimal with no more than one sergeant and four constables, and one bicycle. It was quite common for the police to rely on the support of the army based at Shoebury in the event of any major disturbances.