A dispersal order has been launched in Southend city centre and seafront as part of Essex Police's response to reports of a large group of people who could be travelling to the city.

The force is aware of an event which is planned to take place today in Southend. This dispersal order police gives officers the power to direct people suspected of acting anti-socially to leave the area.

If they don’t disperse, they could be arrested.

The order will be in place for up to 48 hours and will be reviewed regularly. The area covered includes key areas such as Southend High Street, Marine Parade, Pier Hill, Western Esplanade and Southend Central train station.

There will also be a significant policing presence in the city throughout today. This will also continue into the weekend and Essex Police resourcing will be "reviewed regularly".

Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan, the force's south policing area commander, has been speaking with business and attraction owners this afternoon, both to hear their concerns and to receive their support.

He said: “I want to be really clear that we – and of course the city’s attractions and businesses – want people to come to Southend, we want them to use all the facilities here – but we won’t tolerate crime and antisocial behaviour.

“We have a significant policing presence in the city today. That includes the city centre, across the seafront and close to the train stations.

“The dispersal order is by no means a blanket ban on people coming to Southend and enjoying all it has to offer, but if people come here and behave antisocially or commit crime, the reality is we’re going to take a robust approach to that and people acting that way could ultimately end up in a police cell.

“Throughout today, and indeed as we enter this weekend, there will be an obvious police presence in city. We’re there to help people and make sure people can enjoy the city safely. But equally, the officers will respond appropriately and robustly if they have to.”