POLICE were called to “huge crowds” gathering outside McDonald’s after thousands of revellers left Southend’s Garon Park after a UB40 concert. 

Social media was rife with reports yesterday morning of large groups waiting for taxis in the fast-food restaurant’s car park, in Eastern Avenue, “threatening people or trying to fight each other” as they tried to get to the front of the queue.

This came after “Red Red Wine” singers UB40 featuring Ali Campbell hosted a huge festival-style event at nearby Garon Park, which finished at 10pm on Sunday.

Taxis are not allowed to enter Garon Park following major events, such as the UB40 concert, as it results in people gathering in the car park to wait for cabs to get home. 

Police confirmed officers attended the car park at 10.50pm following concerns over a “disturbance”, but when they arrived “no offences were identified” and no arrests were made. 

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​However, residents on social media claimed that the groups causing trouble “fled as soon as McDonald’s staff called the police”. 

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called to reports of a disturbance in Eastern Avenue, Southend, shortly after 10.50pm on Sunday.

“It was reported there was a large group of people at the scene.

“Officers arrived within minutes, but no offences were identified.”

Aston Line, councillor for the Westborough ward, attended the concert at Garon Park and despite the social media reports, admitted it was a “chilled” atmosphere with no trouble. 

He said: “It was pretty chilled out from where I was standing.

“Security seemed pretty good; everyone was searched on their way in.

“I arrived at 4pm and left at about 10.15pm.

“I did not see any incidents happening whatsoever.”

An ambulance was also called to the McDonald’s car park, but the ambulance service press office has confirmed that this was due to someone suffering a medical emergency. 

 A spokesman said: “We were called at 11.14pm on Sunday with reports that an adult man was having a medical episode. 

“An ambulance was sent to the scene and transported the patient to Southend University Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”