A dispersal order is in place this weekend as large groups of youngsters are expected to meet in Southend.

Social media posts revealed youngsters were planning to meet in Southend on Friday, September 8.

This followed recent incidents in Southend involving anti-social behaviour on August 1 causing businesses to close early.

A dispersal order was put in place that evening, as well as on August 10 to deal with the issues during the summer holidays.

On August 10, officers stopped a group of balaclava-clad youths in Stratford Station from boarding a train to Southend. Police also sent another group of young men home as they arrived at a Southend station.

When is the order and what does it mean?

The dispersal order has been in place in the city since noon on Friday, September 8 and is set to remain in force until noon on Sunday, September 10.

The order does not mean there is a blanket ban on people coming to Southend.

It gives officers the power to direct people suspected of acting anti-socially to leave the area.

If suspects do not leave the area, they could be arrested.

What parts of Southend are covered by the dispersal order?

The dispersal order covers the area shown in the map below.

Echo:

Chief Inspector Jo Collins, District Commander for Southend, said: “This weekend is set to be hot and sunny, and Southend will be open for business but closed for crime.

“We want people to come to our wonderful city to enjoy themselves in our fantastic bars and restaurants and have a great time at our brilliant beaches.

“But if you’re planning to come here and cause trouble – my message to you is don’t bother, because we’ll be waiting for you.”

Visitors to the city will notice an additional visible police presence this weekend, meaning anyone planning disruption will be met robustly.