A dispersal order has been launched in a south Essex area after damage has been caused to a building after reports a large number of people were involved in a "disturbance".

Police were called to reports of a disturbance involving a large number of people at an address in Silvertown Avenue, in Stanford-le-Hope, shortly before 12.30pm today (October 4).

According to Essex Police, damage has been caused to the building.

Four people have been arrested and are currently in custody.

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A dispersal order is in place from 1.50pm today until about 1.50pm on Friday (October 6) and gives police officers the power to direct people suspected of causing crime or anti-social behaviour to leave the area.

It is believed the dispersal order is related to a protest at a property in the street today, which featured activist and former politician Piers Corbyn.

The property is reportedly at the centre of a dispute and is due to be auctioned. It is currently secured by private security contractors, according to Auction House.

A large police presence responded to this protest this afternoon, as at least three police cars were seen in the road and a number of officers stood outside the property.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"Please quote incident 459 of 4 October.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm."

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about the force's website reporting services. Alternatively, call 101.

In an emergency always call 999.

To make an anonymous report, contact independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.