SOUTHEND’s Labour MPs have urged people to “keep away” from Southend seafront and city centre over an ongoing serious incident involving a “large influx of young people”.

Multiple police, the Essex Police helicopter and ambulance crews have been in the centre of Southend this evening dealing with the incident.

Unverified reports suggest knives have been seen and a pub apparently locked its doors amid fears for customers’ safety.

It came as Essex Police launched a dispersal zone in Southend after reports hundreds of people have flocked to the city for a "beach party" advertised on TikTok.

Tonight, Bayo Alaba, Labour MP for Southend East and Rochford and David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West and Leigh, said: “We are aware of the ongoing incident in Southend City Centre.

“A dispersal order is currently in place.

“We encourage all residents to keep away from the area for the time being. Essex Police will provide more information in due course.

 “This dispersal order gives police officers the power to direct people suspected causing anti-social behaviour and disorder to leave the area or face arrest.”

Southend Council’s Labour leader said it was a “developing incident”.

He said: “I’m urging calm and encouraging people to avoid Jubilee beach this evening as Essex Police deal with a large influx of young people.  

“It’s a developing situation that CCTV and the police are monitoring and more police resources are en route to support the dispersal order that is in place.”

The Essex Police dispersal zone in place on Tuesday July 30 I The Essex Police dispersal zone in place on Tuesday July 30 I (Image: Essex Police)
A Southend Council spokesman said tonight: “Our community safety and CCTV teams are supporting Essex Police who are dealing with a large influx of young people across the city centre and seafront this afternoon and tonight.”

Acting Inspector Stephen Wells, from Essex Police,  said: “These types of events can result in anti-social behaviour we will not tolerate in Southend or across Essex.

“Members of the public have the right to use this public space without the fear of being harassed or distressed.

“This is a busy part of the city during school holidays and everyone is entitle to use this space respectfully of other people.

“If you’re in Southend today and tomorrow you can expect to see a visible police presence in the city centre and if you have any concerns please come and speak to us.”