The leader of Southend has branded the actions across the city as "disgusting" and "deplorable" after "hugely upsetting" scenes.

Disturbing footages on social media last night showed several people dressed in black, brandishing large knives along Southend seafront.

A viral video also showed a group engaging in a what has been branded as a "machete fight" near to Adventure Island. 

These incidents occurred as a "large influx" of young people headed to the city, reportedly for a beach party advertised on TikTok.

Unverified reports suggested that Adventure Island has shut its gates, and a pub alongside numerous shops had apparently locked their doors amid fears for safety.

Armed police were also later spotted on the scene across the seafront. 

Last night, Essex Police confirmed that six people had been arrested and several weapons had been seized in the ongoing incident.

The force has yet to provide a further update this morning.

However, Labour councillor, Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend Council, has released a statement this morning stating he "never wants to see this again".

He said: "Last night we saw some hugely upsetting incidents in our city, the likes of which I never want to see again.

"The actions of those involved were deplorable, disgusting and people intent on acting like this are not welcome in Southend.

"We cannot tolerate this kind of behaviour and whilst I have received regular briefings on this, I have asked to meet senior colleagues at Essex Police for a full debrief which will consider what happened, the response and any lessons learned.

"I do also want to thank the council's community safety and transport safety teams and police colleagues who last night faced up to an intimidating situation, and also our CCTV team who ensured our teams on the ground and police colleagues had the right intelligence and information to deal with this."

Yesterday, a Section 60 dispersal order, which empowers the officers to enforce stop and search, was put in place on the Southend seafront.

This order, under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, was enacted following instances of disorder on the seafront and High Street of Southend.

The order covers areas such as Marine Parade, Pier Hill, High Street, Western Esplanade and both of the city’s train stations.

It will remain in force from 8pm yesterday until 8pm today.