FURIOUS traders say they "warned police" hours before hundreds of teenagers descended on Southend but “not enough” was done to bring the situation under control until it was “too late”.

Martin Richardson, owner of the Happidrome Arcade, claimed he repeatedly attempted to alert police to hundreds of teenagers travelling to Southend and the potential for chaos, but alleges the force “didn’t take his concerns seriously”.

Hours later, chaos erupted with teenagers spotted fight with machetes, allegations of open drug use, and more than 500 young people filling the High Street.

A dispersal order was launched and police were given special Section 60 powers for stop and search as the disturbing incident unfolded.

Essex Police said they were aware of the planned beach party but the force did not expect violence to break out. Chief Supt Leighton Hammett insisted police responded “quickly and robustly” when necessary.

Trader - Martin RichardsonTrader - Martin Richardson (Image: Martin Richardson)

Mr Richardson said: “We knew that was going to happen as we shared that with police.

“It was being advertised nationally on socials so warned police to expect them.

“90 per cent of people that turned up, were just down to beach for the day, expecting a little party in Southend.

“But a small percentage came who were going to cause trouble.

“My main concern was police were told and ignored the intelligence. It wasn’t taken serious enough until it was too late. There was no control.”

Shocking footage showed a machete fight breaking out on Marine Parade, close to Adventure Island, while residents reported trees being set on fire on Pier Hill and youths “running through the High Street” armed with knives.

A initial dispersal order was launched at roughly 4pm, giving police additional powers to disperse groups, before it was upgraded to a Section 60 dispersal order giving police powers to exercise stop and searches.

Police made eight arrests were made and seized weapons.

Paul Thompson, who runs Pebbles One cafe, fears “gangs from London” were intent on causing trouble.

Mr Thompson added: “I think it is firstly important to stress that these are very few and far between.

“It is gangs coming from London set on causing trouble.

“Last year we saw an effective police operation which centred around railway stations in Southend and London to prevent them getting on the trains.

“Ones that did get on were turned back. I don’t know why that didn’t happen yesterday.

“We need proactive response, rather than a reactive. There was plenty of intelligence so it should have been avoided.”

Adventure Island bosses confirmed they did close one hour earlier as the chaos unfolded, after taking the decision to only allow families entrance into the park.

Despite shutting earlier, they praised police and their own security firm for blocking entrance to the park, which prevented any trouble.

A spokesperson for Adventure Island said: “We kept open albeit closing one hour earlier at nine o’clock.

“We covered our gates with security backed up by the police and allowed only families entrance. We never had one spot of trouble inside the park.

“The police were magnificent in what they did do in keeping the lid on things. Our thanks go out to them.”