AN extended dispersal order and further stop and search powers are being put in place in Southend this weekend following information about an unauthorised event which may lead to disorder.

Both orders cover the entire Southend area, south of the A13, including railway stations and transport hubs.

A dispersal order gives officers the powers to direct people who cause or are suspected of causing crime and anti-social behaviour to leave an area or face arrest.

A Section 60 authority is an extension of stop and search powers Essex Police officers already use. It allows officers to stop someone without reasonable grounds and due to this we have an obligation to tell the public where it’s in place, when, and for how long.

Both orders are in place from 2pm tomorrow until 2pm on Sunday.

Knife arch in SouthendKnife arch in Southend (Image: Al Underwood)

Superintendent Leigh Norris said: “I want people to come to Southend and enjoy our wonderful city in the sunshine.

“If you’re coming to walk on the beach, stroll down the pier, dance in the fountains or have an ice cream in the sun, you are more than welcome.

“Southend is a really safe place to be and the incidents we saw on Tuesday are not common.

“However, we have information to suggest another incident similar to that which led to the issues we saw is planned for Saturday and we are acting now to prevent disorder.

“My message is clear – if you’re planning to come to Southend to cause problems, don’t bother.

“We will have officers waiting to meet you at our railway stations and ensure you can’t come into our city.

“There will be a very visible police presence, as there has been this week, and we will be utilising tools like the knife arch and OpenGate weapon detection system.”

Supt Norris added: “Our concerns do not relate to a pre-planned family community event being held by the Sierra Leone community. We have been aware for some time, we’ve engaged with the organisers, and they have gone through the proper process.”