A 16-YEAR-OLD has been charged with attempted murder after violence broke out in Southend on Tuesday - with a machete and large knife being spotted and other weapons seized.

The boy - who cannot be named for legal reasons - was one of eight persons in the age of 14 to 18 who were charged in Chelmsford Magistrates today.

It followed disorder in Southend seafront on Tuesday which saw some brandishing machetes, as heard in court. 

The 16-year-old spoke to confirm his personal details when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today.

He was charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to cause serious injury, possession of a prohibited weapon in a public place and violent disorder.

Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram ordered him into youth detention and the boy is to next appear for a preliminary hearing at Basildon Crown Court on September 2.

Prosecutor Godfried Duah told the court a machete and a large knife were spotted after the disorder broke out in the crowded town as families enjoyed the summer holiday sunshine.

Police later seized a number of weapons including knives and a gun.

The following three child defendants were charged:

  • A 14-year-old boy, who is charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon, was also ordered into youth detention.
  • A 16-year-old boy has been charged with wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and violent disorder.
  • A 17-year-old boy has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

All three child defendants were ordered into youth detention and their next hearings were each set for Basildon Crown Court on September 2.

Michael King, 18, of South Woodford, east London, spoke only to confirm his personal details when he appeared in the dock charged with violent disorder and grievous bodily harm with intent.

Mekai Brown, 18, of South Woodford, east London, was charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent.

Tyler Omo-Irogho, 18, of Watford, Hertfordshire, appeared charged with two counts of violent disorder, wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, and assaulting an emergency worker.

All of the adults were remanded in custody and were also ordered to next appear for a preliminary hearing at Basildon Crown Court on September 2.

The eighth person - a 16 year-old boy - was charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon and has yet to be dealt with.