A POLICE boss has slammed “disparaging” claims branding Southend “warzone-on-sea” after fears were raised tourists will avoid the city after “machete fights” broke out in a night of disorder.
The accusations, made in a Daily Mail article today, claimed that “there are now fears that the six million tourists who flock to the area each year will abandon it”.
It also alleges “gang warfare” has been blamed for “an explosion in violence and sexual crime” in the city, claiming Southend Central saw 280 violent and sexual crimes in June out of 729.
'Southend is safe' - police on the beach (Image: Essex Police)
Quick to defend the city, Chief Supt Leighton Hammett said: “It’s really disappointing that there are people within Southend who seek to talk the city and its people down.
“We’re really proud to serve this community and proud of everything the city has to offer.
“Fortunately, though, it appears those who wish to talk down Southend are in a minority as 80 percent of people in the district believe we do a good or excellent job, the highest of any area in the county.
“We want people to come here and enjoy the beautiful seafront, the world-famous pier, and the fantastic city centre. Despite the picture some are trying to paint, Southend is a really safe place.”
Crime - Thugs fighting on Southend seafront with machetes on July 30 (Image: Twitter)
He added further that crime is falling in Southend at a quicker rate than most parts of the county.
A total of 1,500 fewer crimes were reported across the borough in the last year, with 1,000 fewer violent crimes and 80 fewer sexual offences.
The article comes after “machete fights” and anti-social behaviour during a night of violent disorder in Southend at the end of July.
“We work hard, with our partners, to understand concerns of businesses and residents and to address these,” Chief Supt Hammett continued.
“Where there have been incidents which have caused concern, we have responded quickly, such as that which took place last month.
“We responded quickly and robustly making arrests within minutes. The eight people charged have not gone home as they are still remanded in custody.
“I completely and categorically reject the assertion that any part of Southend is a ‘no go zone’. Thousands of people come to the city each and every week and have a fantastic time. And we’ve put in place plans, with our partners, to ensure they can do this.”
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