Three further arrests have been made after a fight involving a "machete" in Southend as police continue to appeal for witnesses.

Essex Police were called to an assault in Southchurch Road next to Warrior Square shortly after 12.15am on Sunday morning.

A video circulating on social media showed with a group of individuals being seen with a number of weapons including a knife and a machete. 

Officers were on the scene within ten minutes and one man was taken to hospital after suffering injuries which were not life-threatening or life-changing.

As a result of ongoing work, three further arrests have been made this afternoon.

Two men, aged 24 and 19, and a 17-year-old boy, all from Southend, are being questioned on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

A 32-year-old man, from Southend, previously arrested on suspicion of affray, has since been released on bail while our enquiries continue.

Detectives are making progress with the investigation and anyone working in or visiting Southend today will see officers throughout the city.

Chief Insp David Browning, Southend District Commander, said: "Anyone who thinks they can come to our city and attempt to commit crime is wrong, and can expect to be arrested.

"We are well aware of footage circulating which shows part of an incident in the very early hours, just after midnight on Sunday morning.

"What that footage doesn’t show is the multiple arrests made in the hours that followed.

"This investigation is being led by experienced detectives within the Essex Police Serious Crime Directorate.

"This team has been working around the clock and we would continue to appeal for anyone who may have further information to come forward."

He praised the ongoing efforts by the police, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, the Youth Offending Service, the Probation Service, the city council, and others to tackle crime.

He said: "The quick action in this case shows that no-one can come to Essex and expect to get away with criminal behaviour.

"We are continuing with our hotspot patrolling to prevent crime – and we know that this work, combined with the fast response to the incident at the weekend, does help to make our community safer.

"That’s why so far this year knife crime in Essex has fallen by 5 per cent when compared with pre-Covid levels."

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Essex Police.