Man arrested in connection to incident on Southchurch Road

Essex Police were called to reports of an incident involving a group of people at around 1.40am today (Sunday, October 6).

Officers attended and a man was detained less than an hour later.

Shocked residents claimed to have seen one man "running around with a huge knife".

Residents shocked after violent incident (Image: Taken from video footage)Footage recorded by a member of public shows a group of around 10 young men, dressed in all-black, fighting another young man, stamping on him and throwing things in the middle of the road – blocking traffic.

Screams and shouting of passers-by can also be heard in the footage, as members of public attempted to break up the fight.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and affray.

“He is currently in custody.”

Vince Godwin of York Road said: “From what I have gathered on this story, it was a case of the public feeling they had to take matters into their own hands.

“They did not have time to call police, and the people decided to take action knowing that there were no police about.

“It's becoming like the wild west in this town, and we need a police presence 24/7, especially on weekends.

“At the end of the day, no one would be waving knives about in public if the police were about.

“I can't say I feel safe on Southend’s streets anymore - maybe 5-10 years ago, but a lot has changed, and everyone sees it”

Police say enquiries are ongoing and are appealing for information and footage, including CCTV and dash cam, from the public.

Essex Police ask residents contact them quoting incident 117 of October 6.