POLICE dealt with more than 40 firework or anti-social behaviour incidents across Castle Point on Halloween night as two dispersal orders were launched.

Community policing teams were called out to 23 incidents on Canvey and 19 in Benfleet, removing gangs of youngsters from dispersal areas and sending them back home.

Officers also seized multiple fireworks A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Keeping the community safe is our number one priority, most if not all of the incidents involved young persons in large groups committing anti-social behaviour.Seized - fireworks found by policeSeized - fireworks found by police (Image: Essex Police)

"Our team removed several youths from the dispersal areas and took them home, seizing a quantity of fireworks. We know that this is only a very small fraction of the fireworks out there.

"If you have a child who has been out during the evening, please ask them not to get involved with the groups who are intent on causing alarm and distress by setting off fireworks towards other members of the public, the emergency services including the police.

"We are working with our partners, as well as trading standards to address any breach of license conditions, such as knowingly selling to under 18's or permitting proxy sales. Youths found in possession of fireworks will be dealt with accordingly."