RAMPED up patrols and an extra police presence across Southend have led to a 40 per cent fall in reports of violence after months of trouble and machete fights in the city.

Terrifying scenes in recent months sparked a “sustained and significant” policing operation in Southend including undercover police patrolling the seafront and High Street.

Since it was launched, Essex Police say there has been a 40 per cent drop in reports of serious violence and now seafront traders are urging the force to keep up the work into the new year and ahead of the busier spring and summer seasons next year.

As part of the police operation, launched in October, doors have been busted down and ten people identified as being involved in multiple incident have been arrested and nine have been charged and remanded in custody.

Sandy Van Deventer, co-owner of the Seafood Shack in Eastern Esplanade, said: “I would hope that police are focusing on next season, next spring and summer, and making sure that this summer doesn’t happen again.

“It had a massive effect, the whole reputation was impacted and people were scared to bring there kids here. We were affected as people didn’t want to come in the evening and it took a good while to recover properly, it has had a massive knock on impact for Southend as a whole. I hope this is maintained and that families should feel safe and start coming down.”

Several violent incidents broke out from July to October - with a shocking machete fight filmed close to Adventure Island on July 31, a frightening stabbing in Eastwood’s Rayleigh Road in October and a brawl in Southchurch Road.

Chief Inspector Dave Browning, Southend district commander, said: “I felt it was important to keep the community updated on our operation, which at this stage has led to a significant drop in incidents of serious violence in our city.

“I’ve spoken before about the impact a small group of people involved in criminality can have on our wider community. I hope these numbers we’ve given bear that out.”

Martin Terry, councillor for community safety, added: “The recent decrease in serious violence highlights the impact of this teamwork, and I’m proud of the leadership Southend has shown in driving these efforts.

“Together, we’ll continue to focus on keeping our city safe and urge residents to support us in creating an even safer environment for all.”