FURTHER changes to police power will be in place for longer than originally planned.

Essex Police now have the power to stop and search anyone without reasonable grounds under a Section 60 authority.

The police also have a dispersal order which gives officers the power to direct people suspected of causing or likely to cause disorder or anti-social behaviour to leave the area.

Both of these new orders have been extended further.

Echo:

The Section 60 will now be in place until 8.20pm tonight and the dispersal order will end at 9.30pm tomorrow night.

Additional specialist officers have been deployed in the area to increase visible presence.

This comes in response to the multiple incidents on Friday evening which left two people with stab wounds and multiple arrests being made on suspicion of robbery and suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

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Chief Inspector David Miles said: “If you’re enjoying the seafront this weekend you’ll continue to see a high visible police presence as we keep you safe and deter people planning to carry out violence.

“We will continue to use all policing powers to make Southend safer – this includes Section 60 and dispersal orders.

“We will take action against anyone intent on causing harm and we made arrests in connection with a robbery and the seizure of a knife.

“Investigations into a number of incidents are also ongoing.

“I want to be really clear – we will be out in numbers and will not tolerate people posing a risk to the public and if you’re thinking of coming to Southend and causing trouble, think again”.

“I want to thank the public and business along the seafront for their ongoing co-operation.”