Six arrested after 'machete fight' breaks out on seafront as terrified crowds flee area

Six people have been arrested and weapons have been seized after 'machete fight' erupted on Southend seafront on Tuesday night (July 30).

Essex Police said they put a section 60 dispersal order in place, which gives officers powers to exercise stop and searches, after reports of violence at around 7pm.

It comes after a video shared on social media appeared to show at least four people dressed in black brandishing large knives near the Adventure Island theme park.

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Shortly after, scenes of disorder broke out with horrified onlookers seen fleeing the area in videos posted online.

Section 60 powers allow a constable in uniform to stop and search any pedestrian or anything carried by them, any vehicle, its driver and passengers, for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments.

Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to violence, disorder and carrying weapons in Essex. We have a large number of officers in the city centre, who have already seized a number of weapons and made quick arrests following these incidents.

“Our officers are working closely with our local partners and businesses to make sure they are safe and supported. We want to make sure our communities are safe and we will use all the appropriate powers at our disposal to do so. Our officers have responded to these incidents reported by members of the public this evening, and the information they provided is invaluable.

“I would also like to thank the vast law-abiding majority of the public for their co-operation today. But we know there are other witnesses to these incidents who may have important details to