RIOT police arrested six people after squatters threatened bailiffs with violence during a tense eviction in Southend town centre.

Squatters moved into the old Frankie and Benny's restaurant in Southchurch Road, Southend, last Friday and were due to be evicted last night but High Court enforcement officers were forced to call the police after several people made "violent threats" and refused to leave the building.

More than 10 police vehicles, including riot vans, were spotted in the Chichester Road car park as well as two ambulances and two fire crews in a stand-off which lasted five hours.

A police spokesman said: "We were called to assist High Court enforcement officers carrying out a High Court Writ to vacate a premises in Southchurch Road.

"Officers were told that threats of violence were made by people inside who were refusing to leave the building.

"We got to the building, an empty Frankie & Benny’s restaurant, at around 6.10pm.

"After a period of negotiation, people inside came out to meet officers at around 11.45pm.

"In total, six people were arrested.

"Four men aged 46, 56, 64 and 55 and a 32-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of intentionally obstructing a person lawfully acting as an enforcement agent.

"A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of breaching a post-sentence supervision order and possession of a class A drug.

"All remain in custody pending ongoing enquiries."