A dispersal order has been put in place in Southend, following an increase in disorder within the town centre over the weekend.

The order will run from 8pm this evening, Sunday 8 September until 6am tomorrow morning, Monday 9 September, and covers the area bordered by London Road, Queensway, Southchurch Avenue, Marine Parade and Avenue Road to the junction with South London Road , as outlined in the map below.

Southend District Commander, Chief Inspector Neil Pudney said: "Over the past couple of nights our officers have responded to reports of a group of men fighting within the town centre, particularly on Southend High Street.

"The actions of these individuals has caused significant distress to the local community and we will not tolerate this behaviour within our town.

"If a group is gathered in the dispersal zone and they are involved in anti-social behaviour, or are causing problems or trouble for other people, then our officers have the power to order them to leave the area.

"Breaching any direction given under the order is a criminal offence.

"If you are in the area and are not behaving in a way that could intimidate or upset anyone else, then the dispersal order will not affect you."