Officers were on patrol last night in Leigh after an 18-year-old man was stabbed on Friday evening.

The victim, named locally by friends as Luke Bellfield, died after being admitted to hospital with stab wounds.

A dispersal order was put in place in Old Leigh and the surrounding area from 5pm yesterday until 2am this morning.

Officers were also authorised to use additional stop and search powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in the same area during the same timeframe.

The temporary power allowed officers to use stop and search powers without needing reasonable grounds to stop someone in order to search for dangerous objects or weapons.

Police took the decision use these policing powers following the murder of a man in Old Leigh on Friday.

The Operational Support Group spoke to a number of people and carried out 25 searches.

No weapons were found but one person was given a community resolution for possession of cannabis.

During yesterday afternoon and evening, officers dispersed a number of people gathering and responded to a small number of reports of anti-social behaviour.

Chief Inspector Chris Bradford said: “The decision to use these policing powers is never taken lightly and were put in place to maintain people’s safety and prevent any further crime, following the tragic events of Friday night.

"Fortunately no weapons were found and while officers moved on some large gatherings, there were no other issues over the course of the evening.

“I’d like to thank residents for their support and understanding, and we will continue to work alongside Southend Borough Council to have extra patrols in the area today.”