Chief Inspector’s Update

By Southend District Commander Chief Inspector Dave Browning.

HELLO Leigh News Readers, I am sure that many if not all of you will have seen the distressing video circulating on social media of the incident, which happened in Southchurch Road.

 The individuals involved have been arrested and dealt with by our Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Claude Balaguette, 28, of Dorchester Way, Harrow, Middlesex, was charged, with possession of a blade or pointed article and affray. He admitted both charges at Southend Magistrates’ Court and was remanded into custody for sentencing at Basildon Crown Court on 11 November.

 This followed another incident in Eastwood where a man in his 20s was found with stab wounds in Rayleigh Road.

 The victim was taken to hospital for treatment, but fortunately his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing. Three people have now been charged with playing a role in the incident.

 Josh Parsons, 24, of Baxter Avenue, Southend, and two 17-year-old boys from Southend, have been charged with wounding with intent and possession of a weapon or bladed article. One of those boys has also been charged with assault, relating to the other incident of violence in the city over the weekend, in Southchurch Road.

 All three appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 9 October and have all been remanded in Custody by the Court. A 22-year-old man from Southend has been released on bail until January 2025.

 These incidents are being dealt with by detectives and both investigations are fast moving and I ask that if you have any information that you contact Police on 101.

 We will not stand for knife crime in our city and we’re launching a sustained and significant operation to stamp out incidents of violence in Southend – and to arrest and charge those who we believe to be involved in them.

 Throughout this time, there will heightened policing activity focused in the right places, on the right people and for the right reasons. In the district, we have around 200 officers available to us over a 24 hour period, and they have a range of police specialisms which ensure offenders are identified and caught and have strong cases built against them.

 These 200 officers are supported by our detectives and other force wide specialist teams.

 Over the last three months, we have seen a number of incidents of violence in Southend and I know people are concerned. These are the actions of a criminal minority, but those actions impact on the innocent majority. We do have experience in dealing with people who believe they can commit serious crime in our area. When this has happened before, we have identified those involved, made arrests and ultimately secured charges and put them before the courts.

 We’re determined to use all the resources available to us to keep our city safe for everyone – except for criminals.

 I want to be clear, if you think you can come here, plan to commit crime or carry a weapon, you will be identified and you will be arrested.

 If you want to speak to us about an issue where you live or simply want crime prevention advice, pop along to one of our upcoming events:

Friday 18 October between 3pm – 4pm at Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Westcliff.

Thursday 24 October between 11am-11:30am outside Tesco, Prince Avenue Westcliff.

Friday 25 October between 11am-11:30am at Library, Kent Elms, Eastwood.

Monday 28 October between 12pm – 1pm Havens Age concern, Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff.

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