Update following March - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Update following March – ESSEX Police is continuing to investigate following concerns raised regarding a march on Saturday 19 April, which is believed to have been arranged by multiple people, and which led to a series of counter-protests.

Update following March - ESSEX Police is continuing to investigate following concerns raised regarding a march on Saturday 19 April, which is believed to have been arranged by multiple people, and which led to a series of counter-protests.

ESSEX Police is continuing to investigate following concerns raised regarding a march on Saturday 19 April, which is believed to have been arranged by multiple people, and which led to a series of counter-protests.

The march took place during the bank holiday weekend during which there was a significant policing operation across Southend, incorporating the Southend Shakedown biking event and a wide range of other public events, which take place in late April.

Two arrests were made and investigators are also reviewing body worn video from officers who were deployed to the area.

On Thursday 24 April Neighbourhood Policing teams were patrolling in Westcliff and speaking to local people and traders, listening to their concerns and reassuring them. There will be an ongoing, visible police presence throughout Southend during the spring and summer months. Officers and PCSOs are also making contact with local faith leaders.

Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan said: “We police without fear or favour and I know the march on Saturday has caused concern right across our community.

“We faced a number of challenges in relation to the march and a number of counter-protests and we used our powers to impose conditions to reduce disorder and disruption.

“We know there are a number of people who may have been involved in organising the march and organising counter-protests from a range of different perspectives and we’re developing a complete picture of the events of the 19th.

“We are reviewing all of the evidence available including the body worn video footage of the officers who were there to keep everyone safe, as well as other available footage in order to identify any potential offences, which may have taken place.

“If we identify offences, we will investigate them fully, regardless of who may be involved.

“Today, and in the coming days, officers will be engaging with the local community to ensure they feel safe and to understand their concerns.

“We always work hard to understand the impact of any march or protest on our communities, including local businesses and religious communities and this was what we did ahead of this demonstration and their views were taken into account.

“We have to balance the rights of all when deciding upon policing action and did so to the best of our ability on the information we had.

“We are meeting with our local independent advisory group, which is made up of a diverse cross section of the community and plays an important part in helping us understand how people are feeling.

“People in Southend, whether they were living or working near the march or near to the seafront where the biking event took place, or in any other location across the city will see more officers, more often in the coming months, following extra investment in our Neighbourhood Policing Team.

“We care about neighbourhoods and we do everything we can to ensure they feel safe and they are safe.”

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