POLICE officers have been given extra stop and search powers to keep residents safe following a street brawl in Eastern Esplanade.

Four men were arrested after a fight in Southend this evening, Tuesday, June 9.

In response to the disturbance officers have been authorised to use stop and search powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

It’s essentially an extension of the stop and search powers officers already use but differs because it means officers do not need to have reasonable grounds to stop someone.

Chief Inspector Ian Hughes, District Commander for Southend, said: “Our officers acted really swiftly this evening and arrested four men following a very public disturbance.

“Unfortunately, we did recover some air weapons in our searches, so we want to make sure that there’s no further risk to the people of Southend.

“Officers will be on patrol in the area and, if you’re worried, please come and speak to them.

“We won’t tolerate people who leave their homes with the intent of inflicting violence on others.

“If you know of anyone carrying a weapon, please report it to us online, call 101 or speak to one of my officers on the ground.”

The Section 60 authority began at 5.55pm today and will finish at 1.55am tomorrow morning, Wednesday, June 10.

The authority will cover from the Leas to Western Esplanade and Thorpe Esplanade in the south, Chalkwell Avenue to the A13 to the west, across the A13 in the north, and where the A13 meets Thorpe Avenue in the east.

Police officers have an obligation to the make the public aware when Section 60 is in place, the area it covers, and how long it will be in place for.