@yoursouthend: ⚠️ Major disorder in Southend-on-Sea tonight Large group of youths decended on Southend seafront and city centre tonight, with some of the group acting in an anti-social manner. At least one machete was seen on the seafront, with other people seen "running with knives" in the High Street. Elsewhere, glass bottles were being smashed, shop windows were being kicked and the crowd were storming takeaway restaurants. Police officers that were trying to disperse the crowds were then attacked by some of the crowd. Police have made a number of arrests. Local MPs and council leaders have called for calm.