Southend MP Bayo Alaba ‘deeply concerned’ about ‘machete fight’

An attack occurred on Southchurch Road, adjacent to Warrior Square, just after 12:15am this morning, where a group of people were seen carrying a number of weapons, including a knife and a machete.

Essex Police officers were on the scene within ten minutes and a man was taken to hospital with injuries that were neither life-threatening nor life-changing.

Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford, said: “I am aware of a video circulating showing a machete fight that took place in Southend town centre last night.

“This is deeply concerning and I have contacted the police to find out the current situation and what action has been taken.”

The 32-year-old man who was taken to hospital is from Coventry and has since been arrested on suspicion of affray, which is a fight between one or more people in a public place where weapons are brandished.

The man remains in custody for questioning.

Specialist officers from the police’s Serious Crime Unit will lead the investigation and carry out patrols over the coming days.

Chief Inspector Paul Hogben said: “I would ask anyone with any information or concerns about this incident to contact us as soon as possible.

“We take incidents of this nature very seriously and the people of Southend can expect a vigorous response and investigation.

“We have a dedicated team investigating this incident and we will provide updates as we make progress.”

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police via the website www.essex.police.uk (bottom right) or alternatively call 101.

Please cite incident 15 of September 15.

As of September 24, possession of zombie-style knives and machetes will be illegal, as the bladed items will be added to the list of illegal weapons that currently includes zombie knives.