Three men released on bail after machete attack in Southend

Shocking footage has been circulating on social media in recent days showing a group of men – all armed with machetes and knives – involved in a brawl on Southchurch Road in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Although there were a number of arrests in the hours following the incident, Essex Police were unable to charge anyone in connection with the incident but have again appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

To reassure the population and prevent further incidents, police presence in the city center will continue to be increased and facial recognition technology will be used in the coming days.

Southend District Commander, Chief Inspector David Browning, said: “As the team continues its investigation, I will continue to keep my officers in Southend keeping an eye on them and engaging with residents, visitors and businesses across the town.

“I know that the vast majority of Southend residents are decent, law-abiding people who want us to put an end to incidents like this.

“The actions of a criminal minority do not reflect the Southend that I know and recognise.

“I want to assure you that we are taking this matter extremely seriously and are devoting our resources both to furthering our investigation and to preventing a repeat of the scenes we saw over the weekend.”

A 32-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of affray remains free on bail.

Two men aged 19 and 24 and a 17-year-old boy, all from Southend, were questioned on suspicion of grievous bodily harm

The 24-year-old and the 17-year-old have since been released on bail and under strict supervision; no further action will be taken against the 19-year-old.

Mr Browning added: “We are still very keen to hear back from anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any information that could assist our team.

“We know it is likely that someone in Southend knows the identities of those involved and I would contact them directly.

“This was a serious incident of gun violence that on another day could have resulted in serious injury or death. Assisting someone you know was involved could in itself be a serious crime.”