Southend-on-Sea, a popular family-friendly seaside destination, was the scene of a shocking and violent incident today as a group of youths engaged in a brazen daylight fight near the packed beach, wielding machetes.

The altercation took place in full view of families and tourists who had flocked to the beach to enjoy the sunny weather. The incident occurred just yards from the main promenade, causing panic and fear among onlookers.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a group of young individuals, some brandishing machetes, clashing in a heated confrontation. The sound of shouting and the sight of weapons drew immediate attention, with many beachgoers quickly moving away from the area to ensure their safety.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” said Sarah Jenkins, a local resident who was at the beach with her children. “We were enjoying a lovely day out when suddenly there was chaos. It was terrifying to see such violence happening so close to families and children.

Emergency services were called to the scene immediately. Essex Police responded swiftly, arriving within minutes to disperse the group and restore order. Several individuals involved in the fight were apprehended, and the police are currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the incident.

The incident has raised concerns among local officials and residents about safety in the area, particularly given Southend-on-Sea’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for families. Southend City Council has vowed to increase patrols and enhance security measures to prevent future occurrences.

Despite the alarming nature of today’s events, local businesses and attractions in Southend-on-Sea continue to operate as usual, with extra precautions being taken to reassure visitors of their safety.

The local community has rallied together in the aftermath, with many expressing their determination not to let the actions of a few disrupt the enjoyment and peacefulness of their seaside town.

We love Southend-on-Sea,” said Mark Davis, owner of a beachfront café. “It’s a wonderful place for families, and we want to keep it that way. We’ll do everything we can to support the police and the community in ensuring that such incidents are not repeated.

We have reached out to Essex Police for a statement