Police commissioner thanks county and condemns riots

Roger Hirst thanked the police and the county’s communities for keeping the area safe.

Across the country there has been widespread disorder, violence and looting.

Thousands of pounds of damage has been caused in towns such as Plymouth, Weymouth, Aldershot, Tamworth and Rotherham.

Speaking up - Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst (Image: Essex PFCC)

The unrest was sparked when riots first broke out in Merseyside last Tuesday after three children were stabbed to death at a dance studio in Southport.

Mr Hirst said the force had worked hard to combat disinformation online, provide visible reassurance in communities and make it clear that “anybody coming to Essex to cause trouble will be arrested”.

He also held talks with leaders from across Essex to discuss the positive work being done following "serious disturbances" outside of Essex.

Mr Hirst said: “I would like to thank Essex Police, partners and the public who have all come together to keep Essex safe.

"Violence, disorder and criminality will not be tolerated in the streets of Essex.

“The police along with council partners have stepped up their visible presence in towns across Essex to reassure communities and as normal they will be there if they are needed.

“Our communities have continued to go about their normal lives.

Patrolling - Essex Police officers in Southend yesterday after receiving reports of 'potential planned disorder' (Image: Essex Police)

"The scenes we have all seen on the news from across the country and being replayed via social media have been truly shocking and my thoughts are with those people and communities affected.”

Mr Hirst also condemned disinformation on both social media and the internet aimed at causing trouble.

He said there had been “significant volumes" of false information being shared on social media about fake events or protests.

Mr Hirst urged the public to not trust nor share the information online “if you don’t know the person who has created the content”.

He continued: "These posts are not offering legitimate ways to raise concerns but are stirring up hatred and division.

“They are also no way to honour the three young people whose lives were so brutally taken in the Southport attack.   

"In a democratic society there is no place for violence and intimidation.

“The law is there to protect all of us whatever our background or beliefs and we will support peaceful protest and free speech.

“We must resolve differences through dialogue and discussion.

"The incidents and disorder being stirred up via social media will not be tolerated in Essex and we will continue to work with partners and our communities to maintain the safety of our communities.”