DESPITE initial reports that a preventative policing action in Chafford Hundred had been successful in preventing anti-social behaviour on Halloween, further disclosures by Essex police have revealed an officer was injured dealing with a 'large scale disturbance' in the area which left an officer injured.

Essex Police deployed a significant number of officers in the area on Saturday (31 October) because of previous anti-social behaviour problems, but they failed to deter some troublemakers.

A statement released yesterday (Sunday, 1 November) says: "Last night, officers were out in force across the Thurrock district with the support of British Transport Police at Chafford Hundred.

"Officers supported colleagues from Grays local policing team with a large scale disturbance in the Chafford Hundred area, where one of our officers was assaulted and sustained minor injuries.

"Officers continued to respond to numerous reports of firework related ASB, and those caught engaging in such behaviour were dealt with appropriately.

"The night also led to three arrests, one of which was where a juvenile male was in possession of two bladed articles, and a large quantity of controlled substances and cash."

Despite the seriousness of the incident officers did record one humorous moment, saying: "The male tried to run away from officers, before performing a poorly controlled front roll in front of members of the public, and our officers. 10/10 for his effort, 1/10 for the execution and embarrassment this caused him."