"I know the people of Tilbury have good hearts, and the majority of the town will be able to show sympathy to this situation, where a man was very clearly in trouble. I am glad he is now getting the help he needs" - Police chief

POLICE are urging residents of Tilbury to show compassion after a man suffered a mental health crisis in Civic Square on Tuesday, 16 June.

The incident was widely reported on social media and on Thurrock Nub News. In consultation with the local police force, we have deleted our original report and a video we broadcast live from the town, which included comments from local Cllr John Allen.

Thurrock Nub News stands by all the comments made in that broadcast. However, in the general interest, we are happy to report the formal statement of the local police chief even though there are some contradictory statements to a timeline which was reported live on social media at the time.

We trust, that at some point, a full and frank statement will be made about this incident by police when they have concluded a thorough investigation.

District Commander for Thurrock, Chief Inspector Richard Melton, said: "We are aware that there have been rumours circulating, and a lot of concern in the local community over this incident, so I want to clear the air.

"We were called at around 12.45pm on Tuesday, 16 June with reports that a man had spat at people and damaged a war memorial in Civic Square. He was unwell and suffering a mental health crisis.

"Our Community Policing Team officers attended the scene, located the man and arrested him on suspicion of criminal damage. No permanent damage was caused to the memorial.

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"As part of our enquiries, unarmed officers went into a local businesses on Calcutta Road. The man was then taken into our custody, where he was assessed by mental health professionals and sectioned for his own safety.

"Last night, Wednesday 17 June, we received reports that staff had been threatened in the man's place of work. Let me be clear: we will not tolerate anyone acting as a vigilante. We will find you, and we will arrest you.

"I know the people of Tilbury have good hearts, and the majority of the town will be able to show sympathy to this situation, where a man was very clearly in trouble. I am glad he is now getting the help he needs."