AFTER praising the joint working between Essex Police and his local authority, Thurrock Council leader Cllr John Kent has a delivered a strong message to people possibly planning or attempting to bring violence to borough streets.

Speaking at the end of a week of instances of civil disorder which have taken place across the country Cllr Kent said: "I am sure you will all have been as shocked and saddened I have been when reading the reports of civil disorder that have taken place across the country.

"Essex Police have done a brilliant job of preventing this disorder spreading to Thurrock and Greater Essex, so far.

"Robust policing plans mean there has been a visible presence across the county providing reassurance to us all and acting as a powerful deterrent to would be troublemakers. 

"We are continuing to work with the police and key local community groups to ensure all our borough's residents have the support they need.

"By sharing local knowledge, we have helped make sure that our CCTV cameras and staff are in the right place, so police are able to direct their resources.

"I've been in contact with community and faith leaders, to make sure they know what help is available from the council. 

"Although it is positive that the unified response of authorities across Essex has helped us avoid the terrible incidents of violence we've seen elsewhere, I have heard reports both from the police and from local colleagues and friends, of racial abuse being directed at Thurrock residents.

"I want to be clear that if you abuse someone, use racist language, or physically threaten someone because of their race, you are committing a crime and will be arrested and prosecuted. 

"The law is clear that if you demonstrate hostility towards someone else based on their race or religion this is a hate crime, which can result in a prison sentence.

"If you are a victim of this abuse it's really important you report it by calling 101 or going to your local police station. If you feel you are in immediate danger please call 999.

"It is one of Thurrock's strengths that people from all over the world have chosen to call our borough home, often as a welcoming place of safety. From the Windrush generation who travelled here to help rebuild London after the war, to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide who have rebuilt their lives here, Thurrock is and always will be a place that everyone can call home.

"I can think of no better example of this community spirit than the Big Lunches which have seen people come together this last fortnight to enjoy themselves in the warm weather in the borough's many green spaces.

"I would like to thank Essex Police for all their hard work which continues over the weekend.

"There continues to be disinformation online, so the best advice is to follow trusted sources, such as Essex Police.

"You can check for updates on the Essex Police website news pages and by following their Facebook and X (Twitter) feeds.

"If you hear of anything of concern locally, you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers."