ESSEX Police are on alert for possible anti-social behaviour involving young people at Lakeside over the easter period.

Police profile at the shopping centre will be raised following an incident last week (Friday, 27 March) which saw a significant incident with groups of children fighting. At one point the Hollywood Bowl leisure site was partly evacuated.

At least one young girl was arrested as part of the police operation to restore order and investigations into the incident continue.

An Essex Police spokesman told Thurrock Nub News: "A joint operation is currently underway between our Thurrock neighbourhood policing team and Lakeside shopping centre, involving additional security and police resources.

"This is to help tackle large influxes of groups and associated reported anti-social behaviour around the school holidays.

"This involves the posting of security at entry and exit points, together with officers where needed, to control numbers and tackle any issues as soon as they arise.

"We have a positive and established relationship with Lakeside and anticipate when we could likely see problems around anti-social behaviour.

"Our neighbourhood policing officers will frequently be posted around Lakeside throughout this busy time. 

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"At around 6pm on Friday 27 March, at Hollywood Bowl, a disturbance involving a group of children was reported. 

"Officers were swiftly on hand, the group were spoken to and dispersed and our enquiries into the incident are continuing.

"While we dealt with this incident, officers briefly stopped people going into the Hollywood Bowl premises, allowing officers to efficiently deal with the matter and ensure the safety and wellbeing off all involved.

Police are still gathering information about last week's incident and added: "Anyone with information or footage which could assist us should contact us as soon as possible.

You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.