DETECTIVE following up on a robbery at Lakeside Shopping Centre in September when a security guard was assaulted have arrested a second suspect.

At around 5pm on Sunday, 24 September, it was reported three males had been involved in an incident which included the attack on the staff member outside a shop. A phone was also stolen from the store.

An investigation was swiftly launched, including reviewing CCTV and speaking with witnesses, and a first arrest was made on 17 October.

A 15-year-old boy, from Barking, was charged with theft, assault by beating and using threatening words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

He appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on 19 October, where he denied each of the offences. 

He faces a trial at the same court on 5 March 2024.

As a result of further work, officers made a second arrest on Thursday, 29 November.

Avram Stoica, 18, of Pretoria Road, Romford, has since been charged with robbery, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on Friday, 1 December and was remanded in custody until a further hearing at Basildon Crown Court on 2 January 2024.

DI Richard Trower, of Grays CID, said: "Getting to the point of charge following this arrest involved around-the-clock work from a number of officers and staff across several investigations teams.

"We continue to conduct a thorough and forensic investigation into this incident, as we know all too well the fear and anxiety such incidents cause."

Chief Inspector Tony Atkin, Thurrock district commander, said: "We work closely with businesses and Thurrock Council to ensure we are doing all we can to protect law-abiding shoppers and employees going about their work. 

"No-one deserves to fall victim to an incident of this nature. 

"Such incidents do remain rare, but where they arise there is a joined-up approach from many teams within Essex Police, as well as our partners in the council and within the business community, to conduct a thorough investigation, securing arrests and charges."