BECAUSE of the strain on resources in planning counter-measures to public disorder, Essex Police Force has made the decision to cancel this weekend's planned open day at Grays Police Station.

It was supposed to have taken place on Saturday (10 August).

A statement from the force says: "It is with a heavy heart that we've had to make the difficult decision to cancel the Grays police station 'Open Day'.

"Unfortunately, we will not have the resourcing available to put together the kind of open day the community deserves.

"We wish to extend our apologies to all those who were set on attending the event, but rest assured we will consider any future availability.

"In the meantime, we hope you all have a fantastic weekend, and if you need to consider options for things to do with your family, there will be a Community Big Lunch event at the community house in Seabrooke Rise, Grays on Saturday 10 August between 12pm - 4pm."

The decision was made in the wake of what is regarded as a successful deployment across Essex last night (Wednesday, 7 August).

A review of the evening says: "Like other police forces across the country, we had officers prepared for potential planned disorder during the evening.

"Our officers were focused on key areas in Southend and Chelmsford.

"In Chelmsford, officers reported no public order incidents whatsoever. They remained in the area throughout the evening to reassure the community.

"In Southend, a group gathered in Hamlet Court Road shortly after 7pm. Officers engaged with the group and found no offences being committed and no threat or harm being posed.

"As that group grew, a number of bystanders began to watch the first group from across the road, which may have made the total number of people involved appear greater than in reality.

"Shortly after 8.30pm, a second group consisting of a small number of people did arrive in the area. Officers continued to speak with both groups throughout the evening and at no stage did we assess the situation as close to escalation.

"People began to leave the area shortly after 9.15pm with no arrests with a direct connection to this operation having been made."

Assistant chief constable Andy Mariner said: "We know there was information circulating which was naturally causing concerns among our communities. We were prepared and the upshot of that preparedness was that the situation was never at risk of escalating.

"Although a number of groups were present in Hamlet Court Road, in Southend, officers continued to speak with them throughout the evening – and that meant all parties were aware of what would be acceptable to us – and what wouldn't.

"I hope the reassurance we have provided – and delivered – for our communities shows our commitment to them."