POLICE responded in numbers today to deal with a protest outside a boarded-up home in Stanford-le-Hope that featured prominent conspiracy theorist, civil activist and former politician Piers Corbyn, the brother of former Labour leader Jeremy.

The property, at 8 Silvertown Avenue, is at the centre of a civil dispute between its former occupier and the bank that held a mortgage on the property which has taken possession of the home – which is due to be auctioned.

Piers Corbyn (centre) led a group of activists in the protest.

Mr Corbyn and a group of supporters arrived at Silvertown Avenue this morning (Wednesday 4 October) and eventually gathered outside the repossessed home and it is believed they tried to break in. Residents in the area say they saw one person with an axe.

Police were called to the scene as the disturbance escalated. A dispersal order, giving police additional powers, has now been placed on the immediate area.

A statement from Essex Police says: "Four people have been arrested and a dispersal order is in place in Stanford-le-Hope following a disturbance there.

"We were called to reports of a disturbance involving a large number of people at an address in Silvertown Avenue shortly before 12.30pm.

"Damage has been caused to the building.

"Four people have been arrested and are currently in custody.

The area covered by the dispersal order

"A dispersal order is in place from 1.50pm today until about 1.50pm on Friday (6 October) and gives our officers the power to direct people suspected of causing crime or anti-social behaviour to leave the area.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"Please quote incident 459 of 4 October.

Police vehicles at the scene.

"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.