A TEENAGE boy will appear in court today after being charged in connection with incidents of disorder in Southend earlier this week.

Essex Police responded in numbers after people with weapons rampaged on the seafront on Tuesday, 30 July when eight people were arrested.

Now, a 16-year-old boy from Basildon, has been charged with wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and violent disorder. He is the last person to be charged after he was discharged from hospital.

He will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today, Saturday 3 August, where he will appear with those previously charged, as follows:

• A 16 year-old boy from Canning Town has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to cause serious injury, possession of a prohibited weapon in a public place, and violent disorder;

• A 14 year-old boy from Pitsea has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon;

• A 16 year-old boy from Shadwell has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon;

• Mekai Brown, 18, of Higham Road, Woodford Road, has been charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent;

• Tyler Omo-Irogho, 18, of Clarendon Road, Watford, has been charged with two counts of violent disorder, wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, and assaulting an emergency worker;

• Michael King, 18, of Crescent Road, South Woodford, is charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent;

• A 17 year-old boy from Stratford has been charged with violent disorder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon.

A police statement said: "We have additional police officers on duty over the weekend to keep residents, businesses, and visitors safe as they enjoy the warm weather.  

"As these charges demonstrate, we will respond robustly to disorder and violence but look forward to seeing and speaking with our law-abiding visitors and communities.

"A further dispersal order and Section 60 authority has been put in place and will commence at 2pm on Saturday, 3 August lasting for 24 hours, to ensure everyone is safe."