ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour should be met with “robust” action from the police, the leader of Colchester Council has said.

Concerns have been prevalent over the summer months of troublemakers behaving anti-socially in Colchester city centre.

The issues included masked youngsters terrorising shop workers and acting aggressively to passersby.

One city centre worker, in his thirties, told the Gazette he had seen the delinquents assault schoolchildren and threaten to stab others.

Gazette: Meeting - Colchester Council officials met with Essex Police officers in the town hallMeeting - Colchester Council officials met with Essex Police officers in the town hall (Image: Essex Police)

In June, a trio of children were arrested amid a police investigation into the spate of incidents.

A meeting has now been held between Essex Police and Colchester Council to explore ways officials can continue tackling anti-social behaviour.

Council leader David King said both parties wanted to “affirm their commitment” to continuing their community safety partnership.

He said: “We all recognise that incidents of anti-social behaviour are of great concern to residents and local communities.

Gazette: Handcuffs - a youngster is arrested in Colchester amid an investigation into anti-social behaviour and robberiesHandcuffs - a youngster is arrested in Colchester amid an investigation into anti-social behaviour and robberies (Image: Essex Police)

“We will continue to hold high level meetings with businesses and Essex Police and other partners to ensure antisocial behaviour remains a priority.

“Only by working together closely can we nip poor behaviour in the bud.

“I want robust action, as will residents, and for the city council to play their full part, including reviewing car park security.”

Mr King’s comments come after St Mary’s Residents’ Association chairwoman Emma Dell said the St Mary’s car park has become a hotspot of racing and drug use.

Gazette: Murder - a homeless man died inside St Mary's car park in 2018Murder - a homeless man died inside St Mary's car park in 2018 (Image: Newsquest)

The site has been the subject of more than 260 complaints of anti-social behaviour since 2017 and has even had a murder inside it.

Ms Dell said a lot of cars using the car park in the early hours have been modified and make “a tremendous amount of noise.”

She added: “All in all, it is a bit of a disaster.”

Chief Insp Colin Cox said tackling nuisance behaviour continues to be a “high priority”, adding “We understand the impact it has on victims.”

He said: “We continue to ask the public to report anti-social behaviour to us online or by using our live chat service.”