ESSEX Police have fired a stern warning to those considering criminal activity after officers received intel about a ‘planned protest’ outside Colchester town hall.

There were fears Colchester could experience violence and disorder seen across English towns and cities after information was shared on social media encouraging people to gather and “stand up for our children, eliminate knives from our streets, make a better tomorrow for our children”.

Planned – it was suggested protestors gather outside the town hall on SundayPlanned – it was suggested protestors gather outside the town hall on Sunday (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

The protest was due to take place at noon on Sunday, and although the social media post –shared on Facebook by an anonymous account on Saturday – urged the public to be demonstrate peacefully, details were passed onto Essex Police who pre-empt any disturbances.

The force said in an official statement the intelligence allowed officers to prepare “appropriate tactics” ahead of Sunday to ensure there was no outbreak of violence.

The protest did not materialise but it has not stopped Essex Police’s chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington from condemning what he termed “abhorrent behaviour” taking place elsewhere.

A spokesman for the force told the Gazette on Monday: “We are constantly refreshing our intelligence reports to make sure we have the most up-to-date information.

“This means we can plan ahead – putting in place the appropriate tactics and officers in the right place to keep our communities safe.

“Among that intelligence was reports of a planned protest on Saturday in Colchester.

Warning – Essex Police chief constable BJ Harrington warned anyone who was violent or disruptive will face justiceWarning – Essex Police chief constable BJ Harrington warned anyone who was violent or disruptive will face justice (Image: Essex Police)

“Our officers are out on patrol in the town centre every day, and they were out this weekend speaking to residents and making sure everyone was safe, and no protest took place.”

The spokesman continued by vowing to bring any offenders to justice.

He said: “As our chief constable has said this weekend: if you are part of the criminal and abhorrent behaviour we have seen across the country, that is not protesting, and we will bring you to justice."