Essex Police bosses vow to quash potential disorder

Assistant chief constable Andy Mariner made the statement on Wednesday after disruption continued following the stabbing of three girls in Southport, Merseyside, last week.

He said: “There is disinformation on social media talking about activity in Essex today.

“If you’re planning on coming here intent on disorder, we will be waiting for you, and you will be arrested.

“To all the good people keep going about your business, because that’s exactly what we’re doing too.

Warning – Assistant Chief Constable Andy Mariner told anyone thinking of demonstrating violently that they would be met with officers from Essex Police (Image: Essex Police)

“There is information going around on the internet highlighting specific locations around the country and some of those details of locations are just plain false, including here in Essex.

“If you turn up thinking of causing an issue, all you'll find is people getting on with their days – and our officers.”

Assistant Ch Con Mariner continued by telling people to question information they read on the internet, after false details were shared about the suspect accused of murdering the three girls.

“Question everything you see online.

“Where has it come from? Have you met the people who are speaking out in person?

“If not, don't listen to them.”

'There are other ways to resolve issues'

FRUSTRATION with immigration and the rise in the cost of living have contributed to a “terrible” explosion of violence across England, a resident has said.

The Gazette spoke to residents in Colchester on Wednesday to understand the public’s reaction to the disruption, which erupted in Southport last week and has spread across England in the days since.

Janice, 85, from Lexden, said: “It’s terrible – there are other ways to resolve issues.

“Nothing would possess me or my family ever to join a riot.

“I can perhaps understand why there is an issue, even though you can’t get into someone else’s head and know what they’re thinking.”

History – protests are nothing new, as this photo from a poll tax demonstration in Colchester, shows (Image: Nigel Brown, Newsquest)

She continued by saying riots in the UK are nothing new, with widespread unrest taking place throughout the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.

“All the way through life, there have been riots.

“Everywhere is under duress – the world is. It is not just here.

“All the little bits add up.

“Sometimes, it just explodes, and I think we are seeing that now – a lot of it is down to immigration.”

When asked if she was concerned the disorder could spread to Colchester, she said: “What does it do worrying about it?

“It’s terrible, and the cost of it all – people have to pay for that.”

'You have to get on with your life'

A MANAGER of a city centre charity shop has said “there is no point worrying” about national unrest spreading to Colchester and has vowed to live each day as normal.

Monika Cilia, who runs St Helena Vintage Shop in Sir Isaac’s Walk, told the Gazette on Wednesday that shops and businesses in London are at much greater of harm from the unrest, which has spread across England following the death of three girls in Southport last week.

She said: “Personally, I follow the news but I wouldn’t say I am particularly worried.

“Everyone follows what’s going on but for us, so far, so good.

Unfazed – Monika Cilia said she, and many others, will be getting on with life as normal (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“We haven’t had any feedback or concerns but obviously we bear it in mind.”

Mrs Cilia, who previously lived in London before taking up a managerial position at St Helena Vintage Shop in May, said it is important to “get on life” even if there are lingering fears of further violence.

She continued: “I lived in London for 25 years – that is much more high risk, but because I lived it on a daily basis it becomes part of life.

“Obviously, if it starts getting closer, it may be different.

“You have to get on with your life.

“There is always something happening – you can’t let these things take hold of your life.”