This is the shocking moment youths holding machetes fought outside a theme park in Southend.
Six people have been arrested after the chaos erupted on the seafront and High Street of Southend-on-Sea on Tuesday evening.
Footage posted on social media shows a group of hooded thugs fighting with huge machetes in close proximity to the park as police looked on at the chaos.
Dozens of park visitors were filmed fleeing the scene on foot in a desperate bid to escape the knife-wielding youths.
A dispersal order is now in place in the area, including in locations such as Marine Parade, Pier Hill, High Street, Western Esplanade and both the city’s train stations.
The order is in place from 4.20pm on Tuesday and will remain until 4pm on Wednesday.
Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: ‘We want to make sure our communities are safe and we will use all the appropriate powers at our disposal to do so.
‘Our officers have responded to these incidents reported by members of the public this evening, and the information they provided is invaluable.
‘I would also like to thank the vast law-abiding majority of the public for their co-operation today.
‘But we know there are other witnesses to these incidents who may have important details to share.
‘We will have a visible presence in Southend this evening and tomorrow – if you know something, please speak to one of our officers or contact us to help.’
has contacted Essex Police for comment.