Police dispersal order for Southend ahead of United match

Summarised from 4 outlets · 9 reports · Updated 14 Nov, 22:13 · Archive

Essex Police will impose a dispersal order in Southend on November 14 ahead of a football match and Christmas light switch-on.

Essex Police will introduce a dispersal order across part of Southend from 9am on Saturday, November 14, ahead of Southend United's 3pm match against Aldershot Town. The measure follows intelligence about potential disorder involving groups of youth supporters associated with both clubs.

The fixture coincides with Southend's Christmas light switch-on, meaning the city centre is expected to be particularly busy with families, children and other visitors. Large numbers of people are also expected to be using local businesses, licensed premises and the transport network throughout the day.

The dispersal order gives officers additional powers to tackle potential disorder and intervene at an early stage. Police warned that anyone who fails to follow directions given by officers under the order could face arrest.

EssexLive reports that more than 8,000 tickets have been sold for the match. Aldershot Town sit 14th in the National League.

In a statement, Essex Police said: 'We want everyone coming into Southend to be able to enjoy their Saturday safely and without their plans being disrupted by the behaviour of a small minority. Our priority is to keep people safe, protect local businesses and prevent disruption across the city. Officers will be there to provide reassurance as well as respond quickly to any issues which arise.'

How it is being reported

• Essex Police issue update after 'disturbance' on Maldon street with 'concerning' manA large emergency service response was seen in the residential areaEssexLive · 14 Nov, 16:36
• Police 'extremely concerned' as search for missing Essex man expandsPolice have released new CCTV images as they continue their search for a missing Essex man who may have travelled to London and West Sussex.Brentwood Guardian · 14 Nov, 15:45
• Police 'extremely concerned' as search for missing Essex man expandsPolice have released new CCTV images as they continue their search for a missing Essex man who may have travelled to London and West Sussex.Echo (Basildon) · 14 Nov, 15:45
• Police 'extremely concerned' as search for missing Essex man expandsPolice have released new CCTV images as they continue their search for a missing Essex man who may have travelled to London and West Sussex.Colchester Gazette · 14 Nov, 15:45
• Major police incident erupts in Essex as officers met with 'threats'Essex Police attend Maldon disturbance while searching for missing man amid welfare concerns after threats allegedly made at a St Giles Close home.Colchester Gazette · 14 Nov, 11:08
• Major police incident erupts in Essex as officers met with 'threats'Essex Police attend Maldon disturbance while searching for missing man amid welfare concerns after threats allegedly made at a St Giles Close home.Brentwood Guardian · 14 Nov, 11:08
• Major police incident erupts in Essex as officers met with 'threats'Essex Police attend Maldon disturbance while searching for missing man amid welfare concerns after threats allegedly made at a St Giles Close home.Echo (Basildon) · 14 Nov, 11:08
• Extra powers given to police in Essex city amid 'potential for disorder' warningPolice say the order will be in place after receiving intelligence around the potential for disorder involving football fansEssexLive · 14 Nov, 08:20
• Police order issued over disorder fears as thousands head to SouthendSouthend police will impose a dispersal order on November 14 ahead of Southend United v Aldershot Town, Christmas lights and expected city-centre crowds.Echo (Basildon) · 13 Nov, 16:01

In this story: Essex Police · Southend United · Aldershot Town · Southend

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log