Ten teens jailed after machete fight and chaos in UK seaside town

Ten teenagers have been sentenced for their roles in violent disorder on the streets of Southend last summer. The group, now aged between 15 and 19, were charged after youths, some brandishing machetes, fought on the seafront on the evening of July 30.

Essex Police said the men and boys had been spotted on CCTV gathering in side streets in the city centre and away from the public. They then came together and left at least two with serious injuries which required hospital treatment, the force said. Officers responded within minutes of receiving reports of people with weapons on the seafront, making a number of arrests.

More arrests were made over the following months as dozens of officers gathered evidence, and 10 people pleaded guilty to violent disorder and weapons offences at earlier hearings.

They were sentenced at Basildon Crown Court in a two-day hearing which finished on Tuesday, Essex Police said, with seven defendants given custodial sentences.

Police are appealing to identify two further suspects who they want to speak to in connection with the violent disorder, and have issued CCTV photos of them.

Chief Superintendent Chris Bradford said: "Last summer, a small group among thousands of law-abiding visitors thought they would bring disorder to Southend.

"They have now faced the consequences of their reckless and dangerous actions."

Essex Police said the 10 defendants received the following sentences:

- Tyler Omo-Irogho, 19, of Clarendon Road in Watford, admitted assaulting an emergency worker, violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 18 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to three years and three months in prison.

- Michael King, 18, of Crescent Road in South Woodford, east London, admitted violent disorder and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison.

- Mekai Brown, 19, of Higham Road in Woodford Green, east London, admitted violent disorder and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. He was 18 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

- Lucas Braga, 18, from Pitchford Street in Stratford, east London, admitted violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 17 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to two years in prison.

- Isaac Bello, 18, of Prospect Road in Woodford Green, admitted violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 17 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to two years in prison.

- Hamza Dinbil, 18, of Corporation Street in Stratford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was 17 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to one year and 10 months in prison.

- A 17-year-old boy from London admitted violent disorder, conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm, possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence. He was 16 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to six years and 11 months in custody.

- A 17-year-old boy from London admitted violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 16 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to a referral order to be decided on in a youth court on a date to be determined.

- A 17-year-old boy from Basildon, Essex, admitted violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 16 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to a 20-month detention and training order.

- A 15-year-old boy from Pitsea, Essex, admitted violent disorder, conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. He was 14 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to a detention and training order of 18 months.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: "It's important these sentences were handed down today, but the work of my detectives doesn't stop here.

"While there are others outstanding for their role in last year's disorder, we will be looking for them.

"That's why we're issuing this appeal to identify two more suspects who we want to speak to in connection with the violent disorder on Southend seafront."