PFCC thanks Essex Police, partners and communities for keeping Essex safe
The force along with partners have worked hard to combat disinformation online, provide visible reassurance and make it clear that anybody coming to Essex to cause trouble will be arrested. This is working and I would like to thank Essex Police, partners and the public who have all come together to keep Essex safe.
Following the serious disturbances outside of Essex over the last week, yesterday I convened a meeting with leaders from across Essex to discuss the positive work being done by Essex Police and local partners to provide reassurance to our communities.
Violence, disorder and criminality will not be tolerated on the streets of Essex. The Police along with Council partners have stepped up their visible presence in towns across Essex to reassure communities and as normal they will be there if they are needed. Our communities have continued to go about their normal lives.
The scenes we have all seen on the news from across the country and being replayed via social media have been truly shocking and my thoughts are with those people and communities affected.
There are significant volumes of false information being shared on social media about fake ‘events’ or ‘protests’. If you don’t know the person who has created the content, don’t trust it and please don’t share it.
These posts are not offering legitimate ways to raise concerns but are stirring up hatred and division. They are also no way to honour the three young people whose lives were so brutally taken in the Southport attack.
In a democratic society there is no place for violence and intimidation. The law is there to protect all of us whatever our background or beliefs and we will support peaceful protest and free speech. We must resolve differences through dialogue and discussion.
The incidents and disorder being stirred up via social media will not be tolerated in Essex and we will continue to work with partners and our communities to maintain the safety of our communities.
For the latest information, please visit Essex: Update on reports of planned disorder | Essex Police
