Car cruise dangerous driving prompts police action

A police dispersal order had to be put in place following "dangerous and reckless" driving at a seafront car cruising event.

Essex Police said people were "putting themselves at risk" at the organised event on Southend's Western Esplanade on Saturday evening.

Footage on TikTok showed some cars doing burnouts and accelerating past scores of people lined close to the road, while filming the action. Other videos showed a number of police officers appearing to escort a car away from the event.

Insp Sian Parry said the poor driving would "not be tolerated" and drivers would be "dealt with robustly".

The dispersal order, which gave police the power to arrest people who flouted calls to leave the area, came into effect at 20:00 GMT on Saturday and expired at 08:00 on Sunday.

Specific locations under the order included Western Esplanade along with Chalkwell Esplanade, Marine Parade and Pier Hill.

Ms Parry said: "We never use these powers lightly, but reckless and dangerous behaviour from drivers who are part of such events will be dealt with robustly.

"I want to be very clear, if you are coming to Southend or are here to take part in reckless and illegal activity on the roads, the message is 'don't' – and if you do, you'll be moved on very quickly, or arrested."

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