Seaside violence suspect arrested at airport

A teenager has been arrested at an airport in connection with violent disorder at a seaside city.

Nine people had already been arrested and weapons were seized after the incidents involving crowds of people in Southend-on-Sea on 30 July.

Essex Police said the tenth person was apprehended when he returned to the UK via Heathrow Airport on Friday morning.

The 18-year-old was held on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Following the violence last summer, a local councillor, speaking anonymously, claimed some of the disorder was prompted by rival gangs from London.

A video appeared to show at least four people dressed in black and brandishing large knives near the Adventure Island theme park.

At least one person - a 16-year-old boy - suffered a life-threatening stab wound.

Police said eight of the suspects were arrested that evening and the ninth was arrested and charged on 20 August.

They are due to stand trial in July.

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