A huge brawl erupted in Southend on Friday night as youths “armed with bottles and knives” sparked chaos. The disorder erupted in Southend High Street at around 7.50pm on Friday, with witnesses reporting a large group of at least 30 people fighting in the street.

Some of those involved were allegedly armed with knives and bottles, prompting a rapid response from emergency services. Essex Police confirmed officers were called to the scene following reports that weapons were being used during the incident. During the violence, two teenagers sustained knife wounds to the face. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, and both remain in hospital.

In the aftermath of the incident, officers introduced emergency powers in a bid to prevent further disorder.

The measures include stop and search powers for both individuals and vehicles, as well as the authority to require people to remove face coverings.

A dispersal order has also been enforced across a wide area of the city, covering Southend High Street and Queensway down to the seafront. The zone extends north to Southchurch Road and London Road, west to Hamlet Court Road and east to Lifstan Way.

Essex Police said the additional powers were brought in to “keep the public safe and prevent anti-social behaviour” following the outbreak of violence.

The force confirmed the measures were enacted under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act and the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

Officers remain in the area as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the mass fight.