THE SPECTRE of helicopters hovering over Tilbury, mounted police and an increased police presence have dominated the Tilbury landscape this week as fears increase of further violent incidents.
Three weeks ago a young male was found stabbed on Dock Road, Tilbury. This followed a night of violence in Grays where three men including one from Dunlop Road, Tilbury were arrested and remanded on a charge of Grievous Bodily Harm.
This morning (Friday) Michael Davies, 20, of Cowper Avenue, Tilbury, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon and appeared at Grays Magistrates Court this morning. Three juvenile boys and one of 18 have also been arrested and bailed for criminal damage.
Thurrock District Commander, A/Ch Insp Rachel Wood said: “These incidents seem to have occurred because of issues between two small groups of people.
“I must stress that this is a small minority of people whose arguments are overspilling and disrupting the community.
“We want these people to know that this behaviour will not be tolerated. We have increased our patrols in the area and will have a high-visibility presence in the area to curb any further incidents’.”
“I would urge members of the community to call police if they hear of any tension brewing or have any information that may help us bring those responsible to justice.”
The atmosphere of tension and intense police presence for some residents has been unbearable with facebook sites inundated with rumour of planned gang fights.
One resident who did not wish to be identified said: “There is a virtual lockdown in our street now once the sun goes down.
“I have to keep my (teenage) children indoors. This is the first day of the long summer holidays.”
One other resident was somewhat more direct.
He said: “There is a recession on and families that go back generations cannot get their children into the local schools. The police are way behind the game.”
