TWO further arrests have been made as part of investigation following a serious assault in South Ockendon.
Two 16-year-old boys from Purfleet were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. One was also arrested on suspicion of attempted GBH with intent.
Another boy, also aged 16 and from Purfleet was previously arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and attempted gbh with intent. Two of the teenagers have been released on police bail while enquiries continue. One remains in custody for questioning.
The three arrests follow an incident in the area of Bonnygate Park, off Daiglen Drive, at around 4.20pm on Thursday 20 March.
Three people suffered injuries and were helped by officers and paramedics before being taken on to hospital.
Thankfully, none of the injuries suffered are life-threatening or life-changing.
Chief Inspector Tony Atkin, Thurrock district commander, said: “This is a fast-moving investigation which has seen us arrest three people.
“We are treating this as a targeted incident of violence and we are taking it very seriously.
“Let me be clear, this violent behaviour has no place in Essex and will not be tolerated.
“I want to reassure people that our investigation is continuing at pace and I am confident there is no wider threat to the local community.
“We have been assisted greatly by the public so far in this investigation, we are very grateful for their support and I continue to appeal for anyone with footage or information which could assist us to get in touch.
“Although they rightly attract widespread attention when they do occur, incidents such as this are rare and we work hard to prevent them occurring.
“Within Thurrock, in the 12 months to January, we had seen a reduction of 22% in the number of incidents of serious violence.”
Anyone with concerns, or information which could assist us, is asked to get in touch with us directly.
You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
It can be found at the bottom right of our homepage at www.essex.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can call us on 101.
Please cite incident 896 of 20 March.
