Dispersal Order put in place for Leigh-on-sea

July 25, 2024

On Saturday 20th July a dispersal order was put in place to protect the public by Essex Police following information about potential trap racing events in Southend and Leigh-on-sea.

Work by officers ensured disruption was minimised with a road block put in place at the High Street in Old Leigh and welfare officers also patrolling the area.

Previous incidents had seen traps ridden along footpaths and on the wrong side of the road.

Superintendent Richard Melton said:

“We took action to make sure the public would be safe and that you could go about your day.

“In the end what we saw was a number of people, vehicles, and horses but no racing took place.

“Our officers engaged with those involved to ensure no-one was put at risk – either members of the public or members of the group.

“We continued to engage with them as the group moved from Sadlers Farm to Old Leigh, then on to Canvey, and finally Benfleet before they headed back to their respective homes.

“We received a number of calls relating to this yesterday but no serious incidents took place.

“I want to thank the public for their understanding.”