VIOLENCE has soared as drug gangs flock to the Tendring district in search of “easy pickings”.

A shock report compiled by Essex police and crime commissioner Nick Alston revealed some crimes in Tendring had increased hugely in the past year.

Overall, crime has risen by less than five per cent, but serious violent crime has shot up by more than a third.

There was also a 23 per cent increase in assaults which resulted in less serious injuries, and a 25 per cent increase in other violent crime – equivalent to 545 more incidents this year.

Mr Alston blamed the increase on violent drug gangs from the capital targeting the area.

Two extra detective constables have been drafted into Tendring’s Criminal Investigation Department, based in Clacton, but covering the whole district due to the “unprecedented demand” on the department following the increase in violent crime.

Mr Alston said that also included local criminals who were “using increasing levels of violence against each other”, often to recover criminal debts.

A Home Office “hit squad” will be sent to Tendring in the New Year and stop-checks will continue.