POLICE officers have vowed to increase their presence “significantly” in Clacton over the coming weeks.

Tendring’s district commander Russ Cole has assured the public plans are in place to deter criminals, particularly those involved in gangs and drugs coming to Clacton.

The plan includes securing additional resources such as high visibility patrols, carrying out stop checks in and around Clacton town centre and also securing the assistance of an operational support group.

The move follows a number of violent incidents in the area.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Scene - a teenager was stabbed

Chief Insp Cole said the force is considering deploying Section 60 search powers which will allow officers to conduct additional stop checks in search of dangerous weapons.

This will allow them to target gang activity in hot spots across the town.

Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 allows a police officer to stop and search a person without suspicion in authorised areas where there is reasonable belief of violence about to, or having occurred.

Mr Cole said: “We’re working with partners such as Open Road, Only Cowards Carry and Lads Need Dads, plus former gang members like Sheldon Thomas to increase education and awareness in young people.

"Also the Safer Roads Team will be looking at pinch points in the town and removing availability to use the road infrastructure.

“It’s a three-thronged approach carrying out a robust investigation for the families, having more police officers on the beat while carrying out warrant and enforcement activities.”

He added detectives were continuing to support the teenager who was stabbed outside Favorite Chicken and Ribs in Clacton on Monday night.

Mr Cole said: “It’s early to say but it has the hallmarks of drug and gang-related activity, however, we’re keeping an open mind as to the motivation behind the crime.

A 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of drugs offences after the stabbing has been released without charge.