Four people have been arrested following a violent incident involving knives and a vehicle in Southend-on-Sea during the early hours of Sunday 5 April 2026. Essex Police confirmed that three men and one woman were taken into custody on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after the confrontation occurred on Chichester Road at approximately 2am.
The incident involved two groups of people, some of whom were believed to be carrying knives. During the altercation, a man sustained serious and potentially life-changing injuries after he was stabbed and struck by a vehicle. He remains in hospital receiving treatment. One of the four individuals arrested also remains in hospital for treatment following the event.
Authorities believe the confrontation is linked to an earlier disturbance that took place at around 1am near a bar on London Road in Westcliff. Armed response units were deployed to the scene on Chichester Road to address the situation. Following the incident, police established a large cordon in the area, and the road was closed in both directions between Southchurch Road and Warrior Square until approximately 11am on Sunday.
Police were able to track down suspects after they fled the scene. One vehicle was located at Southend Hospital, while a second vehicle was stopped by officers on the M25 in Hertfordshire. Chief Superintendent Chris Bradford stated that those involved in the incident are believed to be known to each other and announced that there would be an increased police presence in the area following the violence.
Councillor Martin Terry, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Southend Council, described the violence as completely unacceptable. He expressed confidence in the ongoing police investigation, which is being supported by reviews of local footage to identify any further individuals involved.
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