Essex Police are making progress into a gang-related disturbance that left two people injured resulting in a second overnight stop and search order just weeks apart.

A large gang of around people believed to be armed with weapons was reported on The Broadway, Debden, shortly before 6pm on Monday, February 17.

Officers authorised a Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 across Debden and Loughton from 7.20pm until 7.20am of Tuesday, February 18.

This allows uniformed officers to stop and search people for dangerous objects and weapons without the need to have a reasonable suspicion.

The Section 60 order covered a 1,000 metre area around the junction of Forest Road and High Street including: Church Hill, Station Road, Forest Road, Earl’s Path, Staple’s Hill, Loughton Brook, Alderton Hill, Roding Road and Trap’s Hill.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "We have spoken to a boy who reported being threatened and while he remains unsupportive of police action, we continue to review CCTV and we have identified two possible suspects.

"We initially received reports of disorder involving up to 15 people, some of whom are thought to have had weapons. We can confirm there were no reported injuries.

"We are satisfied there is no wider risk to the public and the order, which was originally due to be extended until 7.21pm, is no longer necessary."

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing.

Epping Forest Guardian:

A bird's eye view of where Essex Police authorised the Section 60 Order across Loughton and Debden

This is the second Section 60 Order Act issued across Loughton in less than a month following a previous disturbance on Monday, January 20.

Speaking about the latest Section 60 Order, Loughton Town Councillor Stephen Murray said: "Given the current situation it is crucial that the police maintain a high level of visibility policing in and around Loughton for as long as it is required.

"It is half term and a large number of local parents are very apprehensive about letting their teenagers out to gather with their mates , even during the day.

"The police in the opinion of many residents i have spoken to need to concentrate particularly on our High Road's , the retail park and our transport hubs."

If you saw anything, have any CCTV or dash cam footage, any other information about yesterday’s disturbance please call Essex Police 101 quoting incident 977 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.