OFFICERS flooded Colchester town centre on Saturday evening after receiving reports three London men were stabbed in 10 minutes.

Essex Police introduced powers to stop and search people for weapons and dangerous objects after three stabbings and an assault.

The order was in force from 6.40pm until 9.50pm and covered Colchester town centre and surrounding estates.

At 6.17pm the force received reports of four men attacking a fifth man in a car park off St Botolph’s Street.

Five minutes later a man, from London, was found at St Johns Green with suspected stab wounds to his shoulder. Three police cars and an ambulance were at the scene.

A long trail of spots of blood coud be seen all along St John's Street.  He was taken to hospital for treatment and subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis.

At 6.27pm, a 21-year-old man from Barking was found on North Hill with stab wound to his leg.

The man, believed to have been attacked in High Street, was taken to hospital for treatment and subsequently arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

At 6.31pm, a 17-year-old man from London found near the Jumbo car park at Balkerne Gardens with four suspected stab wounds to his arm. He was taken to hospital for treatment and subsequently arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, possession of cannabis and breach of bail conditions.

Chief Inspector Simon Anslow, who approved the extra powers, said: “The decision to put in place a Section 60 power is never taken lightly but we experienced a level of disorder in Colchester tonight that meant we had to take this option to ensure the safety of everyone in the town.

“This was very much a temporary measure while we carried out initial investigations into the stabbings to establish if they were all linked and the reasons behind them.

“We have already arrested three people for offences including possession of cannabis, violent disorder and breach of bail conditions.

“They all live outside of Essex and they will be questioned shortly once they have been treated for their injuries, which all include puncture wounds which are not life-threatening or likely life-changing.

“This is a rare situation in any town and we are using the full range of legal tools at our disposal to keep the overwhelming majority of people, who are just out for a good time, safe while making sure those intent on causing trouble will be swiftly picked up and dealt with.

“We only deployed this robust policing tactic for as long as it was necessary to ensure that order had been fully restored, suspects had been arrested and anyone intent on causing trouble had dispersed.

“There was a significant police presence in the town to manage the section 60 power and maintain order and we would advise members of the public intending to visit Colchester to carry on as normal.

“We will be pursuing a vigorous investigation to put all those we can find who are responsible for this detestable behaviour before the courts.”

Update noon Sunday:

Essex Police is today carrying out door-to-door enquiries at the scenes where three men were stabbed and a fourth man attacked in Colchester town centre last night.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Kevin Hughes, said: "We have completed the forensic examination of the crime scenes and we are now conducting door to door enquiries to identify any further witnesses.

"We are also examining CCTV from the town centre and would like to hear from anyone who was in Colchester between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on Saturday and saw any part of this disorder.

"It is likely that there were other persons involved in these incidents and we urgently need to locate and question them about the matter. If anyone has information which could help us they can call Colchester CID on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

UPDATE 8.30am Monday:
 

THREE men arrested as part of the investigation have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

An 18-year-old and a 21-year-old have both been bailed until Sunday April 24 while a 17-year-old has been bailed until Wednesday May 11. 

The 17-year-old has separately been remanded to appear before magistrates this morning for a breach of bail offence.

Investigations are ongoing and any witnesses are urged to call police on 101.