A huge machete brawl broke out in Southend sending hundreds of onlookers running while a police helicopter circled the area.

Police had reportedly cordoned off the seafront while ambulances arrived at the scene.

It comes as violent protests break out in the wake of a horrific knife attack in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday that left three children dead.

An eyewitness told local news outlet Your Southend he saw a young man running through the High Street holding a “big carving knife” amid the chaos.

Video shared on social media appeared to show at least two men swinging large knives and stabbing at one another on the seafront.

A dispersal order has been put in place by Essex Police due to concerns over anti-social behaviour.

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