GROUPS of youths meeting up in large numbers in Southend are “putting lives in serious danger”, it has been warned.

The outrage has come after a large group of young people were spotted meeting at the north end of Southend High Street near to the McDonald’s restaurant.

Martin Richardson, owner of the Happidrome Arcade, in Marine Parade, has slammed the group for “putting lives and businesses at risk”.

He said: “They are putting lives at danger, serious danger.

“I’m more annoyed that the police are not doing anything about it. You have got about 80 per cent of the population abiding by the rules.

“Everybody is all playing the game and all social distancing, but you have these groups of teenagers who think they’re bullet proof.

“We saw them on the seafront and I just think they are putting so many people’s lives and business at risk by doing what they’re doing.

“They could quite easily be carriers.

The law of average says that at least 2 or 3 of those 30 kids were carrying and they’re going to infect more people.”

The businessman added: “In turn that infection is driving crisis point to the NHS and the hospital. Should there, God forbid, be a big accident we wouldn’t be able to cope because of the actions of these minority.

“Where are the police? What are they doing? The law states you can only meet one person outside of your home in Tier 4.

“There was 30-odd kids there and we need to somehow get it through to them that they’re also affecting businesses because they’re failing and unable to open as a direct result of Covid.

“These kids don’t care but they need to.”

Martin Terry, councillor responsible for community safety at Southend Council, said he had spoken to the police about the group and the issue would be addressed.

He said: “Gathering in that way as this time when we have got increasing amounts of people dying in hospital, it’s a serious infringement.

“I think people are getting a bit of fatigue, but we are in Tier 4, stay at home, we are essentially in a lockdown. Unless you’re going for an essential journey or work, you shouldn’t be going out.

“I understand people’s concerns and it will be addressed.”

He added: “I would encourage parents to ask their children how they are getting home from school, and how they are behaving themselves.”

Essex Police said their approach has been to engage with people, explain the regulations, and encourage people to do the right thing.

A spokesman said: “Where reasoned conversation has not been successful we will take enforcement action. We will also continue to respond to reports of clear and blatant breaches.”