Two men have been charged following a violent robbery in Southend.

A boy was assaulted and suffered minor injuries during the incident at a hostel in Southchurch Avenue in the early hours of Monday.

Alex Stephens, 35, of Finchley Road, Westcliff, has been charged with possession of a blade in public two counts of assaulting a police officer, and the possession of a weapon designed or adapted for the discharge of a noxious liquid.

Reece Griffiths, 30, from Colchester Close, Southend, has been charged with possession of a blade in a public place.

Stephens has also been charged with robbery in connection with a separate incident in Westcliff on the same day.

Griffiths has additionally been charged with two counts of making off with petrol without payment, in connection with incidents on May 9 and May 18.

The pair have now appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court and will appear at Basildon Crown Court next month.

One Southchurch resident, who wished to remain unnamed, said: “It is often quite difficult to sleep because there can be a lot of noise from the hostel, but this was something completely different. There were a few huge bangs and the sounds of smashing glass, and then shouting, barking dogs, it sounded as though there was a struggle going on.

“I sympathise with the residents at the hostel because what they are going through is awful, but there have been so many problems since the complex needs side of things moved into the hostel.

“It feels as though this area has become a dumping ground for other areas of the borough - there’s been a number of young families leaving the area because it’s not uncommon to see drug dealers or prostitutes outside.

“It is awful to see the decline. I think it’s so important to ensure that as a town we care for our residents in need, but that doesn’t come without its issues.”

Councillor Tony Cox, cabinet member for adults and housing, said: “We are aware of a disturbance at a property managed by South Essex Homes at just after 2am, during which property was damaged and a person was also injured.

“The on-site security staff swiftly alerted the police to the disturbance and they and the ambulance service attended.

“We are offering our full support to Essex Police, who continue to investigate this incident.

“As an active investigation is still ongoing, it would be inappropriate to give further comment at this stage.”