A LEGAL bid is being launched to stop more than 1,000 boy racers descending on Southend.

Southend Council is seeking an injunction to prevent the cruisers attending a rally planned for Marine Parade, Southend, on February 9.

It will seek the civil order at Southend County Court this week to put a stop to the event billed as the “Southend Takeover.”

Sgt Ian Hughes, of Southend police, said: “Essex Police are working closely with Southend Council in order to obtain an injunction preventing the cruise going ahead.

“Police have a number of resources on standby on the day to address the potential volume of vehicles coming to Southend on February 9 if the injunction is successful or not.”

Southend Council’s Chief Executive, Rob Tinlin said: “We are currently in discussions with Essex Police and exploring all options -  including the possibility of seeking an injunction, to tackle the issue of an unauthorised large scale cruiser event anticipated to take place in Southend.”