Southend seafront staff praised for courage during violent disorder
Employees receive awards for bravery in tackling disorder in 2024
Three employees from Southend's Star Amusements have been recognised for their bravery in confronting violent individuals brandishing weapons in 2024.
Nick Singer, Johnjo Remblance, and Wissam El Kamel received the Certificate of Merit for their courageous actions during the incident.
They swiftly responded to trouble near the arcade, detained a suspect, and retrieved a discarded weapon, despite the personal risks involved.
Footage from the incident circulated widely, leading to multiple arrests and resulting in ten convictions with sentences totaling more than 34 years.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin commended the trio’s actions, saying:
“The awards recognised the bravery, public spirit and determination shown by Nick, Wissam and Johnjo during serious disorder.
"Their exceptional actions went far beyond what could have ordinarily been expected of them and they made a valuable contribution to an investigation that secured significant convictions."
Nick Singer expressed honour in receiving the award:
“It is a great honour for Johnjo, Wissam and myself to receive this recognition from Essex Police, but this award also reflects the wider efforts of our security and operational teams who responded on the day."
He noted the importance of collaboration between businesses, security teams, police, and agencies:
“Southend seafront welcomes huge numbers of families and visitors every year and the overwhelming majority come here to have a fantastic time.
"When serious incidents do occur, businesses, security teams, the police and other agencies have to work together.
"On this occasion, I believe the actions of Johnjo, Wissam and the wider team demonstrated exactly why that partnership is so important.”