CLACTON’S top police officer insists serious violent crime is not spiralling out of control.

A shock report by Essex police and crime commissioner Nick Alston revealed some crimes have increased hugely in the past year.

Overall, crime has risen by less than five per cent, but serious violent crime has shot up by more than a third.

But Tendring district commander Russ Cole said he welcomed the reduction in knife-related robberies and burglaries across the district.

He blamed the increase in serious violent crime partly on drug gangs from the capital.

“This is not a situation that is spiralling out of control,” said Chief Insp Cole.

“People are moving from the London area and taking criminal opportunities that are here. Some of this is down to the level of enforcement and gang violence in London.

“They think by coming here, there is less competition from criminals and they will be able to make money more easily – we are keen to tackle that.

“The levels of violence we are seeing are pretty much retained within particular criminal gangs or street gang groups.

“Tendring and Clacton are pretty much safe places and people have got a life choice to make.

“If you choose to get involved in the supply of drugs, then you get caught up in that world.

“Clacton CID has been doing a fantastic job bringing offenders to justice.”

Mr Cole said since the end of October, violent crime had dropped hugely and added the police were tackling the situation.