Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell joins fight for disclosure...

A leading human rights campaigner has joined the fight to get Essex Police to hand over evidence which supporters say may prove the innocence of notorious serial killer Jeremy Bamber.A petition has been launched to force Essex Police's hand over the evidence, which has been withheld under Public Interest Immunity (PII), attracting the backing of Peter Tatchell.The well-known campaigner, 63, appeared on BBC Radio Essex to argue the case, saying: "My understanding is that there are 10 items...

Almost 3,000 sign petition supporting planning application for...

More than 2,700 people have signed a petition calling for a dog rescue centre to be granted the planning permission necessary to carry on operating.AA Dog Rescue, based in Latchingdon, could face closure, after Maldon District Council served planning enforcement notices on the home, after finding that the home had been operating without applying for a change of use, from agricultural and equestrian to a rescue centre.A petition has been launched, addressed to Maldon District Council's Interim...

Teenager arrested after double shooting and stabbing

Police are appealing for information after they were called at 11.23am on Sunday September 27 with reports a man had been seen with a firearm in Meadow Lane, Runwell. While officers were at the scene making enquiries, a further call was made shortly before 12pm reporting two men had been admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds. The men, aged 37 and 39, from the Basildon and Wickford areas, are currently being treated for their injuries, which are serious but not life threatening. Police...

Matthew Smith denies murder of pregnant Burnham-on-Crouch...

A man has denied murdering pregnant mum-of-two Becky Parker, who was found dead in her home in July.Matthew Smith, 23, of Wood Corner Caravan Park, Maldon, appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court this morning (September 28) where he pleaded not guilty to one count of murder. Isobel Parker, known to her friends and family as Becky, was found in her home at Booth Place, Burnham-on-Crouch, on Friday July 17.Smith was arrested on Friday afternoon, before being charged with the 23-year-old's murder.Dozens...

PICTURES: Burnham Carnival 2015

Gallery created by Chris_Rushton

Woman dies after two-vehicle crash on Burnham Road in Woodham...

A woman who was involved in a two-car crash in Woodham Mortimer last week has died in hospital.The collision, on Burnham Road last Wednesday afternoon involved a Mini Cooper and a Ford Transit van and left three people being treated by paramedics.The 30-year-old woman, described as being from the Maldon district, had been in a critical condition since the accident, but unfortunately passed away on Wednesday, September 23.A spokeswoman from Essex Police said: "We can confirm that a woman...

Restaurant's fence defence campaign gathers strength in South...

RESIDENTS have sprung to the defence of a bar and restaurant in a dispute over a new fence.The Eatery and Liquid Lounge bar, in Heralds Way, South Woodham Ferrers, put up the fence to protect bins and hide them from view.However, a complaint lodged by a nearby businessman, Colin Powell, has sparked a row that has resulted in Chelmsford City Council giving the bar's owners, including Steve Putt, a month to remove the fence – or face the consequences.Steve, 45, from Champions Way in...

595,000 tonnes of UK's rubbish could be burned in Essex in plan...

A CONTROVERSIAL waste plant that will see upwards of 145,000 more lorries on the A12 each year wants to increase the amount it can incinerate by about 65 per cent.Developer Gent Fairhead already has permission from Essex County Council to build the 16-hectare site at Rivenhall Airfield and import rubbish from outside the county.But it has asked for further amendments to the approved plans that will see an incinerator handling up to 595,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste annually, 65...

Photo Gallery: Maldon Regatta

Gallery created by GHMorgan

Heybridge Alternative Provision School celebrates 'Outstanding'...

A SCHOOL that caters for students unable to attend mainstream education is celebrating a spectacular four-year turn around.Heybridge Alternative Provision School, on The Street, Heybridge, achieved an outstanding rating from Ofsted only four years after being criticised for poor standards.Executive headteacher Philomena Cozens said: "We have focused on improving on teaching and learning and ensuring that most of our students study five GCSEs and can go on to college, apprenticeships or...

Mystery blaze on Maldon boat crushes owner's dreams of houseboat...

FIREFIGHTERS took four hours to put out a mystery blaze on a boat.Two crews from Maldon and one from Witham were called to the Ranger at 5.35pm on Thursday afternoon last week.The aft end of the boat was most badly affected, with the wheel house bearing the brunt of the damage.Owner Chris Brown said: "I was there working on the boat until about half past three."I left and then got a phone call from a friend telling me it was on fire. I came down about six and it was fully...

Female chef, 22, took her own life behind Jack's Centre in...

A 22-YEAR-OLD woman whose case file "made for very sad reading" took her own life after taking a cocktail of anti-depressants, alcohol and cocaine, an inquest heard.Sadiane Roach, known as Shard, was found hanging behind the Jack's Centre, in Burnham Road, Latchingdon at about 5.40pm on March 24.The chef and budding rapper had been known to mental health services from a young age, having experienced "a whole number of sad life events", with an early referral made by a school...

SNP members call for fracking ban

A new anti-fracking campaign has been launched by a group of SNP members in the run-up to the party's autumn conference next month.

Mary Poppins of death brings new death cafe to Burnham-on-Crouch

"EVERYONE dies. Death belongs to everyone."That is the message of Louise de Winter, described as the 'the Mary Poppins of death', who brought her death cafe across the Atlantic to Burnham-on-Crouch.Despite normally inhabiting Brooklyn rather than Burnham, Louise, 28, said she was delighted with the turnout for the unusual event, which encourages an open dialogue about mortality.At a death cafe, people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death.Louise said:...

Factory worker moments away from death after False Widow spider...

A factory worker was seconds away from death following a bite from a False Widow spider – just two weeks after getting an arachnid tatt. Courtney Mates noticed the eight-legged fiend in her home in Chelmsford one evening before noticing a small red mark on the inside of her knee. But after waking up in the morning, the 20-year-old noticed the swelling had worsened overnight and began losing consciousness at work. The E2V worker said: "I saw the spider in my bedroom and the ceilings are...

Two men charged after gunshots heard in street

Two men have been charged in connection with a disturbance in Alton Gardens, Southend, which happened on July 1. Richard Piper, 25, of Carolines Close, Southend, and Aaron Piper, 18, of Delaware Crescent, Shoebury, have been charged with affray and possession of an offensive weapon. The incident happened at 6.30pm with witnesses reporting a man with a firearm firing shots. The weapon is believed to have been an air gun. The men will appear before magistrates in Southend on September 23.

Student threatened with knife before being punched and kicked for...

Police investigating two knifepoint robberies in Colchester which happened in August are appealing for witnesses. Both happened on August 26. The first happened between 3.50pm and 4.50pm in Walsingham Road, where a group of four to five men approached a male student, aged 20, from behind, two produced knives and took his mobile phone before he was punched and kicked. The second happened in Osborne Street between 4pm and 6pm when again a group of men demanded the 16-year-old male victim's...

Police trace two men after victim left unconscious and with a...

Police investigating the assault of two men in Chelmsford High Street are releasing CCTV images of two men they need to trace. Just after 3.35am on Saturday, August 29, two men were assaulted by a group of men. One man aged 32 from Benfleet was hit unconscious and left with a broken nose. The other, aged 24 from Wickford, was left with bruising to his face. Three men were arrested near the scene on suspicion of ABH. Two 20-year-old men from Maldon and a 22-year-old man from Colchester are...

PICTURES: Great Dunmow Triathlon

Gallery created by Chris_Rushton

Pregnant mother in Chelmsford three-car crash as driver suffers...

A driver has suffered a head injury after a three-car crash in Chelmsford this afternoon. The three-car crash happened at around 3.15pm today after a Nissan Micra crashed into the back of a silver Volkswagen Golf and flipped onto its side. Beehive Lane was closed in both directions while police cleared the crash scene and traffic was diverted along Stock Road. Scott Bennett's VW Golf was towed away after the Micra ploughed into the back of him as he took his three sons to play...

PICTURES: Heybridge Swifts V Uxbridge

Gallery created by Chris_Rushton

Four car crash blocking Beehive Lane both ways

A four car crash has blocked Beehive Lane in both directions. One of the cars has overturned onto its roof near the junction of Stock Road. The road remains closed and will do so until the accident has been cleared. More to follow.

PICTURES: European Woodworking Show

Gallery created by Chris_Rushton

Five-figure sum stolen in Lakeside bank job

Police are appealing for witnesses after burglary at Santander bank at intu Lakeside which happened overnight. We were contacted just after 8.30am this morning with reports the branch at the Thurrock shopping centre had been broken in to via the roof. The break-in is believed to have happened between 1.35am and 3.50am this morning. One of the ATMs was broken in to and money removed from elsewhere in the premises. It's believed at this time the amount stolen is a five-figure sum. The branch...

Britain's most venomous spider set to invade Essex homes

Experts have warned households to expect visitors during September as Britain's most venomous spider is set to invade Essex. The False Widow spider could be attracted to the milder temperatures of the next couple of months and could be crawling through your home soon. The numbers of False Widows in this country has rocketed into the millions, and they are only set to get bigger. A bite from a False Widow is said to be as painful as a bee sting and can grow to be 3cm across. You can identify...

Police search for three men in connection with Braintree burglary

Police investigating a burglary in Cressing, near Braintree, are releasing CCTV images of three men they want to trace. A house in Braintree Road, Tye Green, was broken in to between 3.30am and 5.30am on July 23. Stolen from inside the house was a laptop computer, camera and Sony PlayStation games console. A pink baby girl gift bag was stolen which is believed to have been used to carry the PlayStation. Three men police would like to speak to in connection with the burglary were seen boarding...

Police hunt for fake council worker checking drains for cash

Police are on the hunt for a man pretending to be from the council and checking drains for cash. Essex Police have released an efit image of a man they want to trace in connection with an attempt to obtain money from a woman in Harlow by fraudulent means. A man attended the address of an elderly woman in The Hornbeams, Harlow, at around 3pm on July 15 purporting to be working for a company on behalf of the council and needed to check her drains. He was permitted access to the woman's house...

Five back to school illnesses your child could pick up from the...

As your children go back to school, the likelihood of them catching common illnesses is likely to rise. With the number of germ contaminated surfaces and contact with other infectious children the risk is inevitable. The most common illnesses caught on the return to school include: Common Cold The main symptoms of a cold are: A sore throat A blocked or runny nose Sneezing A cough Fever As a general rule, in children, a temperature of over 37.5C (99.5F) is a fever. Taking paracetomol can...

Fire chiefs could run English police

Fire chiefs could become chief constables despite no previous experience of arresting criminals, the government has proposed.

Maldon teenager locked up after robbery which saw 15-year-old...

A TEENAGER who helped orchestrate a sickening assault which saw his victim stamped on 40 times laughed and joked in court before being put behind bars.The 15-year-old boy was punched and kicked during the attack off Mill Road, Maldon, on February 21, suffering a burst eardrum, along with multiple other injuries. Appearing in Chelmsford Youth Court on Friday, the two 14-year-old defendants, one from Maldon and one from Heybridge and who cannot be named for legal reasons, laughed and joked with...

PICTURES: Fire at Heybridge Basin

Gallery created by Chris_Rushton

Hazard: Rivals out to kill Chelsea

Eden Hazard says Chelsea are finding life as Premier League champions challenging as "everyone wants to kill you".

Maldon's Wetherspoon's pub, The Rose and Crown, forced to close...

AN INFESTATION of flies forced Maldon's new Wetherspoon's pub to close less than a month after its grand opening.The Rose and Crown was taken over by the pub giants, with £1.7million spend on a renovation of the High Street site, before its August launch, however an issue over waste forced a four-day closure this week.The pub was closed from last Wednesday until Saturday, and Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "The infestation in the pub is a result of the commercial waste not...

Creative workshops unite artistic Maldon residents

POETRY workshops, mug painting and live music were just some of the creative events uniting Maldon this bank holiday weekend.Make It Maldon, the brainchild of 22-year-old Willow Shepstone, offered a range of artistic opportunities for shop owners, residents and visitors over three days.The former Plume School student, now at Nottingham Trent University, scooped a £1,500 grant from Essex County Council to implement her plan for Make It Maldon. Its success has paved the way for repeat...

Togo coach ditches Adebayor

Emmanuel Adebayor will not be selected for Togo any longer after he failed to respond to a recent call-up.

Lucas: I was close to Liverpool exit

Liverpool midfielder Lucas admits he was "very close" to leaving the club this summer but is "happy" to stay.

Thiago Silva baffled by fees

Thiago Silva has described the fees paid by Manchester clubs this summer as bordering "on the edge of madness".

Otamendi to play as right-back?

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is reportedly considering Nicolas Otamendi as an emergency right-back this weekend.

Welbeck back in new year

Danny Welbeck is reportedly on course for a Christmas return despite Roy Hodgson's more pessimistic prediction that he would miss the next six months.

'Happy' De Gea ready to return

David de Gea is "happy" amid reports that he will return to Manchester United's starting line-up.

Wenger warns Henry about management

Arsene Wenger has warned Thierry Henry he will have to undergo a "psychological and mental transformation" if he wishes to succeed as a manager.

Bale agent rubbishes 'stupid paper talk'

Gareth Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, has branded speculation that the Real Madrid forward could join Manchester United as "stupid paper talk".

Terry: I'd chuck myself under a bus for Jose

John Terry has dismissed any rumours of a feud with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, saying: "I'd chuck myself under a bus for him."

Dutch legend likens Depay to Bond villain

Netherlands legend Willem van Hanegem has likened Manchester United star Memphis Depay to a Bond villain in a stinging critique of the national side.

Romero: I was struggling to find a club

Sergio Romero has admitted he was struggling to find a new club this summer before Manchester United signed him on a free transfer.

Sissoko: Palace bigger than Newcastle

Moussa Sissoko has explained his struggles to start for France by claiming his team-mates, including Crystal Palace's Yohan Cabaye, "all play in big clubs".

Saha: Martial can be 'next Thierry Henry'

Former France striker Louis Saha believes his compatriot Anthony Martial has the attributes to become "the next Thierry Henry" at Manchester United.

Hazard: Everyone wants to kill Chelsea

Eden Hazard says Chelsea are finding life as Premier League champions so difficult because "everyone wants to kill you".

Odegaard chose Real over Reds, City & United

Martin Odegaard has revealed that he chose to join Real Madrid despite advances from Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.

Thousands join together to remember and celebrate Bradwell Bay...

AFTER almost a year of preparation, a one-off event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the decommissioning of Bradwell Bay airfield drew in more than 2,000 visitors.Organised by engineer Ian Ward and his partner Sarah Burrows, the day-long spectacular combined music, dancing, stalls and activities with flights over the bay from historic fighter planes.As well as a celebration, Thursday last week was a chance to remember the 121 servicemen from around the world who died on missions while...

Pedro: Mourinho 'helped' Chelsea decision

Chelsea new boy Pedro has defended Jose Mourinho and admits the Portuguese boss was one of the reasons he signed for the champions.

De Gea could be ready to face Liverpool

David de Gea could be available for Manchester United against Liverpool after Vicente Del Bosque revealed that the Spain goalkeeper is ready to face Macedonia on Tuesday.

Walcott: Lower-league experience crucial

Theo Walcott says England's young talent should consider dropping down the leagues in search of regular first-team football in a bid to aid their development.

Carrick doubtful for Liverpool date

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is a doubt for Saturday's Premier League clash with Liverpool after withdrawing from the England squad.

Toivonen 'regrets' failed Liverpool move

Sunderland new boy Ola Toivonen has revealed he "regrets" he didn't "fight hard enough" to sign for Liverpool in 2010/11.

Newcastle 'vetoed' Sissoko exit

Moussa Sissoko has revealed he did ponder a summer move away from Tyneside, but says Newcastle "vetoed" any potential exit.

Can wants goals and assists

Emre Can has admitted that he needs to improve on last season's poor return of one Premier League goal and zero assists.

Pulis: Saido will play again

West Brom manager Tony Pulis expects Saido Berahino to play for the club again - but has told him to "grow up and wise up".

Benteke enlists help of mental coach

Christian Benteke has undertaken training on the mental side of his game with a sports coach in order to deal with the pressure of playing for Liverpool.

Race against the clock to raise £75,000 to revive...

A FORMER hairdresser is facing a race against time to put Essex in the national spotlight by bringing back what could become the "biggest spectacle" in the county's sporting calendar.Brian Moran, 67, wants to resurrect the Essex Trophy cycle race, which he masterminded in the 1970s and 1980s, for April 2016.He has drafted a 175km route, weaving through Chelmsford, South Woodham Ferrers, Burnham, Maldon, Hatfield Peverel, Pleshey, Roxwell and Writtle for 125 elite club cyclists.Yet...

Moyes backs Rooney for midfield future

David Moyes believes Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney can prolong his career by eventually dropping back into a midfield role.

Berahino expected to back down on threat

Saido Berahino will back down on his strike threat and return to action with West Brom, according to players' union boss Gordon Taylor.

Lawro: Liverpool a 'poor man's Arsenal'

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has branded the current side as "a poor man's Arsenal", claiming they have already been "sussed out".

Man United target Bale and Ronaldo - Report

Manchester United have identified Real Madrid pair Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo as their main transfer targets for next summer, according to the Sunday Mirror.

Benzema dismisses Arsenal transfer talk

Arsenal target Karim Benzema has rubbished speculation that he could have left Real Madrid this summer, saying he is happy in the Spanish capital.

Insigne to stay at Napoli for life - Agent

Lorenzo Insigne intends to end his career with Napoli, scuppering hopes Arsene Wenger might have had of bringing the striker to The Emirates.

Gradel out and now Mings gets season KO

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has confirmed that £8million summer signing Tyrone Mings will miss the rest of the season.

West Brom stars mock Berahino tweet

Chris Brunt, Kyle Lafferty and Gareth McAuley have appeared to mock West Brom team-mate Saido Berahino for his 'thumbs up' photo taken on a private jet.

Cole won't play for a lower-league club

Roma defender Ashley Cole will not drop down the leagues despite not being listed as a player on the club's official website.

Councillor keen to bring new festive fair to Maldon High Street

IT'S still shorts weather but one man is already thinking festive as he prepares to give Maldon a new Christmas fair.The vintage-inspired event, being run in conjunction with Maldon Town Council and Maldon District Council, will combine the annual switch-on of the Christmas lights with a talent competition and fancy dress contest.Councillor Michael Pearlman, a representative on both town and district authorities, said: "I want this to be a day to remember, and one that truly puts Maldon on...

Fergie: Discipline may have cost me titles

Sir Alex Ferguson admits his tough approach to discipline could have cost him Premier League titles during his time at Manchester United.

Martial's £21m United add-ons revealed

Manchester United new boy Anthony Martial only needs to score 25 goals in the next four seasons to trigger a £7.2m bonus payment to Monaco.

Bayern: We turned down huge Muller bid

Bayern Munich president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says the Bundesliga club turned down an extremely lucrative offer for Thomas Muller this summer.

Neville's roles are 'tricky' - Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says England coach Gary Neville's job as a pundit puts him in a "tricky situation", but admits he successfully manages to combine both roles.

Maldon District has one of the lowest uni participation rates in...

PARTS of Maldon district have some of the lowest rates of youngsters going on to university in the country, Government data has revealed.Figures from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) show that the Maldon East ward has a participation rate of just 14.7 per cent, well below the national average of almost 35 per cent.Heybridge West faces a similar scenario, with just 19 per cent of students choosing to enter higher education.The district as a whole appears in the bottom 40...

Harry Kane retains confidence

England striker Harry Kane is confident he can handle the weight of expectation upon him.

Welbeck sidelined for 'a period of months'

Arsenal have confirmed that striker Danny Welbeck will be sidelined for "a period of months" after undergoing surgery on his injured knee.

Man United brand De Gea reports as 'rubbish'

Manchester United have rubbished reports that David De Gea could be frozen out of the side if he refuses to sign a new contract at Old Trafford.

Levy defends Tottenham's transfer dealings

Daniel Levy has launched a staunch defence of Spurs' transfer dealings this summer, accusing West Brom of 'disrespecting' Saido Berahino.

Hammers face FA charge

West Ham have been charged by the FA with failing to control their players following Mark Noble's dismissal at Liverpool.

Redknapp blasts 'bang average' Liverpool

Harry Redknapp has criticised the current Liverpool side, claiming they are "bang average" and are "lucky to have any points" so far this season.

Spurs fans seek explanation from club

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust has asked for a "credible explanation" from Spurs in regards to their summer transfer dealings.

Newcastle to retain interest in Austin

Fears over Charlie Austin's fitness reportedly curtailed Newcastle's £15million interest in the QPR striker, but the club could renew the move in January.

Wenger 'happy' with Arsenal investment

Arsene Wenger has said he is happy with Arsenal's transfers, using Man United's signing of Anthony Martial as proof that top quality players are at a premium.

Aaron Lennon back at Everton

Everton have completed the signing of Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon on a three-year contract.

United respond on De Gea

Manchester United have issued a response to claims from Real Madrid over the failed transfer of David de Gea.

Man United sign Newport teenager

Manchester United have signed teenage defender Regan Poole from Sky Bet League 2 club Newport County.

Watford sign Ibarbo on season-long loan

Colombia forward Victor Ibarbo has signed for Watford on a season-long loan from Roma.

Villa and Liverpool agree Ilori loan

Liverpool have reached agreement with Aston Villa for the season-long loan of defender Tiago Ilori.

Chelsea sign Reading's Hector

Chelsea have signed Reading's Michael Hector for £4m, and loaned him back for the rest of the season.

Guedioura returns to Watford

Midfielder Adlene Guedioura has returned to Watford from Crystal Palace after signing a three-year contract.

United wrap up surprise Martial deal

Manchester United have completed the surprise signing of striker Anthony Martial from Monaco for £36million on a four-year contract.

Adebayor wanted £5m pay-off

Emmanuel Adebayor wanted a £5m pay-off to leave Tottenham, who are unwilling to meet that demand.

Watford sign striker Oulare

Watford have signed 19-year-old striker Obbi Oulare on a five-year deal from Club Brugge.

Antonio 'buzzing' at West Ham move

Michail Antonio has become West Ham's fourth deadline day signing after arriving from Nottingham Forest for a fee of £6.5million.

Joleon Lescott joins Aston Villa

Joleon Lescott has joined Aston Villa from West Brom for an undisclosed fee.

Bournemouth seal £4m Murray deal

Bournemouth have signed Glenn Murray from Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £4m, with the striker penning a deal to 2018.

Arsenal fans urge transfer review

The Arsenal Supporters Trust has urged the club to "open a full review into its arrangements for scouting and purchasing players".

Gunman shot in leg by armed police in Dunmow

Armed officers attended Knights Way in Dunmow at around 10pm on Tuesday, September 1, following reports that a man was in the area carrying two firearms. The man was shot by armed officers. He suffered leg injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment where he currently remains. The 48-year-old man from Dunmow was arrested in relation to firearms offences. Two suspected firearms have been recovered from the scene by officers. The incident has been referred to the IPCC which has launched...

Derby sign Bradley Johnson

Derby beat the transfer deadline to sign midfielder Bradley Johnson from Norwich.

New government rules mean travellers must prove they move

A government crackdown on travellers that begins today will see gypsies forced to 'prove' that they move in order to stay on designated sites.The new ruling is intended to make it easier for local communities to have a say in where sites should be, and for local councils to take action against 'unauthorised' occupation of land.The report said: "The Government's view is that where travellers have ceased to travel then they should be treated no differently to members of the settled...

United 'agree £29m De Gea deal with Real'

Man United have agreed the sale of David De Gea to Real Madrid, with Keylor Navas poised to move the other way in a deal valued at £29m.

Hernandez seals £7.3m Leverkusen move

Javier Hernandez has welcomed the "big opportunity" of playing for Bayer Leverkusen after they signed him for a fee of £7.3m from Man United.