News 14 July to 20 July
 Protests at the Bell Hotel in Epping
Arrests were made following violent disorder and criminal damage during protests in Epping on Thursday 17 July and Sunday 20 July.
The unrest followed peaceful protests outside The Bell Hotel. Essex Police, supported by the Metropolitan Police and several other nearby forces faced significant hostility while working to maintain safety.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow reaffirmed the force’s commitment to impartial policing and condemned the violence, stating: “We will not tolerate anyone who comes with the intent to commit crime.”
A public portal has been set up for anyone with information or footage to assist the ongoing investigation..
 Chipping in to save cash and help a good cause
A mash made in heaven – 1.4 tonnes of potatoes seized by our officers have been donated to an animal sanctuary.
Business Services manager Russell Pavey says:
“It’s a win-win for Essex Police.
“By chipping in to help a local good cause, we’ve also saved public money by avoiding the costs associated with waste disposal.”
The spuds were seized, following reports of a theft in Rochford.
Response officers attended an address in the town and recovered 100 sacks of potatoes from the rear garden, as part of an £18,000 fraud investigation.
Russell was asked to dispose of the potatoes because they are perishable. So he sautéed it out.
He explains:
“We saw an opportunity to do something a little different. Rather than waste valuable public money on skip hire and see the potatoes go to waste, we reached out to an animal sanctuary to see if they could make use of the spuds.
“The response was overwhelmingly positive. The sanctuary relies entirely on volunteers and donations so they were incredibly grateful for the donation. These potatoes are going a long way to feeding a variety of animals in their care.”
Essex Community Speed Watch Groups Join First National Day of Action to Improve Road Safety.
Essex Police and the Safer Essex Roads Partnership are proud to announce that 20 Community Speed Watch groups across the county took part in a National Day of Action on Friday 11 July, reinforcing their commitment to making our roads safer.
The initiative saw volunteers monitoring vehicle speeds in their local areas, aiming to positively influence driver behaviour and raise awareness of the dangers of speeding.
 A summer of action on our roads
From Thursday 17 July through to the end of August, Essex Police is supporting Operation Topaz—a national initiative aimed at tackling road-related harm and wider criminality through a proactive, intelligence-led approach.
Under the banner ‘Safer Streets through Safer Roads’, this summer-long operation will be led by our Roads Policing Unit, with support from teams across the force, with a sustained focus on violence against women and girls, domestic violence and anti-social driving by two-wheel vehicles who are causing harm within our neighbourhoods.
 Prolific shoplifter jailed after breaching ban in Rochford
Stefan Jaworski, 42, of Rayleigh, has been jailed for eight months after repeatedly breaching a criminal behaviour order (CBO) and committing multiple thefts in Rochford and Rayleigh.
He was arrested just 45 seconds after police were alerted to his presence in a banned store on 11 July. Jaworski admitted to two thefts, one attempted theft, and three breaches of a five-year CBO issued in 2022, which barred him from entering several major retailers.
Magistrates described his actions as showing a “flagrant disregard for people and their property” and ordered him to pay £119.99 in compensation. The CBO remains in place until November 2027.
 Colchester: Inquest concludes into the deaths of four students
On Friday 18 July, the inquest concluded into the deaths of Eva Darold-Tchikaya, Makyle Bayley, Anthony ‘TJ’ Hibbert, and Daljang ‘DJ’ Wol, who died in a collision in Colchester in February this year.
Detective Sergeant Steve Holmes, of our serious collision incident unit, led our investigation. He said:
“First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone at Essex Police are today with the families and friends of Eva, Makyle, ‘TJ’ and ‘DJ’.
“I know their deaths have been felt significantly across the city, across Essex and indeed further afield and there is nothing which can be said can ease their families’ grief.
“Having personally spent a great deal of time with the families, I have been humbled by the dignity and resolve they have shown throughout. They have truly been nothing short of remarkable.
“This tragedy is one of the largest losses of life in a single incident on our roads.
 Driver disqualified after wrong-way roundabout collision in Southend
A woman in her 70s has been disqualified from driving for six months after causing a collision by driving the wrong way around Queensway Roundabout in Southend.
The incident occurred on Wednesday 8 January, when a Suzuki Vitara collided with a VW Beetle and left the scene without stopping. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
CCTV footage obtained by Essex Police from Southend Council confirmed the Vitara was travelling against the flow of traffic. The driver was later identified and charged.
At Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday 24 June, she pleaded guilty to:
- Failing to stop after a collision
- Driving without due care and attention
- Driving with an expired licence
She received a six-month driving ban, a £120 fine, and was ordered to pay court costs. Her licence was also endorsed.
 Southend: Information following airport incident
Investigations into the plane crash at London Southend Airport continue and searches by our officers and the Air Accident Investigation Branch are now complete.
Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said:
“I’d like to thank every agency involved in this complex investigative process.
“Additionally, thank you to London Southend Airport, Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Football Club – the impact of this and time taken is not lost on us, and their support is greatly appreciated.
“Our work is very much ongoing away from the site, and our investigation in parallel with the AAIB continues.
“We thank the public for their patience and urge anyone affected to seek support from Essex County Council and local healthcare services.”
Chelmsford: Appeal after fatal collision on A414
We’re investigating a fatal collision between a motorcycle and car on the A414 and need anyone with information to come forward.
Our officers were alerted to the incident, near the junction of Radley Green Road towards Ongar, at around 7.10am on Wednesday 16 July.
We responded alongside ambulance service and air ambulance colleagues. Very sadly, the motorcyclist, a man aged in his 40s, from Witham, died at the scene.
A road closure was in place while work continued at the scene, this has now been lifted.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage, who hasn’t already been in touch, should contact us as soon as possible. Please cite incident 181 of 16 July to get to the right person.
 Southend: Ten teenagers sentenced to more than 34 years
Ten teenagers have been sentenced for their parts in the violent disorder they brought to the streets of Southend.
On July 30 last year, officers responded within minutes of reports of people with weapons on the seafront, swiftly arresting several men and boys aged between 14 and 18.
They were spotted earlier in the evening on CCTV, gathering in side streets in the city centre and away from the public, before coming together and leaving at least two with serious injuries which required hospital treatment.
Over the following days and months more arrests followed, with dozens of officers gathering the evidence that has seen 10 people plead guilty to violent disorder and weapons offences.
South Woodham Ferrers: Investigation into double fatal collision
Officers investigating a fatal collision in which two people died in South Woodham Ferrers have arrested a man.
We were called at approximately 11.30pm on Monday 14 July following reports of a three-vehicle collision at Burnham Road, Rettendon.
All emergency services responded and the road was closed whilst specialist road policing officers investigated.
Sadly, two women – who were occupants of a white Ford Fiesta – both died.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the passenger, aged in her 90s, died at the scene, while the driver, aged in her 50s, died later in hospital.
A 36-year-old man, from Witham, has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in custody for questioning.
If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.
Please quote incident 1543 of 14 July when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.
 Man jailed following work by alert Neighbourhood Policing Team officers
A man who admitted dangerous driving and a drugs offence following quick work by Neighbourhood Policing Team officers on patrol in Benfleet has been jailed.
Officers were carrying out proactive patrols in the Kiln Road area around 3.45pm on Tuesday 3 June when they saw a vehicle they believed was acting suspiciously.
Ermal Halaj, 23, of no fixed address failed to stop for officers and was in a collision with a bollard, before leaving the scene. Following a foot chase Halaj was arrested and charged. When he appeared at Southend Crown Court on Monday 7 July he was sentenced to:
- 12 months jail term for dangerous driving
- 22 months jail term for possession with intent to supply a Class A drug
These sentences will run consecutively and Halaj was ordered to serve half the 34 month term on licence.
He was banned from driving for 12 months on release from custody and ordered to pay a surcharge of £228.
Shoplifter arrested near the scene of his latest crime
A Witham shoplifter arrested near the scene of his latest crime by a Braintree Neighbourhood Policing Team officer has admitted stealing £853.50 of alcohol in 11 days.
David Dixon, 36, of Armond Road, pleaded guilty to ten counts of shop theft from Sainsbury’s in Toft’s Walk, Braintree, between 3 and 14 July, when he appeared before Chelmsford magistrates today, 15 July.
He was arrested in nearby Weavers Park, Bocking End, on 14 July.
Dixon is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 11 August for sentencing.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex this week
Monday 21 July
11am to 12pm
Starbucks Coffee Shop, Southernhay, Basildon SS14 1EB
3pm to 3.30pm
Henham Community Store, High Street, Henham
4pm to 6pm
Rayleigh Train Station, Station Road, Rayleigh SS6 7HJ
Tuesday 22 July
7am to 9am
Rochford Train Station, West Street, Rochford SS4 1AU
10am to 11am
Witham Town Hall
10am to 12pm
Co-op Food, 1-9 Ferry Road, Hullbridge, Hockley SS5 6DN
10am to 6pm
Essex Sport Arena, University of Essex
10am to 11am
Witham Town Hall, Heritage Suite, Witham
11.30am to 1pm
Staple Tye Splash Park, Abercrombie Way, Harlow
11.30am to 1pm
Norman Booth Paddling Pool, Old Harlow
2pm to 3pm
Marks & Spencer Foodhall, 12-24 Eastwood Road, Rayleigh SS6 7JQ
Wednesday 23 July
9am to 12pm
St Michael and All Angels Church, 20 The Street, Roxwell, Chelmsford
10am to 11am
McDonalds, Hartley Brook Road, Clacton on Sea
10.30am to 12.30pm
Basildon Eastgate Centre, Southernhay
11am to 3pm
Jubilee Beach Office (near fountains), Marine Parade, Southend
11am to 12pm
McDonald's 36/37 High Street, Chelmsford
11am to 1.30pm
Southend Seafront, Marine Parade, By the water fountains
12pm to 1pm
McDonalds Hadleigh, 124 High Street, Hadleigh, Benfleet
Thursday 24 July
7am to 9am
Hockley Train Station, Station Road, Hockley Essex SS5 4BG
8:30am to 11:30am
St Andrews Parish Church, Chignal Rd, Chelmsford
8.30am to 11.30am
Community Cafe, St Andrews Parish Church, Chignal Road, Chelmsford
10am to 11am
The Brooklands Community Shop, 12 Brooklands Gardens, Jaywick
10am to 12pm
Co-op Food, 45 Spa Road, Hockley SS5 4BE
10.30am to 12pm
Walton Library, 52 High Street, Walton on the Naze
11am to 12pm
Hadleigh cycle park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh
11am to 12pm
St Mary's Church, Steeple Bumpstead
11.30am to 1pm
Sumners Paddling Pool, Broadley Road, Harlow
11.30am to 1pm
Bush Fair Paddling Pool, Tilegate Road, Harlow
Friday 25 July
10am to 11am
Morrisons Supermarket, Centenary Way, Little Clacton
10am to 12pm
Walton Food bank, Standley Road, Walton on the Naze
11am to 12pm
Community House , Birdbrook
12pm to 1pm
IKEA Lakeside (Customer restaurant), Heron Way, Essex
Saturday 26 July
9am to 10am
Chelmsford Park Run, Central Park, Chelmsford
10am to 1pm
The Old School Rooms Rayne
10am to 12pm
Riverside Ice & Leisure, Victoria Road, Chelmsford
10.30am to 12pm
Saint Peter And St. Paul, Orsett Road, Horndon on The Hill
1pm to 1.30pm
Finchingfield on the Green
3pm to 5pm
Town Park Paddling Pool, Harlow
5pm to 6pm
Sainsburys Rayleigh Weir - 21 Stadium Way, Benfleet
Sunday 27 July
10am to 11am
Hatfield Forest, Hatfield Heath
10am to 11am
St Johns Church, Outwood Common Road, Billericay CM11 2LE
10am to 11am
Morrisons Supermarket, Waterglade Retail Park, Old Road, Clacton on Sea
11am to 12pm
McDonalds Canvey, Northwick Retail Park, Northwick Road, Canvey Island
11am to 12pm
Chelmsford Museum, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford
2pm to 3pm
B&M, Airport Retail Park, Rochford Road, Rochford, SS2 6FW
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
 Crime prevention advice
Keep your car and your belongings safe this summer
It might be tempting to leave your windows open in the heat, but it only takes a moment for an opportunistic thief to strike.
To stay safe, always take valuables with you or keep them out of sight.
Be fraud smart
Be on the lookout for doorstep scams
With the sun shining we have seen a rise in reports of doorstep scams, especially those linked to home improvements services.
Don’t feel pressured into something, a genuine trader won’t rush you. They’ll be happy to come back later so you can check out their credentials and compare prices.
Not sure what to do?
Talk it through with someone you trust. And if something feels off, report it using our online service.
 Join our team
Police staff jobs
Vehicle Technician £38,754
Police Community Safety Officers £26,106 to £31,293
Detention Officers £29,109
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
 This week we remember
Robert Curry
Robert Curry served with Essex County Constabulary from February 5, 1936 after serving in the army and as a nurse at Severalls Mental Hospital in Colchester.
Robert was recalled to the army on December 1 1939. He died on Monday July 24 1944, whilst serving as a Warrant Officer with Corps of Military Police. He was aged 32.
Frederick John Boyce
Fred Boyce served with Essex County Constabulary from April 1, 1914. On May 24, 1915, he enlisted at Hornchurch with the 23rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers.
Fred saw little front line action and spent much of his time in training and battle preparation. The 2nd Division moved to the Somme region in readiness for the major offensive that was to commence on July 1 1916.
On July 28 Delville Wood was cleared but later the Germans mounted counter attacks and it was not till September 3 that the wood was finally secured.
Frederick Boyce was one of the many who lost their life in 'Devil's Wood.' His body, if ever recovered, was never identified and his memory is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing on the Somme at Thiepval. He died on July 27, 196.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
 Obituaries
Geoffrey Markham
It is with great sadness to inform you that former Assistant Chief Constable Geoffrey Markham QPM passed away on 8 July 2025.
Geoffrey Markham QPM was formerly Assistant Chief Constable (Operations) with Essex Police, serving over 40 years in the force.
He served in the Royal Air Force between 1955 and 1957, before joining Essex Police on 19 September 1957. He was promoted to ACC on 1 September 1983, holding the post for more than 15 years. He retired on 27 May 1999.
He was involved in the Essex Police Sports Association (EPSA), a trustee for the Essex Police Memorial Committee and involved in NARPO, including in retirement.
The funeral is on the 28 July 2025 at 11:30am in the South Chapel in Chelmsford Crematorium. Seating and parking will be limited. There will be a live stream available.
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