News 13 October to 19 October
 Operation targets illegal trade in tobacco and vapes
As part of Operation Machinize, a national initiative targeting illegal trade and money laundering, Essex officers have seized over £60,000 worth of illicit goods in a coordinated crackdown on organised crime. Working alongside Trading Standards, Border Force, and HMRC, officers targeted high street businesses across towns including Clacton, Colchester, Harlow, Chelmsford, and Basildon. In just two weeks, they uncovered hidden stashes of illegal cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, and vapes - often concealed in bins or secret compartments - during inspections of multiple premises.
The operation led to the seizure of 98,500 cigarettes, 47.5kg of hand-rolling tobacco, 3,141 vapes, and £6,000 in suspected criminal cash. Notably, on 8 October, four Clacton premises were raided simultaneously, while further discoveries were made in Braintree on 15 October, including a vehicle loaded with illegal cigarettes. Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue to disrupt the financial networks of organised crime groups operating in Essex.
 Tribute to 'kind and generous soul' following collision
A family have paid heartfelt tribute to a “generous soul” following a fatal collision in Althorne.
We continue our enquiries into the collision, at the junction of Fambridge Road and Lower Burnham Road, shortly after 6.30pm on Wednesday 1 October.
Four vehicles were involved.
Very sadly, a woman, aged in her 30s, and a man, aged in his 70s, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The woman has been named as Joanna Hills, 36, from Hullbridge.
Joanna’s family said:
“Joanna is a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, mother, partner, sister and friend.
“She was a kind and generous soul who would do anything for anyone, regardless of the situation.
“She will be truly missed and never replaced.
“We ask that we, Joanna’s family and friends, are given space to grieve and process during this difficult time.”
 Meet the officers responding to your emergency calls
Across Essex, an average of 1,068 incidents are recorded every day, of which around 212 will be emergencies.
From burglaries to domestic disputes, from concerns for safety to searching for high-risk missing people, from anti-social behaviour and criminal damage to assaults and dealing with the results of poor & dangerous driving, our local policing officers are usually the first police officers to attend an incident and they will often investigate it, too.
Officers from our local policing teams are often the first police officers you will see if you are in crisis, if you are the victim of or a witness to a crime or if you are suspected of committing a crime.
They are also the officers who may, sadly, deliver bad news to you on what may turn out to be the worst day of your life.
So, our response officers are very much the public face of Essex Police and, because of the variety of incidents requiring their response, they have a wide range of general policing knowledge and expertise.
 "He had the most beautiful aura" - family pay tribute to Michael Ashton
Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a man died following a collision in Langdon Hills in September.
Officers were called to Rosecroft Close at just before midnight on Friday 26 September to reports that a man and a car had been in collision.
The man was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and sadly died on Saturday 4 October.
We are now able to name him as Michael Ashton, 28, from Langdon Hills. His family are being supported by our officers at this incredibly difficult time.
His family paid tribute to him:
Michael was the most hardworking, fun, loving, and likeable person that anyone could wish to meet.
He was dearly loved by his family, his girlfriend, and the endless list of friends he had.
He is also very much missed by his workmates at the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Council.
He will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.
Michael had the most beautiful aura and lit up every room he entered with his handsome looks, his smile, and his warm personality.
He was loved by everyone and had such a kind soul — he didn’t have a bad bone in his body.
Michael’s family are devastated and grieving at this traumatic and deeply sad time.
They take comfort in knowing how loved he was and how many lives he brightened just by being himself.
 M11: reckless drivers to be prosecuted after using hard shoulder
Recently, while our officers were attending to a road traffic collision on the M11 and ensuring the safety of everyone involved, several drivers chose to dangerously bypass the queue by driving along the hard shoulder. This reckless behaviour not only endangered lives but also obstructed emergency services working at the scene.
Thanks to the support of the National Police Air Service (NPAS), aerial footage was captured showing multiple vehicles illegally using the hard shoulder. The footage zooms in on registration plates, allowing us to identify the owners of the vehicles involved. All these individuals will be notified and reported for prosecution for driving without due care and attention.
 Fifteen arrests after joint operation targeting cross-border criminality
Fifteen arrests made in Operation Claymore targeting cross-border crime in Essex, London & Herts. Stolen cars, drugs & fuel theft among offences.
 South Ockendon: Woman jailed for murder
The family of Claire Button, who was convicted of the murder of her beloved five-year-old son Lincoln, has expressed heartfelt thanks to Essex Police officers for their unwavering support throughout a deeply distressing and complex investigation.
On Thursday 16 October, Claire Button, 36, was convicted of his murder following a trial at Basildon Crown Court. She had denied the charge of murder but was found guilty by a jury.
On Friday 17 October, she was jailed for life and must serve a minimum term of nine years.
 Jailed shoplifter now also banned from town garages for two years
A shoplifter has been banned from two Basildon garages for two years after magistrates heard he’d committed offences while on bail.
John Brace, 34, was jailed for a total of 12 months at a hearing before Southend magistrates on 11 June for a total of 24 thefts from the BP garage shops in East Mayne and Nether Mayne between 1 May and 10 June 2025. He’d previously admitted all the charges, together with another one of common assault.
A separate request for Brace to be banned from entering the two garages was heard by the court on 7 October and magistrates granted it, to run for two years.
 Epping: Man jailed for July violent disorder
Aaron Elles had attended the protest outside The Bell Hotel on Thursday 17 July in motorbike clothing, including a crash helmet to conceal his identity.
The 28-year-old, of The Lawn, Harlow, acted in an intimidating way, encouraging other people there to face off against our officers.
He then kicked an officer which led to other people pushing, shoving, and striking other officers.
He was charged with violent disorder and possession of a Class B drug and sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 16 October, to one year and eight months.
 From left to right, we proudly introduce PD Milo, PD Loki and PD Gigi.
Noses that never miss a trick
This autumn, three of our finest police dogs are undergoing their refresher training, ensuring their skills remain razor-sharp and ready for the next call.
These dogs are specialists in forensic recovery trained to trace evidence in the most challenging environments.
These dogs are more than colleagues - they are family. Their training is a reaffirmation of their commitment to justice, and of ours to them. And every day they serve, they remind us what loyalty, courage, and heart truly look like.
A man has been jailed for causing a crash that killed an 18-year-old woman and seriously injured three other passengers.
Joshua Claydon, 20, from Canvey Island, was driving dangerously on the A13 flyover near Pitsea on 1 July 2023. Witnesses said he was speeding and weaving between vehicles before losing control and crashing.
Ellie Jo Evers, one of Claydon’s passengers, died at the scene. Another passenger suffered life-changing injuries, and two others were seriously hurt.
Claydon pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was sentenced on 6 October 2025 to six years and three months in prison and banned from driving for five years.
Detective Sarah Lucas, who led the investigation, said:
“This was a truly terrible incident. The impact on the victims and their families will last a lifetime. We ask that their privacy is respected as they continue to come to terms with what happened.”
 Unsolved Harlow house fire: The Shakoor family murder investigation
Thirteen years have passed since a devastating house fire in Barn Mead, Harlow, claimed the lives of six members of the Shakoor family. Dr Abdul Shakoor, the sole survivor, continues to seek justice for his loved ones.
The fire broke out in the early hours of 15 October 2012. A silver Ford Focus was also set alight nearby. Dr Shakoor’s wife, Dr Sabah Usmani, and their five children - Hira, 12, Sohaib, 11, Muneeb, 9, Rayyan, 6, and Maheen, 3 - tragically died in the blaze.
Our Serious Crime Directorate remains committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.
If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact us on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
A former solicitor from Rayleigh has been jailed for four years after admitting to defrauding clients of nearly £400,000 over an 18-year period.
Sean Callaghan, 64, abused his position of trust by diverting funds meant for client settlements and estates into accounts he controlled. He spent the stolen money on home renovations, classic cars, and overseas property.
His crimes came to light when a legal firm noticed discrepancies and contacted Essex Police. A full investigation revealed a long-running pattern of deception, including manipulation of a deceased client’s estate.
Officers have seized 36 e‑scooters and e‑bikes in Basildon town centre following repeated breaches of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).
The order bans all pedal-powered and electric personal transport in pedestrianised areas to keep the public safe.
The vehicles were being used illegally and dangerously, putting pedestrians at risk.
Officers acted after issuing multiple warnings and receiving concerns from the community.
Sergeant Emily Pentelow said:
“It’s intimidating, it’s dangerous and it’s banned.
“We’ve made it clear that riding in these areas is not allowed.”
The seized vehicles will be scrapped. Our officers worked with council safety teams and used TownLink data to identify offenders - even if they weren’t caught riding at the time.
We’ll continue to take action to keep Basildon town centre safe.
A Chelmsford man has been jailed following a complex investigation into the death of Cumali Turhan. Ciprian Ilie, 45, was sentenced to seven years after admitting to assisting an offender and preventing Cumali’s lawful burial.
Cumali was reported missing by his employer, and Ilie was later found at a homeless shelter. He told officers he was forced at knife-point to move Cumali’s body into a bin at Barista bar in Chelmsford.
Detectives carried out a 45-day landfill search and worked closely with the Turkish community to recover Cumali’s remains. Cumali’s partner spoke of the devastating impact on their daughter, saying she will never recover from knowing her father was “thrown away.”
Police are still searching for 38-year-old Ceyhan Dinler in connection with the murder.
Three people have been jailed after a man was shot in Waltham Abbey last November.
The victim was lured to a flat and ambushed by two men who shot him in the leg. He crashed his car while escaping and was taken to hospital.
Thanks to quick work by our officers, all three were arrested and have now been sentenced:
- Two men received 27 years each for attempted murder and firearms offences.
- A woman was jailed for five years for helping plan the attack.
A Brentwood man has been jailed for killing Francis Reilly in a violent attack.
On 12 September 2024, John Moore, 39, attacked 63-year-old Mr Reilly with a hammer at his flat on Ingrave Road after an argument over a debt. Mr Reilly fled but collapsed outside and died at the scene.
Moore denied murder, claiming self-defence, but later admitted manslaughter. At Basildon Crown Court on 13 October 2025, he was sentenced to six years and two months in prison.
Detective Inspector Lisa Hurrell said:
“This sustained attack went far beyond self-defence. Our thoughts remain with Mr Reilly’s family.”
A 40‑year‑old man has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after police uncovered over 700 cannabis plants at an industrial unit in Shoeburyness earlier this year.
The successful investigation by Southend Local Policing Team and CID demonstrates a firm commitment to disrupting Class B drug cultivation and organised crime in our communities.
If you suspect drug-related activity in your area:
- Report online or call 101
- In emergencies, always dial 999
- To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers
 Have your say on funding for Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) for Essex is asking county residents for their policing and community safety views to identify public appetite in maintaining or further building the current strength and ability of Essex Police and Essex County Fire & Rescue Service to keep communities safe.
To hear those views, all residents, businesses and people who work or travel in any Essex district are asked to complete the PFCC Precept survey for the financial year 2026/27.
This survey is now live and takes about four minutes to complete.
Your views will then feed into the Essex Police and Essex County Fire & Rescue funding process for the financial year 2026/27, allowing the Commissioner to communicate your thoughts to all partners, which includes the Government.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex this week
Monday 20 October
10am to 12pm
Touch Point, Crafton Green, Stansted
10am to 12pm
Epping Market, High Street, Epping
3pm to 3:30pm
Community Shop, Henham
Tuesday 21 October
10am to 11am
Morrisons Supermarket, Centenary Way, Little Clacton.
10:30am to 12pm
Lawford Parish Community Hub, 1 The Avenue, Lawford.
12pm to 1pm
Knightswick Centre, Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island
3pm to 4pm
Havens Hub, Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff
Wednesday 22 October
10am to 11am
Pitsea Market, Northlands Pavement, Pitsea, Basildon
10am to 2pm
Safe to go Stow hub, 28 The Stow, Harlow
10am to 11am
McDonalds, Hartley Brook Road, Clacton on Sea.
11am to 12pm
Wickford Town Council, Unit 1 Wych Elm House, Nevendon Road, Wickford, Essex
11am to 12pm
Hadleigh Cycle Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh
11am to 12pm
Nicholls Field (by the park), Harlow
11am to 12pm
Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, Benfleet,
2pm to 3pm
Sainsburys Supermarket, Samson's Road, Brightlingsea.
Thursday 23 October
10am to 11am
Playhouse Square, Harlow
10am to 11am
Emmanuel Church, New Pier Street, Walton on the Naze.
10am to 12pm
Dementia Cafe, St Claire Hospice, Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood
10am to 11am
Billericay High Street
11am to 1pm
Saint Cuthbert's Catholic Church, Chapel Road, Burnham-on-Crouch
Friday 24 October
9:30am to 10:30am
Touchpoint, Grafton Green, Stansted
10am to 11am
Poundland, 43-45 Pier Ave, Clacton on Sea.
1:30pm to 2:30pm
The Pyramid Centre, Heath Road, Chadwell St Mary
3:30pm to 4:30pm
Bulphan Village hall, Church Road
5pm to 6pm
Sainsburys Rayleigh Weir - 21 Stadium Way, Benfleet
Saturday 25 October
11am to 1pm
Chelmsford Indoor Market, Market Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1LE
11am to 1pm
The Mill Arts & Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh SS6 7ED
11am to 12pm
Co-op, Flitch Green
3pm to 4pm
Broomfield Library, 180 Main Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford
Sunday 26 October
9am to 10am
Chelmsford Park Run, Central Park, CM20FQ
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
 Crime prevention advice
Love your car? So do thieves
This may seem obvious, but a large proportion of thefts would appear to be from unlocked vehicles.
Always check the vehicle is locked and the windows are up after using a key fob.
Listen for the locking noise and watch for the lights to flash, or where fitted, mirrors folding.
This can also provide reassurance that criminals have not blocked the locking signal from your fob using a jammer.
Be fraud smart
Scam Alert!
Action Fraud has seen an increase in scam text messages pretending to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Stay safe, never click on any links before taking steps to verify the source of the message.
You can report suspicious texts by forwarding the message and the sender’s number to 7726.
It’s free and helps your mobile provider stop scammers.
 Join our team
Police staff jobs
Civil Claims Lawyer £51,291
Electrical Design Engineer £51,291
Senior Digital Forensic Specialist £47,709
Staff Officer to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner £40,890
Contact Centre Officers £26,106 to £28,650
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
 Obituaries
David Peter Williams
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague David Peter Williams who retired as a Sergeant in 1983 and served with the Met, transferred to the Southend Borough, Essex and Southend Joint Constabulary and Basildon. He passed away on the 30 September 2025 aged 93 years.
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