Brandon Penny

A man in his 40s suffered a broken jaw in a racially aggravated assault in Grays after being subjected to racial abuse before the attack. Essex Police are seeking two women believed to have witnessed and possibly recorded the incident, though they are not suspects. Officers are conducting enquiries and urging the public to provide any information or footage, with anonymous reports accepted through Crimestoppers.

A Southend city centre bar, South Street Bar & Coffee Lounge, has been listed for sale a month after closing due to lease issues, rising rent and operational costs. The two‑storey venue offered late‑night operations, seating for around 200 customers and additional external seating. The property is available as a free‑of‑tie lease with potential freehold acquisition. Owners described the closure as a difficult but unavoidable decision and confirmed that the separate South Street Coffee House in Southchurch remains open.