Jessica Day-Parker

Former Thurrock Council contractor Lily Yirenkyi was convicted of 13 counts of fraud and one count of misconduct in public office after falsely claiming to have conducted 13 food hygiene inspections in 2020. She issued reports and food hygiene ratings with forged signatures for visits that never took place and submitted a fraudulent reference using Southend Council letterhead. Yirenkyi pleaded guilty and received a 16-month prison sentence suspended for 24 months, along with orders to pay £5,979.50 in compensation, £2,500 in costs and a £149 surcharge. Thurrock Council ended her engagement, revisited all affected inspections and strengthened its oversight procedures.

A fire involving approximately 100 tonnes of compost broke out on Loamy Hill Road in Tolleshunt Major, producing thick smoke visible across the countryside. Multiple fire crews attended, police closed the road, and Essex Fire and Rescue Service urged the public to avoid the area.

A major fire involving large quantities of tyres broke out at an industrial unit on Drakes Lane in Little Waltham. Nine crews from Essex Fire and Rescue Service brought the blaze under control and are extinguishing it in sections, but thick black smoke is expected to continue. Residents nearby were advised to keep windows and doors closed, and Drakes Lane was closed while crews worked. Smoke was visible as far as Braintree and Witham.

Kiran Kaur was sentenced to three years in prison for assisting her son, Vickrum Digwa, by removing the knife used to kill 18-year-old Henry Nowak and taking it to their home. A jury convicted her alongside Digwa, who received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years for murdering Nowak after falsely alleging racial abuse. The judge said Kaur’s actions helped conceal the weapon’s use.

Roadworks in Bradwell are causing long delays on the A120, with congestion stretching from the Coggeshall Bypass and affecting the A131 at Marks Farm. Average speeds have dropped to around 10 mph, with delays linked to Anglian Water works according to Essex Highways’ live traffic data.

Two men were injured in an assault outside a pub on Epping New Road in Buckhurst Hill, prompting an attempted murder investigation. A 27-year-old man from Loughton was arrested with help from West Mercia Police. The victims’ injuries were later confirmed as not life‑threatening or life‑changing. Essex Police continue to investigate and appeal for information or footage from the public.

Marine officers from Essex Police rescued a drifting boat after its engine failed during extreme heat conditions, safely towing three men back to Bradwell Marina. Fisherman Terry Geoghegan praised the officers for their professionalism and quick response. The officers, on routine patrol, located the vessel after a call for help and prevented it from running aground. The rescue formed part of Operation Wave-Breaker, which targets coastal safety during busier months.

British Transport Police released CCTV images as part of an investigation into a reported incident in which a man allegedly exposed himself to a woman on a train near North Fambridge on May 10. Officers are asking the public to help identify a man who may have information and provided contact details for police and Crimestoppers for anonymous tips.

More than 100 Essex residents won significant sums in the July 2026 Premium Bonds draw, including five £100,000 winners and several others receiving prizes ranging from £50,000 to £5,000. NS&I detailed the winning bond numbers and holdings, noting that monthly draws award prizes up to £1 million. Readers are directed to use the NS&I prize checker to confirm whether their own bonds have won.

A small aircraft crashed in a field in High Ongar, Essex, prompting a police, fire and ambulance response and the establishment of a large cordon. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch confirmed an inquiry has been opened and inspectors are en route. Details on injuries remain unknown, and local emergency services have been asked for further information.