Jessica Day-Parker

A burst water main flooded and damaged Stifford Hill, forcing its closure and disrupting traffic between South Ockendon and North Stifford. Pilgrims Lane is also closed in both directions, while bus services have been suspended or diverted and routes into Grays affected. Essex and Suffolk Water has a repair team working at the site, with no reported impact on customer water supplies.

A man in his 60s arrested after people were reportedly seen running from a lorry parked in a layby on the A414 Maldon Road has been told he will face no further action. Essex Police had arrested him on suspicion of facilitating illegal entry into the UK and is seeking CCTV, dashcam or other footage from witnesses.

Around 60 firefighters and eight fire engines are tackling a large grass fire on Fen Lane in North Ockendon, south Essex. Crews are using backpack blowers, wildfire beaters and fire breaks created with help from a nearby farmer to contain the blaze. Firefighters from several London stations and Essex Fire and Rescue Service are attending, while the cause of the fire remains unknown.

Five affordable destinations reachable from Southend Airport are recommended for last-minute summer travel: Enfidha in Tunisia, Alicante in Spain, Faro in Portugal, Malta and Marrakech in Morocco. The guide compares each destination’s strengths, including beaches, cultural attractions, accommodation and living costs, and gives indicative EasyJet package-holiday and return-flight prices for August or September.

Seven-year-old Musa Ahmed has died after being critically injured in a water incident near Seaview Avenue in West Mersea on July 22. The incident also killed 41-year-old Shelina Rahman and her 15-year-old daughter, Sameeha, while other family members were hospitalized and are recovering. The family thanked staff at the Royal London Hospital intensive care unit and the wider community for their support, and asked for privacy. Essex Police continue to investigate and are seeking witnesses, information or footage.

A fire at Highlands Farm near East Hanningfield damaged the premises, equipment and vehicles of event hire and production company Spotlight Sound, which was established by Sam Dimond 17 years ago. Fertiliser inside an industrial unit exploded, nearby residents were evacuated, three fire engines and two officer cars were destroyed, and 20 firefighters were taken to hospital, four with minor injuries. Support from local businesses and competitors has provided temporary office space and equipment, allowing Spotlight Sound to remain operational while the damage and insurance claim are assessed.

Steven Long was sentenced to eight years and four months for defrauding retirees through Universal, a wealth management business that misused £11.5 million in client trust funds. His associate, Raymond Simpson, received five and a half years in absentia and is subject to an arrest warrant. The court detailed how client money was diverted to cover business expenses and fund luxury purchases, property, and investments, leaving 115 victims with significant losses. Judge Gregory Perrins condemned the abuse of trust and outlined the extensive personal enrichment financed by misappropriated funds.

Police issued a 48‑hour dispersal order covering Lakeside Shopping Centre and surrounding areas in response to rising antisocial behaviour expected during school holidays. Inspector Christopher Hay said officers would work with security staff and schools to ensure safe visits and would disperse groups if necessary to prevent harassment, distress or crime.

A crash on the M25 at junction 31 near Lakeside led to the closure of the clockwise entry slip road and one lane of the main carriageway due to a spillage requiring emergency resurfacing. Motorists experienced delays of up to 45 minutes, with four miles of congestion and very slow average speeds. Additional delays occurred on the A1306 and A13 London-bound routes.

Three GP surgeries in Thurrock achieved the highest patient satisfaction scores of 93 percent in the 2026 NHS GP Patient Survey, while Aveley Medical Centre ranked lowest at 49 percent. The article lists satisfaction ratings for all GP practices in the borough and notes an overall national improvement to 76.7 percent of patients reporting a good experience. Health Secretary James Murray highlighted ongoing progress in improving access to primary care services.

The Goodyear Blimp has returned to the UK for the first time in four years, operating from Damyns Hall Aerodrome in Upminster while touring Essex, Kent and London until July 14. One of only four such airships still in commercial service, the semi‑rigid Zeppelin NT has completed numerous flights for aerial filming and advertising. The aircraft previously appeared in the UK in 1972, was based in Upminster in 2022, and gained recognition during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Police arrested two men after a late-night fight involving several individuals, some reportedly armed, outside a pub on Dock Road in Grays. Officers quickly responded, began identifying those involved, and noted that several vehicles were damaged. Essex Police appealed for the public to provide any relevant information or footage, citing incident number 1716 from June 23.

A woman in her twenties was seriously injured after being struck by a grey Ford Ranger in The Bull pub car park in Grays, Essex. The vehicle left the scene, prompting Essex Police to launch an investigation and appeal for witnesses and footage. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact them quoting incident 1307 of May 23.

Eight major retail brands including Lefties, Hollister, Bershka, Lego, Urban Outfitters, Space NK, PURESEOUL, and Oliver Bonas are set to open new stores at Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock between summer and autumn. The additions form part of a broader £100 million investment aimed at strengthening the centre’s regional appeal and supporting projected sales growth in 2026.

Armed police responded to reports of shouting and suspected gunshots in Monks Haven, Stanford-le-Hope, but determined the noise came from a van door slamming during an argument. Officers found no evidence of gunfire or firearms offences, and Essex Police stated specialist firearms units acted quickly as a precaution.

Chelmsford Council has granted outline planning permission for the Chelmsford Garden Community, a major development that will deliver up to 3,500 homes across three planned villages as part of a wider 10,000‑home scheme. The project includes affordable housing, schools, healthcare facilities, employment space, shops, and extensive public open space. Developers L&Q, Countryside, and Vistry highlighted the importance of the approval, emphasising sustainability, community facilities, and landscape‑led design. The development will be delivered in phases subject to planning obligations and legal agreements, with collaboration from local and national authorities.

Emergency services responded to a light aircraft crash in a field on Mill Lane in High Ongar, prompting a police cordon and public warnings to avoid the area. Essex Police reported that inspectors from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch were en route and confirmed a formal investigation had begun. Police leadership acknowledged local concern and said a visible presence would remain while safety measures and investigative work continued.