Jessica Day-Parker

Rain and cooler, more unsettled weather are forecast for Essex following the UK's fifth heatwave of the summer, which saw temperatures reach 38.1°C at Kew Gardens. The Met Office expects light rain and showers from Wednesday through Friday as the jet stream moves south. However, rainfall totals are likely to remain below average, and the Environment Agency says 71.3% of England, including Essex, is in drought. Met Office officials warn that autumn rain may not be sufficient to alleviate the drought, while a possible sixth heatwave remains a concern for September.

Three men were injured during a disturbance on Maldon High Street at around 11:40 p.m. on Saturday, August 8. Police and ambulance crews attended, and Essex Police are seeking information or footage under incident number 1778. No arrests have been made.

A garden fire on Saxmundham Way in Clacton spread to four neighbouring gardens and two houses, producing thick smoke visible across the town. Essex Fire and Rescue Service urged people to avoid the area while crews worked to contain the blaze, with parts of Tyler Avenue and Saxmundham Way closed. Police and ambulance services were also reported to be attending.