Matthew Benton-Smith

Planned engineering works will disrupt c2c services on the Basildon, Ockendon and Rainham lines from Monday, August 3, through Wednesday, August 5, with changes beginning from around 8:45pm each evening. Services will be diverted, replaced by shuttles or operate with station omissions, while passengers will be able to use selected London Underground and DLR routes at no extra cost. Commuters are advised to plan ahead and allow additional travel time.

Firefighters from Essex Fire and Rescue Service tackled a wildfire near Glebe Place in Tendring after it spread across a field late on Saturday night. Three crews worked with a local farmer, who used farm machinery to create a firebreak and stop the flames spreading. No injuries were reported, and firefighters believe the blaze was caused by a firework.

Residents near East Hanningfield are being warned to take precautions when clearing ash and debris from a major fire and fertiliser explosion. Health risks are considered low, but people are advised not to sweep or vacuum debris, to avoid mowing until it is removed, wash contaminated clothing, and use gloves and double bags for larger pieces. Temporary smoke-exposure symptoms should generally improve away from the site, while persistent concerns should be directed to a GP or NHS 111. Local agencies will continue monitoring recovery and issuing advice.

Around 25 firefighters remained at a farm in East Hanningfield after a major blaze tore through several industrial units and spread to a nearby field. The fire involved an explosion of stored fertiliser, prompting a major-incident declaration, evacuations and the closure of Southend Road. Crews monitored hotspots overnight and expected to remain throughout the day, while residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed because of lingering smoke. A full investigation will examine the cause of the fire.

A deliberate wildfire in Heybridge prompted multiple calls from residents and a response from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, which advised locals to keep windows closed due to spreading smoke. Crews extinguished the blaze by 8:10 p.m. and confirmed it had been intentionally started. Authorities issued an anonymous appeal for information to identify those responsible.

Police are seeking two suspects who stole alcohol and caused more than £1,000 in damage and losses during a robbery at a Tesco Express in Theydon Bois. The pair reportedly attempted to leave without paying and forced their way out after staff locked the doors. Essex Police released a CCTV image and urged the public to provide information, either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

A NATO F-16 fighter jet made an emergency landing and caught fire at Zakynthos Airport, causing significant disruption to flights between the island and the UK. The pilot was reported safe, with local reports citing a landing gear issue as the cause. Airlines including Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI rerouted or rescheduled flights while awaiting further updates from the airport, which expects to resume departures from Stansted as soon as the following day.

A fast‑moving field fire in Eight Ash Green near Colchester spread toward nearby gardens before farmers and firefighters contained it. Residents reported panic as the flames approached homes, but the coordinated response from local farm workers and four fire crews prevented further damage. Around five hectares of crops were burned, and firefighters continued damping down hotspots while investigating the cause.

Nigel Farage resigned as Clacton MP to trigger a by-election he intends to contest, framing the race as a battle between the public and the political establishment. He accused the media of endangering his family and criticised investigations into his finances, insisting he has followed parliamentary rules and committed no wrongdoing. Farage defended a £5 million personal gift as unconditional and argued that scrutiny of his wealth is politically motivated. He claimed Reform UK is being targeted unfairly as its electoral influence grows and vowed to continue pushing for major political change.

A field fire forced the closure of the A133 between Weeley roundabout and Little Clacton, with motorists urged to avoid the area and expect delays. Fire crews and police remain on site, with no estimate yet for when the road will reopen.

A serious crash closed the anticlockwise M25 between junctions 28 and 27, causing around 45‑minute delays and three miles of congestion. Emergency services, including Essex Police, responded to the incident, and authorities were contacted for further information.

Drivers in Essex will face several overnight southbound closures on the A12 between early July dates as National Highways conducts reconstruction, renewal, inspection and road‑marking work, with multiple junction slip roads also affected.

An Essex artist, James Cook, created a highly detailed typewriter artwork of Wimbledon’s Centre Court using over one million typed characters on a vintage machine. The piece, depicting a match between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer and filled with hidden visual details, took six weeks to complete and has gained millions of online views. Cook, inspired by typewriter artist Paul Smith, has built a large following and a collection of around 100 typewriters, producing cityscapes and celebrity portraits. The Wimbledon project has further elevated his profile, earning attention from figures including Billie Jean King and contributing to his full‑time artistic career.

Adder sightings at Orchard Meadows in Southminster prompted Maldon District Council to issue safety guidance urging visitors to supervise children, keep dogs on leads, stay on marked paths and give snakes space. Although shy, adders may bite if threatened, and immediate medical or veterinary attention is recommended for bites. The council aims to ensure safe enjoyment of the wildlife-rich area while protecting the legally protected species.

A crash on the northbound A12 between Boreham and Hatfield Peverel is causing long delays, with queues extending to Sandon. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes, and Essex Police has been contacted for information.

One of the largest vessels to visit the Thames this year, the Hapag‑Lloyd container ship Paris Express, is scheduled to dock at DP World London Gateway. The ship, over 366 metres long and capable of carrying thousands of containers, is arriving from Singapore and will stay until July 7 before departing for Shanghai. Maritime enthusiasts are expected to gather along the estuary, while residents are advised to monitor Port of London Authority and DP World updates due to possible changes in arrival time.

Police officers in Harlow were commended for safely resolving a tense standoff with Dylan Russell, who threatened them with petrol and a lit blowtorch after being stopped for dangerous driving. Officers used fire extinguishers and tactical positioning to disarm and arrest him. Russell later pleaded guilty to several offences and received a suspended custodial sentence. Eight officers were awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation and nominated for bravery awards, with police leadership praising their courage and professionalism throughout the incident and subsequent investigation.