Matthew Benton-Smith

Max Matthews, 31, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and cannabis and to launder more than £5 million. He led a network operating across Essex and London, trafficking substantial quantities of drugs and moving hundreds of thousands of pounds in cash weekly. Evidence obtained through Operation Venetic and EncroChat identified his role, while international cooperation helped trace him to Dubai and secure his extradition. Seven associates have already received combined sentences exceeding 40 years, including second-in-command Henry Allpress, who was jailed for 13 years.

Police are appealing for information after a van failed to stop following a collision with a motorcyclist on the southbound A12 near Witham, leaving the rider with non-serious knee injuries. Officers are seeking CCTV or dashcam footage and directing the public to report information via the Essex Police website, Live Chat service, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

A child was seriously injured and taken to hospital following a collision with a lorry on Epping Road in Ongar, prompting an arrest on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Police have closed the road and are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage, and information can be provided directly to Essex Police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Police issued an appeal to locate 41‑year‑old Daniel Ledain, reported missing from Harlow on July 10. He was last seen wearing cream chino shorts, a navy T‑shirt, a cap and sunglasses, and is believed to be driving a blue Suzuki that may have travelled to Epping. Authorities ask anyone with information to call 999 quoting incident 688 of July 10.

A NATO F‑16 made an emergency landing at Zakynthos Airport and caught fire, causing significant disruption to flights. The pilot was reported safe, with local media citing a landing gear issue. Airlines including Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI are rerouting or rescheduling services while the airport prepares an operational update.

Luke Worley, a reality TV personality from Clacton, plans to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming Clacton by-election following Nigel Farage’s resignation. Positioning himself as a locally rooted alternative, he pledges to focus on community issues including roads, high streets, cost of living support and job creation. Major political parties are not expected to contest the seat, creating an unusual electoral field as the race attracts national attention.

A field fire has forced the closure of the A133 between Weeley roundabout and Little Clacton, with motorists urged to avoid the area and allow extra travel time. Fire crews and police are on scene, and authorities have been contacted for further details.

Nigel Farage called for tougher action after a boat dropped suspected migrants on a beach in his Clacton constituency, prompting an investigation by the National Crime Agency. Essex Police arrested three men suspected of facilitating illegal immigration, while Border Force detained the boat’s pilot at sea. Six additional individuals from the vessel were held for immigration offences. Farage urged that the men involved be detained and deported, expressing concern from local residents. The NCA confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.