Matthew Benton-Smith

Police are appealing for information to locate James Smith, 41, who absconded from HMP Hollesley Bay in Suffolk after failing to attend a roll call. Smith has links to Ipswich and Essex and is described as white, approximately 5ft 9in, slight in build, with blue eyes, brown hair and a moustache. The public is advised to call 999 if they see him or contact Suffolk Police on 101 with other information.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to learn the RNLI’s Float to Live technique following a fatal incident off West Mersea. The advice is to lean back, keep the ears submerged, control breathing, relax and spread the limbs to float until the initial shock passes, then seek help or move to safety. A video filmed with Curve Water Sports in St Osyth demonstrates the technique, and the service is asking viewers to share the guidance.

Nigel Farage warned that public life has become increasingly dangerous after the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe, whose death led to the arrest of a 26‑year‑old man. Political leaders including Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Lindsay Hoyle expressed shock and stressed the importance of security for elected officials. Police reported no evidence of political motivation, though past attacks on MPs have renewed concerns over threats facing politicians.

Nigel Farage resigned as Clacton’s MP to trigger a by-election, framing the contest as a battle between the public and the political establishment while announcing his intention to run again. He accused media outlets of threatening his family’s safety and criticised investigations into his finances, insisting he has complied with parliamentary rules and broken no laws. Farage defended a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne as legitimate and argued that scrutiny of his wealth is politically motivated. He claimed he is subjected to ongoing attacks and asserted that opponents are using unfair tactics as Reform UK gains electoral momentum.

A man identified as Taylor Wing of Loughton has been charged with two counts of attempted murder following a late-night assault on Epping New Road in Buckhurst Hill. Police found two injured men at the scene, leading to Wing’s arrest by West Mercia Police. Additional charges include possession of a bladed article, making threats with a bladed article, and possession of a Class B drug. Wing was remanded in custody after appearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court and is scheduled to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 3.

A field fire has 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 are on scene, and authorities have not yet indicated how long the closure will remain in place.

A seven‑bedroom property on Lexden Road in Colchester has been listed for £2.5 million, featuring 8,500 sq ft of living space including an indoor pool, gym, cinema room, and landscaped 1.6‑acre grounds. The home includes a large reception hall, high‑end kitchen with Lacanche and Miele appliances, an orangery, multiple ensuite bedrooms, smart technology, and extensive outdoor amenities such as terraces, orchards, and a triple garage. Located close to Colchester city centre and transport links to London, the property is freehold with an EPC rating of C and falls under council tax band H.

Three men from Poland, Italy and the UK were charged with facilitating illegal immigration following a coordinated operation involving Essex Police, the National Crime Agency, Border Security Command and HM Coastguard after a vessel allegedly dropped six people on the Essex coast. A fourth man remains in custody, and the six individuals from the boat have been detained for immigration offences. All charged suspects are scheduled to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.