Matthew Benton-Smith

Astrophotographer Jon Allard captured the Milky Way rising above Bateman’s Tower in Brightlingsea, Essex. The image benefited from dark, clear conditions with minimal cloud, moonlight and light pollution, which made the galaxy’s star-filled band visible.

The Co-operative Bank’s Colchester branch in the Albert Hall Building will temporarily close from noon on October 10 until 9:30 a.m. on November 3 for refurbishment. The closure is part of a multi-million-pound programme launched after Coventry Building Society acquired the bank, with all branches expected to be refreshed by the end of 2026. Customers have been informed about alternative banking options during the works.

Britannia Car Park in Colchester city centre has fully reopened after archaeological investigations finished four weeks ahead of schedule. Colchester City Council said all parking spaces are available and that the temporary reduction caused minimal disruption. The car park is expected to remain open until construction starts on the St Botolph’s Quarter, anticipated early next year, alongside related improvements at St Botolph’s Circus.

Police officers responded to reports of a child carrying a knife at a recreation ground in Bures after concerns circulated on social media. The child was located, but officers neither saw nor recovered a knife, and no arrest was made. Police said they would maintain a visible presence in the area and urged residents to report suspicious activity directly through official channels.

A mother and her 15-year-old daughter from London died after a family got into difficulty in the water off West Mersea beach on July 22. A seven-year-old boy remained in critical condition, while two other relatives suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Police believe the mother and daughter were trying to help the boy as the tide came in and are investigating witness accounts and footage. Emergency services, local businesses and teenage diner workers assisted at the scene, while the community laid tributes and police appealed for further information.

All traffic was temporarily stopped on the anticlockwise M25 near Enfield after a collision. Vehicles were held at Junction 25 for the A10 Great Cambridge Road, with delays extending toward Waltham Abbey and queues forming back toward Junction 26 for the A121. Drivers were advised to avoid the area, allow extra travel time and check live updates.

An RAF Boeing E‑7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft made a brief visit to Southend Airport after a short flight from Birmingham, drawing attention due to its bright green primer paint and radar system. The aircraft is part of the RAF’s new airborne early‑warning fleet, replacing the retired Sentry models, and supports UK and NATO surveillance and battle‑management operations. Photographs captured its arrival, and the airport has hosted similar test and paint‑related visits in recent years.

A five-bedroom detached home in Stanway, Colchester has been listed for £1.25 million, featuring spacious interiors, an open-plan kitchen, multiple reception rooms and several en‑suite bedrooms. The property includes a large rear garden with a 24‑foot outdoor pool, landscaped areas and powered outbuildings, along with a driveway and double garage. Located near schools and major transport links, it has been brought to market by Fenn Wright.

A police officer’s rapid intervention ended a knife attack inside a Clacton Lidl, leading to a 25‑month sentence for 39‑year‑old Thomas Suliman, who stabbed a shopper during a psychotic episode. PC Jamie Welsh confronted and tasered Suliman, preventing further injuries and securing his arrest. Suliman later admitted multiple offences, including wounding, possessing a knife, affray and assaulting an emergency worker. Essex Police leadership commended the actions of staff, members of the public and the officer for swiftly containing the incident and safeguarding shoppers.

Police in Colchester arrested a 42-year-old wanted for a knife crime after deploying live facial recognition during a day of action targeting crime and anti-social behaviour. Officers conducted high-visibility patrols and community engagement with support from local agencies. Police leaders emphasised the importance of resident reports in directing resources, while Colchester Council highlighted the role of partnership efforts in improving safety and addressing local concerns.

Police responded to a report of a man exposing himself in a field off Mayes Lane in Danbury on July 14, with officers searching the area based on the caller’s description. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Essex Police citing reference 42/110960/26.

Three men were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court for a £4 million cryptocurrency fraud in which they posed as police officers and tricked victims into transferring funds into fake police-controlled wallets. A Metropolitan Police investigation linked multiple offences using blockchain analysis and financial data, leading to coordinated raids across London and Essex. Authorities recovered cryptocurrency, cash stored abroad, luxury goods, and evidence of high‑end spending and travel. Two defendants pleaded guilty, while a third changed his plea during trial, and police continue efforts to identify additional suspects and recover further assets.

A crash near the Holmesdale Tunnel caused about four miles of congestion on the anticlockwise M25 between junctions 26 and 25. Two lanes were blocked, creating significant delays, and drivers were urged to allow extra travel time or seek alternative routes. Essex Police has been approached for further details.

A family‑run restaurant, Taste of Italy, will reopen at Colchester’s Northern Gateway Leisure Park following upgrades and a temporary closure. Owners Lucia Pronesti and Sergio Teacu expressed enthusiasm about returning as the park nears full occupancy. Colchester City Council welcomed the reopening as part of the site’s ongoing growth, which has recently added venues such as Vue Cinema and Clip ’n Climb. The restaurant will continue serving traditional Italian dishes, and more venue announcements are expected to further expand the leisure destination.

A crash blocked the northbound A12 between Witham North and Kelvedon South, causing stationary traffic and congestion stretching toward Witham South and the Witham Bypass. Drivers were advised to avoid the area, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes while the road remained closed. Essex Police were contacted for further information.

Nigel Farage resigned as Clacton MP to trigger a by-election he intends to contest, framing the campaign as a battle between voters and the political establishment. He accused the media of endangering his family and criticised investigations into his finances, insisting he followed parliamentary rules and committed no wrongdoing. Farage defended receiving a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne and claimed the establishment is using unfair tactics against Reform UK following the party’s electoral gains.

A field fire forced the closure of the A133 between Weeley roundabout and Little Clacton, with police and fire crews responding and motorists advised to avoid the area due to ongoing disruption.

A signalling fault at Maryland has blocked some rail lines between Stratford and Ilford, causing delays and cancellations to Greater Anglia services. Trains are sharing reduced track capacity with the Elizabeth Line, leading to additional disruption. Network Rail has deployed a response team to investigate and replace faulty equipment. Intercity and regional routes to destinations including Norwich, Ipswich, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester Town and Braintree are affected. Passengers are urged to allow extra travel time, use alternative services if necessary and check live updates, with compensation available for delays of 15 minutes or more.

Colchester Zoo is recruiting actors, performers and make‑up artists for its expanded Trail of Terror Halloween attraction, which will run across seven nights in October. Applicants will join the Scare Team to work across four themed scare zones, with no prior experience required. Performers will deliver high‑energy scenes, while make‑up artists will prepare up to 20 people per hour. Auditions and training sessions are scheduled for September, and event shifts will run from 5 p.m. to no later than 11:30 p.m.

A YMCA charity shop in Haverhill was burgled at around 1.30am on 29 June, with thieves stealing two pairs of trainers and a games console and causing additional damage. Police are reviewing CCTV and appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or private security footage from Haverhill or nearby Essex villages. Information can be reported to Suffolk Police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.