A 37-year-old man from Tilbury has been charged in connection with the theft of a motorbike jack from an address on Thackeray Avenue, Tilbury on Friday 20 September and a burglary at the same property on Wednesday 25 September, where items of jewellery were reported to have been stolen.

Tony Burgess of Southey Walk has been charged with burglary and theft and is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrate’s Court today, Friday 27 September.

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A FORMER government lawyer who took photos up a woman’s skirt on the London Underground has been sentenced.

A policeman spotted Daren Timson-Hunt, 54, with his phone “in between his legs” near a passenger wearing a “summery” dress, a court heard.

When confronted at Embankment station, the father-of-one admitted what he had done.

Timson-Hunt, who was handed a 24-month community order, is the fourth man to be sentenced under a new law.
Prosecutor Katie Bryan told Westminster Magistrates’ Court the victim had been making her way to a job interview via the Circle and District Line on 1 July.

She said Insp Pete Scottow, who was in the Tube carriage at the time, saw Timson-Hunt near the woman with his phone in between his legs.

He suspected he was taking photos when he saw him press a side button “four to five times”, the court heard.

When all three disembarked at Embankment station, the court heard, Insp Scottow followed and saw the defendant standing close to the woman on the stairs.

He then approached her and said “I think this man has been taking pictures of you”.

When confronted, a “shocked” Timson-Hunt apologised, saying he had “never done anything like this before”, the court was told.

The terms of Timson-Hunt’s community order include 30 days of rehabilitation activity and 60 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for five years and must also pay £175 in court costs and victim surcharge.

The defendant, of Stanford-le-Hope, had admitted a charge of operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent at an earlier hearing.

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ESSEX Police have arrested 13 people after executing seven warrants in Essex on Thursday 26 September.

Officers conducted warrants in Chelmsford, Colchester, Clacton, South Ockendon and in Suffolk to arrest outstanding suspects and people who were wanted for failed to appear at court:

They included:

A 21-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man were arrested in Colchester on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug. They have been released under investigation;

A 47-year-old man from Colchester and a 38-year-old woman from Tiptree were arrested in Colchester on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs, possession of drugs and permitting the use of a premise for the supply of crack cocaine. They have been released under investigation;

An 18-year-old from Woodford Green was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cocaine in Colchester and has been released on bail until 22 October.

A 38-year-old man was arrested in Colchester on suspicion of assault and criminal damage;

A 50-year-old man from South Ockendon was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and he has been released on bail until 20 October;

Three men aged 19, 22 and 31 were arrested for failing to appear at court;

A 19-year-old was arrested in Chelmsford on suspicion of driving while disqualified, obstructing an officer and drug driving and he has been released under investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Wells said: “We executed a number of successful warrants around this time last month, with 11 people arrested that day, and we wanted to continue building on that momentum with a further 13 arrested yesterday.

“The day is part of Op Sceptre Essex, which is a targeted crackdown on knife crime, and has been extended thanks to Home Office funding.

“In total 12 addresses have been searched and 24 people have been arrested in just a month – with the focus being on subjects linked to violent crime in the county.

“Our officers through their work also spoke to a number of vulnerable people who could potentially be taken advantage of or manipulated by people looking to deal drugs in our communities.

“These warrants send a clear message – if you deal drugs, carry out crime or fail to turn up at court – it’s only a matter of time until we knock on your door.”

Every day we carry out prevention, enforcement and education work, with the support of other organisations, to tackle crime and safeguard vulnerable people.

Our Op Sceptre work includes prevention and enforcement in areas identified as being hotspots for violent crime, so we continue to create a hostile environment for those who want to bring harm to our communities.

We are also targeting people who are known to carry knives and acting on information from the community to identify offenders.

If you know someone who is carrying a knife, call 101 or report online at www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online.
Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. Always call 999 in an emergency.

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A MAN is due in court today, Monday 30 September, charged with child sex offences in the Thurrock area.

Philip Cast, 48, of Bazes Shaw, New Ash Green, was charged with assaulting a girl by penetration and sexual activity with a child and he is due in Basildon Magistrates’ Court.

It follows the arrest of a man yesterday after police were made aware on Friday 27 September about offences that dated between November 2014 and November 2016.

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ESSEX Police are investigating following an assault in Tilbury where a man sustained stab wounds.

It was reported two men had gained entry to an address in Thackeray Avenue at around 8.45pm on Tuesday 1 October.

A man in his 40s sustained stab wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police believe this was a targeted incident with no wider risk to the public.

Two 24 year-old men were later arrested on suspicion of GBH and are currently in custody.

They are appealing for anyone who saw anything, has any CCTV or dash cam footage or any other information to contact us on 101 quoting incident 1245 of 1 October or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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ANOTHER 129 people were arrested on suspicion of drug driving in Essex last month as officers continue to keep you safe on the road.

There were also 99 drink driving arrests and 28 arrests for failing to provide a specimen.

It’s the eighth time in the last 12 months that the number of drug driving arrests has outstripped the number of drink driving arrests.

Temporary Chief Inspector Sharn Taylor, Head of Roads Policing, said: “We’ve now seen more than 1,300 people arrested for drug driving so far this year and while that may appear concerning, it reflects the fact we’re better equipped than ever to identify drug drivers.

“More than 600 officers across the force trained to use our drug wipes meaning if you’re behind the wheel with cocaine or cannabis in your system, you’re more likely than ever to be stopped and caught.

“Drugs can significantly impact your ability behind the wheel – they can reduce your reaction time and impair your co-ordination and judgement – and the consequences can be fatal.

“Even if you consumed drugs the day before getting in your car, they’ll still be in your system so if you’re tested you could still give a positive test and be arrested.

“If you’re convicted of drug driving you’ll lose your licence and that could mean you lose your job, your home, and even your family.

“Is the high worth that low?

“My officers will continue to proactively tackle the issue. It’s just another way we’re protecting Essex and keeping you safe on the roads.”

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A GRAYS man was jailed for two weeks after vandalising the doors of a local pub.

Leon Durling, aged 38, of London Road, Grays pleaded guilty to the following at Basildon magistrates court.

On 02/09/2019 at Grays without lawful excuse, damaged two window panes to the value of £200.00 belonging to The Oak Public House intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged

Durling had committed the offence during the operational period of a suspended sentence order made by South Essex Magistrates Court on 19/11/2018 for the offences of criminal damage on 22/07/2018, breach of restraining order on 22/07/2018 and criminal damage on 06/01/2017.

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THURROCK Labour party’s parliamentary candidate John Kent has called for more action to combat violent crime in the borough following news that it has risen substantially.

Thurrock councillors heard in a report this week that offences involving violence against a person have almost doubled inside a year.

Other crimes, including sexual offences, robbery with violence, theft and criminal damage are also up.

Mr Kent says: “This is a shocking indictment of the lack of investment in proper policing in Thurrock – once again the borough has been left at the back of the queue when it comes to investment in fighting crime.

“We have seen and heard a lot of comment from the Tory Crime Commissioner, Tory politicians – including our local MP Jackie Doyle-Price and the Tory-led cabal that run Thurrock Council. They tell us time and time again that things are getting better, there is more investment and war is being waged on criminals.

“The stark facts show that to be a load of baloney. Here in Thurrock we have seen three police stations close and crimes of “Violence against the person” have risen by 44.6% in the last year – whilst Essex Police has lost a thousand police officers and Community Support Officers since 2010.

“People in Thurrock are not just living in fear of crime – they are living with the reality of violent crime on their doorsteps and on the borough streets.

“Talk is cheap and it’s time to stop talking and start taking action. The people of Thurrock know the reality of crime because they face it on a daily basis and it’s time we had politicians in power who face up to that same reality, not pretend everything in the Thurrock garden is rosy.”

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THE leader of a drug dealing gang has been sentenced to 19 weeks after he breached an injunction by making a so called ‘drill’ music video with lyrics about using guns and carrying out violence against rivals.

Roland Douherty, 19, who heads up the so-called C17 gang, can be heard in the music video, called ‘Bro Code’, rapping about “pulling the trigger twice on a gun”, dealing drugs and carrying weapons.
Chelmsford County Court heard how the video was posted online on June 30 this year, nine months after Douherty was made the subject of a tough gang injunction.

Under the terms of the court order, as well as banning Douherty from large parts of Thurrock, the order prevents him from: featuring in any audio or video online that is threatening, abusive, insulting, incites, violence, promotes criminal activity, shows weapons or makes reference to gang affiliations and the C17; and congregating in a public place in a group of two or more where the group is behaving in a way likely to make a personal feel intimidated or afraid for their safety.

Despite the injunction being imposed in September 2018, the court heard the video was posted online in June of this year.

Douherty disputed that the video made reference to his drug dealing or use of guns but a drill translation provided by an Essex Police expert showed he makes constant reference to using knives and guns and warning his enemies “not to cause problems it they can’t handle the come-back”.

The court found Douherty, formally of Cardinal Road, Chafford Hundred, guilty of breaching his injunction by featuring in the ‘Bro Code’ drill video.

Following the hearing Sgt Scott Fitzmaurice of Essex Police’s West Operation Raptor team said: “The C17 gang thought they could get away with selling drugs, preying on the young and vulnerable and committing violent crime in Thurrock – we proved them wrong and secured an injunction.

“Now the leader of the gang, Roland Douherty, clearly believes he can continue to be involved in gang-related violence and use drill music videos to continue and escalate the violent rivalry between C17 and other gangs – we proved him wrong.

“We are not prepared to allow Douherty, the C17 gang or any gang for that matter to promote hateful message that advocate and incite violence, the use of weapons and drug dealing.

“We will continue to target members of this gang who breach the injunction, arresting them and putting them before the court.”

Chief Supt Tracey Harman, Essex Police’s lead for Operation Raptor said: “I hope the sentencing of Douherty leaves other members of this gang in no doubt that we will continue to enforce the injunction that we worked so hard, with the support of our partners, to secure.

“However this case also highlights the need for social media providers to audit their content so that violent drill videos which incite gang rivalries and violence, do not find their way on to these platforms.

“Violent drill videos continue to be posted online where they are consumed by young people who may think the gang lifestyle is glamorous. However our translation of just one part of the music video in this case shows the content of some drill videos is often violent. We hope our translation of this music video serves to show young people, their parents and the wider community of the harmful and hateful nature of some of this content. ”

Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: “This prosecution shows the power of the injunction we and Essex Police have put in place to curtail the activities of this criminal gang. By jailing the leader of this criminal gang for 19 weeks we send a tough message that we mean business and this sort of activity will not be tolerated.

“This is the latest member of this gang jailed and another excellent example of how our collaboration with Essex Police in stamping down on criminal gangs is having real results. Members of this gang are involved in horrific crimes including selling drugs, committing violent assaults and preying on young and vulnerable girls.

“The injunction has already had a positive effect and I can assure our residents that we will continue working with Essex Police to protect our communities and help them feel safer.

“We still need residents to report criminal activities. This can be done anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or through 101 or 999 if it is an emergency.”

A total of 11 members of the C17 gang have now been put before the court and handed down the tough restrictions.

Under the terms of the order gang members are banned from: entering Grays town centre, park, Lakeside and Grays Beach Riverside Park.

They are also banned from making drill videos, wearing hoodies or face coverings, associating with C17 members and, for some, being in the company of girls aged under 16. The gang members must also give Essex Police all details of their social media profiles.

The gang first came to the attention of the Operation Raptor team in May 2017 as they became heavily involved in drug dealing and violence.

The gang had been plaguing the town centre, town park and beach areas of Grays as well as Lakeside, dealing drugs in those areas and committing crime and disorder.

Evidence gathered by police, included detail of how the gang have preyed on young children in the community, enticing them into the gang and then exploiting them by getting them to run drugs, carry cash from deals or knives.

The younger members are also used to act as “spotters” or “distracters” to look out for police whilst others are carrying out deals.

The C17 are also known to target vulnerable drug users, using violence and intimidation to take over their homes for use as a drug dealing base (a practice known as ‘cuckooing’).

Violence around the gang is mainly borne out of rivalry with other gangs and drug lines. The violence and rivalry has played out in numerous so-called ‘drill’ music videos filmed by members of C17 which feature weapons and provocative language and gestures.

Drill is a type of rap music that originated in South Chicago in America. It features dark, violent lyrics and often used to perpetuate and even escalate gang disputes.

If you spot the C17 gang in areas of Thurrock which they are banned from or breaching any of the specified terms of the order, call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Essex Police set up Operation Raptor teams in the North, South and West of the county to tackle drug and gang-related violence.

The county court case against Roland Douherty was heard on Thursday October 3.

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A Section 60 Authority has been authorised for 48 hours in South Ockendon from 3.05pm on Saturday 5 October, until 3.05pm on Monday 7 October, following reports of an assault and two robberies in the town earlier today, Saturday 5 October.

Police were called with reports that a teenage boy had been assaulted whilst in Dilks Park around 4am this morning by a group of teenage boys.

It was later reported shortly after 12.30pm, a group of four to five teenage boys approached another teenage boy and his friends whilst they were on Dalglen Drive and stole the boy’s jacket.

A short time later at around 1.30pm, it was reported that a group of teenagers approached a teenager on Derwent Parade, threatened him with a knife and stole a speaker and some change.

A Section 60 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 Authority allows Constables in uniform to use this power to stop and search anyone, specifically to prevent and detect the carrying of dangerous instruments or offensive weapons. Reasonable grounds for suspicion are not required to exercise a Section 60 search.

“We are not ruling out that these incidents are connected” said Grays local policing team Inspector, Paul Austin.

“Our main concern is keeping our community safe and preventing any more of these crimes from happening in our town.

“A Section 60 Authority is an effective tool to help officers disrupt criminal activity, take weapons off the streets and keep our community safe.”

Officers continue to investigate and are appealing for anyone who witnessed today’s incident, saw any suspicious behaviour in the town or has any information to contact Grays local policing team on 101 r alternatively information can been given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers.

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AN independent inspection of Essex Police has found the force to be outstanding at accurately recording crime and highlights victims are at the forefront of our processes.

The HMICFRS inspection took place this year and Essex was one of 39 forces judged against how crimes are recorded in line with national standards.

Our performance has been graded as the strongest of all the 39 forces inspected, and it’s been highlighted that we had substantially improved since the last inspection in 2014.

Crime reports between 1 August 2018 and 31 January 2019 were examined, and based on that sample the inspectorate found that in over 95 per cent of cases Essex Police accurately records crimes reported to the force.

Deputy Chief Constable Pippa Mills said: “I’m really proud of this result and really proud of all the officers, staff and specials whose excellent work on crime recording has led to us being judged as outstanding in this report. HMICFRS completed a thorough inspection of our crime reports and found that we accurately record 95.8 per cent, which is a huge improvement on our previous performance.

“We will build on this promising result and ensure that we do everything we can to protect victims by recording crimes accurately.

“We are not complacent of our outstanding grading or being named as the strongest of the 39 forces inspected. I am pleased that the inspectors found that ‘victims are at the forefront of our crime recording arrangements’, which demonstrates how we make protecting victims our main effort.

“The inspectors found that we still have some work to do in ensuring we record every crime correctly. Their inspection estimated around 6,700 crimes per year are incorrectly recorded. In the 12 months to August 2019, Essex Police recorded a total of 166,959 crimes which would mean the estimate of those not recorded correctly would make up 4 per cent of this total.

“I am really pleased that in the vast majority of crimes recorded on our system are recorded correctly, and this is down to a great deal of hard work from both officers and police staff. Work is continuing to ensure we improve even further.”

Roger Hirst, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, is delighted that Essex Police has been graded as ‘outstanding’ by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) for crime recording.

He said: “The inspectors have found that Essex is one of the top three forces in the country. This is great news and really commends the commitment officers and staff have to getting it right and doing the best they can for the people of Essex. It is impressive and gives people confidence in their police force.

“Good data is the basis for good policing decisions, and makes sure the force can deploy the right resources to the right places, so Essex Police can be as efficient and effective as possible.”

“Our scrutiny of Essex Police is on-going and we will hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure that this progress and improvement continues, with recording rates and processes getting even better. The future looks really positive for Essex Police. Thank you to everyone for their hard work and dedication.”

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THURROCK Council joined forces with colleagues from Essex Police and the Environment Agency on Tuesday (8 October) in an operation at an illegal waste site in South Ockendon where thousands of tonnes of waste has been dumped.

The operation came about thanks to liaison work taking place between the council and the Environment Agency.

Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: “This shows the kind of joined up working taking place to tackle environmental issues and large scale fly-tips in Thurrock. This site is enormous with a pile of waste over 30 feet tall covering an area more than half-a-mile long.

“It appears the site has been used for the disposal of waste at a criminal level and by working together we, the Environment Agency and the Police have shown that we will not tolerate environmental crime in the borough and will take whatever action is necessary to make sure sites like this are dealt with. Those responsible will face the appropriate consequences which should act as a deterrent to others and help to protect the borough for our residents to enjoy.”

Emma Viner, Enforcement Team Leader, Environment Agency, said: “The Environment Agency is leading the investigation into a number of alleged offences at this site. We are working collaboratively with our partners to bring those responsible to justice.

“Waste crime can pose a significant risk to our environment, local communities and undermines legitimate business. The Environment Agency is taking tough action to tackle organised criminality and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where offences are identified.”

Chief Inspector Terry Balding, head of the Essex Police Rural Engagement Team, said: “Rural crime can take place in a number different forms and the Essex Police Rural Engagement Team has key priorities which include fly-tipping.

“We will work with all agencies to protect the Essex countryside and its people. The Rural Engagement Team has almost doubled in size and will continue to grow to increase confidence within the rural communities across the county.”

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A GRAYS woman has pleaded guilty to driving away without paying for fuel.

Christine Ottway, aged 27, of Goldsmith Road, Grays pleaded guilty at Basildon magistrates court to the following.

On 04/03/2019 at Stanford-le-Hope, knowing that payment on the spot for goods supplied, namely fuel, was required or expected from you, dishonestly made off without having paid as required or expected and with intent to avoid payment of £20.07.

On 11/04/2019 at Basildon, knowing that payment on the spot for goods supplied, namely fuel, was required or expected from you, dishonestly made off without having paid as required or expected and with intent to avoid payment of £8.01

Ottway was fined a total of £323.00

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ESSEX Police are appealing for information about an arson in Grays where a fence was set alight.

A spokesperson said: “We were called at around 1.45am on Tuesday 8 October after three men were seen throwing a bottle full of accelerant at a fence belonging to a business in Manor Road.

We would like to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour or knows of anyone who suffered either burns or injuries to their hands.

We would like to hear form anyone with dash cam footage.

Please call Grays CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/160315/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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A GRAYS man is set to stand trial over a number of assault charges.

Dylan Siggers, aged 21, of The Chase, Grays has been charged with the following.

1. On 26/03/2019 at Grays assaulted a female by beating and the offence was racially aggravated within the terms of section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998

2. On 09/05/2019 at Grays assaulted a male by beating him.

Siggers has pleaded not guilty.

He has been remanded on bail until December 20th, 2019 at Basildon magistrates court.

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A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of breaching a gang injunction.

Sahin ‘SJ’ Korta-Haupt, 19, was arrested on Friday 11 October and has been detained to appear at court.

He will appear at Chelmsford County Court on Monday 28 October.

We continue to appeal for the whereabouts of 19-year-old Talliq ‘Zedz’ Mwalim in connection with a breach of the same order.

Mwalim is described as being of stocky build and is around 5ft 9ins tall. He has a short beard and short black hair worn in an afro.

He has links to the Thurrock district.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Grays police station on 101 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or submit an anonymous report through their website.

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A VALENTINE’S Day robber has been jailed for four and-a-half years.

A man in his 30s had left Grays railway station and walked along Church Path at around 8.30pm on 14 February when he was approached from behind and attacked by two men.

He received a cut to his leg and was punched in the face before being pinned from behind, threatened and had his bag and wallet stolen.

When his attackers made off he gave chase and CCTV subsequently capture the men – one of whom had a meat cleaver – running away.

Our investigation established the men had got into a taxi outside the railway station.

One of the men was dropped at the Post Office in Riverview, Chadwell St Mary.

He was then captured on CCTV going into the store and attempting, but being declined, to make a transaction.

Further enquiries identified that cards stolen from the victim’s wallet were used in a number of shops with transactions totalling more than £370.

Officers viewed these images and he was identified as 23 year-old Nathan McKenzie, of Aluric Close, Chadwell St Mary.

When he was arrested on 7 March officers recovered a knife he had been seen to dispose into a nearby bin.

He was later charged with robbery, possession of a knife in a public place, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and fraud by false representation.

He admitted the charges and, at Basildon Crown Court today (Thursday 10 October) was sentenced to four and-a-half years in prison.

Investigating officer PC Paul Lamb, from Grays CID, said: “Nathan McKenzie is a dangerous offender who appears to have few concerns about threatening violence to get what he wants.

“He carried out a litany of offences including carrying weapons in a very public place.

“This is simply not acceptable.

“Diligent work by our officers led to him being identified and he now faces significant time behind bars.

“Essex will no doubt be a safer place with him in prison and I hope he takes the opportunity to reflect on his actions.”

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AVELEY members of Thurrock Neighburhood Watch have been campaigning to highlight concerns over knife crime.

The team have been backing a number of initiatives.

Including

•Acting wisely whenever we see or found suspicious activities by keep monitoring the area as per members availability from 2 min to 2 hours.

•Running WhatsApp group from past two years

•Even members whenever at home and unable to come also monitoring through their windows with special glance( front door & background area).

• Registering new members into Thurrock neighbourhood watch

• Supplying all Neighbourhood watch stuff along with members & street Co-Ordinators guidelines

• Installing neighbourhood pole sign boards wherever members requested

• Motivating residents time to time

• Building strong confidence in the neighbourhood by working together with residents and minimising the gap between the Essex police and a common man

• Registered members getting thurrock NHW crime report weekly basis from Essex liaison officer Kevin/Terry.

• Keeping in touch with Thurrock NHW Chairman Roger Passfield time to time and seeking help.

A spokesperson said: “We are happy to have the support of Thurrock Chairman Roger Passfield and Essex liaison officer Kevin Blake.

There are many more things our members are working against crime and maintaining the area safe and secure most of the time.

“We can see a significant decrease in crime rate since we started working with Thurrock Neighbourhood Watch.

“People are getting to trust us and showing their interest & joining us”.

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SIX men have appeared in court today to answer charges of murder in connection with the death of Trevor Cowan in Grays.

Mr Cowan, 35, was taken ill at an address in Parsonage Road on Thursday 18 April and, sadly, later died in hospital.

Investigations have established that Mr Cowan had been assaulted on the evening of 12 April.

David Guwazah, 38, of Leighton Gardens, Basildon, Jamie Dowman, 34, of Raphael Avenue, Tilbury, Jamie Sheppard, 29, of Rainham Road South, Dagenham, Alfie Livett, 20 of Leighton Gardens, Tilbury, and Harry Millington, 27, of Salisbury Road, Grays, Robert Grant, 28, of Townmead Road, London SW6 appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 17 October following a ruling of the High Court.

A seventh man, Stephen Moloney, 46, of Crow Lane Romford, did not appear but was represented by his counsel.

All seven have now been charged with murder, aggravated burglary, and two counts of assault by beating

They are due to stand trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on 6 January.

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ESSEX Police are appealing for witnesses who saw a man being assaulted in Grays.

The 40-year-old victim was punched and needed surgery for a broken jaw.

The incident happened shortly after 12.30am on Saturday 12 October on the forecourt of the Esso petrol station on the A1013 Stanford Road, Grays.

We have spoken to a number of witnesses but are looking to speak to anyone else who was in the area at the time who saw what happened.

The suspect was described as a man with blond hair, who was driving a black Ford Focus.

Witnesses are asked to call DC Nicola Hadfield at Grays CID on 101 quoting reference 42/162535/19.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

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