ESSEX Police are appealing for information after statues recognising fallen war heroes were damaged in Purfleet.

Police received reports that Tommy Silhouettes were vandalised at Purfleet Garrison Community Centre, off Centurion Way, between 8pm on Friday 29 May and 10am on Saturday 30 May.

A number of statues were ripped from their stands and others were broken.

Chief Inspector Natalia Ross said: “The statues were put in place to commemorate those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars.

“They were enjoyed by the community and centre visitors who wanted to pay their respects.

“Sadly, they were damaged – possibly beyond repair – in despicable acts this weekend.

“A dedicated officer has been allocated to the investigation to look into the circumstances and to find those responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Grays police station on 101 quoting crime reference 42/76981/20.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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TWO men have been arrested in connection with an incident in which a man was threatened with an imitation firearm in Grays last month.

The 24-year-old from Kempston in Bedfordshire and 23-year-old from Bedford were arrested yesterday, Sunday 31 May, on suspicion of robbery and remain in custody for questioning.

A man and a woman had driven to Lodge Lane at about 10.30pm on Sunday 17 May for a pre-arranged meeting. When they arrived, a man got into their car, a silver Lexus, and threatened the man inside before stealing a quantity of cash.

Police are continuing to progress our investigation and anyone with information who has yet to come forward is asked to call Grays CID on 101 quoting reference 42/70276/20 or report online at https://www.essex.police.uk

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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MORE than 10 people a day were arrested on suspicion of drug driving during May as our officers continue to keep you safe on our roads.

Officers made a record 331 drug driving arrests last month – an increase of more than 25 percent on the previous record in April.

Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, said: “These figures indicate how big of an issue drug driving is in Essex.

“With the roads having been quieter than usual and the number of incidents reported to us having fallen in the last couple of months, our officers have been able to carry out more proactive stops on our roads.

“This is not a case of more people drug driving. This is a case of us being able to identify more suspected drug drivers.

“We know that for many drug drivers, using drugs is a life-style choice, part of their daily routine and something they’ve done for years.

“But that is no excuse.

“And drugs can stick around in your system for days after you’ve last had them.

“So just because you don’t feel stoned or you don’t feel your driving is impaired, you could still fail a roadside drug wipe.

“If you get caught drug driving you could lose your licence. If you lose your licence you could lose your job. If you lose your job you might not be able to pay your bills so you could lose your home.

“Even worse, you kill or seriously hurt yourself or someone else.

“Is the high worth the low?

So far this year, we’ve made 1,049 drug driving arrests – more than the whole of 2018 and already more than half the number for the whole of 2019.

Mr Pipe added: “My officers will continue to be working proactively to keep Essex’s roads safe.

“If you’re stopped for any traffic offence and an officer suspects you may have drugs in your system, the will carry out a drug wipe test.

“There are more than 500 officers across Essex trained to use drug wipes so if you drug drive, you’re really likely to get caught.

“And these figures just emphasise that.”

In May officers also made 127 drink driving arrests and 51 failing to provide a specimen arrests.

If you have any information about a drink or drug driver please call us on 101 or 999 if it’s an emergency.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The post Record number of drug driving arrests in May appeared first on Your Thurrock.

DETECTIVES are appealing for information following and aggravated burglary in Richmond Road, Grays.

They received reports yesterday, Tuesday 2 June that three men had broken into a property and assaulted a young man.

They have been described as in their early 20s.

A teenager was taken to hospital with a head injury.

They believe this to be a targeted incident.

Anyone with information is asked to please call us on 101 quoting crime reference 42/78885/20.

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

The post Appeal after aggravated burglary in Grays appeared first on Your Thurrock.

AT the end of National Volunteers Week, Roger says a huge thank to you everyone who volunteers across Essex, each one playing a key role in helping to keep the county safe not just during these times of COVID-19 but every day of the year.

Roger has a weekly briefing with Kit Malthouse MP, Minister for Policing and the Fire Service. He also receives regular updates from leaders from Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

“Hello. I’m Roger Hirst, your Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. This week’s been National Volunteers Week. Volunteers make a huge difference and I want to say a big thank you to you all.

This year, in fact, more than ever, those who give up their time to help others have shown how invaluable they are, in fact you are!

Without you we wouldn’t be able to provide the significant public services that help keep people safe, and even more importantly it is through volunteering and the work that you do that we create the communities we want to live in.

You bring our services closer to people and create the community spirit that has shone so brightly in these difficult times.

I’ve heard some amazing stories of how people across Essex have stepped up to volunteer their skills in different ways and those who have already been volunteering have been creative and offered their services to help people in different ways to ensure vital support and help is available to those who need it.

For example, since last April our hard-working, 40 Restorative Justice volunteers have logged over 900 hours of service and have completed 63 successful outcomes for cases they have been involved with.

Whether you are one of our own PFCC volunteers working in restorative justice, custody visiting, dog welfare or volunteer for Essex Police or Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, or you volunteer through a faith group to help those in need, or you are a Neighbourhood Watch or Community Speedwatch volunteer, this is a personal thank you from me on behalf of the people of Essex who you assist so much.

Before I finish, I would just like to remind you we still all need to do all we can to Stay Alert, Control the Virus & Save Lives.

“It’s back to school and back to work but remember stay at home when possible, if you can’t work from home keep two metres apart or use gloves and a face covering, keep washing your hands regularly in soap and water, keep self-isolating if you or anyone in your household has symptoms, support local businesses and most importantly, keep looking out for each other.

Thank you so much.”

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ESSEX Police are now in a position to provisionally name the man who died following a collision on the A127 in Brentwood in the early hours of yesterday morning, Thursday 4 June.

The man who died was Colin Carle, aged 33, from Grays.

He died after a Vauxhall Astra was in collision with a lorry on Southend Arterial Road near to the A128 roundabout, Brentwood Road.

Investigations in to the collision are continuing and police would appeal for any witnesses or anyone who has dash cam footage or CCTV to contact them if they have not done so already.

You can call 101 quoting incident 69 of 4 June or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk

The post Grays man dies in road traffic collision on A127 appeared first on Your Thurrock.

ESSEX Police are appealing for help to find Amanda Carbery-Butler, 39, who is missing from Grays.

Police and her family are concerned for her welfare and anyone who knows anything about her whereabouts is asked to get in contact.

Amanda is described as 5ft 2ins tall with black curly hair. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a maroon top and pink trainers.

Anyone with information about where she is should contact police at Grays on 101.

The post Appeal for woman missing from Grays appeared first on Your Thurrock.

A PROLIFIC fly-tipper from Corringham has been forced to pay £1,460 and had their vehicle seized after being caught for a series of fly tips around Thurrock.

Thurrock’s Environment Enforcement Officers acted on reports of fly-tipping and successfully tracked down the offender on the morning of Monday 8 June with Essex Police. The offender’s large van was seized.

One of the original fly-tipping offences occurred in Howell Road in Stanford-le-Hope on Monday 18 May 2020.

Cllr Gledhill, Leader of the Council, said: “This is just another great example of our teams acting on the information provided by our residents to tackle those who blight our borough with illegal fly-tipping. The cost of clearing up fly-tipping is picked up by every tax payer in Thurrock and is therefore a crime that impacts us all financially.

“Over the past 12 months we have issued 249 fixed penalty notices for those who illegally dump rubbish in our borough. We will continue to penalise those who commit this disgusting behaviour and make it clear that this will not be tolerated in Thurrock.”

Fly-tipped waste can be reported at thurrock.gov.uk/fly-tipping. For information on the right way to dispose of different items, go to thurrock.gov.uk/recycling

The post Prolific fly-tipper in Corringham hit with heavy fine appeared first on Your Thurrock.

CONTACTS to the NSPCC’s helpline about the impact of domestic abuse on children have surged by almost a third since the start of the lockdown, to an average of one an hour.

Helpline staff responded to 1,500 contacts about domestic abuse from across the UK between 23 March and 17 May 2020, resulting in 164 referrals being made to local agencies in the East of England.

The charity argues the increased risks during the crisis further highlight the need for the Government to amend the law to recognise how the daily nightmare of violence and coercive control can impact on children and why they must have access to specialist support to recover.

The Domestic Abuse Bill is at Committee stage and in its current form fails to do that despite repeated calls from multiple experts, including the Domestic Abuse, Children’s and Victim’s Commissioners, as well as the Home Affairs Select Committee.

New analysis of 11 Serious Case Reviews, submitted to MPs as they are set to scrutinise the Bill this week, shows children have been seriously harmed and even died because domestic abuse was not always considered to be a child protection issue.

The issue has been brought to the forefront by the crisis, with 1,500 adults telling the NSPCC’s helpline since the lockdown about the risks to children who are trapped behind closed doors. 58% led to referrals or a referral update to the local authority.

In some cases, fears about the virus were exploited to withhold access to children, cut off contact to family and friends, and monitor victims’ movements under the pretext of keeping them safe from the virus. Victims said this made it difficult to leave and speak out.

“My ex-partner has taken my baby son away from me and I don’t know what to do. He stormed into the house the other day saying he was going to take the baby for a few days – he said he wouldn’t get to see him ‘til the summer cos of the lockdown. When I refused, he pushed me against the wall and took off with the baby and house keys. I’ve not heard from him since and I’m really worried about my baby’s safety. My ex can be a bit rough when he handles him, and he sometimes tell him to “shut the **** up”. I told my social worker what’s happened and they’re trying to locate him so I can get my baby back”. (Mother, NSPCC helpline)

Even though children are not always the ones to suffer physical harm, they have told Childline they feel trapped and, in some cases, it has led to depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and eating disorders.

“I really need your help; my dad has been physically abusing my mum. He has an anger problem and it’s getting out of hand. The smallest things make him angry and he starts shouting. I’m terrified of him and I’ve had enough, I can’t take it anymore – please help me!” (Boy, aged 14, Childline)

“Mum says we can’t use our ‘emergency bags’ until after coronavirus is over”. (Girl, aged 13, Childline)

NSPCC analysis of 11 Serious Case Reviews published since 2019 suggests practitioners struggled to keep their focus on children because their experiences were overshadowed by their parents’ relationship.

In one report, a victim needed to leave her home for her own safety but couldn’t take her child with her and professionals did not consider the risks for the children who were left behind being cared for by the abuser.

In another case, a perpetrator of domestic abuse killed their child and themselves during a contact visit after separating from their partner due to physical violence.

The charity is also calling for a statutory duty for local agencies to deliver specialist community-based services for these children to recover.

Emily Hilton, NSPCC Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer, said: “This crisis has shone a spotlight on children who are living with the daily nightmare of domestic abuse.
“The Bill has the chance to transform the help available for these children but, despite pleas from multiple experts, the Government is deliberately turning a blind eye to the impact it has on children.
“The Government should grasp the landmark opportunity offered by the Domestic Abuse Bill and ensure children get the protection and support they need.”

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Children can call Childline on 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline.org.uk any time of the day or night.

The post Calls about children impacted by domestic abuse soar during lockdown to highest on record appeared first on Your Thurrock.

DO you know where Martin Wall is?

Essex Police want to speak to him in connection with allegations of assault and harassment.

The 27-year-old has links to Tilbury and Grays.

He is white, 5ft 9ins tall and of medium build.

Anyone who knows of Wall’s whereabouts is asked to call Grays police station on 101.

The post Man wanted with links to Grays and Tilbury appeared first on Your Thurrock.

A MAN has died following a single vehicle collision in Stifford Hill, South Ockendon.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: “We were called shortly before 3am today (Friday 12 June)

We expect the road to remain closed though much of this morning.

We’re advising drivers to avoid the area and plan their journey.

“If you saw anything, have any CCTV or dash cam footage, or have any other information in relation to the collision please call us on 101 quoting incident 104 of 12 June or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The post Man dies following single car collision near South Ockendon appeared first on Your Thurrock.

THE High Court in Dublin has ruled that an Irish man can be extradited to the UK to face 39 charges of manslaughter and a charge of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration in connection with the deaths of 39 migrants found in a refrigerated lorry container in Grays.

Ronan Hughes, 40, from Silverstream, Tyholland, Co Monaghan, appeared at Dublin’s Central Criminal Court for his extradition hearing following the execution of a European arrest warrant in the Irish Republic in April.

Mr Hughes said nothing during the short hearing on Friday morning.

The 39 Vietnamese nationals were found in a lorry container parked on an industrial estate in Grays, Essex, on October 23 last year. Ten teenagers, including two 15-year-old boys, were among those found dead.

The High Court rejected his appeal against extradition on Friday.

The post High Court rules Irishman can be extradited to UK for manslaughter charges appeared first on Your Thurrock.

https://www.yourharlow.com/2020/06/13/police-seal-off-water-lane-after-report-of-incident/

Statement from Essex Police

A man has been taken to hospital with life threatening injuries after being shot with a gun outside an address in Harlow.

We were called shortly before 5am on Saturday 13 June with reports a man had been shot outside an address on Water Lane in Roydon, Harlow.

It was reported that a number of people had arrived in a car and fired several gunshots at a group of people who were outside the address, having attended a party there.

The men then drove off in the direction of Harlow.

A man in his 50s, from Grays, has been taken to hospital with multiple gunshot wounds in a life threatening condition.

Two women, aged in their 20s, have also been taken to hospital with single gunshot wounds, which are not considered to be life-threatening injuries at this stage.

A cordon remains in place at the property while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to contact our Major Crime Team by emailing scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk quoting incident 169 of 13 June.
Alternatively please call 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously.

The post Grays man seriously injured after being shot in Harlow appeared first on Your Thurrock.

HAVE you seen 28-year-old Reni Remblance from South Ockendon?

Essex Police would like to speak to him in connection with a fatal road traffic collision in Grays during the early hours of yesterday morning, Friday 12 June.

A police spokesperson said: “We responded to reports that a white Toyota Hilux had been involved in a single vehicle collision on Stifford Hill, after leaving the road and colliding with a tree and metal railings.

Despite efforts of officers and paramedics, a man aged in his 20s who was inside the vehicle, sadly died at the scene.

“Remblance is described as being around 5ft 10ins tall and of a stocky build. This picture is a couple years old.

“If you have any information about where he is please call us on 999. Members of the public are advised not to approach him if they see him.

“Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org”.

The post Man wanted after fatal collision on Stifford Hill appeared first on Your Thurrock.

HAVE you seen 33-year-old Terrance Purkiss from Grays?

A spokesperson said: “We would like to speak to him in connection with an incident last night, Saturday 13 June, where the driver of a black Landrover Freelander attempted to cause grievous bodily harm to a police officer.

The driver, who had been arrested on suspicion of driving offences, had refused to provide a breath test sample and to get out of the vehicle.

“As an arrest attempt was being made, the man drove away, colliding with two police cars and narrowly missing a police officer.

“Also known as Terry, Terrance Purkiss is 5ft 8ins tall, is of a slim build and also has links to the Romford area.

“Anyone with information about where he is are ask to call Grays Police Station on 101.

“Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org”.

The post Grays man wanted after driving away from drink-drive stop appeared first on Your Thurrock.

DETECTIVES have now launched a murder investigation after a man has died following a shooting in Roydon, yesterday morning, Saturday 13 June.

The man, who was aged in his 50s, was taken to hospital following reports that he had been shot multiple times outside an address on Water Lane, by a group of people in a car.

Despite efforts of medical staff, he sadly died in hospital this afternoon, Sunday 14 June.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Greg Wood said: “This is now a murder investigation and we will continue our work to find those responsible for this man’s death, and bring them to justice.

“Our investigation is progressing well and we’re beginning to build up a picture of what happened, but we still need anyone with information to come forward.

“If you saw or heard anyone leaving the area in the moments after the incident, or have any CCTV or dash cam footage, please get in contact with the team.

“It doesn’t matter how small or insignificant you think it is, it could be vital to our investigation.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact our Major Crime Team by emailing scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk referencing incident 169 of 13 June.

Alternatively please call 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously.

The post Police launch murder investigation after Grays man dies in Harlow shooting appeared first on Your Thurrock.

ESSEX Police are no longer looking for Reni Remblance who we wanted speak to in connection with a fatal road traffic collision in Grays during the early hours of yesterday morning, Friday 12 June.

A 28-year-old man from South Ockendon has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, procession of a firearm with intent and failing to appear at court.

He remains in police custody.

The post Essex Police are no longer looking for Reni Remblance appeared first on Your Thurrock.

ESSEX Police have arrested four men on suspicion of going equipped to steal vehicles after stopping a car in Chelmsford last night, Sunday 14 June.

A spokesperson said: “We stopped a vehicle in Sunrise Avenue at around 11.40pm before arresting a 24-year-old man from Stanford-le-Hope, a 21-year-old man from South Ockendon, a 26-year-old man from Tilbury and a 42-year-old of no fixed address.

“We arrested one of the men on suspicion of theft of a large amount of red diesel and we’ve seized a number of items.

“All four men remain in custody for questioning”.

The post Four Thurrock men arrested over red diesel theft appeared first on Your Thurrock.

Witness appeal to incident in Manorway

ESSEX Police are appealing for witnesses who saw a man being pushed by two men into a black Jeep style vehicle.

The 25-year-old victim was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a blue polo top, blue trainers and grey long sleeved top.

The suspects were described as being one man who was white and the other was of mixed heritage.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and has dash cam footage or saw what happened is asked to call Grays CID on 101 quoting reference 42/81195/20

You can also report online at https://www.essex.police.uk

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org. They are an independent charity and you will remain 100% anonymous.

The post Witness appeal to incident in Manorway appeared first on Your Thurrock.

HAVE you seen 36 year-old Steven Barclay who’s missing from South Ockendon?

He was reported missing on 11 June but he was last about a week earlier at an address in South Road.

Steven’s described as white, 5ft 7ins tall slim, with cropped ginger hair.

He has a scar on the side of his face and a number of tattoos including Thai writing on his left wrist, the words “My Daughter, My Princess” on his left arm.

Essex Police are really worried about him and need to find him to make sure he’s ok.

Officers have exhausted all other lines of enquiry which is why they are now asking for your help.

If you’ve seen him or have any information about where he is please call us on 101 quoting incident 1063 of 11 June.

The post Concern for man missing from South Ockendon appeared first on Your Thurrock.