OFFICERS investigating a serious assault at East Tilbury station, Essex, are today releasing CCTV images in connection.
On Wednesday 12 August between 4.40pm and 5.40pm, a group of men followed the victim through the station.
One of the men then brandished what is believed to be a hammer and struck the victim.
The victim managed to run away from the group, but suffered a fractured skull from the unprovoked attack.
Officers believe the men in the CCTV images may have information which could assist their investigation.
If you recognise them, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 415 of 12/08/20.Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A SERVING Essex Police officer who was accused of saying she had, while off duty, been in the vicinity of a serious collision when she was actually elsewhere has been found to have not committed gross misconduct.
PC Tanya Gorbutt was working for our Serious Collision Investigation Unit at the time of a collision in Grays in April 2016.
In April 2019, PC Gorbutt completed a report in relation to the incident, but it was alleged that some of the information contained within the report did not happen and at the time of the collision she had been elsewhere.
It was alleged this had breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to ‘Honesty and Integrity’ and ‘Discreditable Conduct’.
An Essex Police misconduct hearing was held at Chelmsford Civic Centre between 12 October and 13 October.
The panel, led by Legally Qualified Chair Harry Ireland, found the allegations were not proven.
Deputy Chief Constable Pippa Mills said: “Essex Police expects the highest professional standards from its officers and staff and where an individual is accused of falling below those standards we do not shy away from tackling it.
“This was a serious accusation and was rightly investigated thoroughly.
“We presented our evidence to the panel and they found the allegations were not proven.
We support colleagues throughout any investigation and will ensure PC Gorbutt continues to receive that support at the conclusion of this process.”
A LORRY driver was arrested after five suspected illegal immigrants were discovered in a vehicle near London Gateway Port in Stanford-le-Hope.
Police and the ambulance service attended.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “We were contacted shortly before 4.30pm on Tuesday, 13 October with reports that people could be heard inside a lorry trailer on Ocean Boulevard, Stanford-le-Hope.
“Officers arrived and found four men and a teenage boy inside the trailer.
“The lorry driver, a 26-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of assisting unlawful immigration. He has been released under investigation.”
OFFICERS have arrested two people on suspicion of a possession of an offensive weapon after an altercation in Lakeside Shopping Centre this evening.
An Essex Police spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a disturbance near Sketchers shortly after 5.25pm today, Monday 19 October and made our first arrest within 12 minutes of being called.
We’d like to thank shoppers and staff for their reports to us.
“We know that videos and photographs may have been taken of the disturbance and would ask that you either show these to an officer on scene, or send these in through our website to assist with our enquiries.
The incident number to quote is 884 of Monday 19 October.
DIRTY footprints in a shipment of macaroons raised suspicions of “human activity” days before the deaths of 39 migrants in a lorry container, a court has heard reports the BBC.
The bodies were discovered in the lorry in the early hours of 23 October 2019
The tragedy followed two similar successful people-smuggling runs, jurors were told.
Four men are on trial at the Old Bailey in connection with the deaths.
Boxes of macaroons and Bakewell tarts were transported along with migrants on a cross-Channel trip on 18 October last year, it is claimed.
The consignment was later rejected when haulier Christopher Kennedy dropped it off at Lenham Storage in Sittingbourne, Kent, the court heard.
In a statement read to court, warehouse worker Adam Letwizki, said: “The top layer was nice and clean but the second layer was dirty and wet as if somebody had stepped on them.
“I thought it must have been people. Clean on top, dirty underneath to try to disguise the damage.”
Warehouse manager Barbara Richmond-Clarke, who inspected the load, said the crushed boxes and footprints “confirmed to me that there had been some human activity in the trailer that was not legitimate”.
Earlier, jurors watched CCTV of an alleged successful people-smuggling trip.
On 17 October, driver Eamonn Harrison was captured on film dropping off a trailer – allegedly containing the cakes and migrants – at the port of Zeebrugge.
During the journey, the temperature in the container rose, peaking at 25.2C, an indication of the extra body heat, it is claimed.
Jurors were also shown footage of Mr Kennedy’s truck in the loading area at Purfleet.
Mr Kennedy denies being part of a people-smuggling conspiracy with fellow haulier Eamonn Harrison, 23, of Mayobridge, Co Down, and Valentin Calota, 37, of Birmingham.
Alleged key organiser Gheorghe Nica, 43, of Basildon, Essex, has admitted the conspiracy but denies 39 counts of manslaughter, as does Mr Harrison.
A MAN who died following a road traffic collision in Orsett earlier this month has been described as a “kind and loving man” who had a “wicked sense of humour”.
Sixty-five year-old taxi driver Norman Bullock from Grays died after a collision between his red Peugeot 308 and a black BMW X5 on the A128 Brentwood Road at around 4am on 5 October.
In a statement, Norman’s wife Moira said: “You were a kind a loving man, who worked hard all your life.”
“You had a wicked sense of humour and a ready smile which I miss so much”.
“You were the other half of me. Till we meet again. Love forever. Moira xxx” She added: “I would like to express my thanks for all the lovely tributes, cards, and flowers”.
“All the offers of help at this sad time, and a special thank you to Thameside Taxis for their support, help and care, especially Kevin Stoker who has been a real diamond.”
A 21 year-old man – Edvinas Pupkis, of Devonshire Road, Ilford – has been charged with causing death by careless driving, aggravated vehicle taking death caused, failing to report a collision, failing to stop.
He is next due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on 5 November.
A GRAYS woman has pleaded guilty to drinking and driving at four times over the limit.
Jackie George, aged 53, of Oakway, Grays pleaded guilty at Basildon magistrates court to the following.
On 29/05/2020 at Orsett in the county of Essex drove a motor vehicle, namely Vauxhall Corsa on a road, namely High Road, after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in your breath, namely 124 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeded the prescribed limit.
George was disqualified for two and a half years. Fined £200 and ordered to undertake unpaid work.
A MEMORIAL event paying tribute to the 39 people who died in a container lorry is being held on the first anniversary of the tragedy reports the BBC.
The bodies were discovered in the lorry in the early hours of 23 October 2019
A group of Vietnamese people suffocated in a container on 23 October 2019 as it was transported from Zeebrugge in Belgium to Purfleet in Essex.
The migrants, aged between 15 and 44, had been allegedly trapped in the trailer for 12 hours.
A trial at the Old Bailey continues in relation to the case.
Hackney Chinese Community Services (HCCS) began welcoming visitors to a shrine at its centre in Ellingfort Road, Hackney, from 10:00 GMT on Friday.
Those paying their respects lit incense, wrote tributes and sat in silence in front of a wall displaying the names of those who died.
The shrine included a poster displaying the text of poems read at funerals and a table covered in white flowers, candles and offerings of fruit, sweets and biscuits.
HCCS centre manager, Jabez Lam, 64, said the aim was to “share the experiences, the common grief and the hardships of migrant communities”.
AN officer has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after they were struck by a car on Stanford Road, Grays.
Shortly before 8am on Saturday 31 October, we were alerted to reports that an officer had sustained serious injuries after a car had been in collision with them after it initially failed to stop when directed to by the officer.
It was reported that the driver then stopped and the officer approached the vehicle on foot.
The car was said to then collided with the officer, before driving off.
The officer was taken to hospital by air ambulance with injuries that are considered to be serious, but thankfully not life changing or life-threatening.
A 45-year-old woman from Chadwell St. Mary has been arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, failing to stop and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
A 22-year-old man from Grays has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
FOLLOWING this evening’s government announcement, Assistant Chief Constable, Rachel Nolan said:
“All of us have been affected by the impact of coronavirus in some way and the enormity of this cannot be underestimated.
“Our focus has always been and will continue to be to protect and serve our communities.
“Our officers have taken a fair and common-sense approach to policing the government’s COVID-19 measures and we will continue with this approach.
“We will continue to engage with people, explain the regulations and encourage people to the right thing.
“Where reasoned attempts to encourage someone to stick to the regulations have been unsuccessful, and where necessary and proportionate, we will take enforcement action.
“We know this is a really challenging time and we’re all having to make sacrifices, but your efforts do make a difference.
“ I would like to thank all those who have followed the government legislation and guidance, taking steps to protect themselves and others and helping to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
“By following the regulations you help us to focus our main efforts on what we do best – helping people, keeping them safe and catching criminals.”
A WOMAN has been charged following an incident where a Police Officer was struck by a car in Grays on Saturday 31 October.
Shortly before 8am on Saturday 31 October, police were alerted to reports that an officer had sustained serious injuries after a car collided with her.
The officer was taken to hospital by air ambulance where she is being treated for serious but thankfully non-life changing or life-threatening injuries.
Abiola Akilla, 45, of Godman Road, Grays has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident, driving without insurance and driving otherwise in accordance with a licence.
She is due to appear at Basildon Magistrate’s Court on Monday 2 November and has been remanded in custody.
A 22-year-old man from Grays who was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice but will face no further police action.
She is due to appear at Basildon Magistrate’s Court on Monday 2 November and has been remanded in custody.
A 22-year-old man from Grays who was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice but will face no further police action.
A statement released yesterday (Sunday, 1 November) said “Last night, officers were out in force across the Thurrock district with the support of British Transport Police at Chafford Hundred.
“Officers supported colleagues from Grays local policing team with a large scale disturbance in the Chafford Hundred area, where one of our officers was assaulted and sustained minor injuries.
“Officers continued to respond to numerous reports of firework related ASB, and those caught engaging in such behaviour were dealt with appropriately.
“The night also led to three arrests, one of which was where a juvenile male was in possession of two bladed articles, and a large quantity of controlled substances and cash.”
William Anderson, aged 39, of Biggin Lane, Tilbury pleaded guilty to the following at Basildon magistrates court.
On or about 11/10/2019 at Pipps Hill Road, North, Basildon not being a registered carrier of controlled waste, in the course of your business or otherwise with a view to profit, transported controlled waste, namely Hard Core Waste Material to a place in Great Britain.
THERE was an alarming 20% rise in babies being killed or harmed during the first lockdown, Ofsted’s chief inspector Amanda Spielman has revealed.
Sixty four babies were deliberately harmed in England – eight of whom died. Some 40% of the 300 incidents reported involved infants, up a fifth on 2019.
Ms Spielman believes a “toxic mix” of isolation, poverty and mental illness caused the March to October spike.
Health staff and social workers were hampered by Covid restrictions. And many regular visits could not take place, while others were carried out remotely, using the telephone or video links.
A SERIES of attempted burglaries took place in the Chadwell St Mary area, on Wednesday 28 October.
Police are appealing for any witness who may have seen any suspicious behaviour in the early hours of the morning.
At around 2.30am a woman heard the computer console downstairs make a noise, in the morning she discovered that the TV was missing and a small amount of cash.
Damage was also caused to another two other properties with the marks found around the back-door handles.
A man described as in his 30s and wearing a black coat with a hood pulled up was seen walking away from one of the properties.
These incidents are being investigated as linked, and police would like to hear from anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage from the time. Please call 101 and ask for Grays CID, quoting reference number 42/176387/20 .
You can also contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org
ORGANISATIONS who work across Greater Essex to reduce crime and safeguard young people can now apply for a one-off grant through the Violence and Vulnerability Community Grants Fund.
This fund has been specifically created because of the impact and challenges that Covid-19 has bought upon local organisations in Essex, Southend and Thurrock who are trying to carry on supporting vulnerable children and young people at this difficult time.
Local registered charities, social enterprises and community interest companies are invited to apply for up to £10,000 for support with work relating to county lines (drugs), gangs and knife crime which has been impacted on or materialised due to Covid-19.
The Violence & Vulnerability Community Grants Fund wants to provide support via two funding streams. One is to support existing projects and interventions that are at risk of delivery due to Covid-19. The second is to help with a one-off special event or activity that is responding to a need that has arisen due to Covid.
All applications must evidence they support children and young people (up to 25 years old) involved in or at risk of serious violence to: Make positive choices that keep them safe, raise self-esteem and confidence, build resilience, improve emotional health and well-being and mental and physical health
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex said: “The purpose of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership is to reduce serious violence, the harm it causes and safeguard those at risk. In the heart of our Essex communities’, small groups and charities are working tirelessly to support young people to acquire life skills and the friendships needed to grow into happy, confident young people who reject negative influences.
“The Violence and Vulnerability Community Grants Fund wants to support this work, and particularly, while we are all still living with the worry of Coronavirus, ensure young people don’t miss out on opportunities and have activities and events to look forward to.”
Applications for funding are open between Monday, November 2 until Thursday, November 19, organisations who work in the community in Southend, Essex and Thurrock can apply. Successful applicants will be notified at the beginning of December. Awarded funds need to be spent by March 31, 2021.
The Violence and Vulnerability Unit acknowledges that we are in lockdown with reduced social contact, however the Unit is hopeful this won’t impact on any awarded grants being spent by the end of the financial year. Groups are encouraged to think creatively about how any funding could support youth work during this difficult time.
For further questions or to request an application pack (which will cover eligibility criteria, assessment details and key dates) please visit www.ecvys.org.uk
If you would like more information on this fund then email rachel@ecvys.org.uk or James.Pearson@essex.gov.uk You can also email about joining the virtual information session about the fund which will be held Monday, November 9 at 4pm.
SIX men were arrested overnight following reports of theft, from lorries in Thurrock motorway services, Grays.
We were called at around 11.30pm, on Sunday 8 November, with a report from a security guard who had seen two men cutting the curtain side of a lorry and removing the items stored inside.
Following a vehicle pursuit from the service station, a 28-year old man from Greater London, was arrested on suspicion of two counts of theft from a vehicle, failing to stop, dangerous driving and driving otherwise in accordance with a licence.
A man in his 30-year old man from Rotherhithe, was also arrested on suspicion of two counts of theft from a vehicle and dangerous driving.
Officers later located a second vehicle believed to have been involved, a 26-year old man from Romford, a 24-year old man from Tilbury, a 28-year old man from London and a 30-year old man from Tilbury, were all arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft.
THE National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has called for an urgent review into the sale of fireworks following a series of shocking incidents where they were thrown at emergency workers and members of the public.
John Apter, PFEW National Chair, said: “The dangerous, irresponsible and unlawful use of fireworks we have seen over recent days can no longer be ignored.
“We have witnessed numerous pitched battles in the streets with fireworks being used as a weapon of choice and fired indiscriminately at police officers. This is not just a ‘bit of fun’ it is a serious issue which can, and does, lead to people being badly injured.
“The current legislation is clearly not fit for purpose, and there must be a comprehensive and urgent review which should include the availability of over the counter fireworks.
“I am aware this matter has been raised in Parliament many times, but nothing has happened. This position is not sustainable for an apparently civilised society.”
Chaotic scenes unfolded during Halloween weekend and on bonfire night across the country as emergency workers and innocent bystanders were targeted in a spate of firework attacks.
There were numerous reports of them being launched at officers and firefighters in Wales, while officers from Merseyside were attacked when responding to reports of a large gathering in the Woodchurch area of Birkenhead just before 9pm.
A firework exploded inside an officer’s car in Sheffield after groups of people were throwing the explosives at parked vehicles on Halloween weekend. Luckily the officer was not harmed and got out of the vehicle in time.
Violent groups in Woolwich, London, were aiming them at buses and people and in Manchester ‘rockets’ were shot through families’ windows.
Mr Apter continued: “On behalf of my colleagues, I will be raising my concerns directly with the Home Secretary and senior leaders within policing to see what we can do to stem the increasingly criminal and inappropriate use of fireworks at this time of the year.
“This violent behaviour towards emergency service workers, who are doing their jobs and helping people in need, is totally unacceptable. There must be harsher punishments to send a clear and unequivocal message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated,” he concluded.
A FORMER star player for Grays Athletic is set to stand trial over allegations of cocaine dealing.
Stuart Thurgood, 38 of Morley Grove, Harlow was charged with conspiring to supply a Class A drug.
Thurgood appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday afternoon in a case management hearing.
He was remanded in custody.
He will make his next appearance on January 18th with a trial date set for October 18th, 2021.
Thurgood made over 200 appearances for Grays Athletic between 2003 and 2010.
He starred in both FA Trophy wins in 2005 and 2006.
====================
Original report on YourHarlow.Com
SEVEN people have been charged and will appear in court today to face drug-related offences following a series of raids across Essex, Hertfordshire, London and Suffolk.
A total of 19 people were arrested on Thursday 8 October in dawn raids including addresses in Harlow.
Christopher Golding, 38 of Hart Road, Harlow, was charged with conspiring to supply a Class A drug;
Stuart Thurgood, 38 of Morley Grove, Harlow was charged with conspiring to supply a Class A drug;
David Wilkinson, 36, of Primrose Hill, Haverhill, Suffolk was charged with conspiring to supply a Class A drug;
Lee Wilkinson, 38, of Parsonage, Leys, Harlow was charged with conspiring to supply a Class A drug;
Robert Aldred, 29, of Pittmans Field, Harlow was charged with conspiring to supply a Class A drug;
Lee Collett, 37 of Perry Spring, Harlow was charged with conspiring to supply a Class A drug and;
Agirdas Gustaits, 30, of Meadow Court, Harlow, was charged with conspiring to supply a Class A drug.
All seven were remanded in custody ahead of their appearance today and the remaining 12 people have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
