Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother Star George Gilbey Dies at 40 in Work Accident

Former Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother star George Gilbey has tragically passed away at the age of 40 following an accident at work. The TV personality, hailing from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, gained fame alongside his mother Linda McGarry and late step-father Pete on the second series of Gogglebox in 2013. Gilbey’s sudden demise comes as a […]
Operation Henhouse: over 400 arrests and £19m seized in national campaign tackling fraud

Over 400 people have been arrested in a crackdown on fraud coordinated by the National Economic Crime Centre and City of London Police. The activity, which was the third iteration of the multi-agency Operation Henhouse, ran across February and March 2024 and resulted in:
Life Sentence for Luke D’Wit: ‘Cruel and Senseless’ Baxter Murders

Luke D’Wit, described as a “pathological liar,” has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 37 years for the brutal murders of Carol and Stephen Baxter on Mersea Island. The case, meticulously investigated by Essex Police, has resulted in one of the most significant sentences ever secured in the region. During […]
Man Charged with Murder of Koray Alpergin

Detectives investigating the murder of 43-year-old Koray Alpergin in 2022 have made a significant breakthrough, as they have charged a man in connection with the case. Koray Alpergin’s lifeless body was discovered near Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate in Loughton on the morning of October 15, 2022, by officers from Essex Police. Tragically, he was pronounced […]
Man Brought to Safety After Dartford Crossing Closure

The Dartford Crossing was forced to close for more than four hours today, as officers responded to concerns for the welfare of a man on the crossing. Authorities were alerted to the situation around 6am yesterday, prompting a swift response to ensure the safety of the individual involved.
M25 Dartford Crossing Partially Closed Amid Welfare Concerns for Man

The M25 Dartford Crossing has been part closed over “concerns for the welfare of a man”.
Essex Police were called to the QE2 bridge shortly after 6am this morning (March 12).
Traffic is currently being held at the crossing while officers “work to bring the situation to a safe conclusion”.
The crossing is currently closed southbound, causing delays all the way up to junction 28 near Upminster.
Traffic is being diverted through the east-bore tunnel, so this is closed to drivers travelling northbound.
READ MORE – Live updates as Dartford Crossing closed Southbound due to police investigation
The coastguard was also sent out earlier today, with Gravesend RNLI confirming they were assisting police at the Dartford Crossing.
A spokesperson said that the lifeboat currently remains at the scene.
Essex Police said on X: “We of course understand this action will impact on people’s journeys and we will provide an update on the situation as soon as we practically can.
“We would urge patience as we work to resolve the incident.”
National Highways has said that the incident is expected to impact journeys throughout the morning, with normal traffic conditions not expected until after 10am.
If you feel affected by what has happened and wish to find support, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 via phone for a confidential chat or email [email protected]
Five Charged in Connection with Shooting Incident in Essex Village

Essex Police have charged five individuals in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in the village of North Weald in Essex. The incident, which involved gunfire directed at a vehicle on High Road, took place around 1 am on February 12 last year. Following the reports of the firearm incident, Essex Police launched an […]
Nurse with Child in Car Runs Over Essex Police Officer After Being Stopped for Speeding

A harrowing incident unfolded in Grays, Essex, when a driver, stopped for speeding, ran over an Essex Police officer while having her child in the back of the car. Abiola Akilla, without a license or insurance, encountered PC Caroline Green during a routine stop on Stanford Road in Grays.
Man Charged with Causing Death by Dangerous Driving After Fatal M25 Crash

A man from London has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after two people were killed a crash on the M25.
Zoe Hawes, from Canvey Island in Essex, was travelling to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th birthday when she was killed between junctions 22 and 21A at 4am on February 4.
A second man, travelling in a different vehicle, was also killed in the incident.
On Tuesday (February 20) Barancan Nurcin, 22, of High Road in Tottenham, was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The crash took place at around 4am between junctions 22 (London Colney) and 21A (North Orbital Road/St Albans).
Four vehicles were involved – a white Citroen Dispatch van, a silver DFSK 580 Glory, a silver Skoda Superb and a black Peugeot 5008.
Hertfordshire Police said: “Officers in a marked vehicle had been in pursuit of the van shortly before the collision. The pursuit was quickly abandoned as the officers assessed that the risk of continuing was too high.
“As a matter of course, the incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who are now investigating and Essex Police are conducting a criminal investigation into the collision.”
Zoe’s family have since paid tribute to a “wonderful mummy and nanna” who was the centre of their family.
They said: “Zoe was the heart of our blended family. She was a role model to everyone and the centre of our family.
“She was a very much loved mum, step mum, sister, aunt and lovely young nanna. She was a friend to many.
“She was very much looking to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th with her husband. Sadly a holiday and birthday she didn’t get to celebrate.
“We are all trying to pull together as a family and are devastated to lose Zoe in this tragic way.
“We wouldn’t have changed her for the world and she leaves an enormous hole in our family that will never be filled.
“We love you and will miss you forever xx”.
Anyone with information on the incident is being encouraged to come forward by contacting the police on 999 or by emailing Essex Police at [email protected].
Dealer Jailed in Landmark Essex Police Nitrous Oxide Supply Case

Essex Police have secured a significant conviction in a landmark case concerning the supply of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, as part of a larger drug distribution operation. Thomas Salton, 30, was apprehended by patrolling officers during a traffic stop in Basildon on Friday, December 1. Upon inspection of his vehicle, a Range […]
Trio Involved in ‘Tony’ Cocaine Line Sentenced in Major UK Police Success

Trio Behind “Tony” Cocaine Line Sentenced Jonid Cufaj, Julian Cufaj, and Urim Peraj have been sentenced for their roles in the “Tony” cocaine distribution network, which ran from Essex to Eastbourne, marking a significant crackdown on drug distribution networks by UK police forces.
This sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on January 31 is a key achievement in the ongoing efforts to tackle the distribution of class A drugs in Eastbourne. The investigation that led to the arrests of Jonid, Julian, and Urim showcased the dedication of police forces to fight drug-related crime within communities.
Chief Inspector Di Lewis praised the collaborative effort involving Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police, and Sussex’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, which was instrumental in bringing down the “Tony” drug line. This operation was part of wider initiatives, including Project Adder and Operation Orochi, aimed at cutting off County Lines drug operations that significantly impact local communities.
The investigation revealed how the Cufaj brothers coordinated the supply chain, with Urim Peraj distributing in Eastbourne. The seizure of drugs and mobile phones was critical in securing convictions against the trio, demonstrating the police’s strategic approach to disrupting the drug supply networks.
Jonid Cufaj was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for his involvement in supplying class A drugs, while Julian Cufaj and Urim Peraj also received significant sentences for their participation. This outcome sends a strong message about the consequences of engaging in drug trafficking.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Pair Arrested in Colchester After Police Officers Strangled

Two individuals, a man and a boy, have been arrested following an incident where two police officers were reportedly “assaulted and strangled” in Colchester, Essex. According to Essex Police, the officers were attacked around 22:30 GMT on Saturday while responding to reports of an altercation involving three individuals on North Station Road in Colchester. Initial […]
Investigators Seek Motorist Involved in Serious Collision on A2 near Dartford

Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is continuing its enquiries to locate a motorist involved in a serious collision on the A2 near Dartford. The incident occurred at approximately 10:40 pm on Friday, February 16, 2024, on the Watling Street coastbound carriageway, situated between the A296 and Ebbsfleet junctions.
Manhunt launched for driver after Serious A2 Collision near Dartford: Witnesses Wanted

Investigators are seeking witnesses following a serious collision on the A2 near Dartford. At around 10.40pm on Friday 16 February 2024 officers were called to a multi-vehicle collision on the Watling Street coastbound carriageway between the A296 and Ebbsfleet junctions.
‘Cowardly’ Gunman Found Guilty of Attempted Murder After Shooting in Essex Car Park

In a chilling case that has shocked the community, Adam Valli, described as a “cowardly” gunman, has been convicted of attempted murder after shooting his best friend in a car park in Essex. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of May 14 last year on Frobisher Way, Shoeburyness, left the victim with a […]
Police Appeal for Information Following Serious Assault in Tilbury

Police are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding a serious assault that occurred in Tilbury on Saturday night. The incident took place on Calcutta Road shortly after 9:45 pm, when emergency services responded to reports of a man being assaulted by a group of individuals. The victim, a man in his […]
Man Charged with Murder After Woman Found Dead in Chelmsford Village

Essex Police have charged a 47-year-old man with murder following the tragic discovery of a woman’s body inside a house in Chelmsford. The incident unfolded on Friday, February 9, when authorities responded to reports of a suspicious man at a property in Readers Court, Chelmsford. Upon arrival, police found a woman, aged in her 60s, […]
Mother-of-Eight Killed in Tragic M25 Crash After Police Pursuit

A family is grieving after a devastating collision on the M25 near London claimed the life of a beloved mother-of-eight and grandmother. Zoe Hawes, 40, of Canvey Island, Essex, tragically lost her life in a collision involving a stolen van and three other vehicles on Sunday. Her husband, who was travelling with her to celebrate […]