Essex news

• Police assessing information on Stansted Airport flights relating to Jeffrey Epstein

  17-02-2026 21:03
  
  Essex Police are assessing information surrounding private flights in and out of Stansted Airport relating to the Epstein files.
  
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• Two men arrested after attempted raid at jewellers

  17-02-2026 19:47 via bbc.com
  Police say "substantial damage" was caused to a jewellery shop and two men remain in custody.
  
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• Young boy, 12, rewarded for determination to save £200 for special scooter

  17-02-2026 18:00
  
  Sonny Hornsey, 12, who was determined to work and earn money to save for a special scooter has been rewarded for his hard work with the scooter itself.
  
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• We enjoyed a delicious treat at Timbers during its Pancake Day showdown

  17-02-2026 18:00
  
  Timbers in Colchester served up the perfect pancake on Tuesday, as it went head-to-head with its neighbouring site, Cafe 21 in a Pancake Day showdown.
  
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• Two major events to celebrate Chinese New Year announced in Harwich and Clacton

  17-02-2026 18:00
  
  Celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 in Essex with Colchester Chinese Culture Society events in Harwich and Clacton.
  
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• MP visits Stanway Garden Centre to discuss pressures on industry

  17-02-2026 18:00
  
  Witham MP Priti Patel visited Stanway Garden Centre to discuss pressures on the horticultural sector.
  
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• Councillor responds to government's Essex and UK elections U-turn

  17-02-2026 18:00
  
  It was announced on Monday that the government has abandoned plans to postpone elections across 30 councils this May after receiving advice from lawyers following a legal challenge from Reform UK.
  
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• Colchester's 'most dangerous streets' revealed

  17-02-2026 18:00
  
  Colchester crime hotspots revealed - Charter Way and George Street among the top ten according to Police.uk street-level data.
  
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• Colchester animal rescue saves 'bleeding' tawny owl found in village road

  17-02-2026 18:00
  
  Colchester Owl Rescue members were called out to reports of a tawny owl in Keeler's Lane, in Wivenhoe, on Monday.
  
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• Your Voice – on your local BBC

  17-02-2026 17:24 via bbc.com
  Tell your local BBC team about the issues you would like to see them investigate.
  
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• Former Essex police special constable found guilty of gross misconduct

  17-02-2026 17:21
  
  A former Essex Special Constable has been found to have committed gross misconduct.
  
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• New forum to launch offering a pint and friendly debate at Colchester pub

  17-02-2026 15:21
  
  Two Colchester based figures are inviting residents to the Queen Street Brewhouse to debate current issues in a friendly pub atmosphere this week.
  
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• Family-run independent Essex restaurant named on Michelin Guide for 11th year

  17-02-2026 15:00
  
  Family-run Rubino Kitchen named in the prestigious Michelin Guide for the 11th consecutive year.
  
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• Return of Topshop hailed as major boost to city

  17-02-2026 14:52 via bbc.com
  Shoppers share their excitement at the retailer's return, five years after its branches closed.
  
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• Popular high street brand that vanished makes exciting comeback in Essex

  17-02-2026 14:40
  
  Essex are set to welcome back a much-loved fashion name as Topshop returns to physical stores.
  
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• Police investigate 'shocking' burglary at Tesco petrol station in Colchester

  17-02-2026 14:32
  
  An Essex Police spokesperson said: “We are investigating reports of a burglary at a petrol station in Greenstead Road, Colchester.
  
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• Amazon van rescued from mudflats

  17-02-2026 14:32 via bbc.com
  The van got trapped on the tidal mudflats after the delivery driver followed GPS instructions.
  
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• Clacton road closed both directions after fallen power cables causing delays

  17-02-2026 14:15
  
  Drivers are facing disruption as the B1027 Clacton Road at St Osyth has been closed in both directions due to fallen power cables.
  
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• Clacton road closed both directions after fallen power cables cause delays

  17-02-2026 14:15
  
  Drivers are facing disruption as the B1027 Clacton Road at St Osyth has been closed in both directions due to fallen power cables.
  
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• Award-winning Colchester dentist offering free check-ups for children

  17-02-2026 14:05
  
  The Dental Studio offering the service to children under the age of 16 on Wednesday from its practice in Bergholt Road, Colchester.
  
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• Abberton celebrated for secret war role

  17-02-2026 13:50 via bbc.co.uk
  A blue plaque has been awarded to Abberton Reservoir for its role in the Dambusters raid.
  
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• Jury retires in trial of aspiring rapper charged after fatal XL bully attack

  17-02-2026 13:01
  
  The Honourable Justice Mr Jeremy Johnson summarised the evidence presented in the case against Ashley Warren at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday.
  
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• New sentencing date for man living at Wethersfield Immigration Centre

  17-02-2026 13:00
  
  The sentencing of a man living at Wethersfield Immigration Centre has been adjourned for a final attempt to write a report.
  
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• 'Hidden' pothole causes £700 damage to car in Essex road

  17-02-2026 13:00
  
  Enya Nicole, 32, was driving from Ipswich to Fordham to visit her mother's friend, who was unable to attend her funeral.
  
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• Free lunchtime organ recitals will be held at historic Colchester site

  17-02-2026 13:00
  
  Lunchtime organ concerts are continuing at Colchester's Moot Hall, featuring the recently restored Edwardian organ.
  
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• Colchester musician putting on new gig series for emerging artists

  17-02-2026 13:00
  
  Colchester songwriter Dean Frost is launching a new series of live concerts offering folk music lovers the chance to see emerging musicians.
  
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• 'Sorry doesn’t cut it’ - Essex Police campaign tackles domestic abuse

  17-02-2026 12:52
  
  Essex Police is launching the next stage of its award-winning campaign, Reflect, aiming to introduce new skills to help individuals confront their own behaviours.
  
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• Colchester men arrested after £800 spree of Co-op shop thefts across Essex

  17-02-2026 12:51
  
  One of the men had been convicted earlier this month for shoplifting offences totalling more than £1,000.
  
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• Eight Essex artists among 12 to win bursary prize

  17-02-2026 11:00
  
  Twelve artists from Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk win the £5,700 Firstsite Collectors’ Group Bursary Awards 2025.
  
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• Colchester garden centre announces re-opening date for miniature railway

  17-02-2026 10:50
  
  Poplar Nurseries miniature railway is set to reopen later this month, after maintenance repairs were delayed due to wet weather conditions.
  
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• University of Essex forms partnership with domestic abuse prevention charity

  17-02-2026 10:25
  
  The University of Essex has announced a new partnership with domestic abuse prevention charity, The Change Project.
  
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• Tesco apologises to shoppers as 'do not eat' warning issued due to salmonella

  17-02-2026 10:24
  
  During testing, Tesco detected salmonella in the fruit product sold at supermarkets across the UK
  
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• What to do if you have measles - symptoms and when to call for a doctor or 999

  17-02-2026 10:21
  
  From cold-like symptoms to a rash and white spots, here are the symptoms of measles and when you should get medical help.
  
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• Colchester Zoo shares happy update following birth of endangered chimp

  17-02-2026 09:56
  
  A baby chimpanzee is said to be doing well and growing bigger each day, following her birth at Colchester Zoo in January.
  
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• Collection of Iron Age gold coins found by Essex man to fetch £25,000

  17-02-2026 09:50
  
  A large hoard of Iron Age gold coins have been unearthed by a university professor near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.
  
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• Rail fans flock to Essex stations to see for new £5m freight trains

  17-02-2026 09:48
  
  Rail enthusiasts flocked to see the debut of pioneering new freight locomotives.
  
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• Essex among least affected UK areas for driving test delays and rising costs

  17-02-2026 09:42
  
  A study, carried out by EzLicence, has revealed Essex is one of the least affected areas of the UK for long driving test waits and expensive lessons.
  
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• Two Essex women banned from keeping horses for causing suffering

  17-02-2026 09:41
  
  Two Essex woman were banned from keeping horses after causing suffering to two stallions
  
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• LIVE: Lane blocked on A12 Londonbound following crash near M25

  17-02-2026 08:50
  
  Hello and welcome to our live blog. Here we will be keeping you updated on the A12 Londonbound, where a lane is blocked following a collision near the M25.
  
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• Lane blocked on A12 London-bound following crash near M25

  17-02-2026 08:41
  
  One lane of the A12 London-bound is blocked following a collision prior to the M25, with delays along the Brentwood bypass.
  
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• Topgolf prosecuted over man's balcony fall death

  17-02-2026 06:29 via bbc.com
  Court documents allege customers may have been exposed to safety risks at Topgolf in Chigwell.
  
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• What have families told the Lampard Inquiry into mental health deaths?

  17-02-2026 06:28 via bbc.com
  The latest stage of the public inquiry into 2,000 deaths in Essex hears more from bereaved families.
  
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• Man, 34, who repeatedly punched partner avoids prison

  17-02-2026 06:00
  
  The victim later went to Colchester Hospital due to the significant bruising.
  
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• Large bike shop retailer with branch in Colchester could close down - here's why

  17-02-2026 06:00
  
  Cycle Revolution sells bikes and cycling accessories, clothing and shoes across its branches in Colchester, Ipswich, and Norwich.
  
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• Land on River Colne waterfront with great views of Wivenhoe set for auction

  17-02-2026 06:00
  
  A parcel of land on the River Colne waterfront with views of Wivenhoe is due to go up for sale at the next Dedman Gray auction.
  
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• In pictures: VW Transporters take over retro Colchester diner

  17-02-2026 06:00
  
  The vans were first produced in 1949 and the latest T7 models come in petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid electric variants.
  
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• Essex town begins process for 2028's UK Town of Culture competition

  17-02-2026 06:00
  
  An Essex town is highlighting a mix of community events, projects, and passions of residents to big for the UK Town of Culture 2028 title.
  
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• Call for bleed kits across Colchester schools raised in House of Commons

  17-02-2026 06:00
  
  Colchester’s MP Pam Cox who backs the call has now raised the topic during a discussion in the House of Commons last week.
  
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• Barber on trial for rape is cleared of all wrongdoing by jury

  17-02-2026 06:00
  
  Dana Mohammed, 32, met the woman on the Tinder dating app and was accused of committing the offences at her flat.
  
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• 'Ancient' fix for empty park lake as ex-MP hits out at barriers and full closure

  17-02-2026 06:00
  
  The lake in Lower Castle Park shut in May 2024 after its water feed from the River Colne, via Middle Mill Weir, was cut off.
  
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