People in Essex with long-term health conditions are being urged to get a free flu jab before winter.

High winds have forced changes to Waverley’s sailings today (October 9). Cruises from Southend this weekend are scheduled to go ahead as planned.

Essex Police investigate Waltham Abbey hit-and-run after a pedestrian suffered a serious leg injury on Plantaganet Place. Witnesses and footage sought.

Essex Police investigate after a man falls ill following possible contact with a noxious substance on Victoria Crescent, Chelmsford. No wider public risk.

Essex Police detained a man and took him to hospital after he became unwell at a Victoria Crescent address in Chelmsford on October 8. No public risk.

Colchester's Minories Gallery in Essex unveils Banksy exhibition on October 10, featuring two mural walls, Rat with Drill, 28 works, Blek le Rat and KAWS.

A banned driver who took cocaine before getting behind the wheel caused a head-on crash which left two people bedbound for weeks.

An aggrieved ex described as “a verbal and intimidating bully” has been given a restraining order after smashing his former girlfriend’s car window.

Elmstead Market faces delays of up to 50 minutes as Cadent Gas replaces ageing gas mains, with temporary lights causing chaos until October 16.

Police have stepped up efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, drug crime and retail theft across Colchester.

Colchester councillors will debate the 2026-28 economic plan, taxi plate ban, football traffic trial, Operation Vanguard and local government reorganisation.

A man who abused a girl faces years in prison after a jury convicted him on every charge.

Residents who have campaigned for years to redevelop Wickford’s former Co-op site have cautiously welcomed news that Lidl is poised to take over the land.

A 14-year-old girl has been reported missing Buckhurst Hill in Essex.

Councillors have rejected plans for 175 homes on Billericay's Green Belt, citing the loss of countryside and extra traffic around the town's football club

Drones are helping Essex County Fire and Rescue Service tackle major incidents by providing real-time aerial views.

Steam Dreams announces a 2027 steam train day trip from Colchester to Bath on April 21, with vintage carriages, Roman Baths visits and Pullman dining.

A Jaywick legend has been recognised at a countywide competition for his "exceptional care in the community".

Colchester Take AAIM protest met by Stand Up To Racism counter-protest, with 15 Essex Police officers separating peaceful demonstrations over migration.

A fundraiser, which has received more than £6,000 in donations, was later set up in Mr Farthing’s memory

Essex hate crime rose to 3,936 offences in the year to March 2026, Home Office figures published October 8 show, with race-related incidents highest.

Kenny Queen, 37, had become paranoid after drinking and taking steroids, and told the woman he was breaking up with her.

Villagers who saved their only pub are urging more people to invest in its future.

Alton Garden Centre in Wickford is promising to deliver "pure Christmas joy" with the launch of its new "bigger and brighter" festive department.

A new hospitality group has acquired more than 50 former Whitbread sites across the UK after the company closed hundreds of sites.

Met Office Essex weather forecast: rain and showers tomorrow, with winds and hour-by-hour forecasts for Southend, Colchester and Chelmsford.

A12 northbound traffic faces severe delays after two crashes near Howe Green and Witham North, Essex, causing queues between Junctions 17 and 22.

Locate International seeks to identify a man found dead at Newland Grove Nature Reserve, Essex, in 1979. Could his clothing or possessions help name him.

Millions know Hugh Bonneville as the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey and the lovable Mr Brown in the Paddington films.

Gemma Collins is set to return to the ITV2 Big Brother house on Friday as a celebrity guest, 10 years after her memorable Celebrity Big Brother stint.

Two women have been convicted of murdering a vulnerable woman at her flat in Braintree.

These are the women who murdered Helen Bloomfield in her Braintree flat two years ago.

The Secret Butchers’ mobile shop van is out of action after a Dengie Peninsula road accident, but free deliveries to villages continue.

The park where tributes were left in memory of three-year-old Noah Woods is set to be tidied.

Black Notley crash: Woman taken to Broomfield Hospital after collision blocked Witham Road, causing traffic delays near The Playing Field in Essex today.

Essex Highways updates £15.2m St Botolph’s Circus redevelopment in Colchester, with new crossings, cycle routes and a public plaza due by autumn 2027.

Former TOWIE star Josh Francis reportedly will not return for series 39 after ITV producers “rested” him, amid claims he was previously approached for Love Island.

Three-way roadworks are causing traffic chaos across Halstead which are being carried out by Essex Highways.

Men's hiking boots and shoes have been recalled after testing found chemicals above legal limits.

Edmund King, president of the AA, described the arrival of transparent pricing on the platform as "a massive step forward".

IOPC investigates the death of 20-year-old Myley French, who entered the River Lea after running from police in Stanstead Abbotts on September 14.

The warning comes as wet October weather arrives across the UK, with rainfall set to intensify through November and December.

Crash blocks Witham Road near The Playing Field in Black Notley, causing delays in both directions. Police and fire crews attend; injuries remain unknown.

Bures Road near Colchester will close from November 9 to November 25 for Suffolk County Council works, including resurfacing, a zebra crossing and diversions.

A University of Essex poet has been shortlisted for a major literary award.

The fourth headliner has been announced for Lazydays Festival in Southend's Priory Park which will take place in July 2027.

Drivers face delays after a Heybridge crash with eastbound queues and journey times rising to 15 minutes in Essex.

TOWIE star Gemma Collins says she has only four genuine showbiz friends, revealing on the At Home With The Thomas Bros podcast why she prefers life in Essex.

A man was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after a three-vehicle crash in Albert Road, South Woodham Ferrers, on October 4.

The change means an extra hour in bed for your Sunday lie-in and will give an extra hour of daylight as the darker nights roll in.