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Jail for Jason Bish after violent attack on victim found in a pool of blood

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A homeless man who beat a woman about the head with a remote control before pouring a kettle full of water over her has been sentenced to nine years behind bars.

Jason Bish, 45, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, assault by beating and breach of a restraining order during the incident in Chelmsford on June 6 and was sentenced to nine years for the offence during a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Outlining the details at an earlier hearing, prosecutor Angela Mahadeo said: "The victim was found in a pool of her blood, pieces of the remote control were all over the floor and the kettle was still near her head.

"She had three large cuts to the head, a gash to her forehead, a bruised jaw and a bruised left shoulder."

Bish had been seen shortly before the incident at 6.30pm outside the home of his victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, shouting "you're a whore" and banging on her front door before climbing through a window at the front of the property.

He then beat his "screaming" victim with a remote control over her head before pouring a kettle of water, which hadn't reached boiling point, over her causing her to slip and fall to the floor.

There she tried to protect herself from his attacks by curling into the foetal position where he kicked her repeatedly inflicting cuts and injuries to her head, back and hands.

Speaking after the hearing, held on July 8, crown advocate for the Crown Prosecution Service in the East of England, Richard Stevens said: "Fortunately, the victim dialled 999 immediately before the assault, and left the line open enabling the incident to be overheard until police officers and neighbours arrived at the scene.

"The assault stopped only when they arrived, with the probability that further and perhaps more serious injury would have been inflicted."

Jail for Jason Bish after violent attack on victim found in a pool of blood


Asylum owners hatch plan to re-open Chelmsford club

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Owners of an alternative Chelmsford nightclub forced to close have said they may consider re-opening if people commit to a £20 membership fee to help restore their finances.

Eddie and Denise Wood opened Asylum, in Viaduct Road, in April last year, in a bid to bring live music back to the city centre.

But the club closed earlier this month after the couple realised cash flow problems meant they would be unable to carry on.

However, it seems there may be hope yet.

In a post on the venue's Facebook page the owners write: "Ok, this is how the land lies. People keep messaging asking what they can do to help. The truth of the matter is we need money. So with this in mind I'm going to throw this out into the mix.

"How many of the people who have commented on the closure of the club would be prepared to pledge £20 for a year's membership. This would include free entrance to any gigs including those ticketed.

"Also a free specially designed t shirt for members only, stating that you're a' committed' member of Asylum. and the money would go towards paying the rent for the club. Our aim would be to raise enough to give us a cushion against potential large bills.

"We have laid ourselves on the line and are literally out of money. If we get enough pledges we would consider re-opening, initially on Fridays and Saturdays and see what develops from there."

Asylum owners hatch plan to re-open Chelmsford club

Hot weather sees record number of emergency calls made in Essex

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More than 800 people in Essex were taken to hospital last weekend as the soaring temperatures took their toll.

A total of 1,949 calls were made to the East of England Ambulance Service - the most in one weekend since January. Some 1,074 were received on the Saturday

Nicholas Jones, manager for one of EEAST's control rooms, said: "We saw a particularly large volume of calls on Saturday, taking more than 700 calls extra compared to the average day."

"We do tend to experience peaks in calls due to extreme weather such as the heat we saw at the weekend, and we'd ask people to take a moment to familiarise themselves with our safety advice, in order to keep their families safe this summer."

The ambulance service praised the work of its staff during the heat wave weekend.

Chief executive Dr Anthony Marsh said: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their efforts over the weekend: from our call handlers, to our dispatchers, to all of the crews working on the road, and of course our volunteers."

Emergency 999 calls should only be made for life-threatening emergencies such as strokes, chest-pain, breathing difficulties and serious bleeding.

Other options are available during the week and at weekends, such as out-of-hours GPs and the pharmacist. Ring 111 for health advice at any time of the day or night.

To find out more about EEAST's summer safety advice, visit www.eastamb.nhs.uk or use #999summer on Twitter. 

Hot weather sees record number of emergency calls made in Essex

Man dies in Southend-bound A127 collision

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A man died in a road crash on the A127 at Basildon yesterday evening (July 22) Officers were called at about 6.50pm following reports that a car had left the Southend-bound carriageway near the junction with the A129. The male driver of the vehicle, who is believed to be from south Essex, died at the scene. Essex Police said it is thought that no other vehicles were involved. The road was closed for several hours while police carried out investigations. Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to officers should contact Essex Police on 101.

Man dies in Southend-bound A127 collision

Man in his 50s from Chelmsford dies after being hit by train at Shenfield

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A man who was struck by a train at Shenfield railway station last night (July 22) was from Chelmsford, police have said.

The victim, in his 50s, died at the scene of the collision, which happened shortly before 9.30pm. The incident caused long delays for commuters heading to and from Liverpool Street via the station.

A British Transport Police spokesman said they were treating the death as non-suspicious.

Medics from the London Ambulance Service also attended the scene

"The man's family has been informed and officers will now prepare a file for the coroner, " the spokesman added

The line was handed back to Network Rail at 10.36pm.

Man in his 50s from Chelmsford dies after being hit by train at Shenfield

What time does the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony start?

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The opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games gets under way in Glasgow's Celtic Park, the home of Celtic FC.

Singer Rod Stewart will headline the event, which will also feature Susan Boyle and Amy Macdonald performing in front of an expected 40,000 strong crowd.

Locals are expected to be involved, with the ceremony aimed at showing people around the world what 'Glasgow is made of', while celebrating unity and diversity.

It is not expected to rival Danny Boyle's effort for the London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony.

More than one million tickets have been sold for the event, although there are fears over the number of empty seats, with plenty of room still left at many venues. 

Live coverage will start on BBC One from 8pm

Nik Nak's Weekly Teaser — 23rd July, 2014: Telstar

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23rd July saw Telstar relay its first broadcast.   While we're humming the tune … ?   Let's have ten questions.
Q1)23rd July saw Telstar relay the first transatlantic TV broadcast.   Across which ocean … ?
Q2)In which year of the 1960s was this relay?
Q3)A picture of a well known New York landmark was included in the broadcast.   Which landmark?
Q4)Which Parisian landmark was included … ?
Q5)Which US President made a brief appearance in the broadcast … ?
Q6)BBC stalwart, Richard Dimbleby, also featured in the broadcast: speaking from which European city … ?
Q7)The 'most trusted man in America' spoke in the Telstar broadcast: who was that?
Q8)Which European broadcasters handled the European end of the Telstar relay: the BBC, Eurovision, Ireland's RTE or French broadcaster, France 2?   (For some reason, the state owned French channels are France 2, France 3, France 4 and France 5.)
Q9)The four North American broadcasters involved in the relay were NBC, CBS, ABC and CBC.   Which of those is Canadian?
Q10)Finally … Which agency launched Telstar … ?
Here's lastweek'squestions and answers … 
Questions.
Q1)16th July marks the formal start of the Islamic Calendar.   In which year of the Western Calendar: 622, 623 or 624?
Q2)The current Islamic year is 1435 AH: 'AH' stands for Anno … what … ?
Q3)That first year was chosen, as it marked the Prophet's travels to which city … ?
Q4)16th July corresponds to the first day of the first month of the first year of Islamic calendar.   Is that month Muharram, Rabi' al-thani, Sha'aban or Dhu al-Hijjah?
Q5)That first month has a name that comes from the Arabic word, 'haram'.   'Haram' means what: forbidden, forbearance or forgiveness?
Q6)What's the holiest month of the Islamic year?
Q7)Name either of the two major schools of Islam.
Q8)What's the name of the more mystical school of Islam?
Q9)The Five Pillars of Islam — the basic beliefs common to all — include a once in a lifetime pilgrimage to which Saudi city … ?
Q10)Finally … Islam's holiest site is in that city: what's it called … ?
Answers.
A1)622.
A2)Anno Hegirae.
A3)Medina.
A4)Muharram.
A5)Forbidden.   The month is, apparently, the second most sacred to the Faithful: who are discouraged from doing anything sinful, or 'haram'.
A6)Ramadan.   The month marks the time the Prophet received the Koran, and runs from late June to late July, this year.
A7)Shia and Sunni Islam.
A8)Sufism.
A9)Mecca.
A10)The Ka'aba: also spelt as 'Kaaba'.
With all due respects and apologies to my Muslim readers: I'm just hoping I've got everything right!
If you'd like a frequent challenge, you can visit Nik Nak's Old Peculiar, and try the Daily Teaser: today's is at the top.If you need quiz questions in a hurry, you're also welcome: you'll find the free Friday Questions Sets — covered by the Creative Commons License* — very handy.Movie fans are welcome, too: as are Dr Who fans.   I tend to write about them, too.If you enjoy what I do, and wish to contribute, feel free to click the PayPal Donate button in the Old Peculiar's sidebar.   Every penny is gratefully received.
Enjoy the week, folks.




*        All that means is that you're free to copy, use, alter and build on each of my quizzes: including the Teasers, Gazette Teasers and the Friday Question Sets.   All I ask in return is that you give me an original authors credit on your event's flyers or posters, or on the night: and, if you republish them, give me an original authors credit AND republish under the same license.   A link back to the site — and to the Chronicle's, if that's where you've found these — would be appreciated: as would pressing my donate button, here.

Year-on-year increase in serious sexual crimes and burglaries in Chelmsford

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Crime has increased in Chelmsford in the past year, according to figures released by the Essex Police and Crime commissioner.

Between June 2013 and May this year there were 554 more offences than during the equivalent period the previous year  - a rise of 6.5 per cent.

Among the specific offences that have risen include house burglaries, up by 10.3 per cent, serious sexual crime spiking by 94.9 per cent - or 74 offences - and robbery, which has saw a rise of 16.1 per cent.

Areas that have seen a drop in offences are antisocial behaviour, with 247 fewer incidents, theft and racially aggravated crimes. 

Year-on-year increase in serious sexual crimes and burglaries in Chelmsford


Train cancelled at Southminster due to "suspect package"

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COMMUTERS faced long delays this morning after a train was cancelled while police inspected a "suspect package"

The unattended rucksack on the Shenfield to Southminster service at 5.55am caused enough alarm to prompt calls to the emergency services to inspect it further. 

This caused the service to be delayed at Wickford while further investigations were carried out and as a result the 6.48am service from Southminster was subsequently cancelled, with the train leaving Wickford at 7.17am instead. 

An Abellio Greater Anglia spokesperson said: "We would like to apologise to customers for the cancellation of the 06.48 service between Southminster and Wickford this morning, and for the inconvenience this caused. 

"The incoming service for the 06.48 departure was unfortunately delayed at Wickford while police attended to check a suspect package found on the train."

Train cancelled at Southminster due to

Places to buy an ice cream by the seafront this summer in Essex

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With the glorious weather showing no immediate signs of disappearing behind a cloud, the sunshine has arrived just in time for the summer holidays.

Ice cream parlours dotted around the Essex seafront will be hoping to do some big business as tourists flock to the beaches. below we gather some of the ones with some high reputations:


Pop Up, Pop In,  15 Connaught Avenue, Frinton, CO13 9PN

Newly opened this summer, Pop Up, Pop In café does not lie far from the esplanade.

Beside the Sea Side, 9 Old Pier Street, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8AW

This café serves home-made style ice creams. You can find them on the street closest to the sea front, ideally placed for doing decent business.

Rossi Original, 14 Western Esplanade, Southend, SS1 1EE

Rossi's Original Ice Cream is also produced nearby, with the brand priding itself on the fact that its products are made with real milk. Visitors who have enjoyed a fun-packed day at the adventure park may well cool down here. 

Sweet Frog, 44 London Road, Southend, SS1 1NX

Sweet Frog offers an alternative to traditional ice cream parlours, with 15 flavours of non-fat yoghurt on offer. It is hugely popular in the US, but in the UK, Southend is the only place where you can find a store.

The Crafty Goat, Mersea Road, Abberton, CO5 7LG

An ice cream parlour and internet café that offers a garden area and arts and crafts activities for children. The ice cream is made from goats milk.

Mario's Place, Tenpenny Hill, Thorrington, Colchester,

Mario's is a restaurant which has a permanent and extensive ice cream board selection with flavours changed regularly.

Freewheeling Ice Cream, Clacton-On-Sea, CO15 1TX

Freewheeling Ice Cream started only this year,and operates in the form of a bicycle which tows a cabinet of ice creams. Although usually spotted along the sea front, this ice cream parlour is regularly on the move around Clacton-On-Sea so simply look out for the bright orange bicycle and flag it down for an ice cream. 

Places to buy an ice cream by the seafront this summer in Essex

Have your say on future of Essex healthcare

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PATIENTS will now be able to join the debate on the financial stability of the NHS as the Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group begins a public consultation over its two and five-year plans.

The consultation, which will run into October, is seeking views on proposals to get health services back on track and deliver the best care.

People across Braintree, Chelmsford and Maldon are being invited to take part in surveys, request meetings and attend a series of open workshops as part of the consultation.

Dr Bryan Spencer, chairman of Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: "One of our main duties is to buy health services on the public's behalf. We need to make sure that those services are available when you need them and that they meet the high safety, quality and clinical standards we have here in mid Essex.

"However, healthcare is costing more than the money we are allocated and we are still in debt.

"So we have developed a two year plan that shows how we intend to make savings."

"And then we have our longer term vision – the five year plan – which sets out a series of transformation programmes designed to improve health during every stage of life and meet the growing demands of people living and working in mid Essex."

The open public workshops are taking place on the following days and times:

Maldon Town Hall - 7-9pm on July 28, and 2-4pm on September 8

Spring Lodge, Witham - 7-9pm on July 29

Cathedral Chapter House, Chelmsford - 2-4pm on July 30 and 7-9pm on September 10

Club Woodham, Baron Road, South Woodham Ferrers - 7-9pm on Septemer 4

Council Chamber, Braintree Town Hall - 7-9pm on September 11

Have your say on future of Essex healthcare

Devonshire eyes more Braintree signings by end of week

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ALAN Devonshire confirmed that there will be some more Braintree Town signings by the end of the week. The Iron have been quiet during the summer so far, with Dan Walker and Charlie Strutton the only two signings. He said: "This week we should have some news of some players coming in. By the end of the week there hopefully will be some deals done." The Iron took on an Ipswich Town XI in Bradley Quinton's testimonial on Tuesday night, with the Tractor Boys winning 1-0. But Devonshire's men will move on quickly as they take on Chelmsford City tonight (Wednesday) at Melbourne Stadium. He added: "I think the lads that came on did ok. They have got something out of it and so did we. We have got Chelmsford on Wednesday (tonight), which is more that what I am looking at. "Sean (Marks), Michael (Bakare) and Chez (Isaac) probably won't featured in that game."

Devonshire eyes more Braintree signings by end of week

Chelmsford City boss Hawkes happy with team's adaptability

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CHELMSFORD City manager Mark Hawkes is delighted by how his players are adapting to new ideas at Melbourne Stadium. The Clarets have enjoyed a successful pre-season campaign, winning three of their first four games. And Hawkes has put the results down to hard work on the training ground as he prepares them for any eventuality that may come during the season. He said: "We are having a really good pre-season, not just on the pitch but in training as well. The lads are working hard and we are trying to get them to play in three or four different ways. "We set our stall out at the beginning of the summer and that is what they are giving us. Sometimes in games you have to change things with the same players, which is what we trying to do during our matches. "The results have been very pleasing so far and so have the performances. All the games have been tough against some decent local sides. You are never sure what kind of side you might come up against, but so far we have dealt well with the tests." Hawkes' newest signing is 19-year-old Marvin Ekpiteta. The centre-back has joined the Clarets after spending two years with the Oxford United Academy set-up and impressing during pre-season. However, having bolstered his defensive unit, Hawkes has admitted that he is still keeping an eye out to strengthen the squad. "Marvin has come in and done very well in the pre-season games," he added. "He is still a young lad and learning, but he has played for the Nigeria U20s so he must have something about him. "We are not quite done with trialists yet and are always on the look out. I reckon we need five or six, so it is just about getting the deals done."

Chelmsford City boss Hawkes happy with team's adaptability

Busy start to season doesn't faze Maldon & Tiptree boss

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MALDON & Tiptree boss Terry Spillane insisted that the busy beginning to the Ryman League Division OneNorth season does not bother him. In an attempt to prevent a backlog of fixtures towards the backend of the season, the Ryman League have decided to pack in games in August and September. The Jammers are due to play 15 League games by the end of September, with Spillane hoping that the load will not be too much for his players. He said: "To be honest it was never really something that particularly bothered us. We had very few games postponed last season as our ground is really good for draining and we had little problems. "As a manager now I don't care if we play three games in the week, but obviously the players might say something different about that. They must remember that these are non-league players with other commitments." With the horrendous winter in the 2013/14 season causing havoc on the fixture list, most non-league teams were forced to play three days a week. For this reason, Spillane accepts the fact that the League had to act to make sure that the same outcome does not happen. He added: "I know it has it's doubters, however, I completely understand why the League has decided to do it, as the end of last season was ridiculous to be honest. "But there is no point whinging and moaning about it, clubs have just got to get on with it. It all swings in roundabouts and the end of season showed a true reflection of the teams so it didn't make too much difference."

Busy start to season doesn't faze Maldon & Tiptree boss

Police appeal after teenage girl raped off Wivenhoe Trail on way back from end of term party

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An Essex Police investigation is under way after a  teenage girl was raped near the Wivenhoe Trail last night (July 22).

The victim was walking alone at around 11.30pm, on the footpath that runs alongside the River Colne between Alresford and Wivenhoe, close to Colchester.

She left a party alone to walk back to Wivenhoe. 

While on the footpath she was approached by a man who suddenly forced her into bushes and raped her, police said. Her assailant ran off when a number of young men heard the girl's screams for help.

The area remained cordoned off this morning (July 23) while forensic investigations were carried out.

The girl is currently at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre where she is being interviewed and is receiving support from specialist officers.

DI Terri Hooke who is leading the investigation said that the suspect was in his mid or early teens, had blond hair and was medium build.

She added: "We need to talk to the young men who ran to help the girl when she started screaming."

Anyone with information should contact DI Hooke or her team at Colchester Sexual Offences Investigation Team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

Police appeal after teenage girl raped off Wivenhoe Trail on way back from end of term party


'Arsenal were interested in me' says Spurs target

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SERGE AURIER, a target for for Spurs, has revealed Arsenal made an approach for him. The 21-year-old impressed at the World Cup for the Ivory Coast and Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is rumoured to be considering a bid for the right-back. Aurier, who plays for Toulouse, has made it clear his dream of playing for the Gunners, but would consider a switch to the Gunners bitter rivals. He told Le10Sport: "True Arsenal has always attracted me, I've never hidden my attraction to this club that makes me dream, but it's not just Arsenal, the city of London I really like and also the Premier League too, I'd really like to move to this league one day. "Everyone lingered on the transfer of 'Aurier to Arsenal' because it's true, there has been an approach and a desire to make me sign Arsenal. "But hey, it does not happen and that's that." Spurs will have to move quick though as Paris St Germain look to be the front runners for Aurier's signature.

Paralympic champ's special reunion

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A SWIMMING coach who helped a disabled boy realise his potential to go on and win seven Paralympic medals was reunited with him at a special event.

Giles Long MBE came face-to-face with his old coach Mike Gosling at a Greenfield housing event in Earls Colne, celebrating the difference its volunteers make to the lives of local people.

Mike, 57, who works at Greenfields House in Braintree but coached Giles at Braintree and Bocking Swimming Club, said: "I coached Giles from when he was about 12, and then again following his accident from 1991 to 1996. Giles is an inspiration to many people, as he has proved that you can still realise your dreams even if your circumstances changed dramatically. I am very proud to see how far he's come."

Giles developed a bone tumour in his arm when he was 13 after a serious break to his arm.

He spent years coming to terms with his disability before realising, thanks to the help and support of people like Mike, that he still had the ability to represent Great Britain.

He went on to win seven medals at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Paralympics, including three golds.

Giles said: "When I was originally approached by the head coach of the Moscow 1980 swimming team in 1992 and asked if I wanted to train for the Paralympics, I said 'no'."

"It took me a long time to accept my disability and to concentrate on what I could do, rather than couldn't. I eventually won my first gold medal at Atlanta in 1996, but nothing could top the feeling of winning gold in a world record time in Sydney, beating my original time in Atlanta."

Paralympic champ's special reunion

Olly Murs named Rear of the Year for 2014

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X FACTOR star Olly Murs has scooped another gong, but this time it has less to do with his music and more to do with derriere.

The singer and TV presenter was voted the 2014 male Rear of the Year winner in a public poll receiving in excess of 10,000 votes.

Witham-born Murs, 31, beat off competition from Andy Murray, Idris Elba and Daniel Radcliffe.

And he showed his gratitude to fans who backed his behind by tweeting: "Thanks to everyone that voted for my a*** we are both very proud of this award."

To celebrate the title Olly also changed his Twitter profile picture to a man's bum wearing a thong.

It is unknown whether it is in fact a picture of his victorious bottom.

The female award was won by former Countdown star Carol Vorderman, who also received the crown in 2011.

Olly Murs named Rear of the Year for 2014

TOWIE stars film at Evoke in Chelmsford

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The stars of TOWIE are in Chelmsford today (July 23) shooting scenes for the current series of the show. Cast and crew of the ITV2 series are in Evoke in Market Road for a full day's filming as the series continues. The group included Ricky Rayment who stopped by for this picture during a break in filming. He is currently dating Jess Wright. The rest of the TOWIE stars will head out in the city centre later on in the evening, it is understood.

TOWIE stars film at Evoke in Chelmsford

Fighter jets seen over Essex skies, escort private plane to Stansted Airport

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A plane was diverted into Stansted Airport earlier tonight - with two fighters as an escort.

The aircraft, which is understood to have come from Lagos and is reportedly a Gulfstream small business jet, had lost voice communications, according to a spokeswoman for UK air traffic control company NATS.

"We could not make voice contact with the plane," she said.

"The plane was diverted into Stansted and it resulted in a runway closure of eight minutes."

An Essex Police spokesman said that the aircraft landed safely at 7.49pm. 

"Military jets were deployed on a precautionary basis when a private jet was diverted to Stansted. This was due to a loss of communication with the aircraft," he said. 

"All three people who were on board have been spoken to by police, it was established that everything was in order and the police response was stood down."

On Twitter, Thomas Webb (@tootalltom13) asked: "Just seen an RAF typhoon flying over Bishops Stortford toward the Stansted Airport. Anything going on?", while Paul Terry (@PaulTerry16) wrote: "Fighter plane flew overhead alongside a passenger jet into Stansted."

Sean (@seanhendrie) added: "Sitting literally next to Stansted Airport and two fighter jets fly over escorting a passenger flight, lol I don't wanna die please".

Air traffic was diverted to nearby Luton Airport for a short time.

Departures and arrivals are now flowing into Stansted again.

Fighter jets seen over Essex skies, escort private plane to Stansted Airport

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