A homeless man has denied killing a charity volunteer in his sheltered accommodation.

At Chelmsford Crown Court this morning, Portuguese expat Jose Correia Agrela denied murdering Colin Evans.

The 39-year-old was found dead with stab wounds in his Sanctus flat at about 8.30am in Broomfield Road, on Tuesday September 30 last year.

The discovery prompted the closure of the council car park behind The Ship pub and a thorough search covering Central Park and Admirals Park.

The hearing had been postponed twice while evidence was collated.

Agrela is scheduled to stand trial at the same court on Monday, March 30.

Horse racing fans can book a day at the country's newest track when Chelmsford City Racecourse tickets go on sale to all and sundry tomorrow (Friday, January 16).

The general public can book tickets from midday for fixtures running up until the end of March, including the first public race-day on Sunday, February 1.

The racecourse off the A131, formerly known as Great Leighs Racecourse, re-opened to an invite-only 800-strong audience on Sunday six years after it was plunged into administration.

A conglomerate, led by Betfred co-founder Fred Done, bought the track from the Royal Bank of Scotland in December 2013 and have invested £25 million in the course.

Chelmsford City Racecourse managing director Phil Siers said: "We're thrilled to announce that tickets and restaurant bookings will go on sale for Chelmsford City this Friday.

"We've had thousands of enquiries, particularly from the local area, so we are very keen to offer more people the opportunity to visit the UK's newest racecourse.

"Sunday February 1 remains our first official public fixture, but we will be selling a limited number of tickets for our next two test meetings."

The ground, which has a 3,000-capacity grandstand, will host two more exclusive test events on Thursday, January 22, and Wednesday, January 28.

Tickets for these two events will also go on sale, but at a limited number and on a first-come first-serve basis.

Fans can indeed book a 'first class dining experience' at the restaurant for £54.

Ticket prices will generally start at £15 while the first general public-open fixture on February 1 will start at £20.

For more information, visit: www.chelmsfordcityracecourse.com

FORMER X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos has lost her bid to have her conviction for punching a celebrity blogger at Chelmsford's V Festival overturned after a judge said she "lost control".

Judge David Radford, sitting with two magistrates, refused to accept that the singer had not punched TOWIE star Savvas Morgan after he posted a sex tape of her on his website.

But the judge said he had the "greatest sympathy" for Contostavlos and revoked the fines and compensation she had originally been ordered to pay.

Contostavlos, 26, was convicted last summer of punching Mr Morgan in the face at the August 2013 V Festival at Hylands Park as he followed her to her Winnebago for a party.

According to Mr Morgan, Contostavlos had a grudge against him since he published a link to a sex tape leaked by her ex-boyfriend rapper Justin Edwards in 2012.

But Contostavlos insisted she remained calm while Mr Morgan insulted her and made comments abouther mentally ill mother.

After a three-day hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Judge Radford said: "The appellant voiced concerns, for reasons that we understand and have some sympathy for that a person who had been a real thorn in her side, did not accompany her friends to the Winnebago where she was planning on passing the night.

"The argument that undoubtedly followed was no doubt a result of pent up feelings about Mr Morgan which were then now doubt expressed in clear terms and she told us and she accepts that she became uncharacteristically aggressive."

The judge said it was likely that she had hit Mr Morgan to the left side of his face, but said: "We've seen no evidence of any injury or of any pain caused."

Contostavlos insisted she had asked Mr Morgan "diplomatically" to stop following her 15-strong entourage as they headed towards her Winnebago.

Mr Morgan had attempted talking with former Sugababe Mutya Buena, a friend of Contostavlos, as they left the festival to turn in for the night.

Contostavlos said when Mr Morgan turned towards her Winnebago in the VIP area instead of the main exit she politely told him he was not invited.

"I was calm and relaxed until his instant reaction, which was aggressive. I didn't want to get into an argument or confrontation," she said.

Contostavlos admitted trading insults while keeping her hands behind her back throughout.

The incident, which lasted around four minutes, escalated when Contostavlos' personal assistant Gareth Varey confronted Mr Morgan.

Mr Morgan was left with a puffy eye but claimed that he had lost the photograph he had taken.

Contostavlos admitted it was out of character for her to argue, but was adamant she did not become violent.

Contostavlos, of Park Manor, New Southgate, north London, had denied assault of Mr Morgan.

The fine of £200 and £100 compensation amounts that Stratford Magistrates' Court had ordered her to pay were revoked, but she was still ordered to pay £1,500 costs and a £15 surcharge.

A MOTHER-OF-TWO went through the pain barrier to run two marathons in two days in memory of her friend's daughter.

Apryl Hammett, 42, of Springfield Road, Chelmsford, raised more than £1,500 for Little Havens Hospice, the charity which cared for former Cathedral primary school student, Lily-Mae McKinstry, ten, who died in November.

Apryl said: "She was a fabulous young lady. My children Lottie and Joseph went to the same school. What happened to her, and her family, was just awful.

"I have run marathons before - I've run the London Marathon four times - so I decided to do something which would take me out of my comfort zone.

"A friend of mine suggested the double marathon and it seemed like a perfect match."

The married Essex County Council librarian braved the daunting Double Martello Marathons on Folkestone seafront at the weekend (January 10-11).

The Saxon Shore Way course consisted of four 6.5 mile laps along the wind-battered coastline of Kent, where the rain hammered down for the weekend event.

"It was a fantastic experience but the weather was absolutely atrocious," she said.

"It was really tough conditions. I was running 11-minute miles into the wind and then seven-minute miles on the way back.

"My children and my lovely husband, Guy, have been phenomenal. Even though I ran the marathons alone, my family has definitely become part of the team."

Lily-Mae's mother Vicki posted on Facebook after the event, thanking her friend for her fundraising efforts, writing alongside accompanying pictures of Lily-Mae that her daughter would be proud.

Lily-Mae was admitted to Broomfield Hospital in May, after her speech and thinking became difficult.

Her family was told she had Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma and a 2cm tumour. She died in November last year.

Donations for Little Havens Hospice can still be made at Mrs Hammett's fundraising page, uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AprylHammett

Information about Lily-Mae's story can be found on the Lovely Lily's Dreams and Wishes Facebook page, while donations can be made to www.gofundme.com/lily-mae

A NINE-YEAR-OLD schoolgirl was lucky to escape serious injury when a mystery object was thrown or fired at her mother's car while they were driving at 70mph – showering her in glass.

Elise de Boos was being driven to gymnastics practice in Basildon by her mother Sharon on Thursday last week (January 8) at around 4.50pm, when an object smashed a gaping hole in the rear windscreen of their Seat Ibiza.

The 38-year-old of Lister Tye in Chelmsford was driving London-bound on the A127, and had just entered the 70mph zone near the junction with the A176 at Laindon when the incident happened.

The mother of two told the Chronicle: "I was driving in the outside lane when I heard an horrific bang. I knew that I hadn't hit anything or that anything had hit me, as I wasn't jolted.

"I asked my daughter if she was okay and when I looked in the rear-view mirror I realised that I had no rear windscreen. There was a huge hole behind my daughter's head and the glass had shattered.

"We both panicked and were really scared. My daughter started crying and through her tears she was saying, 'get me out of the car; get me out'."

The technical consultant for Capita then pulled onto a slip road in Pound Lane and called the police. Two officers arrived at the scene 15 minutes later but they were unable to identify what had caused the damage.

The object which hit the car bounced off on impact, leaving a hole in the glass just inches behind where the Moulsham primary school student was sitting.

Mrs de Boos added: "We were both really shaken up. My immediate reaction was that something had been thrown, I was expecting to see a brick but there was nothing there.

"Whatever hit my car didn't come through with the glass. Apparently that's to do with the way rear windscreens are designed so I suppose it actually did its job quite well.

"My husband came out that evening to take Elise home and I drove home in the car which was hit. I didn't want to but the police had said it was safe to drive and if I didn't drive it then I was never going to.

"We were just so incredibly lucky that I didn't swerve and cause a major road accident. Neither of us needed to go to hospital."

Police are yet to find out if the object was thrown or fired at the car, but anybody with information or who may have witnessed the incident should contact PC Rob Duffy at Laindon on Essex Police 101.

People can also give information to the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

EDDIE GOOBY was delighted with his side's return to action in 2015 after the 56-0 demolition of Braintree, but has admitted his team are in unknown territory going into the latter stages of the season top of the table.

Chelmsford made the perfect return to league action after the Christmas break to remain top of the London Two North East but, with less than ten games left, director of coaching Gooby knows teams will be targeting them.

"That's a problem for us because that's foreign to the players," said Gooby. "We've not been in this situation before so we're learning all the time and having to face tough challenges mentally.

"Teams are going to target us and they'll up their games and try to do things we're not used to so it will be very interesting in the next few weeks to say the least.

"The boys are pumped at the moment though and four or five players have come back from long-term injuries as well so our strength in depth is a bit better than before Christmas."

There was one concern for Gooby after the Braintree match as they lost second-row Simon Quinn to a dislocated knee.

"Unfortunately for us it was dampened by a severe injury to Simon, so we've lost him now for the rest of the season and maybe full-time, we don't know what he will do."

Despite the injury, Gooby couldn't have been more happy with the performance against Braintree to set them in good stead for tough games ahead.

"We know Braintree are trying to rebuild so we tried to take advantage of it and do what we had to do, which we did," he said. "We played some very good rugby on Saturday in the conditions as it was very windy and damp.

"I must admit to come back and play this game against Braintree, who are struggling, was going to give us some confidence and blow away a few cobwebs to then hopefully move on to bigger challenges like this weekend against Norwich.

"It's going to be a real tough one there because we just about beat them at home so they're going to be pumped and raring to go against us.

"Norwich have sort of fallen away a bit but then we've got a couple of big games against the likes of Campion and Saffron Walden after that so this period for us is very important but we'll just do our best."

WITHAM Town have added to their squad in a bid to aid their fight to stay in the Ryman Premier.

Town have a big fixture list coming up as they've only played 25 league games this season, the least in the division, so manager Garry Kimble has brought in three new players to help with the pile up of matches.

Centre back Luke Olly, who played a major role in the club's promotion last season, returns, while Witham have also snapped up striker Chris Bryan from Heybridge Swifts.

The third player to join is Lewis Dark from Grays Athletic.

"You've got to bring in players because not everyone is going to play every game," said Kimble.

"We've got matches on Saturday and Tuesday up until the end of February now so if we get anymore games called off we'll be at two games a week again which is not ideal.

"We brought in Lewis Dark and you know what you're going to get from him, he's tenacious.

"We got Chris Bryan from Heybridge Swifts who came in highly recommendedand I had Luke Olly last year and he can give me a bit more steel at the back.

"They'll all be fighting for positions in the team and now I've got a big squad to rotate.

"Lewis Dark played ever so well on Saturday in his first game, Chris Bryan came on and looked lively and Luke Olly will hopefully come into equation once he gets a bit more match fitness.

"You know what you're going to get from Luke as I had him when we got promoted and that's what I want now for everyone to get us in the right direction.

"Hopefully they can also help us push up the table a little bit because we don't want to be a one year wonder to go up and come back down like a yo-yo."

Digital "stealth cameras" that can scan four lanes of traffic have caught 700 speeding drivers on the M25 in four months - and they could be heading for Essex.

The cameras are currently operating in the Kent area of the M25, but there are plans to introduce them to the north section of the motorway, as well as on the M1, M3, M6 and M60.

And instead of the usual bright yellow speeding cameras, the new digital cameras are coloured grey - making them harder for motorists to spot, meaning more people are likely to be caught speeding.

Drivers caught travelling over the speed limit could potentially incur heavy fines, with £100-plus fines likely, and maximum fines allowed to be set by magistrates for anyone found breaking the speed limit now set at £10,000, up from a previous maximum of £2,500.

But motoring groups have objected to the new cameras, suggesting they will make the roads more dangerous and cause an increase in accidents.

With the January weather getting us all down, we had a look at the cheapest flights going from Stansted this weekend. 

With some flights as cheap as £40 on Friday and Saturday, it's hard to resist a spontaneous weekend away. You could be sipping Prosecco in Sardinia by Saturday. 

Alicante, Spain

Sitting atop Mount Benacantil, the Castle of Santa Barbara still stands like a protector to Alicante. With temperatures sitting comfortably around 19 degrees this weekend, the Spanish coast is the ideal place to escape a blustery Essex.

(Flights from £55 with Ryanair)

Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you're yearning after spring blossoms, head to Amsterdam this Saturday where the vibrant city will be home to National Tulip Day. Dutch tulip growers will create a massive temporary garden on Dam Square, bursting with around 200,000 tulips. More than 10,000 people traditionally come along to pick up their own free tulip from Amsterdam every year - don't miss the chance to pick your own!

(Flights from £67 with easyJet)

Athens, Greece

Winter is one of the best times to visit Athens. Not only is it less crowded, but hotel prices can be slashed by up to half of their cost. From November to March, admission to all state-run museums and sites is free on Sundays. An £8 ticket to the Acropolis is valid for four days and includes admission to five other sites.

(Flights from £60 with Ryanair)

Barcelona, Spain

Hate queueing? January is the best time to visit culture-heavy Barcelona. The tourists may be gone, but the city's tapas bars and architecture aren't going anywhere. Countless art exhibitions are still going on throughout the winter months and some local haunts are even offering free tapas to attract customers.

(Flights from £55 with Ryanair)

Cagliari, Italy

The Sardinian Capital is looking forward to very pleasant weather this weekend. Sun and temperatures of up to 20 degrees will make you forget about the weather warnings hitting Essex this week.

(Flights from £67 with Easyjet)

Edinburgh, Scotland

At £40 Edinburgh is the cheapest destination on our list. It may be cold and it may be a staycation but there's a lot to be said for Edinburgh's January events. Where better to celebrate Burns' Night than the Scottish capital?

(Flights from £40 with Ryanair)

Fuerteventura, Spain

Fuerteventura is the ideal January beach destination. It's warm, it's sunny, it's very easy to travel around and there's a lot to see, do and eat besides. There's a fiesta nearly every weekend, with a nocturnal torch procession through Morro Jable on Saturday evening celebrating the explorer Fray Andres.

(Flights from £64 with Ryanair)

Geneva , Switzerland

Geneva is a romantic place for a winter visit, with stunning views over the French Alps and even the opportunity of a fondue afloat. The ice-skating rink is open until 28 January and the city's medieval-style carnival takes place the weekend of 2-4 March.

(Flights from £61 with Ryanair)

Malaga, Spain

It wouldn't be a list for Essex holidaymakers without Malaga. Malaga is the sunniest destination on our list, with staying at a comfortable 19 degrees. You will be able to enjoy hopping from one tapas bar to another without the lengthy queues.

(Flights from £55 with Ryanair)

Marrakech, Morocco

Where better to find a relaxing space away from work than one of Marrakech's famous hammams? Seriously indulgent hammams and spas include those at La Mamounia and Selman Hotels. For total authenticity and a thorough scrubdown, head to Hammam El-Bacha (20 rue Fatima Zohra, Dar El-Bacha).

(Flights from £55 with Ryanair)

Milan, Italy

January is a great time to take advantage of waning queues. Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is undoubtedly Milan's best-known attraction, but the wait can take hours and tickets must be booked in advance. Visiting when the weather is less appealing will be worth it.

(Flights from £49 with Ryanair)

Parma, Italy

Parma is a cultural hub like no other. From January to May classical concerts are held in the beautiful Casino Petitot. The milder weather is perfect for outdoor concerts, dining and taking in the beautiful city.

(Flights from £58 with Ryanair)

Prague, Czech Republic

If you're still morning the holidays, Prague will let you bask in the memory. An ice-rink in the old town keeps the festive feeling alive throughout January, while the colder weather means the markets and cathedrals stay snow-topped and pretty right through to spring.

(Flights from £50 with easyJet)

Salzburg, Austria

The 28 January is Mozart's birthday, so a visit to Salzburg at this time of year, despite the freezing temperatures, will be filled with music and festivities. Salzburg also offers some outstanding ski resorts and slopes.

(Flights from £50 with Ryanair)

Tallinn, Estonia

Another chilly destination on the list, the Estonian capital is set to see snow all weekend. Market stalls line the Old Town's cobbled streets selling traditional furs, mulled wine and reindeer meat.

(Flights from £54 with Ryanair)

Broadcaster Jeremy Vine is among those to have been shocked by footage of a cyclist being knocked off his bike and attacked emerged on YouTube.

He retweeted an appeal by Essex Police for the victim to come forward.

Wearing a GoPro camera on his helmet, the cyclist recorded an incident where he was knocked off his bike by a white van, then punched and sworn at by the driver.

The attack is believed to have taken place in Essex, while the van displays a sign reading: Taylor Landscaping, a Colchester-based company.

Footage of the attack has been viewed more than 43,000 times on You Tube.

"Man from Taylor Landscaping is so conscientious he will rearrange your face as well as your garden," Mr Vine tweeted, posting a link to the video.

"Who the hell is this madman anyway? Is he wear (sic) hi-viz so cyclists can see when he is about to attack them?" 

We're aware of a You Tube video of a cyclist being assaulted + would advise the victim to contact police on 101 so it can be investigated

— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) January 15, 2015

FIREFIGHTERS tackled a house fire then helped an injured man after a road crash in the same street in Witham.

The crew had just finished dealing with a groundfloor blaze in a house in Hatfield Road when there was a collision between a car and a motorbike.

No-one was in the house at the time and no casualties were reported.

The blaze was extinguished by 6.38pm and the crash happened around 20 minutes later as firefighters were about to leave the scene.

The crew gave first aid to the crash casualty until paramedics arrived and the man in his 20s was treated for minor injuries.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service, said: "He was walking wounded and was not conveyed to hospital."

A fire investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the blaze in the house.

Winter has the county in its grip and it's set to be a cold one this weekend, with the Met Office issuing a warning if you're heading for the roads.

So where better to warm yourself up then by a crackling fire in a cosy pubs.

We've come up with this list of places to try out for a decent Sunday lunch, any of your favourites here?

The Ship 

18 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SW

The Ship is central to the Railway and Bus Station in Chelmsford city centre and has bags of character and charm. If you want to meet socially there are frequent quiz nights, music and food theme parties.

The Angel 

160 Main Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford, CM1 7AH

This pub was originally a hall house, built around the 15^th century and its rustic features are evidence of its rich history. So if you fancy a warm welcome and a good hearty meal, this is the ideal place to come and rest your chilled bones.

The George Hotel

The George Hotel, High Street, Colchester, CO1 1TD

In the oldest town in Essex this building acts as a hotel, pub and restaurant reflective of a medieval era. With myriads of different armchairs and fireplaces this pub oozes comfort, inviting you to stay and soak in the relaxing atmosphere.

The Victory Inn

The Green, Wickham St Pauls, CO9 2PT

This pub sits opposite a cricket field in the quaint little village of Wickham St Paul. Its idyllic setting helps people to forget about the fast pace of modern day life. Sat by the fire with a warm drink is enough to send anyone into a content sleepy doze.

The Griffin

Parsonage Street, Halstead, CO9 2JT

The Griffin is a pub that serves lovely home-made food and real ales. The pub offers a community feel and its cheery atmosphere will make you feel like one of the locals.

The White Hart

Bocking End, Braintree, CM7 9AB

Right at the heart of Braintree town sits the White Hart, a beautifully decorated pub which is also a hotel and restaurant. You can expect all the features belonging to an old 16^th century building.

The George and the Dragon

High Street, Epping, CM16 4AQ

If you want to experience some countryside pub grub this is a great place to get snug. They offer seasonal food from slow-cooked pork belly to pan-fried sea bass, with an interesting variety of dishes.

The Lion

High Street, Earls Colne, CO6 2PA

This pub has been renovated within the few years and its transformation has made it an inviting place to visit. The restoration has enhanced the buildings historic features, giving you a glimpse into its former state. 

Fox and Goose

Ongar Road, Cooksmill Green, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3SN

For a slightly more modern feel, take a trip to the Fox and Goose. It has recently undergone restoration accompanied with a roaring log fire to keep you toasty warm. An added bake house and restaurant serving fresh food is another reason this gets the cost seal of approval. 

The Hospital Arms

23 Crouch Street, Colchester, CO3 3HA

A small and quirky place in Colchester to relax and meet friends in a traditionally old fashioned pub. 

An overturned lorry was abandoned for the day on a bendy country road on Thursday, January 15.

The Scania HGV toppled over shortly before 8.22am in Maldon Road in Hatfield Peverel.

Traffic could still pass.

The ambulance service attended but no one was injured or taken to hospital.

Chelmsford's Golden Fleece pub manager Brett Sanders, who spotted the lorry at 9.30am, said: "It's a strange place to go over so I can only presume the driver was driving too quick or was overloaded."

The Highways Authority had the lorry recovered at about 6pm.

Winter will set in this weekend, with a band of rain, sleet and snow due to spread east across Essex in the early hours of tomorrow morning (January 17).

The 'yellow warning' for snow and ice means that motorists have been warned to 'be aware' of the risk of some difficult driving conditions to come.

A yellow warning suggests that severe weather is possible over the next few days. 

The Met Office advises that people plan ahead and consider possible travel delays, or disruption to daily activities and routines.

The chief forecaster said: "A weak occluded front will come east, associated precipitation falling into air which has cooled during the preceding night to bring a wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow.

"The warning also states that although there is a likely chance of snow and ice hitting the county's roads, the weather is predicted to have moved on by noon tomorrow." 

If you're affected by the weather conditions, get in touch with us via newsdesk@essexchronicle.co.uk, our Facebook page, or on Twitter @EssexChronicle.

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of demolishing an old railway yard to make way for a new supermarket, shops and hotel.

Aquila Maldon Ltd was given permission at a planning and licencing committee meeting last night (Thursday, January 15) to start working on the Brooks Brothers timber yard in The Causeway in Maldon.

Waitrose has shown interest in becoming the development's food store and Next also wants to move in.

Maldon district councillor for Southminster Brian Beale MBE said the development could help regenerate the town.

"There is a great hope that the people of Maldon will appreciate the district more with these improvements," said the Independent councillor.

Lidl is also showing interest in moving to the town, Tesco is transforming the old Cups pub in Wantz Road and Morrisons Local has opened in the former High Street post office.

Aquila estimates the new complex will create 200 jobs.

Discussing whether the new supermarket could be a Waitrose, Mr Beale said: "I honestly don't know if it will be, I have had nothing to do with the negotiations with the developer."

Superdrug has launched the world's first 'sexercise' soundtrack to encourage couples to burn more calories between the sheets.

Developed by fitness experts and music producers who analysed the bedroom habits of 2,000 British couples, the track lasts for just under 23 minutes – the average length of a UK sex session.

The retailer commissioned the novel innovation after research highlighted copulating couples count love-making as 'moderate exercise'.

The method behind the madness is for couples to pace their intimate movements to the changing beat of the music, with a big bass crescendo at 130 beats per minute.

UK lovers have sex an average of 1.88 times per week, and 78% of people say they feel more body confident after good sex, prompting Superdrug to suggest their bedroom revolution is a fun way to keep fit.

Caris Newson, head of retail health at Superdrug said: "Over the years the many health benefits of sex have been well documented, from beating stress and relieving pain, to bringing couples together and boosting confidence, as well as, of course, as a form of aerobic exercise.

"We commissioned this track as a fun way to show the health benefits an energetic love making session can have.

"It's an easy way for couples to incorporate exercise in to their daily routine, but just remember to always practice safe sex."

Available to download free, the track was launched to encourage small, but sustainable changes in diet and exercise habits to help improve health and wellbeing.

As well as being available to stream free from Spotify, the new sexercise track can be downloaded free from 

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of demolishing an old railway yard to make way for a new supermarket, shops and hotel.

Aquila Maldon Ltd was given permission at a planning and licencing committee meeting last night (January 15) to start working on the Brooks Brothers timber yard in The Causeway in Maldon.

Waitrose has shown interest in becoming the development's food store and Next also wants to move in.

Maldon district councillor for Southminster Brian Beale MBE said the development could help regenerate the town.

"There is a great hope that the people of Maldon will appreciate the district more with these improvements," said the Independent councillor.

Lidl is also showing interest in moving to the town, Tesco is transforming the old Cups pub in Wantz Road and Morrisons Local has opened in the former High Street post office.

Aquila estimates the new complex will create 200 jobs.

Discussing whether the new supermarket could be a Waitrose, Mr Beale said: "I honestly don't know if it will be, I have had nothing to do with the negotiations with the developer."

A man has attended a police station in connection with an apparent vicious assault on a cyclist.

The attack, which Essex Police say happened in Hornchurch, was filmed in its entirety by the victim, who was set upon by the driver of a van he collided with.

The footage prompted outrage when it was uploaded to YouTube and has since been viewed more than 65,000 times.

The matter is now in the hands of the Metropolitan Police.

A man attended station in #Essex re a cycle incident that appeared on YouTube. Investigation passed to Met Police as happened in #Hornchurch

— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) January 16, 2015

Police are at the scene of a serious road incident at Colchester. 

Officers were called to East Hill shortly before 5pm today (January 16) following reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and a bus.

East Hill has been closed and is likely to remain shut for several hours for police investigations.

Drivers are being advised to avoid central Colchester while the closure continues.

An 18-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences at Stansted Airport.

The teenager was arrested at around 4pm today on suspicion of preparing of terrorist acts after she arrived on a flight at Stansted airport.

She has been taken to a central London police station where she remains in custody.

As part of the investigation which led to her arrest a 21-year-old man was arrested in Hackney on Wednesday, October 29 on suspicion of assisting another to commit acts of terrorism, or to engage in any conduct for the committing of such acts, by facilitating another to travel abroad.

He was taken to a south London police station, where he was later bailed to return to on a date in late December 2014. He has since been rebailed to a date in January.

A search at the residential address in Hackney was also carried out.