Cyclist killed following collision with car in Colchester

April 7, 2013, 3:19 am

≫ Next: Cocaine haul 'worth £12million' seized in Chelmsford

≪ Previous: Third defeat in a row for Chelmsford City

$

0

0

A CYCLIST was killed following a collision with a car in Colchester yesterday afternoon.

The 73-year-old man from Colchester died at the scene after colliding with a blue Ford KA at the Bromley Road junction with Slough Lane. The occupants of the car, a male driver and female passenger, were uninjured.

Police were called at 12:50pm on Saturday, April 6 and the road was closed to enable a full investigation to take place. The road remained shut until around 5:30pm.

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation unit would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision and contact them on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk

---

Cocaine haul 'worth £12million' seized in Chelmsford

April 7, 2013, 10:43 am

≫ Next: Man arrested over alleged Southend sex attack

≪ Previous: Cyclist killed following collision with car in Colchester

$

0

0

Cocaine with a potential street value of up to £12million was seized in Chelmsford yesterday afternoon. Officers from Titan, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, recovered the haul in a co-ordinated operation that led being stopped. They were supported by the South East Regional Crime Unit, SOCA and Border Policing Command. Two men aged 50 and 25 years from the Urmston area of Manchester were detained with the vehicle and a subsequent search led to recovery of what is believed to be 80 kilos of cocaine. Subsequently, co-ordinated arrests took place across the north west of England. Five men, aged 30, 36, 44, 46, and 52, and a 41-year-old woman were detained on suspicion of the importation of Class A controlled drugs and remain in police custody for questioning. Head of Operations for Titan, Detective Superintendent Jason Hudson said: "These arrests come as a result of a thorough and intensive six-month long investigation by officers from Titan. "It also represents the largest seizure of Class A controlled drugs from a Titan led investigation and delivers a massive blow against organised crime in the North West."

Man arrested over alleged Southend sex attack

April 7, 2013, 11:20 am

≫ Next: Mother's appeal for funds for daughter's life changing treatment

≪ Previous: Cocaine haul 'worth £12million' seized in Chelmsford

$

0

0

A man has been arrested in connection with a alleged sexual assault on a man in Southend. The 18-year-old suspect was detained on suspicion of rape and robbery and is currently in police custody The incident is reported to have taken place in Priory Park at around 4.30am on Saturday. Police said the victim, a man in his 20s, was approached by a man who dragged him into the bushes and indecently assaulted him. The victim fought back and eventually managed to get escape. An 18-year-old man from Southend was arrested on suspicion of rape and robbery and is currently in police custody.

Mother's appeal for funds for daughter's life changing treatment

April 7, 2013, 8:00 pm

≫ Next: Essex County Council threatened with legal action over potholes

≪ Previous: Man arrested over alleged Southend sex attack

$

0

0

A DESPERATE mother must raise £30,000 in six months or her severely disabled daughter could miss out on life-changing treatment.

Seven-year-old Isabella Cox suffers from a rare chromosome disorder that leaves her unable to walk, talk or eat, but mum Christine believes that specialist therapy in the US could radically improve her condition.

However, Christine, a police officer, and her partner estimate the ten-week trip will cost £30,000 which they must raise by September or risk missing out.

"The condition leaves her like a newborn baby, she's unable to communicate at all," said Christine, 33, who lives with Isabella and partner Tony in Bicknacre.

"If she gets a cold at the moment she's unable to even cough so she's had pneumonia every year since she's been born.

"She can't walk or eat.

"But after we were able to take her for a shorter course of the treatment in Florida there's been such a change. Now she can smile, giggle and play with her rattle."

The family know of only two other children in the world that suffer from the same condition, which has left Isabella blind, epileptic and with two holes in her heart.

In November 2012 an appearance on ITV show Surprise Surprise, after Christine secretly nominated her partner for recognition, led to gifts of free flights to the US and four weeks of treatment at the centre, and even kayaking equipment for Tony's 150-mile row of the Thames soon.

But the couple still need to raise thousands more if Isabella is to stay for the full ten weeks they believe she needs.

"While we were in America last time we met a family whose child had the same condition as Isabella but who had undergone this intensive therapy.

"Their child is now eating and walking which Isabella can't do, she's only just started sitting up by herself," added Christine.

"The problem is the flights from the TV show expire at the end of the year, so if we're going to raise the money and go for 10 weeks we need to do it by September."

The specialist treatment in physiotherapy, feeding and speech isn't currently available in the UK, so the family have numerous events planned over the coming months to get Isabella to the US, beginning with a bag-packing day at Asda in South Woodham Ferrers on April 6.

Then later in the month Tony and his friend Nick will be kayaking 150 miles along the Thames on April 29, while there are further plans for tandem skydives, and casino nights.

"We are on a deadline and so we just have to plan loads of events, and get this done," said Christine.

For further information on upcoming events and the chance to donate to Isabella's fund visit www.isabellasfund.com

Essex County Council threatened with legal action over potholes

April 7, 2013, 8:30 pm

≫ Next: Great Baddow town crier cooks up a treat on Simon Cowell show

≪ Previous: Mother's appeal for funds for daughter's life changing treatment

$

0

0

FIFTY-FIVE thousand potholes have been repaired in the past year, according to council statistics, but drivers are still being left out of pocket because of the state of the roads.

With an extra £11 million being invested in highways maintenance for 2012/2013, Essex County Council has identified potholes as one of the main bugbears for drivers. It was announced in February that an additional £180m would be spent on improving and maintaining the county's road network over the next four years, including an extra £35m over the next two years.

They claim that another 4,200 potholes have been inspected and are due for repair.

But the sheer number of potholes and craters in the roads caused by the latest bout of cold weather means that the request for road repairs is on the increase.

Steve Rogers, 60, of Marks Lane, Rettendon Common, says that he spent six months pleading with the county council's highways department to fix a crater in South Hanningfield Road caused by water running across the road because of a blocked drain.

After a handful of accidents on the road were caused by the crater, Mr Rogers claims the pothole has now been fixed, but added: "Overall, the roads are in very poor condition. It's not a first-class repair, but it's 100 per cent better than it was."

Another driver, James Bent, 23, is threatening to sue Essex County Council after a pothole dubbed 'Devil's Crater' caused £1,400 damage to his car.

Mr Bent, from Chelmsford, was driving along the A113 in Stanford Rivers, near Ongar, when his Honda Civic went into the crater, buckling the wheels, taking out two tyres and damaging his suspension.

The impact was even big enough to activate the vehicle's safety system, causing the engine to cut out – something which is only supposed to happen after a serious collision.

"It was very scary. There was a loud bang and the engine just cut out," said Mr Bent.

"The council has failed to maintain the drains on the road, leaving torrents of water on both sides in wet weather. This probably caused the pothole in the first place."

Braintree District Councillor James Abbot believes that the council need to rethink their pothole protocol.

"They make all these grand statements about having an extra £11 million and they do fix holes, but you have to jump and scream to have them filled," he said.

"There are real issues around road safety and damage to vehicles. I think it needs a major shake-up.

"At the moment you are not really sure what their protocol is. In the nicest possible way they really need a boot up the proverbial."

Great Baddow town crier cooks up a treat on Simon Cowell show

April 7, 2013, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Countdown's Rachel Riley visits Chelmsford school

≪ Previous: Essex County Council threatened with legal action over potholes

$

0

0

TOWN crier Tony Appleton swapped his handbell for a wooden spoon for an appearance on an ITV cooking show.

Tony was hand-picked by film crews to appear on Food Glorious Food, a show searching for the best home-cooked dishes, with the winner receiving £20,000 and their dish made and sold by Marks & Spencer.

Tony was asked to make his late mum Dolly's grandma's bread and butter pudding, which he spices up with a dash of rum.

His recipe even features in an official Food Glorious Food cookery book that is available in bookshops.

Tony, who is president of the Guild of International Millennium Town Criers, made it to the semi-finals and was judged by well-known faces such as Carol Vorderman, Tom Parker Bowles, and Loyd Grossman.

He was first filmed at the old people's home he owns, New Home House, in Great Baddow.

"I had the film crew there for over eight hours at the old people's home," said Tony, 75.

"It was good fun but it was a really long day.

"But I made the pudding in my house because it was easier and then I took it to the old people's home.

"I got through that round and then we all went to Knebworth, Hertfordshire, where the competition really started, and that's where I was judged by Carol Vorderman."

Tony was in the Royal Navy from 1953 to 1959, which was where he discovered his secret recipe ingredient, Pusser's Traditional Dark Navy Rum.

He said: "I was really chuffed to be asked to be on the show, but it wasn't just town criers, they wanted people of all professions – we had a vicar and a fireman.

"I absolutely love cooking now – I cook bread and butter puddings all the time.

"It is a regular Sunday dish for my family, and I am the main chef every time."

Tony has already had offers from magazines such as Women's Own asking to feature his recipe.

"As soon as people see the episode the phone will not stop ringing," he laughed.

"It is all going to start now, my cooking career may just take off yet."

A repeat of the show, which was aired yesterday (Wednesday) is on ITV1 on Sunday at 3pm.

TONY'S RECIPE: Bread and butter pudding

Ingredients:

2oz dark brown sugar

4-6 slices of bread

3 large organic eggs

1 pint organic milk

1 shavings of orange

1 shavings of lemon

3-4 oz dried fruit

2 tablespoons of marmalade

3 tablespoons of Pusser's rum

Method:

Put the dried fruit and dark rum into a bowl and leave for one hour.

Butter dish

Measure 3oz of brown sugar

Place one layer of bread in dish and grate orange and lemon zest, sprinkle with about three tablespoons of sugar and three tablespoons of fruit.

Repeat the above for three layers.

Make custard, break three organic eggs and mix in a pint of organic milk

Pour over dish and leave for one hour

Cook for one hour on 150 df

Countdown's Rachel Riley visits Chelmsford school

April 7, 2013, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Rylan and District 3 perform at Essex Indoor Family Festival

≪ Previous: Great Baddow town crier cooks up a treat on Simon Cowell show

$

0

0

THE clock, the conundrum and the famous letters board were all there when maths wizard Rachel Riley brought Countdown to a Chelmsford school.

The Essex girl spent the day at Westlands Primary School, running a maths masterclass and then holding a special version of the hit Channel 4 TV show on which she is the co-host and letters and numbers queen.

As well as getting into the spirit of Countdown, pupils and staff at the Beeches Road school dressed in wild and wacky clothing to raise funds for the Sick Children's Trust.

Rachel, who lives in Thorpe Bay, told the Chronicle: "I've done school visits before but never when everyone has been dressed up like this – it's fantastic.

"The children have been lovely. They have given me a tour of the school and shown me their work.

"I ran a masterclass with a group of the children and gave them a few tips on how to do the numbers game."

Despite most of them never having seen the TV show, a team of four pupils beat teams of teachers, parents and teaching assistants to take the Countdown crown.

"I'm so pleased we won," said Jordon Bretton, 10, "especially as I have beaten my mum, who was in the parents' team!"

Katie McCarthy, 11, said: "I've seen Countdown a couple of times. It was fun and exciting to hold it here, especially with Rachel herself."

Terese Bylov, 11, added: "The word game is quite tough. I watched a couple of episodes of Countdown on YouTube this morning to gen up. I thought it looked quite hard then."

The fourth member of the winning team was Daisy Maslin, 10, who took part in Rachel's masterlcass.

She said: "Rachel taught us a few tricks on how to multiply with nine which really paid off as I got the right number on the number round really quickly both times this afternoon."

Morgan Neville, 9, showed Rachel around the school. She said: "Rachel really liked our wildlife garden. When we went into the early years classroom, the children all wanted to give her a cuddle. It was so sweet."

Rachel was invited to the school by outgoing deputy head teacher, Ian Bowyer, who met her at an event run by the Sick Children's Trust, of which he is a great supporter.

Ian and his family, whose daughter Evie, 5, has the rare Crouzon Syndrome and has had to spend long periods of time in Great Ormond Street Hospital, have benefited from the trust, which provides accommodation close to inner city hospitals.

The Countdown day raised £420 for the trust, which goes towards Ian's £3,000 target for this year. He is running the London Marathon next month for the third and final time, dressed as Peppa Pig, Evie's favourite TV character.

Rylan and District 3 perform at Essex Indoor Family Festival

April 8, 2013, 1:58 am

≫ Next: Police appeal after assault in Colchester

≪ Previous: Countdown's Rachel Riley visits Chelmsford school

$

0

0

EXCITED children and their parents were kept busy at a jam-packed two-day family event in Brentwood at the weekend. There were live performances from X Factor finalists Rylan Clark and District 3, plus an animal petting area, a bouncy castle and plenty of stalls at The Essex Indoor Family Festival. SEE OUR PICTURE GALLERY HERE The event took place at the Brentwood Centre in Doddinghurst Road on Saturday and Sunday and was attended by thousands of visitors. Other notable performers included Essex singer Sam Callahan and Britain's Got Talent finalist Molly Rainford. The singers on the big stage attracted a great deal of attention but there was plenty more to enjoy at the indoor event. Rylan, who won Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year, now works as a showbiz reporter for ITV's Daybreak breakfast programme. Describing his new career, he said: "It's amazing – I find it so much easier than singing, but I do want to keep singing, that's what I love." Even though Rylan was ill and was instructed not to sing at the event he battled through. The 24-year-old, who hails from Stanford-le-Hope, said: "I couldn't let everyone down and as I was in my home town I knew they wouldn't judge me for being a bit croaky. "I feel like you can do no wrong here. "I've had so much support from Essex through X Factor and for that I'm so grateful."

---

Police appeal after assault in Colchester

April 8, 2013, 3:19 am

≫ Next: Parents Experience Yoga and Gloop at Colchester Kiddi Caru

≪ Previous: Rylan and District 3 perform at Essex Indoor Family Festival

$

0

0

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following an assault in a nightclub.

A man in his thirties was assaulted while inside Robert's nightclub in Colchester town centre at  just after 1am this morning. 

The victim was taken to hospital where it was discovered he had a fractured eye socket and jaw.

A 27-year-old man from Colchester was arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed until June 10.

Anyone with any information is asked to call detectives at Colchester CID on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Parents Experience Yoga and Gloop at Colchester Kiddi Caru

April 8, 2013, 3:22 am

≫ Next: Brentwood Town's unbeaten run comes to an end at Chatham

≪ Previous: Police appeal after assault in Colchester

$

0

0

Kiddi Caru's Colchester day nursery is opening its doors to existing and prospective parents on Saturday April 13th and inviting them to experience the nursery's varied activities – including Yoga and gloop - first hand.

 

Other activities that parents will be able to sample between10.30am and 1pm on the day include Music & Movement, French, Sing & Sign and gloop and baked bean play. Cooking, junk modelling and computer work will also be on the itinerary. 

 

All of the rooms in the nursery will be set up as if to welcome the children, so parents can see exactly the kind of environment their child experiences day to day. The nursery's resident chef will also treat parents to a home-cooked beef lasagne or tasty vegetarian meal.

 

Jennie Gregory, Nursery Manager, said: "We always look forward to our Experience Days as they give parents a real insight into a typical day within the nursery and what their child does while they're here. It's difficult for parents to say goodbye to their child when they drop them off but knowing about the fun activities they have access to throughout the day puts their mind at rest. The Experience Day also gives them the opportunity to try some of our activities themselves - where else would they get to play with gloop and baked bean play?"

 

The Experience Day at Kiddi Caru's Colchester day nursery will take place on Saturday 13th April between 10.30 and1pm.

 

Kiddi Caru's Colchester day nursery provides premium quality childcare for children aged 0 – 5 years.

 

For further information about Kiddi Caru please visit the website at www.kiddicaru.com, like us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/Kiddicaru - or call us on 01206 871700.

Brentwood Town's unbeaten run comes to an end at Chatham

April 8, 2013, 3:30 am

≫ Next: Man bailed after dead body discovered in Highwoods

≪ Previous: Parents Experience Yoga and Gloop at Colchester Kiddi Caru

$

0

0

BRENTWOOD Town's seven-match unbeaten run was ended by a superb strike from Chatham substitute Garry Tilley at Maidstone Road. The Blues had deservedly led 1-0 at half-time thanks to Ross Wall's tap-in, but were pegged back after a lacklustre second-half performance. The first goal came when Matt Solly's thunderbolt rebounded off the crossbar and in off the helpless Richard Wray, before Tilley hit a magnificent half-volley into the top corner shortly after coming off the bench. The visitors took the lead after 14 minutes, after Kes Metitri was penalised 30 yards out. The ball was dinked over the defence before the referee blew his whistle and fired across goal to the waiting Wall, who couldn't miss – but almost did as he stumbled on the line, but he had done enough. But Chatham levelled nine minutes into the second half in the most unfortunate of circumstances for Wray. A ball was cleared to the edge of the box and expertly volleyed goalwards by the home side's long-serving skipper Solly, beat Wray and then hit the crossbar and the keeper's back before trickling over the line. Brentwood almost got straight back in front when Steve Butterworth played in Daryl Robson, but Roberts narrowed the angle well and kept it out. The home side were forced to replace Ndiane with Garry Tilley, and the replacement had an instant impact when he met a ball down the channel and lobbed a superb half-volley over Wray and into the top corner. From thereon in, it was little more than an average end-of-season encounter between two teams destined for mid-table finishes.

Man bailed after dead body discovered in Highwoods

April 8, 2013, 4:31 am

≫ Next: Essex MPs pay tribute after Margaret Thatcher dies at 87

≪ Previous: Brentwood Town's unbeaten run comes to an end at Chatham

$

0

0

A man arrested in connection with the discovery of a dead body in Colchester on Saturday has been released on bail.

The victim, in his late 40s,was found in Tynedale Square in Highwoods at around 8.45am. Police are currently treated his death as unexplained

A 44-year-old man, from Colchester was held on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs and was bailed to return on July 5 pending further enquiries.

Essex MPs pay tribute after Margaret Thatcher dies at 87

April 8, 2013, 5:09 am

≫ Next: Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles: Margaret Thatcher was 'a colossus'

≪ Previous: Man bailed after dead body discovered in Highwoods

$

0

0

Essex Conservative MPs have paid tribute to Margaret Thatcher, who died this morning at the age of 87. The former Prime Minister, who was the first woman to occupy the role between 1979 and 1990, suffered a stroke, her spokesman Lord Bell said. Simon Burns, MP for Chelmsford, said: "It is very sad and it's the end of an era because she dominated political life for the 15 years that she was leader of the Conservative Party and influenced politics greatly thereafter. "She is the reason that we held the Chelmsford constituency when I got elected in 1987 because I was defending the majority of 387 votes. "She was a colossus on the political scene and completely changed the political landscape  by rolling back the power of the state in a way that no government since has sought to reverse her policies. "When she took over we were considered the sick man of Europe, but when she left the premiership in 1990 we were a key influential world leader." Saffron Walden MP Sir Alan Haselhurst said: "She was a very great leader of our country at a particularly difficult time and she showed determination and strength of purpose in a way which was very necessary in dealing with the crisis that faced her. "Her legacy and what she achieved has been on-going. It was a turning point in post-war British history." Harlow MP Robert Halfon described Mrs Thatcher as "one of our greatest Prime Ministers". He said: "Mrs Thatcher made Britain a power in the world, reformed our economy, established popular capitalism and enabled millions of lower earners to purchase their own Council Homes under Right to Buy. She was a real One Nation Conservative. "She was a huge influence on my own politics - and was one of the reasons I first decided to become a Conservative. "Her influence on the Conservative Party as a whole is almost unparalleled." Essex MP Priti Patel has paid tribute to former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who passed away this morning (8th April 2013) following a stroke. Priti said: Priti Patel, MP for Witham, noted Baroness Thatcher's "robust approach to foreign policy" in view of the Falklands Islands conflict. She said: "Baroness Thatcher successfully restored Britain's status in the world, which had diminished following the Second World War and the economic troubles of the 1970s. "Here in Britain the lives of millions of families were transformed for the better as Baroness Thatcher's Government empowered people to own their own homes for the first time. "My heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with the Thatcher family today and she will be missed in Britain and throughout the world." Basildon and Billericay MP John Baron also gave his reaction. He said: "I am very sad to hear of Baroness Thatcher's death – my thoughts and feelings are with her family at this difficult moment." "Many will argue over her legacy, but none of her major reforms have been overturned by successive Governments – whether Conservative, Labour or Coalition. "A true conviction politician, she will be long remembered."What are your memories of Margaret Thatcher's reign? How will she be remembered? Leave your comments below.

Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles: Margaret Thatcher was 'a colossus'

April 8, 2013, 6:16 am

≫ Next: Pc Ian Dibell was unlawfully killed, inquest rules

≪ Previous: Essex MPs pay tribute after Margaret Thatcher dies at 87

$

0

0

Brentwood and Ongar Conservative MP Eric Pickles has paid tribute to Margaret Thatcher, describing her as "the greatest peacetime leader of the 20th century". The communities secretary was initially too upset to speak when the news broke but he has praised the 87-year-old former Prime Minister as both a person and a politician after her death was announced this morning.Read tributes from Mr Pickles' fellow MPs here. He said: "She was a colossus across the political scene throughout the 1970s, 80s and the 90s. "I knew her very well; I wouldn't have become an MP without her. "She gave me a push at the Scarborough Spring Tory Conference in the late 1980s when I was considering not applying. "She had me by the elbow and frogmarched me across the room. "I think she was very kind. She was a Marmite politician but there can't be any doubt that Britain in the 1970s was practically ungovernable and she took on those disruptive forces and led the consensus on the right which (John) Major and (Tony) Blair continued." Although Mr Pickles said he would not consider himself a close personal friend with the former Prime Minister, they remained in regular contact. "I've kept up with her over the years. The last time we were together, I think, was when I gave her an honorary doctorate from the University of Lodz, Poland. "Obviously she had been ill for some time and she was too frail to go to Poland but they did a video link at the London School of Economic and I attended the after dinner with her. "She was a mother and a grandmother and she will be missed."What are your memories of Margaret Thatcher's reign? How will she be remembered? Leave your comments below.

Pc Ian Dibell was unlawfully killed, inquest rules

April 8, 2013, 6:24 am

≫ Next: Councillor sorry over 'grossly crass' Margaret Thatcher tweet

≪ Previous: Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles: Margaret Thatcher was 'a colossus'

$

0

0

AN OFF-DUTY police officer died a hero after he tried to wrestle a revolver from a "paranoid and psychotic" gunman, an inquest heard today. Pc Ian Dibell, 41, was shot in the chest as he tried to stop Peter Reeve gunning down his neighbours in Clacton on July 9 last year, Chelmsford Crown Court was told. His death sparked a 17-hour manhunt across Essex – involving 150 police officers – which ended when Reeve shot himself in a Writtle churchyard the next morning. "Pc Dibell ran to the sound of gunfire and confronted Reeve near his home. He attempted to disarm him but was shot," said clerk of the court, Paul Robertson. PC Dibell had tried to intervene when Reeve, a 64-year-old mechanic, shot at his neighbour and partner – who he wrongly believed to be involved in drug dealing. The inquest heard that Reeve was "paranoid and psychotic" and thought that his neighbour – Trevor Marshall – was trying to kill him. He confronted Mr Marshall and his girlfriend Kat Karolak with a gun at 3.30pm in a communal hallway. He shot at the pair least seven times, first on foot and then through the window of his blue Toyota, as they fled through the residential streets. The court was told that Pc Dibell, upon hearing the gun fire, raced from his home on Redbridge Road, and "lunged" at Reeve through the open car window. He managed to get two hands on the gun, a 96-year-old British military World War I service revolver, but was shot through his right-hand and his chest. Witnesses reported seeing Pc Dibell collapse just yards from where he was shot and 23 people called 999 in 12 minutes. Reeve, who was brought up in Chelmsford but had lived in Clacton for 10 years, then ran Mr Marshall over and crashed his car, allowing his neighbour to escape. "I saw Pc Dibell approach the car, he lent in the car – I heard a shot and he fell back clutching his chest," Mr Marshall told police. Reeve, a father-of-two – who was detained under the Mental Health Act in 2001 – was described by his landlord as "having a chip on his shoulder" and as a "fantasist". He told a friend in the days leading up to the tragedy that we wanted to petrol bomb Mr Marshall and his partner. After crashing his car, Reeve made his way to Weeley –where he told one resident: "I've had such a bad day. If I told you about what sort of day I've had you would not believe me. I've had a hell of a day." A 6.21pm that evening, he was pictured on a train heading toward Colchester. The court heard that Reeve then walked to Colchester North where he took a southbound train to Chelmsford. At around 8pm, the gunman took a taxi from Chelmsford station to Melbourne where he spent around 30 minutes with his sister, Janet Hynes. At this stage, his estranged wife of 23 years, Susan Reeve, who also lives in Melbourne, was under heavy police guard. The next day he was seen in the churchyard of All Saints Church in Writtle at 7.10am. An hour later David Colyer, a gardener at the church, saw Reeve sink to his knees and put the gun to his own forehead. He told the groundsman: "I'm the man who shot the constable in Clacton. I'm sorry I shot the constable." In the case of Pc Dibell, Essex Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded a verdict of unlawful killing. For Reeve, she recorded a verdict of suicide.

---

Councillor sorry over 'grossly crass' Margaret Thatcher tweet

April 8, 2013, 8:13 am

≫ Next: David Bowie shirt and African painting theft from south-east Essex lorry warrants £800 reward

≪ Previous: Pc Ian Dibell was unlawfully killed, inquest rules

$

0

0

A top Labour councillor has apologised after posting a picture of a bottle of Champagne following the death of Margaret Thatcher. Tina Bourne, deputy leader of the Labour group at cabinet member for housing at Colchester Borough Council tweeted the image, along with the message "chin chin everyone". But she backtracked after the posts drew a negative response from other Twitter users. Ms Bourne, who is also a deputy headteacher, subsequently posted: "You are right, it was a crass insensitive thing to tweet, and I should know better. With sincere apologies."Tory politicians in Essex have paid tribute to Lady Thatcher, 87, who died this morning in London following a stroke. Her Colchester Borough Council colleague, Will Quince, leader of the authority's Conservatives, said he had lost a lot of respect for her. "It was grossly crass," he said. "I have a huge amount of respect for Tina Bourne but I have lost most of that today. "Behind the politics we are humans and there is a family that is grieving and I think that should be respected. It was absolutely wrong of (Tina Bourne)." Mr Quince paid his own tribute to Mrs Thatcher, and said she would be missed by many. He added: "She inspired so many people and I'm one of them - she came from a hardworking background. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a private function in London. "She was a three time Prime Minister and our first woman Prime Minister and that achievement alone makes her a great."

David Bowie shirt and African painting theft from south-east Essex lorry warrants £800 reward

April 8, 2013, 8:37 am

≫ Next: Pc Ian Dibell 'will never be forgotten', colleagues say

≪ Previous: Councillor sorry over 'grossly crass' Margaret Thatcher tweet

$

0

0

AN £800 reward is being offered for the safe return of a unique African painting stolen from a lorry in London Road, in West Thurrock.

Thieves also nicked a number of limited-edition David Bowie designer T-shirts, commemorating his new album, The Next Day.

A number of Paul Smith trousers and shoes were also taken from the lorry at 1pm on Tuesday, March 5.

The designer garments amounted to an estimated value of £165,000.

Investigating Officer, Pc Jakki Hardingham, said: "Each shirt has a one-off pattern on each one, making them ever-so unique. 

"They were specially produced to mark the launch of The Next Day and so we're hoping that someone recognises the image of one of these shirts and contacts us with its location so that we can get a lead on who committed the crime."

The painting depicts many African faces and animals and is a striking red colour.

Peter Chappell, who imported the painting on behalf of its owner, is offering £800 for its safe, undamaged return or information leading to its safe recovery.

Anyone with information in connection with this theft is urged to contact investigating officers at Grays police station 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Pc Ian Dibell 'will never be forgotten', colleagues say

April 8, 2013, 8:48 am

≫ Next: Appeal after Croydon man robbed in Wickford

≪ Previous: David Bowie shirt and African painting theft from south-east Essex lorry warrants £800 reward

$

0

0

Former colleagues of Essex Police officer Pc Ian Dibell have reiterated their pride in his actions, after an inquest into his death today.
Essex Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded a verdict of unlawful killing
at Chelmsford Crown Court after the proceedings heard how he was shot dead after intervening in a dispute involving the gunman Peter Reeve on July 9 last year. 

For Reeve, a verdict of suicide was recorded. The court heard how he shot himself in a graveyard in Writtle the next day, after a countywide police manhunt.
Essex Police Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle said: "The inquest hearing has given us an opportunity to learn in more detail about the courage and bravery of Ian, who despite recognising the danger that he faced, selflessly tackled Peter Reeve to protect others.
"The incident in Clacton last July is a reminder to us all that it is not the uniform that makes a police officer, it is the instinctive sense to do the right thing regardless of the circumstances you are faced with.

"During what was clearly a fast-moving and dramatic situation, Ian quickly assessed what needed to be done and tackled Peter Reeve, sustaining a fatal injury in the process.
"We remain deeply proud of Ian and the sacrifice he made for the safety of others.
"He had an incredible devotion to his community and Essex Police and his actions will never be forgotten."

Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "Ian Dibell died trying to protect the community he served proudly as an Essex Police officer.
"Even though he was off duty he acted with bravery and selflessness, attempting to calm a dangerous situation.
"Police constable Ian Dibell's family, friends and colleagues, and the people of Essex, should never forget Ian or his sacrifice.
"He represented the very best tradition of British policing."

Appeal after Croydon man robbed in Wickford

April 8, 2013, 9:28 am

≫ Next: VIDEO: Rylan Clark wants to be 'Mayor of Essex'

≪ Previous: Pc Ian Dibell 'will never be forgotten', colleagues say

$

0

0

A MAN who was robbed by two men in Wickford believed he was set up via an internet site that connects Blackberry Messenger users.

The victim, from Croydon, was contacted by a woman via the BBPins.com site and had been speaking to her for five to six days prior to arranging to meet her in Wickford last Friday at around 2pm. The woman told him to contact her by Blackberry Messenger when he arrived at Wickford Station, which he did.

She directed him to a housing estate in Birch Green when he was approached by two men, one of whom had a knife and demanded him to hand over his Blackberry phone. They also stole his iPhone, jacket and jumper.

They gave him the impression he had been set up by the woman.

DS Julie Gowen from Basildon CID said: "I want to send a warning to other BBPins site users about this nasty trick and warn people not to agree to meet someone you don't know, unless it is in a very public place.

"Secondly I want to hear from anyone who can help identify the men who committed the robbery. One of them is described as 18-22 years old, white, about 5ft 7-8", athletic build, wearing a dark coat with the hood up and jeans. He held the knife."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact detectives at Basildon CID on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

VIDEO: Rylan Clark wants to be 'Mayor of Essex'

April 8, 2013, 10:18 am

≫ Next: Harold Hill woman seriously injured after assault

≪ Previous: Appeal after Croydon man robbed in Wickford

$

0

0

Rylan Clark has declared his ambition to become the Mayor of Essex.

In an interview with Brentwood'sPhoenix FM at the Essex Indoor Festival on Saturday, the X Factor finalist and Celebrity Big Brother winner declared his aspiration.

The 24-year-old singer and ITV Daybreak showbiz reporter was asked what it was like to represent the county of Essex before the nation.

He said: "I think I should be made the mayor of Essex"

To which presenter Alex Moore, who is in the first year of his film and television course at University of Essex, asked: "Is that an actual thing?"

Rylan, seemingly unaware of the county's political structure, replied: "I think there is a mayor. I want the chains and I want the key to Essex so I can just go to Lakeside at two in the morning if I want.

"I want it to be official – that's what I'm aiming for."