TWO former firefighters have been summonsed to court over sex abuse claims within Essex Fire Service dating back to the 1980s.
Anthony Benham, 49, from Stanford le Hope and Ian Maguire, 55, from South Benfleet, have been asked to appear before Basildon Magistrates' Court on July 17.
The two men previously worked at Tilbury Fire Station, which closed down 16 years ago
Essex Police have been investigating allegations of "serious criminal activity" and have interviewed over 100 people across Essex since June last year.
A spokesman for the force said: "Detectives investigating complaints concerning allegations of criminal offences at the former Tilbury Fire Station, between the 1980s to 1990s have completed their enquiries.
"They have interviewed over 100 people in this large and complex investigation.
"A full file of evidence was sent to the East of England Crown Prosecution Service's Complex Casework Unit who has advised that two men should face prosecution."
In June last year Colchester firefighter Martin Sibley, 48, was found hanged at his home in Keymer Way after he had been quizzed by police investigating the allegations which related to fire service initiation ceremonies.
An inquest in October 2013 recorded an open verdict into the death.
