Live updates and forecasts as temperatures set to rise as high as 32C across Colchester

Essex will have a few closures affecting the M25, A12 and Dartford Crossing in the early hours of the morning over the weekend from June 17-19

TEMPERATURES in Colchester could rise as high as 32C as the UK prepares to sizzle during the hottest day of the year so far.

THE victim of a "monstrous" sexual predator has spoken of the "terrible" abuse he suffered at the hands of a former teacher and town councillor.

The youngsters fear the damage they may suffer by breathing in fumes

Workers remain at the scene

A CONCERT is set to take place in Wivenhoe on Friday as part of a church fundraising project.

He tragically lost his 17-year-old daughter Maddy last September

The race is billed as the “ultimate test” of rider and bike

A FORMER headteacher and parish council chairman “hid behind his standing in society” as he manipulated and sexually abused a 14-year-old boy.

THE community spirit shown in the wake of a devastating fire which left families homeless “is not a surprise” because “Harwich is known for amazing generosity.”

Giant Hogweed can cause massive blisters, ulcers and even blindness in extreme cases

The event is run on a zero budget and encourages people to pass on old clothes

Special needs children depend heavily on routine, a parent has said.

The pub originally closed in 2013

She has slammed councillors for failing to repair the half-mile-long path

Workers have been undertaking emergency digs

Concerns were raised about the potential of an emergency

The event took place on a 116-year-old Thames barge

A NEW visual art show will be taking centre stage as part of an exhibition at this year’s Harwich Festival.

Two cases of monkeypox have been reported in Essex as the UK total reaches more than 500.

Stars on the hit Essex-based show TOWIE were booted off a flight home from the Dominican Republic after refusing to were masks and one cast memer vaping.

Essex Police Federation has reacted with fury after it says Metropolitan Police has offered experienced officers from other areas a £5,000 bonus to jump ship and join the London force.

AN LGBTQ+ show, that marks a collaborative success in Colchester, will come to the Mercury Theatre.

They rode out to support charity

The performances will see 240 people take to the stage

It followed a complaint about its changing rooms

A POLICE force has issued a warning to dog owners over the dangers of leaving their beloved pet pooches in hot cars in a week where temperatures are set to soar.

A WOMAN was viciously attacked in a seemingly unprovoked assaulted as she stepped off a bus following a trip into a town centre.

He must also pay compensation

Emergency works continue at the scene

The duchess will host the discussion

A fire saw Essex Fire and Rescue teams rush to the scene this morning.

Medical professionals have released advice to people on how to stay safe in the heat

AN experienced planning barrister has dismantled and picked apart the way in which National Grid has handled the consultation process for its East Anglia pylons project.

Submissions from aspiring young authors were recognised at the Essex Life Young Writers Award in Colchester last week

An extensive search was launched

A TALENTED seven-year-old recognised as the youngest DJ in the world is now playing to thousands at festivals and clubs.

Traffic is being diverted through the village

Campaigners argued against the scheme

Beyond the Box had already put forward revised proposals

AN anti-pylon campaign has been given a boost after council bosses vowed to throw out “in the strongest possible terms” an electricity firm’s network upgrade plans.

Three crews tackled the blaze

Officers attended the scene in north Essex

Staff were put through their paces at Colchester United's football ground by the 90s fitness icon

The headteacher has issued a warning to parents

It comes ahead of this weekend's heatwave

It is now heading for the country

Drivers have been warned of delays

Cocaine worth up to £24,000 was seized during the investigation