Updates for Friday, 7 October 2016
Baroness Chakrabarti to step down as University of Essex chancellor
One-punch killer cleared of manslaughter
Policeman sacked over computer misuse
Police investigate 'nasty' bar attack
Jack Warren
BBC Local Live
Here are our top stories from Essex Live so far:
After 12 weeks out of the action, Southend Pier's train, external is back up and running for testing today.
The train, which runs the length of the 1.34 mile (2.16km) landmark, hasn't been operating after cracks were found in the wooden structure.
It's hoped that if the test is successful, the service will be operating for the public by the end of this week.
#BBCUnsungHero
We've got just under three weeks to go now until the deadline for the BBC Unsung Hero award.
See which multi-medal-winning British athlete is urging you to get those nominations in now....
Who wants you to name an Unsung Hero?
To download or request a nomination form - and more details about the award - read here.
Laurence Cawley
BBC News
Back to our exclusive story about the number of pupils excluded from school in Essex and the impact it can have on the child.
Joe Salt, 10, is from Rochford and has autism. He has been excluded nine times - the first time aged four-years-old and just two weeks into his education.
"It was really sad and lonely," he said.
His mother Zoe said he was excluded by his first mainstream school because "they did not have the staff to cope with his behaviour, which was down to his autism".
Image source, Matthew MallettThanks to Matthew Mallett for sending us this rather stunning image of the stars twinkling over Beaumont Quay, about 10 miles (15km) east of Colchester.
The Essex Coast blog, external writes the quay is "made up of recycled pieces of London Bridge" and is an area of "birds galore" including curlews, brent geese and redshanks.
We love to see your pictures of Essex send them by email or to our Facebook page, external.
A woman whose sister died from blood poisoning says there needs to be better awareness of the condition.
Billericay woman's sister calls for improved sepsis testing
Police want to trace this man after two people had an unknown liquid thrown in their face in Harlow last month.
Image source, Essex PoliceIt happened following what Essex Police, external are calling an "altercation" with three people at about 19:50 in Tawneys Road on 5 September. The victims were left with soreness to their eyes.
Edward Connors, 29 from Hertfordshire, is described as white, around 5ft 6in tall, of stocky build and with short brown hair.
Essex dart player Steve West caused huge upset at the World Grand Prix, external in Dublin last night after he beat Phil "The Power" Taylor 2-1.
Image source, Getty Images/PANot even West (pictured left), who is from Waltham Abbey, would have predicted he'd claim victory over the 16-time world champion.
Speaking after the match the 41-year-old said he was "gobsmacked".
A few months ago, Braintree MP James Cleverly said if he had to choose whether to snog, marry or avoid Theresa May he'd pick to pucker up.
Well, be careful what you wish for James, as the lady herself is waiting...
It started with John Pienaar - why the PM is still waiting for a kiss from James Cleverly
Thurrock has seen a 40% rise in the number of children excluded from school in the past three years.
Image source, ThinkstockIn total, 850 pupils were barred from classes in the past year compared with 610 in 2013.
Alison Ryan of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers said exclusions had significant consequences on pupils affected.
She said: "If you are alienated at school you are more likely to end up not in employment or training and in the justice system at a later stage."
A recycling lorry is currently on fire on the northbound carriageway of the A12.
Image source, Twitter/@CommunityClaireEssex Fire and Rescue Service says it's dealing with the blaze between J22 (Witham) and J23 (Kelveden).
There are delays through the area.
Latest travel information can be found at BBC Travel.
Essex is the third highest county in England for school exclusions, new figures by the BBC have revealed.
In total, 6,560 kids were barred from classes last year, putting our county in the top three out of more than 160 authorities.
Across England, there were 5,800 permanent exclusions in 2014-15 compared with 4,630 three years ago, government figures show, external.
Georgina Burnett
BBC Weather
It's going to be another day to enjoy being out and about, with the prospect of some fine, dry weather.
There'll be some cloud around, but it should feel quite warm inland, with highs of 17C (63F).
This evening and overnight it should remain dry, with some clear spells. Lows of 11C (52F).
You can get a more detailed forecast from BBC Weather.
Jack Warren
BBC Local Live
Have you woken up feeling fresh and ready to take on Tuesday? Good - now standby for live coverage of the day's news across Essex.
Coming up; New figures show Thurrock has seen a 40% rise in the number of children excluded from school in the past three years.
More on that shortly.
Updates for Essex Live have now come to an end for the day - but check back throughout the night for any breaking news.
Before we go, here are the top stories we've covered today:
The team will be back for more live coverage from 08:00 tomorrow.
Have a great evening.
Julie Reinger
BBC Look East weather
A dry evening and night with clear spells and some patchy mist and fog. Not as cold as last night.
Temperatures down to 9C (48F).
Tomorrow morning any mist and fog should quickly clear to leave a fine and dry day with spells of sunshine.
There’ll generally be more cloud around than today and the winds will be stronger too. High of 18C (64F).
You'll find your local forecast at BBC Weather.
Looking at the UK's future relations with the EU after Theresa May said she would start the formal two-year process for leaving by March 2017, Daily Politics presenter Andrew Neil heard reaction from two Conservative MPs.
Bernard Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex, campaigned for Brexit while Dominic Grieve backed Remain and now supports the Open Britain campaign group.
Julie Reinger
BBC Look East weather
It will be a dry evening and night with clear spells and some patchy mist and fog. Not as cold as last night, with a low of 9C (48F).
Tomorrow morning any mist and fog should quickly clear to leave a fine and dry day with spells of sunshine, and a high of 18C (64F).
There are more details on the BBC Weather website.
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Jonathan Park
BBC Look East sport
A Cambridge man born without fully formed limbs has completed a challenge to play all 34 Olympic and Paralympic sports.
John Willis wants to encourage disabled and non-disabled people to play sport together. During his challenge, which he finished by playing a round of golf in Essex, he also managed to raise money for charity.
He's now deciding which sports he'll continue to play...
