Business advisors Deloitte say despite a measures to expand operations, Anton Group's directors eventually had "no alternative" but to wind up the firm.

This morning it was announced that more than 100 people have lost their jobs.

In a statement, Deloitte said: "The business has been struggling financially in recent months as a result of declining sales, a high cost base in need of restructure and an acquisition of a business called Merchandise 365 last year in an attempt to expand operations which has instead incurred further losses.  

"The business has been seeking further investment to support ongoing trading, however, this was unsuccessful and therefore the directors had no alternative but to place the company into administration.

"The group will now be placed into an orderly wind-down, while talks are ongoing with potential buyers for the contracts and assets of the Group."

More that 100 people have lost their jobs at a printing business near Basildon.

Anton Group Limited, which is based in Laindon, has been struggling financially and has now been placed in administration. 

Business advisors Deloitte, which is overseeing the process, says it's being wound down while talks are ongoing with potential buyers for contracts and assets of the group.

In a statement, Deloite said: "It is owned by an employee trust, which acquired the shares of the business in October 2014. 

"The Company had around 300 employees at the time of appointment, of whom 123 individuals have been made redundant."

A Colchester man has been arrested on suspicion of rape following an incident in a graveyard in the town on Monday.The 25-year-old man from Colchester was arrested the next day after a woman reported she was attacked round the back of the Colchester Arts Centre, external on Church Street in the town centre.The man has been released on police bail until 21 June.  

Image source, Google

Kelly McCormack
BBC Radio Suffolk

The chairman of the Suffolk Police Federation, external  has stressed that the force must continue to make use of the National Police Air Service after the helicopter based at Wattisham is moved to the Midlands on Friday.

It means the nearest one for Suffolk will be the one based at Boreham near Chelmsford.

Darren Harris said: "We will need to be calling upon that helicopter.

"We do pay for it, and it is a service that we do need in tackling crime and and finding those vulnerable missing people."

Helen Burchell
BBC News

Richard Frost, who was expected to appear at Cambridge Crown Court this morning has been found not fit to enter a plea, so we're not expecting any more on this story today.

He has been charged with causing the deaths of Thomas Fletcher, 19, and Thomas Northam, 22, who died after being hit by a BMW in Yaxley on 3 January.

Image source, Family/Facebook

Mr Frost, 38, from Chelmsford, appeared via a video link from Peterborough Prison but the court heard he was not currently fit to enter pleas and the case was adjourned.

A hearing date has been pencilled in for 5 June and a provisional trial date set for 18 September.

The mother of 19-year-old Denis Petkov, who died after being stabbed in Rettendon earlier this month, has paid tribute to her son who was "loved by everyone".

The Bulgarian national died after an incident on East Hanningfield Road on 11 March.

Image source, Essex Police

His mother Diana Petkova said: "Denis was a promising footballer and ambitious sportsman who had attended the International Sport Academy in Sofia. 

"He was a wonderful, good and happy boy who always had a smile on his face. 

"He was loved by everyone and was the heart and soul of his group of friends. 

"Denis was my darling boy who filled me with pride, and I am unable to describe how much I miss him.”   

A 37-year-old man has been  charged with the murder  of Mr Petkov. His plea hearing is due to take place in May.

Essex Police are investigating after a teenage boy was attacked by a group of men who stamped on his head in Thurrock.  

It happened in Hardie Road on Monday night when the 16-year-old victim was assaulted by four men. 

He suffered bruises to his head and face and two of his fingers were fractured.

Alex Pope
BBC Local Live

A man accused of causing the deaths of two young pedestrians near Peterborough, is due at Cambridge Crown Court this morning. 

Thomas Fletcher, 19, and Thomas Northam, 22, both died when they were struck by a BMW car on the B1091 near Yaxley in January. 

Richard Frost, 38, from Dorest Avenue, Chelmsford, Essex, has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, two counts of dangerous driving, one count of causing actual bodily harm and one count of common assault. 

Image source, Paperpix.uk

A former prisoner at Chelmsford jail has told BBC Essex a lack of prison officers could lead to unrest there.

Image source, PA

The man, who was recently released after serving an eight month sentence, said: "If the prisoners wanted to take over the prison it would be easy. It would be very easy to be honest.

"I heard rumours of rulings that if prisoners get the keys, then they [officers] have to abandon their post."

"100% if they [prisoners] wanted to, they could definitely take over."

There will no longer be a police helicopter based at Wattisham army airbase from tomorrow, as part of cuts to the National Police Air Service, external  (NPAS).

The nearest police helicopter will be based at Boreham near Chelmsford in Essex - about 70 miles from Lowestoft as the crow flies.

Supt Jon Dodman, head of specialist operations at Suffolk Police, said: "I sought reassurance from NPAS that the service we receive here in Suffolk won't suffer as a result of that closure.

"I shall be actively monitoring that service going forward, to ensure that that is the case."

Image source, Suffolk & Norfolk Travel Information

Police have charged 17 people who were arrested following a protest at Stansted Airport on Tuesday, which we reported on yesterday.

Image source, PA

The nine men and eight women were each charged with obstructing or disrupting a person engaged in lawful activity and organising or taking part in a demonstration likely to interfere or obstruct the airport.

They've been released on bail, to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on 3 May.

Those charged are mainly from east London.

Elizabeth Rizzini
BBC Look East weather

This could be the warmest day of the year so far. 

It'll be bright rather than sunny for most of the morning, with plenty of high cloud around, but the good news is that the sun will break through this afternoon. 

There'll be a top temperature of about 20C (68F), but it could be even warmer in some more favoured spots.

Watch my full regional forecast here:

Philippa Taylor
BBC Local Live

Good morning from the Essex Live team, it's great to have your company.

Police have charged 17 people who were arrested following a protest at Stansted Airport on Tuesday. We'll bring you further details shortly.

There's also warning from a former prisoner at Chelmsford jail, who says there could be unrest there due to a shortage of prison officers.

We'll start with some exciting news about the weather though, Elizabeth Rizzini will tell us more next.

A judge tells the Mail Online columnist the grounds of her appeal has no "real prospect of success".

Nic Rigby
BBC News

That's it from the Essex Live team today so goodbye and have an enjoyable evening.

We'll be back from 08:00 tomorrow, bringing you the news, sport, travel and weather as it happens.

These are some of the stories we've covered today:

• Protesters 'sorry' over airport disruption
• The NSPCC calls for specialist child abuse units after an Essex vicar admits having indecent images
• Essex detective dismissed over 'inappropriate relationship'.

If there's anything happening that you'd like us to know about, you can contact us via  email , Facebook or  Twitter, external .

This evening will stay rather cloudy with the odd spot of drizzle possible, but mainly dry. 

A few showery outbreaks of rain later but another mild night. 

Winds light south or south-westerly. Lows of 9C (48F).

Tomorrow will see some isolated showers at first, but it will become drier and brighter with sunny spells and feeling warm. 

Winds light to moderate south or south-westerly. Highs of 20C (68F).

For more, visit  BBC Weather .

Nic Rigby
BBC News

One of Essex Police’s longest-serving police dogs is retiring.

After 10 years serving as a drugs, money and weapons recovery dog, springer spaniel Bruno is retiring. 

Image source, Essex Police

Bruno will be joining a small family where he will be the only dog in their household.  

PC Amanda Pollard, who has been working with Bruno for the last two years, said: "Bruno has been a fantastic dog to work with. He’s secured the conviction of several people through his finds at households and in vehicles.

"Bruno has been an incredible asset to Essex Police and everyone at the Dog Section will miss him but I’m sure he’ll have fun with his new family during retirement.” 

The partner of a bigamist is prepared to stand by him, a court has been told, despite "all that had occurred".

Magistrates in Ipswich heard that Simon Davies, of Hawkwood Road, Sible Hedingham had been married to Victoria Davies for five years.

Simon Davies, now 49, was sent to prison and told the court that while there, believed his wife had begun divorce proceedings, as she had brought him forms to sign. 

But in fact, she had not instigated any proceedings. 

In March 2016, Davies, pictured leaving court above, took part in a marriage ceremony with Nicola Coyston, at the Bull Hotel in Long Melford, with some of his children and friends attending the event. 

John Hughes, representing Davies, told the court that Ms Coyston was "fully aware" of the situation and was prepared to "stand by him through all that had occurred".

Davies, who admitted bigamy, was fined £700 and must pay a victim surcharge of £70 and £85 costs.

A man was attacked while walking along Hockley Road in Rayleigh in the early hours of Sunday.

The victim, who is in his 20s, has been treated for bruising to his head and face and a chipped tooth.

Police are hunting for puppies stolen during a burglary.