Police say they've arrested 28 people and seized around £12k worth of drugs in a continuing crackdown on gang-related crime in Chelmsford.

Image source, Robin Lucas/Geograph

Officers from Essex Police's Operation Raptor team have been focusing their efforts on Chelmsford following a number of violent incidents that were linked to drug-dealing gangs.

Detectives have been targeting their patrols, executing warrants and arresting suspects and have detained 28 people since the end of June.

Essex Police has released CCTV footage of a man who they're looking to speak with after a stolen van was driven into three cars, including a police vehicle, in Clacton.

Image source, Essex Police

The collisions happened in Centenary Way yesterday.

Officers are describing it as a "shocking incident".

Passengers at Stansted waited for hours only to be told their keys or vehicles could not be found.

An RSPCA inspector says the cocker spaniel had one of the worst wounds he had ever seen.

Image source, FAMILY PHOTO

The 12 men sentenced for an attack that left a football fan with brain damage should have their jail terms increased, according to the victim's wife.

Simon Dobbin, from Mildenhall, spent a year in hospital as a result of the attack which happened after his team, Cambridge United, played at Southend United's ground in March 2015.

The men were sentenced at Basildon Crown Court for violent disorder and given terms of between 16 months and five years.

Nicole Dobbin told BBC Essex: "Simon was clinically dead for seven minutes, so to have it just as violent disorder is a bit of a slap in the face to us.

"I don't think that five years' maximum sentence is long enough. By increasing the sentence it will hopefully deter people from taking part in such a vicious attack."

Mrs Dobbin has written to the Attorney General's office - which has the power to review so-called ULS cases - those deemed 'unduly lenient sentences'.

It's expected to reply to Mrs Dobbin within the week.

The family has also raised a petition online, external, which is halfway to its target of 2,000 signatures.

Image source, Essex Police

The MP for Colchester Will Quince has said he'd like a Royal Navy vessel to be named after the town.

He has written to the defence secretary, Sir Michael Fallon, asking if one of eight new frigates could be called HMS Colchester.

There have been ships named after the Essex town in the past, and Mr Quince says it's about time for a new one.

"We've waited patiently for a ship to be named after our very important, great military town and I think the time has now come," he said.

Earlier we mentioned police were trying to trace a missing woman and her newborn baby who were last seen at Basildon University Hospital.

Essex Police say Ashley Wellman has been found this morning.

Officers are trying to trace a woman and her newborn baby who are missing from Basildon.

Ashley Wellman, 33, was last seen at the town's hospital late last night.

She is described as 5ft 6in (168cm) tall, with short brown hair and was last seen wearing a pink dressing gown, possibly over a black top and black leggings.

Image source, PA

BBC Weather

As Kate Kinsella explained, the Met Office has released another a yellow weather warning for the East., external

This means an area of heavy rain will sink slowly southwards across the east and southeast of England during today.

Some transport routes may be affected by localised flooding leading to longer journey times. In addition, flooding of homes and businesses is possible.

The heaviest of the rain should gradually become confined to the extreme southeast of the UK later in the day.

Image source, Met Office

Kate Kinsella
BBC Weather

It will be a cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, occasionally turning heavy and perhaps thundery in places.

Under cloudy skies and with brisk winds, it will feel fairly cool for the time of year.

Maximum Temperature: 18C (64F).

A married Essex drama teacher, who had a sexual relationship with a female pupil, has been banned from the classroom.

A disciplinary panel was told Sarah Barton, 36, was a drama teacher at the girl's school, which hasn't been named, from September 2007 to July 2016 when she resigned.

The panel heard details of how their friendship, which began in the 2015-16 academic year, progressed to such a degree that she took the pupil to a London show; went to her home and she even stayed at hotels with the girl.

Witnesses told the hearing she'd also told them about the affair and had also produced a photograph of them kissing.

The panel initially recommended a two year ban but that was extended to five years.

A 16-year-old boy, charged with the murder of a man in Chelmsford last weekend, is due to appear at the city's Crown Court later.

Image source, Essex Police

The teenager, who can't be named for legal reasons, is also accused of possession of an offensive weapon, perverting the course of justice and handling stolen goods.

Police are continuing to investigate the death of 34-year-old John Pordage, who was shot on Baddow Road on Saturday morning.

Sarah Jenkins
BBC Local Live

Welcome back to Local Live across Essex.

We'll be here until 18:00 with the latest news, sport, weather and travel updates for your area.

The full weather forecast will be with you shortly, but it's another grey start to the day.

As always, if you want to get in touch you can by email, Facebook, external or Twitter, external.

Striker Shawn McCoulsky's brace helps League Two Newport County shock League One side Southend in the EFL Cup first round.

Natalie Jeffery is banned from nightclubs and pubs for nine months.

A species of bee once thought to be extinct in Britain is to be introduced at a reservoir in Essex.

Our live updates for Tuesday have come to an end, but we'll be back with more news, sport, weather and travel updates at 08:00 on Wednesday.

Enjoy your evening.

Alex Dolan
BBC Look East weather

Heavy, thundery showers will clear north eastwards across the BBC East region.

After some drier weather, a more prolonged period of rain will develop later and the temperature will drop to 12C (54F) overnight.

Wednesday will see more cloud with outbreaks of rain, some heavy at times.

Easing later and becoming drier and brighter across northern and western parts of the region with highs of 17C (63F).

For a more detailed forecast where you are, visit BBC Weather.

German Shepherds will patrol the grounds of HMP Chelmsford in new move to stop violence and combat drug use.

A stolen van was driven into three cars in Clacton-on-Sea, including a police car, which led to the officer being taken to Colchester General to be treated for minor injuries.

The silver Ford Transit was spotted on Centenary Way at about 13:00 and was driven into the squad car before hitting two other cars.

The van was eventually recovered in St Osyth Road.

The suspect is described as in his 50s, white with grey hair and wearing a fluorescent jacket.

Essex Police is seeking witnesses and dashcam footage.