Braintree and Witham Times

Smoke plumes into the sky after reports of an explosion Emergency services on scene of fire between Rettendon and East Hanningfield Road closures in place as a result

Plumes of smoke are currently filling the sky in south Essex after a loud explosion and fireball.

The Future of Essex series has sparked fresh ideas for building stronger, more resilient communities across Greater Essex.

Drivers are facing major delays on the A12 this evening due to two separate obstructions between Chelmsford and Witham and a slip road closure.

An official report has revealed the natural causes behind the death of an elderly sex offender who died while serving a sentence at Chelmsford Prison.

A talented young boy from Braintree has secured a second dog for Crufts 2027 after a brilliant showing earlier this year.

Jet2 has announced it will be launching flights from Stansted Airport to Jersey from summer 2027.

Emma Brook, from Colchester, and her cousin Isla Wootten-Campbell, from Kelvedon, both aged 10, will perform in the English Youth Ballet’s Giselle, set in the Edwardian era after being selected in April.

Essex County Council held its latest full meeting on July 14.

Colchester Zoo has announced the arrival of fennec fox kits which were born in June.

Newly released footage shows Vickrum Digwa tell his mother, Kiran Kaur, to remove the knife he used to murder Henry Nowak.

Brentwood Library has been forced to close early after a person allegedly "defecated in several places."

Olympic sprinter CJ Ujah has denied involvement in an alleged cryptocurrency fraud at Chelmsford Crown Court today.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service has praised the "incredible" community spirit shown in Mersea in the days after a mother and daughter died trying to save a boy.

Vue cinema in Colchester is screening family favourites for £1 this weekend as part of a special event.

Racing could soon return to Chelmsford City Racecourse, after an agreement was struck long after it was refused a licence.

A closure date has been confirmed for five Beefeater restaurants across Essex in a letter to customers.

Motorists are facing long delays as holiday traffic causes major hold-ups on the M25 heading towards Essex.

Clacton by-election punters are overwhelmingly backing Count Binface to cause a shock upset, despite Reform UK remaining clear favourites.

Customers in Essex are being urged to reduce water use to avoid a hosepipe ban in Essex.