An estate manager has praised police officers after a man was fined for hare coursing on farmland and ordered to pay compensation for damage caused.

We were called just before 7pm on Sunday to reports that the victim had had a five-figure sum of cash stolen from him by three men. It is believed that the men involved were armed, and we are treating this as a targeted incident.

A farmer has thanked our rural engagement officers for their support after a man was fined for damaging his crops.

Essex police are investigating the theft of three cocker spaniels from an address in Basildon.

On arrival, crews confirmed that the barn, measuring approximately 20mx10m, was completely alight and a 27-year-old male was suffering from burn injuries. Firefighters administered first aid and he was taken to hospital shortly afterwards.

Essex Rural Partnership together with Essex Police and the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner are asking for your views on tackling rural crime in Essex.