The Latest News for Southend & South East Essex

The latest breaking news, incidents, events and community features for the city of Southend-on-Sea and surrounding areas of South East Essex.

Major £1m upgrades begin at Southend parks, with plans for a ‘100% inclusive’ play space at East Beach

A £1 million programme to overhaul children’s play areas across four Southend parks is now underway, with all sites due…

23 hours ago

Man charged with 21 offences, with officer assaulted during Southend arrest

A man has been charged with 21 offences after an off-duty officer arrested him in London Road, Southend, earlier this…

2 days ago

Slug & Lettuce to close in Southend, with customers left with last-minute Christmas cancellations

It has been confirmed that the Slug & Lettuce bar in Southend will close on 6 December 2025, with some…

2 days ago

Huge 2026 lineup revealed with big-name artists coming to Southend’s Priory Park

Lazydays Festival will return to Priory Park in Southend from 24 to 26 July 2026, with its largest edition yet.…

5 days ago

Sutton Road closed after “horrific” serious collision near Southend city centre

Part of Sutton Road in Southend city centre has been closed this afternoon after a serious collision involving a van…

6 days ago

XL bully dog, stolen bikes, e-scooters and weapons seized from drug den in Westcliff

A police raid on a property in Westcliff led to the arrest of a woman and the discovery of suspected…

7 days ago

Huge illegal vape & tobacco operation uncovered behind Southend shop – businessman found guilty of 43 offences

A Southend shop owner has been convicted of 43 offences after Trading Standards officers uncovered a large stash of illegal…

1 week ago

Basildon Christmas tractor run set to return with illuminated festive spectacle

Basildon’s Christmas Tractor Run will once again bring colour, light and community spirit to the town on Saturday 13 December…

1 week ago

2 years of roadworks: Queensway underpass to be filled in as Southend prepares for major road overhaul

Queensway underpass is set to disappear as Southend prepares for one of its biggest regeneration projects in decades. The underpass…

1 week ago

Man named and charged after reports of someone carrying sword in Shoebury

Police have charged a man after multiple alarmed people reported seeing someone walking through Shoeburyness holding a sword. The incident…

1 week ago