From stabbings to lose snakes, it has been a busy week in South Essex.

The week started with a snake on the lose in Norsey Wood, near Billericay, and a shop owner in Southend was left distraught after a break-in.

Tuesday saw Northlands Park, Pitsea, cordoned off after a man was stabbed with a samurai sword.

There was also a serious crash in London Hill, Rayleigh.

The Co-op, in Spa Road, Hockley, was smashed in a ram raid on Wednesday and a suspected victim of the M25 cat killer was found in Leigh.

This was later confirmed to have been carried out by the notorious serial killer.

Thursday saw an elderly driver lose their licence after driving the wrong way on the A13, hitting nine cars.

There was also a warning to residents as a number of houses were being broken into 'by the same gang'.

On Friday, the family of Dwayne Forrester who was stabbed to death issued an emotional appeal for help to find his killer.

Three yobs who caused £80,000 worth of damage to a car dealership, forcing the owner to remortgage his house, were sentenced for the crime.