Hundreds of EU nationals have been refused permission to stay in Southend and Basildon after Brexit, figures reveal.

Home Office data published for the first time, shows nearly 600 people who applied to continue living in the two towns by September 30 had their applications rejected.

Applicants can challenge a negative EU Settlement Scheme application by launching an appeal.

But the3Million, which campaigns for EU citizens' rights, is concerned about the status of those who are left "in limbo" waiting for their appeals to be concluded.

The EU Settlement scheme launched in March 2019 to regulate the immigration status of European citizens who live in the UK.

Those who have lived in the UK for five years, and meet the criteria, can receive settled status and remain in the country indefinitely.

Others who have lived in the country for less time can receive pre-settled status, which allows them to remain for a further five years. They can later apply for settled status.

The figures show that since applications opened, 11,430 people applied to continue living in Southend, with 10,710 receiving a conclusion by the end of September.

Of them, 6,500 (61%) received settled status and 3,660 (34%) pre-settled.

A total of 230 applications were refused.

The highest number of applications came from citizens of Poland (2,480), Romania (1,720) and Italy (900).

In Basildon, around 360 people who applied to continue living in the area by September 30 had their application rejected.

The figures show that since applications opened, 11,900 people applied to continue living in Basildon, with 11,120 receiving a conclusion by the end of September.

Of them, 6,360 (57%) received settled status and 4,080 (37%) pre-settled.

The highest number of applications came from citizens of Romania (4,330), Poland (1,400) and Lithuania (1,310).

A spokeswoman said the EU Settlement Scheme has been an "overwhelming success", with 6.3 million applications received and 5.5 million people being granted permission to stay so far.

She added: “Caseworkers will always look for reasons to grant rather than refuse.

"Individuals can be refused on eligibility or criminality grounds, and if a refused applicant disagrees with our decision, they can apply for an administrative review or appeal.

“We have published non-exhaustive guidance on reasonable grounds for making a late EUSS application and take a flexible and pragmatic approach to considering them, and we’ve made millions of pounds available in funding for organisations to support vulnerable applicants.”