Police presence could soon be beefed up at Basildon Hospital.

Insp Simon Dobinson confirmed police had identified the hospital as a prime location for a Neighbourhood Policing Team office.

Hospital bosses are behind the plan, but stressed discussions were at an early stage.

Pat Trinnaman, the hospital's director of communications, said: "We are keen to support our local community in every way we can and this would be one way of doing that."

Insp Dobinson said police could use the office to catch up with the hospital's security team and speak with members of the public while making an ideal stop-off point for patrolling officers seeking a comfort break and space for catching up on paperwork.

Mr Dobinson said it was now up to his superiors to decide whether it would be given the financial go-ahead.

He said: "The idea is that it will be somewhere we can send officers on a regular basis.

"We have made a business case for the use of the space and the hospital is supporting us.

"Because there is a financial consideration it has to be agreed through our chief officers."