There were a number of high profile incidents across south Essex this week.

This included a man found dead in public toilets in Pitmans Close, Southend, on Wednesday. The circumstances surrounding his death are not thought to be suspicious and the man was known to the homeless community.

On Thursday, a man was stabbed to death on Wednesday in Queen Elizabeth Drive, Corringham. Despite the efforts of paramedics he sadly died at the scene. Police are appealing for information.

On Wednesday, a man in Orange Road, Canvey, was stabbed in the face after a pair of raiders tried to force their way into the house. The air ambulance landed and the man was taken to hospital for treatment.

On Thursday night, another man was stabbed after being approached by a gang of four men in Gordon Road. He was left seriously injured. Police are appealing for witnesses.

On Saturday, a woman in Basildon was raped by a man who offered to walk her home. Police are appealing for information after the incident, which happened near Roundacre.

Basildon's local plan was also passed this week, meaning that 18,000 houses are on their way to Basildon, Billericay and Wickford.

Thousands or residents watched the council meeting live via webcast, or turned out to watch it as the decision was made.

It wasn't all doom and gloom this week, with 11-year-old Ella Smith, of Rayleigh, winning the Premier League's Writing Stars Poetry Competition.

It was the first time the youngster had ever written a poetry so she and her family were thrilled when she won.

It was also a happy first birthday to a pothole in Langdon Hills. A resident celebrated the occasion with cake, a birthday card and even a little bow for the hole.