Essex Police is looking to increase its presence in the district, the MP for Maldon has revealed.

Conservative MP John Whittingdale has announced that Steve Scott-Haynes, chief inspector at Essex Police, is negotiating with Maldon District Council to increase police presence in the area.

Roger Hirst, Essex's police, fire and crime commissioner, revealed the talks are taking place after being asked by Mr Whittingdale what is being done to increase police presence in Maldon.

Mr Whittingdale said: "He assured me that their Chief Inspector Scott-Haynes is currently in negotiations with Maldon District Council to identify more space within the building to increase Essex Police's footprint."

Mr Hirst told Mr Whittingdale that special constabulary support in Maldon has grown and continues to rise.

The police base at the district council offices on Princes Road opened soon after Maldon's police station on West Square closed down in 2017.

36 local policing team officers and 15 special constables now use the council offices as a permanent base.

Negotiations to double the available space at the offices are being led by Essex Police's head of estates, and plans have been drawn up on how this space will be used.

Mr Whittingdale said: "I am committed to making our constituency a safer place, and am pleased that steps are being taken by Essex Police to facilitate this by increasing the number of police in our area."