POLICE have now confirmed that three people have been arrested following the New Year's Eve event at East Horndon Church that resulted in extensive damage to the building as illegal partygoers clashed with officers.

And they appealing for more information as they seek to track down the organisers of the event.

Meanwhile an appeal launched by the charity conservationists that operate the Grade II* listed All Saints Church has now topped £15,000 - with more than £7,500 donated today (Saturday, 2 January) alone.

Chief Inspector Richard Melton said: "It is the reckless minority of people who organise and attend unauthorised events of this kind that risk spreading Covid-19 and jeopardising the efforts of the majority of people who are doing the right thing.

"Tragically there are people dying or becoming seriously ill because of this awful virus and we all have a responsibility for doing all we can to protect each other.

"We are continuing enquiries to trace the organisers of the gatherings in East Horndon and Brentwood and they will receive the maximum penalty for these blatant breaches of coronavirus regulations.

"And we'll continue to identify anyone who is planning similar events and take appropriate action.

"Often, an early conversation with organisers to end an event at the earliest possible opportunity is all that's been needed in the majority of cases.

"But where they refuse to, as in the cases on New Year's Eve, we will not hesitate to issue fines and seize equipment.

"I'd urge anyone who is considering attending events like this to think about the risk they pose not only to themselves but to their loved ones, and the wider impact that the spread of the virus has on our communities."

Anyone with information about illegal events is asked to contact Essex Police via their website where you can also use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm.

Alternatively, you can call 101. Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Police have also issued an update on the arrests related to East Horndon.

• A 27-year-old man from Harlow, arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and a public order offence, has been released under investigation while we continue our enquiries. He was given a fixed penalty notice for breaching coronavirus regulations.
• A 22-year-old man from Harlow was released without charge for an alleged public order offence and given a conditional caution for possession of cannabis. He will be given a fixed penalty notice for breaching coronavirus regulations.
• A 35-year-old man from Southwark who was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs was given a community resolution for possession of cannabis.