ESSEX Police officers in Thurrock took to social media this evening (Sunday, 1 December) to tell how they have been engaging with local community events – and how they ended up taking teenagers in possession of drugs home to their parents.

Among a number of community events, officers attended the Christmas lights switch on in Stanford-le-Hope and the official opening of the annual festive display put on to raise funds for local charities at the home of Jamie Bagge in Whitmore Avenue, Grays.

This evening Essex Police said: "Two separate Christmas events have been patrolled and engaged with by members of the Town Centre Team, Special Constable and Active Citizens this evening in Stanford-le-Hope town centre and Grays.

"Prior to the Stanford-le-Hope event, teenagers thought it would be acceptable to possess cannabis and attempt to run from police when detained. They were successfully detained seconds after and taken back home to their parents. A community resolution which will be officially recorded has been issued for this incident."

PC Stuart MacKinnon, Stanford-le-Hope Town Centre officer, said: "Thank you to everyone who has approached us, including Santa and the escaped Elf, either at the Stanford or at the Grays event.

"We have focused on providing reassurance to the community, with both events being a huge success."