IT has been confirmed that Essex police are not currently involved in the investigation into the hundreds of millions of pounds lost by Thurock Council - and it is possible, even if wrongdoing is highlighted, they may not have the skill set required to uncover it and specialist investigators might be deployed.

The authority is effectively bankrupt after losing hundreds of millions of pounds in failed speculative investment bids - borrowing vast amounts of money to do so that it can no longer afford to pay back.

Government intervention has seen commissioners take over the running of the council's finances and huge cuts are being made to services, with possible job losses to come. And the government minister for local communites has warned that members of the top three tiers of the council's management could be sacked for their failings.

However, despite significant evidence of wrong doing produced by the media and detailed in some reports, including allegations of possible 'backhanders' and million-pound plus commision payments, it appears - as yet - the police are not involved.

At a recent meeting in Chadwell St Mary, the Essex Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner and Thurrock's divisional police commander Chief Inspector Mark Barber were among a panel of experts quizzed about policing and crime issues in the community.

One member of the audience asked: "I know this is mainly to do with community policing and things like that, but one of the things the people of Thurrock have been victim of is one of the biggest frauds in local authority history.

"Which police are investigating this massive theft? Is it Essex Police or the Serious Fraud Office. Every single person is going to be affected by this money stolen from Thurrock Council. Ten grand is being taken from every single person in Thurrock. Persons or persons unknown have literally taken £10,000 from every resident.

"What are the police doing about it?"

Ms Gardner declined to be drawn into comment, saying: "I do hear what you are saying but this is an ongoing investigation, you wouldn't expect me to comment on it. I cannot comment on it."

However, CI Barber was a little more forthcoming. He said: "I understand your frustration. If there has been wrongdoing we have to find out who should be held to account.

"There are many other agencies investigating and obviously its government-led at the moment. From an Essex Police standpoint that's all I can say really.

"If it goes to an investigation there are specialists, like for example City of London Police. They may be delegated to make an investigation but at this moment it's not Essex police."