POLICE have criticised social media posters for spreading false rumours about anti-social behaviour in Tilbury.

It had been reported that people are living illegally in the town's former police station, which the Essex force recently sold off, after it had stood empty for several years.

It has even been suggested it is being used to house asylum seekers.

However, police want to dispel the rumour after visiting the site on Civic Square.

A statement from the force says: "We have spoken with the owners of the former Tilbury police station today and our Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Daniel Selby has been in person to visit the site.

"Insp Selby has been inside the building alongside the owners and they've allowed us to share photos to show the true situation to allay some misinformation circulating locally on social media that it's being used as a hotel for asylum seekers.

"We can confirm:

• No-one is living at the old Tilbury police station
• It is not being used as a hotel in any sense
• The location is still going through the planning permission process
• There is a consistent security presence, so locals can expect to see people coming and going.

"We'd urge people who have shared incorrect posts in Tilbury to please think of the real world consequences of their actions.

"The site is part of our regularly

Inspector Daniel Selby

"As usual our officers are out and about in your neighbourhoods dealing with crime reports, preventing incidents and keeping our community safe."