A POLICE operation remains ongoing after an alert was raised last night (Tuesday, 29 July) following discovery of what is believed to be a body.

A number of police cars and officers raced to Hangman's Wood near Blackshots last night around 9.30pm.

Officers remain on scene and Essex Ambulance Service are in attendance. Police officers have been seen with climbing gear and Nub News understands they are working underground trying to identify and posibbly extract what has been found. Forensic teams are also on site,

A statement from Essex Police says: "We are currently working with partners in an area of Hangman's Wood in Grays. It follows a call received yesterday that reported what was described as a body found in caves there.

"Our officers are working to verify the details and establish the facts."