CONSERVATIVE Roger Hirst has been re-elected as Essex's police, fire and crime commissioner, for a third term of office.

He was first elected in 2016.

The result was announced at Colchester's Charter Hall today (Saturday).

The final results were:

FOX, Adam Daniel, Labour and Co-operative Party, 116875

FRANKS, Kieron Anthony, Liberal Democrat, 52922

HIRST, Roger Charles The Conservative Party Candidate, 126447 ELECTED

TILBROOK, Robin Charles William English Democrats, 44909

A total of 340,248 votes were cast, which represented a turnout of 24.52% - down from 32.47% in 2021.

Mr Hirst said: "I'm grateful to the people of Essex for their endorsement of what we have been working very hard to achieve over the past eight years.

"We have successfully grown Essex Police, recruiting over 905 extra officers, making Essex Police the largest and strongest it has ever been and we will work to maintain this high level of officers.

"Crime and anti-social behaviour is falling in Essex and we will work to get crime down again.

"We are improving the culture of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service with a focus on prevention and protection, which is saving lives."