SEVEN people in Thurrock have been served with domestic violence protection orders during a campaign by Essex Police to help prevent violence in the home.

Across Essex, between Wednesday, 15 April and Friday, 15 May 29 protection notices issued and 10 put before a court for breaching them.

The notices were issued to 28 men and one woman aged 23 and 50.

Six were issued in Grays and one in South Ockendon.

Chief Superintendent Andrew Mariner said: "Just this month, we've had 10 successful applications and five convictions for breaches of orders that are put in place to help safeguard people at risk of harm.

"This once again goes to show the hard work that's ongoing in partnership with the courts to restrict abusers movements while protecting victims.

"It's not just officers on patrol and responding to emergencies who are keeping communities safe – there are many specialist departments working around the clock to keep you safe, help you and catch criminals.

"These results show the hard work that's ongoing between our frontline officers attending calls and our domestic abuse investigators."

DVPOs can be issued to people if there has been insufficient evidence to charge suspects but we have concerns about the safety of the victims.

The notices can order the suspects to leave the premises where the incidents occurred, prevent them from entering the homes of the alleged victims and stop them from making any further contact with them, as well as further provisions.

Ch Supt Mariner added: "We continue to urge people in the community to be vigilant and to report any information to us on 101 or online by visit www.essex.police.uk.

"Please always call 999 in an emergency and remember, please hold 55 if you cannot talk to a call handler. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"There are many other charities who can help you including Next Chapter, Changing Pathways, Safer Places, Women's Aid and Refuge."