Peter Walker
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Journalist @bbcnews @bbcessex. Ex @bbcasiannetwork @bbcr4today @victorialive Essex Chronicle. Bylines previously: @guardian @telegraph @independent
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Articles by Peter Walker
FIVE keep on movin' to Chelmsford for festival gig
FIVE keep on movin' to Chelmsford for festival gig Tue, November 3, 2026 at 3:18 p.m. UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The band, photographed this month, had not performed together as a quintet since 2001 until their reunion last year [BBC] FIVE have been announced as the first headline act for a festival in Essex next year.
Several fallen trees in Essex pose 'risk to life'
Follow Several fallen trees in Essex pose 'risk to life' Fri, October 23, 2026 at 3:23 PM EDT Essex Fire Service listed four incidents it attended where there was a risk to life [Press Association] Firefighters have been called out to several fallen trees in Essex which they say posed a "risk to life". Crews freed a man trapped in his car after a tree fell on it in Burnt Mills Road in Pitsea, near Basildon, at about 16:47 BST, a spokesperson said. He was left in the care of the ambulance service.
School scraps physical contact ban after criticism
Follow School scraps physical contact ban after criticism Tue, October 20, 2026 at 1:52 AM EDT The school in Colchester says in some circumstances, a handshake, "dapping" or a fist bump are permitted [Press Association] A school which brought in a "no physical contact" rule for its pupils has reviewed and scrapped the policy.
'Dedicated' head teacher dies aged 42 from cancer
Matthew Curzon leaves behind a "legacy of kindness [and] compassion", a colleague says. A head teacher who dedicated his career to children has left behind a "legacy of kindness" following his death, his colleague said. Matthew Curzon, of St Mary's Church of England Foundation Primary School in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, passed away aged 42 on Saturday, from cancer. Curzon, who lived in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, had worked at the school for 15 years.
Council's SEND school transport budget rises 100%
Twenty-five companies and organisations provide home-to-school transport for the council The budget at Essex County Council for transporting children with educational needs to school has gone up nearly 100%, data has revealed. The local authority allocated £22.37m for the service in 2021-22, but £42.73m in 2025-26. An opposition councillor said more local provision for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was needed to stop travel costs "spiralling".
Armed would-be burglars pose as Deliveroo drivers
Follow Armed would-be burglars pose as Deliveroo drivers Sat, July 18, 2026 at 10:48 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Armed would-be burglars pose as Deliveroo drivers Police have appealed for information after two men tried to break into a family home with hammers while dressed as Deliveroo drivers. The pair rung the bell at the home in Benfleet, Essex, and said they had a delivery, before trying to force their way in at about 20:30 BST on 5 July.
Armed would-be burglars pose as Deliveroo drivers
Peter Walker - Essex Sat 18 July 2026 at 10:48 am UTC 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Armed would-be burglars pose as Deliveroo drivers Police have appealed for information after two men tried to break into a family home with hammers while dressed as Deliveroo drivers. The pair rung the bell at the home in Benfleet, Essex, and said they had a delivery, before trying to force their way in at about 20:30 BST on 5 July.
Crew honoured by Venezuela president after quake
Follow Crew honoured by Venezuela president after quake Wed, July 15, 2026 at 5:13 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The crew were part of a 68-strong team deployed from the UK [Essex County Fire & Rescue Service] Three Essex firefighters and a specialist rescue dog who flew to Venezuela following the devastating earthquake have been honoured by the country's president.
Stabbed teen was kind and strong, say family
Follow Stabbed teen was kind and strong, say family Mon, July 13, 2026 at 8:00 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. A 16-year-old boy who was stabbed to death was both kind and strong, his family have said. Khadeem Parris died at the scene in Adnitt Road, in the Abington area of Northampton, on the evening of 7 July.
How a struggling school tackled misogyny and became a happier place
[Getty Images] When hard-hitting British drama Adolescence was first screened last year, it was lauded as a TV masterpiece Netflix subsequently made it free to watch for classes in secondary schools, and the prime minister said it had "lit a touch paper" for discussions about social media, misogyny and the so-called manosphere. For many schools, it opened up a Pandora's box of challenges, but one school in Essex was ahead of the game.
Blue plaque unveiled for Women's Institute pioneer
A blue plaque has been unveiled to commemorate a pioneer of the Women's Institute (WI). Catherine Margaret Boscawen married Lionel Petre, the 16th Baron Petre, in 1913, and became known as Lady Petre. She became the first chairperson of the Federation of Essex Women's Institutes (FEWI) in 1917, and later served as a magistrate and county commissioner for Girl Guides.
Motorbike crash victim lived full life, say family
A motorcyclist who died in a crash with a car was much-loved and lived "life to the full", his family said. Police said Lee Abbott died at the scene of the collision, which happened in Clacton Road, Manningtree, Essex, at about 15:45 BST on 8 April. A pillion passenger on the bike was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Officer cleared of assault after prosecution delay
The court said Sgt David Woods' legal costs would be paid for [PA Media] A police officer has been cleared of assaulting a woman after a judge dismissed the case due to an administrative error. Sgt David Woods had been accused of knocking a phone out of the alleged victim's hand at a home in Witham in October 2022.
Mum and son guilty of ramming driver out of revenge
Hollie Dance - pictured at an earlier hearing at Southend Crown Court in November 2024 - will be sentenced at a later date [Stuart Woodward/BBC] A 50-year-old woman and her son have been convicted after ramming a driver into a tree in what prosecutors described as a revenge attack. Hollie Dance and Thomas Summers chased the victim for 13 miles (21km) on roads in south Essex on 10 October 2022. Dance claimed the man had attacked her daughter in Westcliff-on-Sea earlier that day.
IMPRESSIONS: New York City Ballet in Jerome Robbins' "Dances at a Gathering" and George Balanchine's "Diamonds"
Features > Impressions The Dance Enthusiast's Brand of Review/Thoughts on What We See Two glorious performances of Jerome Robbins’masterwork Dances at a Gathering paired with a newly costumed edition of George Balanchine’s Diamonds made the New York City Ballet shine and sparkle at the end of its winter season. Not to worry, the Karinska design for the last gem in the Jewels- triptych is still the same.
'Ela claramente não estava bem': família de psicóloga brasileira desaparecida na Inglaterra busca repostas para sumiço misterioso
Liliane Silva foi uma das últimas pessoas a ver Vitória Figueiredo Barreto antes de seu desaparecimento há cerca de uma semana no sul da Inglaterra. Segundo a professora universitária, a amiga não estava bem naquela manhã. Vitória, natural de Fortaleza, no Ceará, está desaparecida desde o dia 3 de março. Ela foi filmada pela última vez descendo de um ônibus na cidade litorânea de Brightlingsea na terça-feira (3/03).
'Ela claramente não estava bem': família de psicóloga brasileira desaparecida na Inglaterra busca repostas para sumiço misterioso
(Da esquerda para a direita) Liliane Silva, Gleyz Bezerra Fiqueiredo Barreto (mãe de Vitória) e Janilson Gomes Da Silveira Filho (namorado de Vitória) estão em Brightlingsea Liliane Silva foi uma das últimas pessoas a ver Vitória Figueiredo Barreto antes de seu desaparecimento há cerca de uma semana no sul da Inglaterra. Segundo a professora universitária, a amiga não estava bem naquela manhã. Vitória, natural de Fortaleza, no Ceará, está desaparecida desde o dia 3 de março.
'Ela claramente não estava bem': família de psicóloga brasileira desaparecida na Inglaterra busca repostas para sumiço misterioso
Crédito, Peter Walker/BBC Legenda da foto, (Da esquerda para a direita) Liliane Silva, Gleyz Bezerra Fiqueiredo Barreto (mãe de Vitória) e Janilson Gomes Da Silveira Filho (namorado de Vitória) estão em Brightlingsea Article Information Author, Peter Walker Role, Da BBC News em Brightlingsea Há 7 minutos Tempo de leitura: 5 min Liliane Silva foi uma das últimas pessoas a ver Vitória Figueiredo Barreto antes de seu desaparecimento há cerca de uma semana no sul da Inglaterra.
Ex-head teacher found guilty of child sex offences
A former secondary school head teacher has been found guilty of committing sexual offences against a child. Lee Brumby was at Mayflower High School in Billericay, Essex, when the allegations came to light in 2022. The 64-year-old, of Wellands in Witham, Essex, was convicted by a jury at Southend Crown Court of five offences, including two counts of rape of a child. His ex-wife Elaine Brumby, of Kiln Way, Great Wakering, Essex, was found not guilty of all six charges she was accused of.
Mum pushed toddler son on swing for two days straight in haunting case
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George Gilbey: Second man arrested over Gogglebox star’s death
By Peter Walker BBC News, Essex May 1, 2024, 2:03 p.m. BST Updated 4 minutes ago A second man has been arrested in connection with the death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey. Essex Police said a 36-year-old man from Witham was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. The second detainee is still in custody, officials said. Police added that a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive was ongoing.
Little Boney: James Gillray and Napoleon’s Fragile Masculinity
Of all the caricatures of Napoleon Bonaparte, representations of the French emperor as a miniscule megalomaniac continue to haunt the historical imagination to an unparalleled degree. Peter W. Walker searches for the origins of “Little Boney” in the early 19th-century caricatures of James Gillray, the English illustrator who took Napoleon down a peg by diminishing his reputation and scale to the point of absurdity. Scroll through the whole page to download all images before printing.
Star Wars: Story of how Harrison Ford's script ended up in London flat
The script shows how George Lucas's first Star Wars film changed during the filming process A family has revealed the unlikely story of how a draft Star Wars movie script belonging to Harrison Ford fell into their grateful hands. In the summer of 1976 the actor was lodging in a flat while filming the first instalment of the franchise at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. The property's owners lived below him and initially did not know who he was. The bundle is expected to be sold for up to £12,000.
Met officer cleared of Southend rape but misconduct review continues Original
The Met Police has confirmed one of its officers is still subject to a misconduct review despite being cleared of rape. PC Jordan Pascal, 34, of Havering, east London, was charged with raping a woman in Southend-on-Sea in 2009. However, a Basildon Crown Court judge recorded a not guilty verdict in September this year after prosecutors decided to offer no evidence. PC Pascal remained suspended from duty, the force said.
Ava-May Littleboy family's 'weight lifted' after director jailed Original
The father of a three-year-old girl who died when an inflatable exploded has said the family never visit the beach where the tragedy happened. Ava-May Littleboy was on the blow-up trampoline when it burst at Gorleston-on-Sea in Norfolk in 2018. The owner was jailed for six months on Friday for breaching health and safety laws. Her father said the sentencing was "a massive weight to be lifted off our shoulders".
Conservative MP criticises Ipswich school's gender identity teaching Original
A Conservative MP has said he has "significant concerns" about how gender identity was being taught at a secondary school. Ipswich MP Tom Hunt said he feared the use of a diagram called "The Genderbread Person" could have "dangerous consequences". Northgate High School said it was disappointed with Mr Hunt's comments. Its head teacher said its curriculums were planned and audited following government guidelines.
Work starts on 32 flats for homeless people in Walton-on-the-Naze Original
Image source, Will Lodge/TDC Image caption, Cabinet member Andy Baker said emergency and temporary accommodation was "much needed" Contractors have started work to convert an empty building into 32 flats for homeless people and families. Spendells House in Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, was a sheltered housing block but closed in March 2018. Tendring District Council (TDC) is the project developer and says the work is expected to complete in spring 2024.
Greater Essex deal: Mark Francois MP criticises 'white elephant'
A long-serving Conservative MP has criticised his local Tory-run county council for pursuing a "white elephant" devolution deal for Essex. Proposals for a new Greater Essex Combined Authority have been put forward to central government. Supporters said it would mean a better skills policy in Essex and more power over local transport decisions. However, Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh & Wickford, told the House of Commons there was "no demand" for it.
Concrete-crisis schools to end online lessons Original
Image source, Anna Louise Claydon/BBC Image caption, Thurstable School in Coggeshall is erecting temporary modular classrooms because of Raac found in its buildings By Simon Dedman and Peter Walker Five schools in the county worst affected by the unsafe concrete crisis are still teaching some children using remote learning. Essex County Council said pupils at the five schools would return to "full-time face-to-face" learning by 30 October.
Cromer care home is not needed, council tells protesters Original
Image source, Save Benjamin Court Image caption, Conservative North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker was at the march on Saturday and he has called for the council to reconsider its decision A county council has defended its decision to close a care home that specialised in caring for people leaving hospital. The Benjamin Court reablement unit in Cromer, Norfolk, closed in June. About a 100 people marched in the town on Saturday calling for it to be reopened.
Essex lorry deaths: Ringleader who killed 39 migrants 'made £90k'
Image source, Essex Police Image caption, (Left to right) Eamonn Harrison, Ronan Hughes, Gheorghe Nica and Maurice Robinson were all jailed for manslaughter in January 2021 By Peter Walker and Emily Pennink A ringleader behind an operation that killed 39 Vietnamese migrants in a lorry in Essex made at least £90,000 from people smuggling, a court heard. At a confiscation hearing at the Old Bailey, the 46-year-old denied having "money hidden away".
Magnet fisherman in Chelmsford praised for river finds
A teenager who pulls metal treasures out of rivers has amassed more than 100,000 followers on Instagram. Magnet fisherman Lewis Bright, 19, from Chelmsford in Essex, typically pulls out trolleys and bicycles from the murky depths of his local waterways. More unusual items have included a pair of tights full of money and a suspected unexploded bomb which forced police to intervene. "When I got my first find it just got me hooked," Mr Bright told BBC Essex.
E-bike fire in Southend kills cat and destroys house Original
Image source, Stephen Huntley/BBC Image caption, Holly Barwell was in the house at the time of the fire By Richard Daniel and Peter Walker BBC News, in Southend-on-Sea A house has been destroyed and a cat has died after a £2,500 e-bike caught fire in Essex. Firefighters said they managed to save four other pets after the blaze in Southend-on-Sea on Sunday. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it was important to follow manufacturer instructions when charging e-bikes.
Tasered Braintree man died from cocaine complication, coroner told Original
Image source, Family handout Image caption, Sali Byberi had three children with partner Leonora Mafra A 29-year-old man who was Tasered by police died moments later from complications related to cocaine ingestion, an inquest heard. Sali Byberi, a father-of-three, died in Braintree, Essex, on 21 November. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had previously said a Taser was discharged "multiple times" after he resisted being arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer.
Colchester murder accused may have been 'pathologically' jealous Original
Image source, Supplied Image caption, Dr Antonella Castelvedere was an English and creative writing academic at the University of Suffolk A man who killed his wife was "pathologically" jealous and had "abnormality of mental functioning", a court heard. University lecturer Dr Antonella Castelvedere, 52, was found with multiple stab injuries on her kitchen floor in Colchester, Essex, in 2022. Ertan Ersoy, 51, of Wickham Road, denies murder but admits manslaughter.
Cambridge University artist makes ink from Sir Isaac Newton tree Original
Image source, Nick Saffell/Cambridge University Botanic Garden Image caption, Mr Ali is the resident artist at the botanic garden in Cambridge By Peter Walker and Sam Russell An artist has made ink from a treasured and iconic apple tree that was blown down by Storm Eunice last year. The tree at Cambridge University Botanic Garden was a scion - a descendent - of the tree that was said to have inspired Sir Isaac Newton's theory of gravity.
Great Electric Train Show at Milton Keynes breaks record, organisers say
Image source, Mike Wild/Hornby Magazine Image caption, The exhibition included a 156ft-long track (48m), a British record Thousands attended an event to see what organisers claimed was Britain's longest ever model railway line. The Great Electric Train Show attracted about 5,000 people at the Stadium MK in Milton Keynes over the weekend. On its 10th anniversary, the event featured 30 layouts and more than 45 trade stands.
Lowestoft Sanyo factory site to be cleared for 350 homes Original
Image source, Guy Campbell/BBC Image caption, The former factory land has been empty since 2009 By Peter Walker & Guy Campbell A council has been awarded £4.2m in government funding to help transform brownfield land into space for 350 homes. East Suffolk Council (ESC) wants to develop the site of the former Sanyo television factory on the south side of Lake Lothing in Lowestoft. The plot has been empty since 2009.
Luton Airport fire cars 'unlikely to be salvageable' Original
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Luton Airport said it had passed on registration details of 1,405 vehicles to insurers By Peter Walker and Hannah Cottrell Luton Airport says it is "unlikely" any vehicles will be salvageable following a massive fire that caused one of its car parks to collapse. Up to 1,500 cars were inside and the airport said it had replied to almost 16,500 customer queries since the fire. The emergency services have returned control of the car park to airport management.
Riders left hanging as Southend rollercoaster stops mid-ride Original
People were left hanging vertically on a rollercoaster for about 30 minutes after the carriage stopped mid-ride. Videos shared on social media showed about seven people in the carriage on Rage at Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea on Saturday. An almost identical incident on Rage happened in July. The theme park owner said the ride's safety computer caused it to stop and there was no fault and no-one was harmed.
RRS Sir David Attenborough: Firefighters attend small blaze Original
Image source, BAS Image caption, Harwich is the home port for the RRS Sir David Attenborough research ship Firefighters have attended a small blaze in an electrical room on board the RRS Sir David Attenborough. Crews were called to the Harwich International Port in Essex at about 08:20 BST.
Sir Terry Waite opens new Ipswich houses for homeless Original
Image source, Cad Taylor/BBC Image caption, Emmaus UK patron Sir Terry Waite spoke at an official launch in Felixstowe Road on Tuesday By Cad Taylor and Peter Walker The former hostage and humanitarian Sir Terry Waite has cut the ribbon at the launch of two new modular houses for homeless people. The 84-year-old gave a speech at the official opening of Hopestead Place in Ipswich, run by Emmaus UK.
Lowestoft make-up artist gives eyebrow tattoos to chemo patients Original
Image source, Shaun Whitmore/BBC Image caption, Polly Vincent said giving eyebrow tattoos to chemotherapy patients was "uplifting and empowering" By Debbie Tubby and Peter Walker A permanent make-up artist has been giving eyebrow tattoos to cancer patients after being inspired by her own mother's experience. Polly Vincent worked on her mother's eyebrows while her hair was thinning, having been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer during the pandemic.
Canvey Island: Man guilty of murdering ex-pub doorman in Essex Original
A man has been convicted of murdering a former doorman outside a pub in Essex. Father-of-two Matt Portwood, 42, was stabbed twice in the neck after an argument at the haystack Pub in Furtherwick Road in Canvey Island on 4 February. Jamie Lewis, 24, of Bensham Lane, Croydon, south London, was found guilty after a trial at Basildon Crown Court. However, Keiron Aransibia, 28, of Evelyn Dennington Road, Newham, east London, was found not guilty of murder.
Covid and the booster drive in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire Original
Image source, Kate Bradbrook/BBC Image caption, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB chief medical director Dr Sarah Whiteman said the number of Covid cases were rising locally By Kate Bradbrook and Peter Walker BBC News, in Milton Keynes Hospitals are once again bracing themselves for a spike in flu and Covid-19 admissions over the winter period. People in vulnerable groups are being urged to accept a booster vaccine and staff at Milton Keynes University Hospital are already receiving their jab.
St Peter's Hospital protest in Maldon ahead of inpatient closures
Image source, Hayley Edwards Image caption, Parents are worried the hospital and its birthing unit will be closed permanently Parents and residents have protested against the closure of inpatient services at a community hospital. The birthing unit and stroke rehabilitation beds at St Peter's Hospital in Maldon, in Essex, closed on Monday for the autumn and winter period. Permanently closing the hospital will be one of the options on the table at a consultation next year.
St Peter's Hospital protest in Maldon ahead of inpatient closures
Parents and residents have protested against the closure of inpatient services at a community hospital. The birthing unit and stroke rehabilitation beds at St Peter's Hospital in Maldon, in Essex, closed on Monday for the autumn and winter period. Permanently closing the hospital will be one of the options on the table at a consultation next year. The NHS said "quality of care" was at the "heart" of decision-making. Mother Hayley Edwards was one of the parents outside the hospital on Sunday.
Holly Willoughby: Man in court over alleged kidnapping plot
By Mark Savage and Peter Walker BBC News October 6, 2023, 09:44 BST Updated 36 minutes ago image source, Getty Images A man has appeared in court accused of murder over an alleged plot to kidnap TV presenter Holly Willoughby. Gavin Plumb, of Potters Field in Harlow, Essex, is also accused of inciting a kidnapping. The 36-year-old, who is a security guard in a shopping area in the city, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court for a short hearing.
Holly Willoughby: Man in court over alleged kidnapping plot
By Mark Savage and Peter Walker BBC News October 6, 2023, 09:44 BST Updated 29 minutes ago image source, Getty Images A man appeared in court charged with soliciting to commit murder for allegedly plotting to kidnap TV presenter Holly Willoughby. Gavin Plumb, of Potters Field, Harlow, in Essex, is also accused of inciting to commit a kidnap. The 36-year-old, who is a security officer at a shopping precinct in the town, appeared in a brief hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.
Holly Willoughby: Man in court over alleged kidnap plot
By Mark Savage and Peter Walker BBC News 6 October 2023, 09:44 BST Updated 13 minutes ago Image source, Getty Images A man has appeared in court charged with soliciting to commit murder over an alleged plot to kidnap TV presenter Holly Willoughby. Gavin Plumb, of Potters Field, Harlow, in Essex, is also accused of incitement to commit kidnap. The 36-year-old, who is a security officer at a shopping precinct in the town, appeared for a short hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.
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