The county's top police officer has described the continuing increase in accidents on Essex roads as "disappointing".

A new report shows that in the 12 months to September, there were 1,190 collisions causing death or serious injury - a rise of 68 on the previous 12-month period.

Chief Constable David Stevens told an Essex Police Authority meeting yesterday (Monday): "It is very disappointing to report the continuing upward trend."

But in his report, Mr Stevens said the county was at the forefront of speed camera technology, with four mobile cameras being used at three sites each per day - working out at 78 locations a week.

Concern was also raised at the meeting about the sharp rise in attacks on police officers. In the 12 months to September 30, 265 officers were assaulted, causing a loss of 668 working days due to sickness.

In the previous 12-month period, there were just 150 assaults, although they led to 718 working days lost.

Anthony Peel, authority chairman, said: "There is an increase in the number of assaults, but a decrease in the number of days lost. Perhaps that's due to better protection."

Mr Stevens said: "Members will share my concern about the rise in assaults. We are employing a working party to see if we can identify a pattern or reason for it."

The meeting also heard the total number of working days lost through sickness continues to be driven down.

Mr Stevens said: "An enormous amount of work has been done and the trend is still downwards although only slowly downwards. A lot will depend on the winter - if we stay healthy throughout the winter we might meet our target."

Members expressed concern about the leap in the amount of crime at Stansted by 37 per cent.

Mr Stevens put that down to a "significant increase of passengers and parked vehicles there in the past few months".

He said the force is working with the airport to turn the upward trend.

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