IN TODAY'S GAZETTE: Residents were left counting the cost after torrential rain caused flooding at Colchester's Hythe.

Floods were reported across north Essex at Dedham, Tiptree, Abberton and Little Clacton.

* A man accused of a double murder sent 1,607 texts in the 46 days leading up to the death of his daughter and ex-partner.

Some of the texts were sent by David Oakes to his former partner Christine Chambers and contained discussions about their daughter Shania. Oakes denies murder, the case continues.

* A community group could take over the empty JJB Sports building in Colchester High Street.

* Waterfowl have taken up residence in a sururban garden to escape the expansion work at Abberton Reservoir.

FOR MORE ON THESE AND OTHER GREAT STORIES, SEE TODAY'S GAZETTE. THERE IS ALWAYS MORE IN THE PAPER THAN THERE IS ONLINE.