THE organisers of a planned dogging meet-up have been forced to postpone the event this weekend.

The dogging event on Canvey has been postponed, with a new date set "to be announced" iminently.

This comes after extensive media coverage of the plan began earlier this week, prompted by the Echo.

Essex Police were forced to clarify that dogging is not "essential travel."

Katie Hopkins even had her say on the meet-up.

A social media post from Let's Go Dogging, the organisers, reads: "Urgent announcement.

"Due to unforeseen circumstances, the planned dogging meet-up on Canvey this weekend has been postponed by the organisers.

"A new date will be announced in due course.

"Sorry to all those looking who were looking forward to some light relief."

A spokesman from Essex Police, said: "

A spokesman said: “At the moment, England is in a national lockdown and only essential travel is permitted, which is limited to travel to and from work if you cannot work from home, to shop for essential items, to care for someone, to attend a medical appointment or to attend education or childcare.

“We would urge anyone thinking of travelling for reasons outside of those covered, not to.

“We will be patrolling sites across Canvey over the weekend as part of our regular patrols.

“Covid-19 infection rates have been falling in Essex and we’d like to thank people across the county for following the government guidelines.

"However, the virus is still prevalent in our community so it’s essential that you continue to stick to the rules.

“The best way to control the spread of the virus, protect your loved ones and ease pressure on the NHS is to stay at home and avoid any unnecessary journeys.

“The vast majority of people are doing the right thing but, where clear and blatant breaches have taken place, our officers have responded to them.

“If you are thinking about organising a social gathering or making a non-essential journey, please reconsider, stay safe and stop the unnecessary spread of Covid-19. “ Police said they will continue to engage with people to encourage them to do the “right thing."