A top police officer has moved to quash rumours that Braintree police are to lose 26 officers to other parts of the county.

A comment made by a Witham police sergeant at a meeting of the Witham Council's community services committee last night indicated that the officers were to go.

But today Supt Peter Sheldrake, divisional commander of Braintree police, said: "Essex Police has looked at a Home Office model for suggested allocation of policing resources in each division.

"The fact that Braintree division was compared to other divisions such as Basildon led to discussion within the force about realignment of resources.

"However, under the Rural Policing Review, there is no intention to carry out any resource reallocation at the present."

A police spokesman added: "Supt Sheldrake has given you the most up-to-date information. The sergeant did not have the most recent information."

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