FIREFIGHTERS and police joined forces to tackle domestic abuse by staging a charity football match.

Playing for the Silent Victim trophy, the annual challenge staged by Castle Point and Rochford Domestic Abuse Panel is part of the Community Safety Partnership.

This was the seventh year of the fundraising match, with the Essex Police winning on penalties after the match had finished 3-3.

The mayor of Castle Point, Jackie Govier, officially started the match, with the deputy chairman of Rochford District Council Heather Glynn.

Mrs Govier said: “Too many victims of domestic abuse, whether physical or mental, suffer in silence.

We want to raise awareness of the help available to them.”

All proceeds from the game at Canvey FC in Park Lane will go to Basildon Women’s Aid.