Echo news from Southend, Basildon, Castle Point,Rayleigh, Rochford, Wickford, Billericay, Thurrock

Nissan to build electric car in UK

1:21am Thursday 18th March 2010

Motor giant Nissan has confirmed plans to build its new electric car in the UK.

Many female students suffer assault

12:38am Thursday 18th March 2010

One in seven female students has been the victim of a serious sexual or physical assault, a damning report has found.

Hunt for chef's 'mystery boyfriend'

12:38am Thursday 18th March 2010

Police investigating the disappearance of university chef Claudia Lawrence have revealed she spent the night with a mystery boyfriend just two days before she went missing.

War aftermath plans 'essential'

12:38am Thursday 18th March 2010

Preparing for the aftermath of conflict is essential in planning for future overseas military operations involving British troops, MPs have warned.

BA staff boosted by global support

11:09pm Wednesday 17th March 2010

International support for a proposed walkout by British Airway's cabin crew is continuing to grow, jeopardising management plans to fly 60% of customers regardless.

Factory awaits news on electric car

10:41pm Wednesday 17th March 2010

Motor giant Nissan is reportedly planning to build its new electric car at its plant in Sunderland.

Five held after kidnap cash traced

10:22pm Wednesday 17th March 2010

Dramatic new details have emerged about the kidnapping and release of a five-year-old British boy in Pakistan.

Cameron in pledge to black voters

10:05pm Wednesday 17th March 2010

David Cameron has reached out to black voters telling them that the Conservative Party had come "a long way" when it came to opening itself up to ethnic minorities.

Police recover kidnap ransom money

10:04pm Wednesday 17th March 2010

Spanish police have confirmed they have recovered more than £100,000 in ransom money after arrests were made in the case of a five-year-old British boy's kidnapping in Pakistan.

Sian Williams 'would appear nude'

8:59pm Wednesday 17th March 2010

TV presenter Sian Williams's accountant told a tax tribunal she would be willing to present her BBC show naked, but BBC bosses would not let her.