A VULNERABLE person has been saved from exploitation after a court order banned people from a home.

The operation, involving members of Essex Police, Southend Council and South Essex Homes, targeted a flat in the Quantock tower block, in Chichester Road, Southend.

On September 27, the council obtained and served a Partial Closure Order to the property in a bid to safeguard the resident - a vulnerable adult - from ongoing anti-social behaviour.

The property was also linked to drugs and drug dealing.

Chief Supt Paul Wells said: “Protecting the vulnerable is at the heart of everything we do at Essex Police.

“This court order has enabled us to both protect a vulnerable member of the community and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour occurring at this property.

“We will continue to work alongside our partners at the council and South Essex Homes to ensure we do everything we can to keep our communities safe.”

The court order, in place until December 27, prevents anyone other than the named tenant and anyone working on behalf of the council, South Essex Homes and Essex Police from entering the property during this timeframe.

Anyone else seen entering the property can be arrested and faces up to 51 weeks in prison, an unlimited fine.

The decision to serve the notice came after a spate of crime and anti-social behaviour had been reported at the property over the past six months.

Mark Flewitt, councillor for public protection, said: "We do not tolerate any behaviour which puts residents’ lives in danger and we have acted swiftly to ensure this will be prevented here from now on.

“We hope this shows that we will act on any information we receive from concerned residents and we will take all the necessary steps to ensure residents do not have to put up with violence and anti-social behaviour.

“This court order is another example of excellent partnership work on behalf of the council, South Essex Homes, and Essex Police, and it has provided a vulnerable adult a safer place to live.”

If you're concerned about exploitation, contact Essex Police on 101.