A MAN has been issued with a community protection warning after a tent was put up in Rayleigh High Street.

Police officers were made aware of a tent pitched in the High Street on Wednesday, which had caused "some concern" in the community. 

Officers from the town centre team went to find out more, and an Essex Police spokesman in the area says it was established that there was "no reason" for the tent to be there after enquiries were carried out.

A 64-year-old man was issued with a community protection warning as a result. This means that, if he is caught again he could be issued with a community protection notice and face a fine or even prison if this notice is breached.

The spokesman said: "A community protection warning is a written warning stating that a community protection notice will be issued if a particular type of behaviour isn’t stopped.

"The purpose of a community protection notice is to prevent behaviour which is usually anti-social. It is a criminal offence to breach a  community protection notice. This can lead to a fine, or in some cases, prison.

"We work with Rayleigh Town Council and charities, such as StreetLink to make sure anyone within the rough sleeper community has access to help and support."