Less than half of all violent and sexual street crimes reported in the district last year were solved, according to the latest figures from Essex Police.

The crimes include sexual assaults, stabbings and mass town centre brawls.

Just 1.2% of reported incidents resulted in a prison sentence.

There were 1,407 reports of violent and sexual offences in the district last year, leading to 240 cases being taken to court.

An offender was jailed in 18 cases while 15 were given a suspended sentence.

In another 18 cases the suspect was found not guilty.

The figures could be skewed because they do not include an outcome in 189 cases.

However, in 16 per cent of all sexual and violent street crimes officers were not even able to identify a suspect and in 35 per cent they were unable to prosecute.

Essex Police marks a crime as solved when somebody is charged not convicted.