The jury in the Braintree double murder trial have been issued with special protective clothing to visit the scene of the killings.

Gloves, facemasks and protective suits and overshoes were handed out to the seven men and five women when they visited the scene at number 40 Bartram Avenue.

The suits and other items are similar to those worn by crime scene investigators.

Trial judge Mr Justice Fulford told the jury they would be shown around the house in pairs by a court usher and they should not touch anything.

The visit on Thursday morning came as the defence in the trial of the man accused of murdering Chrissie Chambers and her two-year-old daughter Shania closed their case.

David Oakes denies killing his 38-year-old former partner and daughter in June last year.

The 50-year-old unemployed builder and bouncer has told Chelmsford Crown Court Mrs Chambers killed her daughter with a shotgun.

In the struggle over the weapon that followed, the mother of four died and he received a serious face injury, Oakes has told Chelmsford Crown Court.

Oakes, Canney Road, Steeple, was left with a vivid scar on the left side of his face where he was shot.

The prosecution has alleged 50-year-old Oakes killed his former partner and daughter and then turned the gun on himself as he feared losing access to the child after the couple split up.

The evidence in the trial is now finished and legal submissions will be taking place before closing speeches take place.

These will take place after the bank holiday weekend with prosecutor Orlando Pownall QC(*all correct*) making his closing address to the jury on Tuesday morning.

Nigel Lithman QC will then make his speech on behalf of Oakes before the trial judge starts summing-up the evidence to the jury.

A verdict in the case is expected towaqrds the end of next week.

*The trial continues.