Essex Police have issued a stark warning against abusing petrol station staff, as queues build at garages across the county for a second day in a row.

The team say they have had more than 100 calls into their control room in the last 24 hours from people stating they are stuck in a build-up of traffic.

And although officers understand it’s frustrating, they have insisted unless there’s a crash or a crime has been committed, being stuck in traffic is not a reason to call the police.

The force have also urged people not to abuse staff at petrol stations, with crews already facing such "difficult circumstances".

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LIVE: Updates as huge queues form at petrol stations across Essex

Chief Superintendent Jenny Barnett said: “I want to thank the majority of the public who are buying petrol when they need it, and remaining considerate and calm.

"We’ve had more than 100 calls into our control room in the last 24 hours from people stating they are stuck in a build-up of traffic.

“We understand being stuck in a queue is frustrating, but our 999 and 101 numbers need to be kept for reporting emergencies and information about crimes or incidents.

“If our call handlers are dealing with calls about traffic build up, they’re unable to take calls from people who really need our help.

“And no matter how exasperating it might be to be waiting in a queue, there is no excuse for abusing staff at petrol stations, who are just trying to do their job in difficult circumstances.”