Essex County Council has agreed to fund 60 potentially life-saving bleed control kits.

The kits are designed to manage life-threatening bleeding while waiting for emergency services, and include a range of critical equipment such as a tourniquet and trauma gauze.

Although the kits have gained attention for their use with victims of violent crime, they can also be beneficial in other situations, including traffic incidents and severe falls.

Council deputy leader Louise McKinlay said: "Obviously, we hope these kits never have to be used.

"But in the unfortunate event they do, we are pleased that even more communities will have access to them.

"I would urge local people to find out where their nearest kit is and for businesses to make people aware that they have one.

"Knowing this could help to save a life.”

The funding will support anti-knife crime campaigner Julie Taylor, who founded the Liam Taylor Legacy following the tragic death of 19-year-old grandson Liam, in Writtle in 2020.

The initiative, set up in his memory, raises funds to distribute bleed control kits across Essex.

Julie is also calling for stricter knife control and increased penalties for those found carrying weapons.

Her efforts have led to talks with Government ministers, local and national police representatives and Essex MPs, in a bid to eradicate knife crime.

Julie said: "This is the largest number of bleed kits we’ve had donated in one go and I’m proud to share them with venues across the county in Liam’s name.

"While I hope they don’t need to be used, it is important that people know where they are and what to do should an incident occur.

"These kits really could be the difference between life and death."

The new bleed kits, costing £100 each, will soon be found in a variety of locations across the county, from shops and pubs, to football clubs.

Other venues are being suggested by councillors.