A TEAM of more than 100 special constables flooded the streets of Essex to track down people who had failed to pay fines or carry out court orders.

Operation Panfield saw police arrest 32 people by lunchtime yesterday, having turned up at people’s doorsteps on Friday night, Saturday morning and on Sunday.

In north Essex, specials turned up at homes in Colchester, Clacton and Braintree.

They were looking for people who had failed appear at court, those who had committed driving offences, drugs-related offences, failed to pay TV licence fines or court fines and for social security offences.

Five people were charged and taken into custody. John Kerr, 22, of Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, was charged with criminal damage and bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on December 9.

Mark Foy, 49, of Alan Grove, Leigh, Alan Beckett, 40, of Newington Close, Southend, and Brian Haynes, 25, of Sydney Road, Tilbury, were all remanded in custody for nonpayment of fines.

A 44-year-old woman from Chelmsford was arrested on suspicion of driving while over the alcohol limit and bailed until January 28 pending further enquiries. The remaining 27 people were bailed.

Special Insp Alex Ward said: “This kind of operation highlights the value and dedication the specials bring to Essex Police.

“As unpaid volunteers, my colleagues have demonstrated their knowledge, confidence and commitment to helping our communities.”