September was the month when panic over lack of tanker drivers fuelled petrol shortages at forecourts across the UK.

Congestion built up around Epping and Harlow petrol stations amid driver shortages.

Essex police issued a warning after it received more than 100 calls in 24 hours about petrol station traffic queues.

Harlow Council's deputy leader Cllr Joel Charles tweeted: "The Government has said there is no fuel shortage at refineries.

"I am concerned about the scale of panic buying that is taking place at petrol stations in Harlow, forcing several to close as a result.

"Please keep to normal levels of consumption."

A murder investigation was launched after a man in his late teens was shot dead in east London.

The Metropolitan Police said that officers were called just before 1.30am on September 1 after gunshots were heard near Capworth Street, Leyton.

They found a man with gunshot wounds in nearby Beaumont Road, and despite being given first aid and treated by paramedics he was pronounced dead just before 2.30am.

Huge 424 flat plans were agreed despite council initially refusing proposals

Huge 424 flat plans were agreed despite council initially refusing proposals

And plans for more than 400 homes and a new wellness centre in Loughton were approved after a planning inspector overruled councillors.

Proposals for the 139 flats at the site formally used by at Epping Forest College, Borders Lane, Loughton and also plans for 285 flats, a new Wellness Centre also at the site were initially refused by Epping Forest Council due to 'lack of vision' and overprovision of parking.

But the developer took an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, which overruled the council’s decision.