Councillor arrested after repeatedly entering staff-only area in council offices

Essex Police meanwhile confirmed that a 31-year-old man was arrested on 8 September and questioned on suspicion of stalking and harassment and a public order offence.

He was later arrested and questioned on suspicion of common assault. He has since been released on bail until October, while the investigation continues.

Reform UK councillor, Sam Journet, was pictured being arrested in Basildon's headquarters on 8 September, in a report from the Southend, Basildon & Castle Point Echo.

Neither the council nor the police force have named the man arrested.

In a statement on the arrest, the council claimed a member had "repeatedly" accessed staff-only areas of the local authority's offices, which had been established earlier this month in response to concerns regarding inappropriate conduct by a councillor.

"These measures were introduced to prioritise staff safety and maintain a secure and respectful working environment," a press release from the council said.

It added: "Despite these restrictions being clearly communicated to all Council members, one Councillor repeatedly disregarded the rules. Earlier today, the individual in question was arrested and removed from the premises by police."

A council spokesperson added: "Following repeated public disorder in the council offices, harassment of staff and councillors and trespassing into areas of the council they are not permitted to be in, a Councillor was this morning arrested by Essex Police officers in the council building and taken into custody."

A spokesperson for Reform said they had been made aware one of their councillors was taken into custody.

“They have since been released and no charges have been brought,” the party’s spokesperson added.

Adam Carey