ESSEX Police now have almost 1,000 people signed up to their Snapchat service.

At the beginning of the month, the force launched an account with social media app ‘Snapchat’ in a bid to get in touch with youngsters.

The account now has more than 900 followers.

The app, which has a minimum age of 13, is being used to run appeals which are particularly relevant to younger people by sharing live photos and videos from the scenes of drugs raids, police dog deployments and road traffic operations.

Lucy Badham, social media and digital engagement officer at Essex Police, said: “We want to get the message out there that we are here to help young people, it’s going really well.”