ESSEX Police will push for streetlights to be turned back on if crime rises, the county’s top cop promised.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh wants his officers to stay out of the political row over the controversial switch off but said he would be knocking at the door if there are more victims as a result.

He said: “If there is evidence crime is rising I will be the first person knocking on the door to get the lights back on.”

A report on part night lighting is being prepared for the June meeting of the Police and Crime Panel following a request from Colchester panellist Tim Young.