Essex Police have confirmed they were not responsible for 'Cabbie Day' being cancelled.

The East London Cabbies' Outing comes to Maldon every year to give children with learning disabilities a fun-packed day in Maldon.

The convoy, which is accompanied by a police escort left from the Olympic Stadium in Stratford to the Dengie in its 2018 event.

However, this year's event was cancelled yesterday, and the community were in uproar.

The event, which was due to take place on July 3, has been cancelled on a few occasions in the last five years.

There were many claims from members of the public and people connected to Cabbie Day that police had refused to support the event.

Following these claims, The Standard contacted Essex Police about the issue, however a spokesman confirmed the force were not aware of the event being cancelled until yesterday.

They said: "We were first made aware of plans to cancel this year’s East London Cabbies Day Out on Wednesday, May 15 due to concerns around driver safety.

"We have been in contact with event organisers and offered to meet to discuss their requirements and how Essex Police can support their endeavours, however they have declined the meeting.

"We have left organisers with the appropriate contact details should they change their mind and wish to make contact with us.

"We have also offered our support in the planning of next year’s event."

The David Randall Foundation, set up in memory of Maldon cricketer David who sadly passed away in July 2012 have said they would like to help make the event happen in any way they can.

A spokesman said: "The organisers have had a brilliant relationship with the police for over 60 years, who have provided an escort for the convoy from East London to Maldon.

"Following a change in the usual liaison channels there is a doubt still that this years event may be in jeopardy but communications are ongoing and will hopefully be resolved in the next 48-hours.

"Any speculation in the interim is purely that. 

"You can trust that everyone involved is working their hardest to make July 3 happen."