POLICE have warned parks across the district will be closed if littering continues.

Officers say they have been informed of issues with discarded rubbish and glass bottles in a number of public places such as Witham town park, the iconic River Walk and surrounding playing fields.

It is understood the littering is the result of meetings and parties.

Police have issued a plea to residents to respect public places and have warned they may be forced to close some parks if the problem persists.

A force spokesman said: "The groups will eat and drink in these locations and most of the time they will take their rubbish with them.

"But recently we have been informed about glass bottles being found, sometimes they have been caught under the council mowers when they have been cutting grass and also discarded in places such as the local skate parks and children's play parks where they are being smashed onto the ground and presenting real dangers to the innocent parties who just want to play there.

"This is not just an issue in Witham but also Braintree and the surrounding villages.

"Please respect the environment you live in or these areas may be forced to close."