ESSEX police are working with the county's Autistic Society to prompt a new 'alert card' to help emergency services identify when they are dealing with someone with an autism-related condition.

A need for the card was shown after several incidents revealed the problems faced by people with autism when police and emergency services are involved.

The card carries the Essex Police crest with space for contact numbers and also offers advice to the reader on the behaviours that might be exhibited by the individual when in a stressful situation.