Sound equipment – including a radio, stereo and speakers – was seized from a home near Colchester after council officers acted over complaints about excessive noise.

The equipment was seized from a home in Rogation Close, Stanway, on Thursday after complaints from neighbouring properties that excessive music had been playing – despite the occupier leaving the property at 5.10pm on Tuesday.

Officers from Colchester Borough Council’s environmental protection team and Colchester Borough Homes’ anti-social behaviour team determined the radio had been playing at a level considered to be a noise nuisance and was likely to prevent residents from sleeping.

When efforts to contact the occupier proved unsuccessful – and with residents facing another night of disturbed sleep – a decision was taken by officers to apply for a warrant to enter the property and seize the equipment.

The action was supported by the police and followed a history of noise complaints by neighbours about the property, where a Noise Abatement Notice had already been served on the occupier.

Colchester Borough Council says it will now look to pursue a prosecution and apply for a Forfeiture Order on the equipment.

Tina Bourne, portfolio holder for housing and communities, said: “Actions like this send out a clear message to individuals who fail to heed a noise abatement notice and continue to cause nuisance to their neighbours.

“Excessive noise and anti-social behaviour make peoples’ lives a misery and can lead to significant stress and even ill health for those affected.

“I would urge residents to show consideration to their neighbours, so that we can all enjoy our lives free from the disruption of excessive noise.”