Category: Bedford

A major road has been closed while emergency services respond to a fire at a boatyard.Bedfordshire Police said closures were in place on both carriageways of the A1 between the Black Cat Roundabout and Tempsford as crews dealt with an incident at Kelpie Marine, near Roxton.Crews from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the fire at 11:28 BST and said it involved a boat and a shed.The boatyard sits in the middle of the two carriageways of the A1, close to where the road crosses the River Great Ouse.Drivers have been advised by the police to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Andrew Tate, along with his brother Tristan, were arrested by US Marshals in Miami, Florida on Saturday, in relation to additional alleged sexual offences which take the total number of charges faced by the brothers up to 59.The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) brought 38 new charges against Andrew and Tristan Tate on Sunday, which pertain to offending alleged to have taken place between July 2010 and August 2017.For Andrew, these are seven further counts of rape, three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and 19 additional charges for offences relating to indecent images of a child and child pornography.For Tristan, these are one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.These charges sit alongside 10 original counts for Andrew and 11 original counts for Tristan, which Bedfordshire Police said were authorised by the CPS following a file of evidence submitted by its officers relating to allegations dating back to 2012.The brothers have previously “unequivocally” denied wrongdoing, with Andrew describing himself and his brother as “very innocent men”. Malcolm McHaffie, head of the special crime division at the CPS, said in a statement: “We have decided to prosecute Andrew and Tristan Tate for further offences including rape, arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation and offences relating to indecent images of a child.”These charging decisions followed receipt of a further file of evidence from Bedfordshire Police and bring the total number of alleged victims in this case to seven.”The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and that these defendants have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”And in light of the brothers being arrested, social users have pointed out a past tweet from Andrew Tate in February 2025 in which he claimed “the Tates will be free” because “Trump is the president”.The post has since been met with ridicule in light of the brothers’ arrest: “Can I get an update, Tate,” asked one account: Another wrote: “This aged well”: In a statement following the arrest of the Tates’, Assistant Chief Constable Karena Thomas, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “There is no place for male violence against women and girls, and we will continue to work tirelessly to support victims and investigate all reports made to us.”The Tates now await extradition proceedings to the UK, the CPS said.Why not read…?Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletterHow to join the indy100’s free WhatsApp channelHave your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested in the United States on Saturday after British prosecutors filed 38 new criminal charges against the pair, bringing the total number of charges they face in the United Kingdom to 59.The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service said Andrew Tate is now charged with seven additional counts of rape, along with charges related to sex trafficking and indecent images of a child. Tristan Tate’s new charges include two counts of rape and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation. Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire police, who have led what they described as a “complex investigation” into the brothers, said the new charges bring Andrew, 39, to a total of 42 charges in the UK, while Tristan, 37, now faces 17.According to prosecutors, the alleged offending took place between July 2010 and August 2017. The Tates have consistently denied any wrongdoing.Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Special Crime Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said the new charging decisions followed the receipt of an additional evidence file from Bedfordshire Police. “These charging decisions followed receipt of a further file of evidence from Bedfordshire Police and bring the total number of alleged victims in this case to seven,” McHaffie said.Following the arrest, British prosecutors said they would begin legal proceedings to extradite the brothers, who hold dual British-American citizenship, back to the United Kingdom. The U.S. Marshals Service confirmed to the BBC that the Tates had been taken into custody, while a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice said the arrests were carried out “pursuant to extradition proceedings.”
Joseph McBride, a lawyer representing the Tate brothers, issued a statement following their arrest Saturday evening rejecting the new charges. “The world knows Andrew and Tristan are innocent,” McBride said. “Their enemies know it best of all. That is exactly why they have been attacked.” McBride went on to characterize the new UK charges as a “political hit,” suggesting they were designed to counter a defamation lawsuit the brothers had filed in the United States. “We are confident that once a competent judge sees the facts, and once the Department of Justice confronts this egregious abuse of its own authority, Andrew and Tristan Tate will walk free,” McBride said. “America does not do Britain’s political dirty work.”The arrest marks the latest development in a years-long legal saga surrounding the Tate brothers, who built a large online following through social media content that has drawn extensive criticism, including from advocacy groups concerned about its influence on young men and its treatment of women. In 2024, Bedfordshire Police secured European arrest warrants seeking the brothers’ return from Romania, where they have been based and have separately faced criminal investigation by Romanian authorities on charges including human trafficking and organized crime.More recently, in June, the Tate brothers lost a legal bid seeking to learn the identities of their UK accusers, after the Crown Prosecution Service determined it was necessary to withhold the names of the alleged victims until formal legal proceedings had begun.Saturday’s arrest comes against a broader backdrop of geopolitical tension that has dominated international headlines in recent days. The BBC’s coverage of the Tate arrest appeared alongside ongoing reporting on the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has continued to escalate in the same period, with U.S. forces striking Iranian targets for an eighth consecutive night and Iran reportedly firing drones at U.S. military positions in Kuwait following the deaths of two American soldiers in Jordan.The scale of the charges now facing the Tate brothers, spanning allegations from rape and sex trafficking to charges involving indecent images of a child, represents one of the more serious criminal cases to emerge from Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire police’s multiyear investigation into the brothers’ alleged conduct. Prosecutors have indicated that the case now involves seven identified alleged victims, following the addition of the latest 38 charges.The extradition process, now expected to begin following Saturday’s arrest, is likely to involve extended legal proceedings given the brothers’ dual citizenship status and their legal team’s stated intention to contest the charges vigorously in U.S. courts before any transfer to British custody could occur. It remains unclear how long that process might take, or whether the brothers will be held in U.S. custody throughout the proceedings or released on bail while the case moves forward.Neither Andrew nor Tristan Tate had issued a personal public statement beyond their attorney’s remarks as of Saturday evening, according to the BBC’s reporting. The Crown Prosecution Service has not released additional details regarding the specific evidence underlying the newly filed charges, citing the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings.The case is expected to draw continued international attention given the Tate brothers’ prominent online profile and the scale of the allegations now formally filed against them in the United Kingdom. Further developments regarding the extradition proceedings and any additional court filings are expected in the weeks ahead as both British and American legal authorities move forward with the case.

A number of homes had to be evacuated while eight crews dealt with a field fire.It broke out on the edge of Croxley Green, near Watford, at about 12:30 BST.The blaze spread to neighbouring fields and woodland, and residents in Little Green Lane were asked to leave their homes as a precaution.Greg Duke, the area commander for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the flames “spread rapidly” and were heading towards homes, but crews “worked hard to protect these properties and were able to successfully contain the fire”.A water bowser, a nebula misting system and a drone were also deployed to the blaze, which is now under control.

Zandile Tshuma’s Parents Share Their Final Wish For Daughter And Granddaughters
The family of the late Zandile Tshuma and her two daughters has revealed its wish to bury the trio in Zimbabwe as they wait for UK authorities to decide when their bodies can be released for repatriation. While no funeral date has been set, relatives say bringing them home would give the family the closure it has been seeking since the tragedy.
Zandile Tshuma’s Family Awaits UK Repatriation Process
According to The Chronicle, the family is still waiting for the legal and administrative processes in the United Kingdom to be completed before funeral arrangements can move forward.
Speaking to B-Metro, Zandile’s uncle, Mr Leon Leroy Khumalo, said it was still too early to confirm what would happen next.
“At the moment I cannot give you a full view of what is going to happen since the bodies of our loved ones are still in the UK.”
He explained that the family was waiting for guidance from UK authorities before making any firm plans.
“Once we get further information, we will know whether they will be released early to us so that we can start working on the funeral proceedings.”
Mr Khumalo said relatives had already begun seeking quotations for funeral services in both Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, although everything depended on the outcome of the official processes.
“We don’t know exactly when the bodies will be released by the coroner and when they will be handed over to the funeral parlour to start preparing the repatriation of the three bodies, if that is going to happen.”
Parents Hope To Lay Daughter And Granddaughters To Rest In Zimbabwe
Mr Khumalo said Zandile’s parents remained determined to have their daughter and granddaughters buried in Zimbabwe.
“The parents are really keen that the remains of their loved ones lie in this country so that they can have closure of this whole episode.”
According to The Chronicle, the family will announce the funeral programme once the repatriation process has been completed and the bodies have been released.
Family Appeals For Continued Prayers
Mr Khumalo also thanked Zimbabweans at home and abroad for their support during the family’s difficult period, saying the messages of sympathy had given relatives strength.
As of 18 July 2026, no burial date had been announced because the family was still awaiting the outcome of the UK legal process.
The family’s immediate focus remains on bringing Zandile Tshuma and her daughters home. Once the necessary approvals have been granted, relatives hope to give them a final resting place in Zimbabwe and begin the process of healing.

The 24-year-old crashed his car into three teenagersAuthor: Chris PatelPublished 7 hours agoA 24-year-old Bedfordshire man has pleaded guilty to several offences after a serious crash in which one teenager died and two others were left with life-changing injuries.Jamie Fountain, from Fir Tree Close, Flitwick, collided with three teenage boys in his car, just before midnight on Friday 3rd April. Two of the boys were on bikes and the third was on a scooter.Despite the collision, Fountain kept driving.13 3-year-old Noah Campbell was pronounced dead shortly after, and Fountain’s BMW, which had been damaged significantly, was found in a nearby street.At Northampton Crown Court today (17th July), Flitwick pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by careless driving whilst over the legal limit for alcohol, one count of causing death by careless driving while over the legal limit for drugs and two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving in relation to the two other boys who were injured in the incident. DS Shona Searle said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with the family and friends of Noah and the two other boys involved in this collision. “Noah was just 13 years old and had his whole life ahead of him, while the other two boys will live with the physical and emotional impact of this collision for the rest of their lives.” “They continue to be supported by a specialist trained officer and we ask that all three families are given privacy at this time.” Fountain is due to be sentenced on 25 September. hellorayo.co.uk/hits-radio/play/

Safety, resilience and community wellbeing should be placed at the heart of plans for the proposed new town at Tempsford.That’s the view of Bedfordshire public sector leaders who have written to the Secretary of State stating the design and construction of Tempsford should be about more than simply building large numbers of homes.Tempsford has been recommended to the government as one of the preferred locations for a large stand-alone New Town. It is also one of the locations which could be “fast-tracked” with the government keen to start development on three sites by 2029.In March 2026 the government confirmed Tempsford as one of the seven new towns shortlisted. It is the only one located in a rural location.40,000 new homes could be built in Tempsford.One of the main reasons for choosing Tempsford is its position at the intersection of the East Coast Main Line and the new East West Rail Link and part of the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor. Up to 40,000 new homes are proposed, together with infrastructure including a new main line station.The letter calls for crime prevention, emergency preparedness, fire safety, infrastructure resilience and the capacity of local public services to be embedded into the design and delivery of the new town from the outset.It also highlights the need for long-term government investment to ensure emergency services and resilience arrangements can keep pace with growth.The letter states: “The focus must be on creating homes alongside resilient safe communities and a healthy population.”It should follow the principles of designing out crime including natural surveillance, natural access control, a clear distinction between public and private spaces and effective maintenance of public areas.”It should also incorporate fire safety, emergency access, infrastructure robustness, climate resilience and capacity of public services to prevent, respond to, and recover from major incidents at the outset.”It further states: ”We write as leaders of Bedfordshire Police, Beds Fire & Rescue Service and the Beds Local Resilience Forum. We ask that decisions taken now, and at future planning stages, shape not only the safety, cohesion and wellbeing of those communities, but also their resilience and ability to withstand and recover from emergencies for decades to come. We must not squander this opportunity.”We wish to place on record our support for the responsible development of the new town at Tempsford. However, we must also be clear that development of this scale will place additional pressure on local public services and resilience arrangements to support them.”A new “all singing and all dancing” hospital should also be on the “shopping list” for Tempsford New Town – if the development goes ahead, according to the leader of Central Bedfordshire Council and Independent Potton councillor Adam Zerny.The letter has been signed by John Tizard, Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Trevor Rodenhurst, Chief Constable Bedfordshire Police, Councillor Jacqueline Burnett, Chair of Bedfordshire and Rescue Fire Authority, and Andrew Hopkinson, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and chair of Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum, the signatories welcome the opportunities presented by the development but stress that it must be about more than simply building homes.Continue Reading

A man has been jailed for raping a woman after approaching her in Bedford city centre before taking her to the house where he was staying and sexually assaulting her. Robel Gebremariam, 25, targeted the woman in the early hours of 6 July 2024 after spotting her walking through Greyfriars. Bedfordshire Police said Gebremariam walked alongside the victim before taking her to a nearby shop where he bought her a bottle of alcohol. He then booked a taxi and took the woman to the address where he was staying, supplying her with more alcohol before raping her.
Victim reported attack
The victim reported the rape to police shortly afterwards, prompting an investigation by Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Team. Officers carried out extensive enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage and gathering intelligence, which led to Gebremariam being identified as the suspect. Following a four-day trial earlier this year, Gebremariam, of Dudley Street, Bedford, was found guilty of rape.
Nine-year sentence
Appearing at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday, July 14, the 25-year-old was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment. He was also handed a one-year extended licence, meaning he will remain under supervision after his release from prison. Bedfordshire Police said the conviction followed a thorough investigation by specialist detectives, who worked to gather the evidence needed to secure justice for the victim. The force continues to encourage anyone who has been the victim of rape or sexual offences to report incidents, assuring victims they will be supported throughout the investigation process.

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School readiness survey. Image: CBC.Central Bedfordshire parents and guardians are invited to take part in a starting school survey.The council would like to hear about your experience of getting your child ready for their first day.The feedback will be used to help shape future information, advice and support for families.”Please share this post with other parents and carers of three and four year olds to help us hear from as many families as possible.”The survey only takes a few minutes to complete. Click here to take part.It will close on Monday, August 24.Continue Reading

New footage taken by keepers shows the cats with their mothers, exploring their new home while play fighting in long grass and chasing each otherAuthor: PAPublished 7 hours agoSeven cheetah cubs have been seen for the first time at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire.New footage taken by keepers shows the cats with their mothers, exploring their new home while play fighting in long grass and chasing each other. The cubs were born in May, three to mother Amira and four to Zara, and have been kept in paddocks out of the public eye until now. The two litters were the first cheetah births at Whipsnade in 15 years and are part of a conservation breeding programme for the endangered north-eastern cheetah sub-species. Sarah McGregor, section manager of the predators team at Whipsnade Zoo, said: “After spending their first few weeks tucked away with their mums, it’s fantastic that visitors will soon be able to catch a glimpse of our seven cheetah cubs exploring more of their home at the UK’s largest zoo for the first time.” ZSL conservationists are working in Zambia to reintroduce a group of cheetahs into the Luangwa Valley, with only 6,500 of the species thought to be left around the world. With the birth of Jason, Jasmine and Jacarana in 1967, Whipsnade Zoo became the first in the world to breed and successfully rear cheetahs.First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.