WordPress

Blog

  • Murder investigation after bodies of woman and children found in property

    Murder investigation after bodies of woman and children found in property


    Bedfordshire Police were called on Monday (July 6) after concerns were raised about a mother and her two children who had not been seen for several days. 

    After making enquiries, officers forced entry into a property in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, where they discovered the bodies of the three victims.

    A murder investigation has been launched by Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit. 

    Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said: “This is a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered.

    “Our thoughts are first and foremost with all those affected. We recognise that this will cause concern in the local community and beyond. This is the early stages of what is an incredibly complex investigation.

    “We are committing all necessary resources to establish exactly what has happened and to find the person responsible.

    “As a result of enquiries undertaken so far, we have identified a suspect, who was known to all three victims, and who we believe has since left the country.”

    He added: “While there is nothing to suggest there is any wider risk to the public, we will be increasing the police presence in and around the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents.

    “I would ask anyone who may have information about this incident, or who may have heard or seen any suspicious activity in Carnoustie Drive, particularly on Friday and Saturday, to please come forward to police as soon as possible. Any information, no matter how small, could help our investigation.

    “I would also ask people to be mindful of the privacy of the victims and avoid speculating about what might have happened.”

    Those with information are urged to contact police via the webchat service at https://orlo.uk/B4bzB or by calling 101, quoting Operation Snowdrift.

  • Arise Sir Nishan – King Charles knights University of Leicester Vice-Chancellor | News | University of Leicester

    Arise Sir Nishan – King Charles knights University of Leicester Vice-Chancellor | News | University of Leicester


    7 July 2026

    King Charles knighted the University of Leicester’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, in an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle today (Tuesday 7 July).
    Professor Canagarajah was recognised in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours for his inestimable contribution to higher education, particularly in championing inclusion.
    During the ceremony, the head of state followed tradition by touching the shoulders of the kneeling Professor Canagarajah with a sword, before formally conferring the honour.
    Professor Canagarajah, who travelled to Berkshire with his wife Thabhi, said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award from King Charles. It is a recognition of the efforts of so many others who have contributed to my success, including my dear friends and family and colleagues both past and present. 
    “I also hope it will serve as an inspiration for others. As a boy from the once war-torn land of Sri Lanka, to being recognised by royalty is quite a remarkable journey. It is because of the transformative power of education and the opportunities it presents that this has been possible. That is why I remain committed to removing barriers for others so that they too can fulfil their true potential.”
     

    Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Canagarajah has shown an unwavering commitment to education as a force for improving lives and creating a fairer society. As the first minority ethnic Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester, in the first plural city in the UK, he has used his influence to give voice to those who are so often overlooked and under-represented and has taken actions to overcome barriers and create opportunities for others.
    He has led one of the most diverse universities in the country – 38% of students are from the most disadvantaged areas and 69% from minority ethnic backgrounds.
    Professor Canagarajah established the first IntoUniversity centre in Leicester, securing significant philanthropic funding, and supporting 1,000 disadvantaged young people. He secured the University’s first female Chancellor – Dame Dr Maggie Aderin PhD – and created an inclusive team with two female Deputy Vice-Chancellors.
    Professor Canagarajah established a Civic Universities Partnership, securing over £3m for local community projects and, as a leader of a University of Sanctuary, supported refugees and Ukrainian and Palestinian academics. His achievements are reflected in the fact that the University received three University of the Year accolades, achieving Teaching Excellence Framework Gold and top 30 in the Research Excellence Framework. He has taken on national roles to contribute to Higher Education, most recently in 2025 as Chair of UCEA. He is also the former Chair of The Conversation and a former member of the Universities UK board.
    Professor Canagarajah has spearheaded efforts to ensure that the University benefits its locality and during his tenure, the University was granted Freedom of the Borough by Oadby and Wigston Council in recognition of its impact as well as a Gold Award in the Armed Forces Covenant for support of armed forces communities.
    Along with his unwavering commitment to community, his has been a powerful voice for social change, enabled by national roles in tackling racial discrimination and increasing diversity.
    Internationally, Professor Canagarajah has been a trailblazer for Leicester by championing new partnerships based on mutual benefits for partners as well as their localities. It led to Professor Canagarajah being invited to join the largest-ever government trade mission to India led by the Prime Minister. Partnerships have also been forged in Thailand, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, the USA and Canada. He has also overseen a new key partnership with the Apollo Hospitals Group in India.
     

  • Local say Anglian Water should ‘fix leaks’ before imposing hosepipe ban

    Local say Anglian Water should ‘fix leaks’ before imposing hosepipe ban



    Anglian Water has said it cannot rule out a hosepipe ban this summer as Cambridgeshire faces another heatwave, but readers say fixing leaks should come firstDavid Prince and Cambridgeshire Live readers18:00, 07 Jul 2026Locals say that if the leaks were fixed then there wouldn’t be water shortages(Image: Getty Images)The prospect of yet another heatwave has prompted Anglian Water to revisit its stance on whether to implement a hosepipe ban across the Eastern region. In June, the water authority released a statement confirming it had “no plans to introduce a hosepipe ban this year.”However, the latest meteorological forecasts — which indicate another prolonged period of exceptionally hot weather this July — have compelled Anglian Water to reconsider its position.Ian Rule, Anglian Water’s Director of Water Services said: “Although we’re not putting hosepipe bans in place at the moment, the situation is changing very quickly and we can’t completely rule them out for this summer.”The forthcoming hot weather will mark the third heatwave experienced this year. Anglian Water suggested heatwaves could become the ‘new normal’ as the climate crisis deepens.Mr Rule added: “Right now, we’re facing another hot spell, and we know we’re likely to see more of this weather this summer – not to mention the years to come.”Several readers argued that leaks should be addressed first. Banallbikes writes: “They should repair all the leaks and we wouldn’t be short of water.”Whynot2 comments: “As a lot of people are now on a meter, they pay for what they use, so why would they want to waste it?”Welshknight thinks: “Nationalise it and scrap the bonuses and implement a pay restraint of 80k/annum. Sort them out.”While over on our Facebook page, Wendy C comments: “If they actually got their act together and repaired the water leaks which I’ve seen several of, and 2 near to where I live, then perhaps that might just help save water.”Mark D says: “What after how much water has gone up, you must be joking, build more reservoirs with the profits.”Clare D mentions: “The water that comes out of our taps is grey water anyway, it’s full of chemicals and other nasties. Why are they not sourcing water from underground springs rather than giving us recycled water?”Darren S asks: “Why are the car washers still using tens of thousands of gallons of fresh water to wash dusty cars every day if there are shortages.”Claire P writes: “Maybe they need to start planning for the future. When was the last reservoir built? Didn’t we have a wet match? How much do the shareholders get when we have so many leaks?”Georgina C feels: “Until they fix the 6 or so leaks I drive past daily, and have for weeks/months, I doubt many will adhere to it.”De Havilland Mark believes: “Weather has nothing to do with the water shortage, stop building 1000s of new houses and no new reservoirs.”Leon E remarks: “Okay, I will put a water bill ban on then.”Do you believe that hosepipe bans are good for the environment? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

  • Arsenal to sign former Leeds keeper Illan Meslier on a free

    Arsenal to sign former Leeds keeper Illan Meslier on a free



    Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign French goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer. The 26-year-old was recently let go by Leeds United, making 205 appearances.However, he did not make a single appearance during the 25/26 season, failing to be third choice in the pecking order behind both Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow. Meslier made himself prominent at Leeds in 19/20, making his debut against Arsenal in the FA Cup in January 2020. He played the final eight games of the 19/20 season as Kiko Casilla was banned for racism towards Charlton forward Jonathan Leko. He would go on to be the first-choice keeper for five years, until a poor season in 2024/25 saw him dropped by Daniel Farke. Last season, he spent the majority of the season playing in the Premier League 2 with Leeds U21 .Meslier is the eighth goalkeeper to have been signed by Mikel Arteta during his seven-year spell at Arsenal. Role at ArsenalArsenal’s goalkeeper union, led by Iñaki Caña will be getting a new recruit alongside David Raya, and Kepa.(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Meslier is expected to be third choice as well when he arrives at the Premier League Champions, behind both Spaniards, David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, there are rumours that Kepa could leave Arsenal in this transfer window if the right offer comes up; he has a £5 million release clause in his contract, the same release clause that the Gunners activated a year ago. Setford loanEmbed from Getty ImagesOne positive of the move is that Meslier’s signing will allow Tommy Setford to go out on loan and get some crucial first-team football for his development. Setford signed from Ajax in the summer of 2024, and has made two appearances at the club. One in the Carabao Cup against Preston North End, and a cameo in the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic.He was seen in the squad for Mikel Arteta’s side during the majority of their title-winning season in 25/26.

  • Water safety reminder ahead of heatwave | Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service

    Water safety reminder ahead of heatwave | Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service



    With temperatures set to hit 30 degrees again this week, we are reminding people of the dangers of entering open water.
    During the last heatwave, crews were called to various water rescue incidents, including one at the River Tame in Fazeley.
    Crews were called just after 6pm on Thursday 25 June following reports that two boys were stranded in the river. They were rescued using a sled and thankfully were not injured.
    Head of Prevent, Protect and Partnerships, Nick Jones, said: “When temperatures rise, we see an increase in water rescue incidents across Staffordshire.
    “Thankfully, nobody has been seriously hurt but numerous people have required assistance after getting into difficulty in water.
    “I would like to remind people that whilst open water might seem inviting during this warm weather, there are hidden dangers and even strong swimmers can get into difficulty.
    “If you do get into difficulty in water, remember to float on your back until help arrives.”
    Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader  and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said: “With temperatures set to remain high this week, it’s really important that people understand the risks and dangers associated with swimming in open water.
    “Lakes and reservoirs can appear safe and inviting, but hidden hazards such as strong currents, underwater obstacles, sudden changes in depth and cold water shock can quickly turn a day out into an emergency.
    “We want everyone to enjoy the warm weather safely, which is why we’re encouraging people to follow water safety advice and avoid taking unnecessary risks.”
    For more water safety tips, visit Water safety.

  • Liverpool transfer news live – Yan Diomande approval, Virgil van Dijk exit claim

    Liverpool transfer news live – Yan Diomande approval, Virgil van Dijk exit claim



    Liverpool’s pursuit of a winger to replace Mohamed Salah this summer may hinge heavily on Paris Saint-Germain’s transfer activity.Initially, the Reds looked poised to swoop for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, who impressed for the Ivory Coast at World Cup 2026. But with his price tag set at over £100m and the Reds wanting to pay nearer £86m, reports suggest Paris will be his next destination.Bradley Barcola, who is currently employed by PSG, has also been linked with a move to Anfield and there has now been a significant update regarding both of these stars.Lee Kang-in, a PSG winger who was competing for minutes with Barcola and whose sale could get the ball rolling regarding Diomande, is set to join Atletico Madrid.That’s according to RMC Sport, which claims an agreement has been reached on a £34m deal. This may spark a series of transfers into life where Diomande and Barcola are concerned as Liverpool watch on…

  • Why do wealthy Luton men live 10 years longer? – AOL

    Why do wealthy Luton men live 10 years longer? – AOL



    New research shows men in wealthier parts of Luton live, on average, 10 years longer than those from the most deprived areas.The data also suggests life expectancy for both men and women in the borough is “significantly” lower than the national average.Luton Borough Council is developing a strategy to help people stay healthier for longer. But how did the figures get so bad?What do the figures tell us about life expectancy?The figures were compiled by the council’s public health team, which reviewed a comprehensive set of data on older people, alongside their experiences and views.Average life expectancy in Luton is 78.6 years for men and 82.6 for women — both lower than the national average.There is also a substantial gap between the most and least affluent areas. Men in poorer neighbourhoods are likely to die 10 years earlier than those in wealthier districts, while the gap for women is seven years.What is causing the big gap in life expectancy?Prof David Hewson said poverty was the main reason why people in deprived areas had shorter livesDavid Hewson, professor of health and ageing at the University of Bedfordshire, said poverty was the underlying issue.”The people who have the least money, the most deprivation, are always going to have problems related to health,” he said.”So you’ve got inadequate housing, you’re going to have potentially lower levels of education, your diet won’t be as good, you’re less likely to do physical activity, whereas the people who are better off are going to have the opposite.”However, he added that people in deprived areas can still do well if they become more active and improve the quality of their diet.What else did the figures show?Keeping active is essential for over-50s who want to stay healthyResearchers also examined healthy life expectancy (HLE) — the number of years people can expect to live in good health.The figures use mortality data and people’s own assessments of their health.According to the research, HLE for men in Luton is 56.9 years, while the age for women is 55.8 years.The report says both figures are “significantly lower than the national average”, which is 60 years for men and 60.7 years for women.The figures have fallen in recent years and, unlike the national trend, women in Luton have a lower HLE than men.People in the borough also report losing good health up to five years earlier than the England average.What’s the solution?Rumi Choudhury from Luton Borough Council is leading the drive towards a healthy ageing strategyThe council is developing a healthy ageing strategy focused on the over-50s.Rumi Choudhury, who holds the public health portfolio, said it would bring together existing support while increasing focus on prevention.”It will also address poverty, deprivation, loneliness and social isolation,” she said.The strategy aims to boost participation in physical activity among older people.What sort of activities help people stay healthier for longer?Walking cricketers score points by hitting the ball rather than runningProf Hewson said GPs and social prescribing schemes can connect people with community activities, such as a wellbeing garden on the edge of Luton.But he added that outreach beyond healthcare settings was essential, for example engaging with people at regular community events such as a church, mosque or temple.He is involved in a walking cricket project for over-50s.Alan Field, the chairman of Sandy Cricket Club in Bedfordshire, plays the walking version and said: “I’m keeping active without really knowing it. “[We find] we’ve actually walked over a mile in a session.”You do it without realising it and you’re bending for the ball, you’re stretching, you’re throwing. It’s coordination.”We’re also engaging with each other socially.”Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
    More on this story

    Related internet links

  • ‘Excessive’ BT ad screens outside Molineux Stadium rejected

    ‘Excessive’ BT ad screens outside Molineux Stadium rejected



    Plans to turn a phone box outside Molineux Stadium into a digital advertising screen and free wi-fi access point have been turned down for being “excessive”.BT wanted to convert the kiosk at the end of Staveley Road, Wolverhampton, into a Street Hub, external featuring two 75-inch screens with an interactive tablet and internet access.The plan would also see the removal of two other nearby kiosks, which the company said would improve access along pavements. City of Wolverhampton Council rejected the scheme, saying the hub would “appear visually prominent and incongruous”, and “fail to integrate satisfactorily with its surroundings”.In its application, external, BT pointed out that two similar schemes rejected by the council had later been approved on appeal, with planning inspectors saying the benefits outweighed any drawbacks.It also referenced government plans to improve digital access, and said the council would benefit from free advertising time on the screens for public information messages.In its decision notice, the local authority said it would add “unnecessary visual clutter to an area where signage exhibits a disciplined and proportionate approach”, and would fail to preserve the area’s character.

  • Banking hub is on its way – but location still not known

    Banking hub is on its way – but location still not known



    Moves to open a community banking hub could soon come to fruition.Cash Access UK, which opened a banking hub in the former Lloyds branch in Oakham two years ago, has its eyes on Stamford.Banking hubs allow customers from several major banks and building societies to do their everyday banking, maintaining local access to cash and banking services in communities that have lost bank branches.A banking hub opened in Oakham in 2024At a meeting of Stamford Town Council on Monday (June 29), Coun Richard Cleaver (Ind), who represents St John’s ward on South Kesteven District Council, was able to tell members: “SKDC has been approached by the official national provider of community banking hubs, who are looking for a venue in Stamford.“We have been able to respond positively to this request and hope to agree arrangements and have this in place very shortly.”A Cash Access UK spokesperson said: “The banking hub will open before the last bank in town closes and in the short term, this may mean the hub will open in a temporary location while we continue to work to progress a suitable permanent home. “A temporary hub will offer all the same services as a permanent one, allowing customers of all major banks to visit any weekday for their everyday banking transactions. If customers have a more complex enquiry for their bank, a community banker will be there to help on the day they’re in the hub.“We look forward to providing positive news on the hub opening.”Signs like this could go up in Stamford soon – but where?Among the few bank branches left in Stamford are Santander and Nationwide in High Street, while Lloyds has announced it will leave on October 13. A Barclays Local opens inside Stamford Town Hall in St Mary’s Hill on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, there are Post Office branches with banking facilities in All Saints’ Place and Sutherland Way, and there is a Melton Building Society branch in High Street.The district council owns several sites in Stamford, including the arts centre in St Mary’s Street.

  • Cambs police renew focus on anti-social behaviour

    Cambs police renew focus on anti-social behaviour


    Cambridgeshire Constabulary is supporting Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week 2026, which ran from June 29 to July 5, by emphasising the day-to-day work that helps communities feel safer.

    Superintendent Paul Rogerson, ASB lead for the force, said: “Last week highlighted the work we do every day to tackle anti-social behaviour and support our communities.

    “We are committed to listening when people contact us, responding quickly and taking the right action to resolve issues.

    “By working closely with our partners and focusing on the concerns raised by residents, we can address the harm caused by ASB and help ensure people feel safe where they live.”

    Led by Resolve UK and supported by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the awareness week aims to shine a light on the damaging effects of ASB and the efforts underway to tackle it.

    Cambridgeshire officers will carry out targeted patrols, engage with residents, and work alongside partners throughout the week.

    The constabulary works closely with councils, housing providers and community groups to prevent ASB, support victims and take action against repeat offenders.

    Measures such as criminal behaviour orders, closure orders, and Community Protection Notices and warnings are used where appropriate.

    Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston said: “We all have a right to feel safe where we live.

    “Anti-social behaviour (ASB) can cause misery in our communities and while officers work hard to tackle these issues, it is a partnership approach that leads to safer and stronger communities.

    “Tackling ASB remains a priority for me, and I continue to invest in our local Community Safety Partnerships who play a vital role in supporting the police to resolve the issues that matter to local residents.”

    Residents are encouraged to report ASB either online at www.cambs.police.uk or by calling 101.