Alastair Ulke

A two-bedroom end-terraced house in Wincobank, Sheffield, is being marketed for £140,000 by Williams & Co Estate Agents. The three-storey property includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom, cellar space and substantial natural light. Its main selling point is a large established rear garden with mature trees, shrubs, flower beds and paved paths. Further details are available through Zoopla.

Hundreds of passengers queued at Sheffield Railway Station on August 16 after a busy train was reportedly diverted to the city, with police controlling access to the platforms. A passenger estimated that around 250 people were waiting outside while approximately 1,000 were already on the platforms, amid reports of cancelled London services. South Yorkshire Police had also cordoned off the station courtyard following an alleged assault, although The Star could not verify reports of London train cancellations.

A man has been charged with the alleged murder of 62-year-old Andrew Fowler, whose body was found at a property on George Street in Wosbrough Bridge, Barnsley, after he was reported missing from Sheffield. The suspect has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court. South Yorkshire Police established three crime scenes, while a self-referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because the victim had previously been reported missing.

Police established a large cordon outside Sheffield Railway Station on August 16, 2026, after receiving reports of an assault. At least two police vans were seen at the scene, and a witness said an officer confirmed that someone had been assaulted. South Yorkshire Police was asked for comment.

Silver Street in Doncaster city centre, a major nightlife area with numerous pubs and bars, was placed under a police cordon from its junction with High Street to Bowers Fold. The cordon had reportedly been in place since the early hours of 16 August 2026, preventing nearby businesses from opening. South Yorkshire Police had been contacted for comment.

South Yorkshire Police arrested a 60-year-old man on suspicion of murder after a male body was found at a property on George Street in Worsbrough Bridge, Barnsley, during a search for a missing 62-year-old man from Sheffield. Three police scenes remain active, while officers continue enquiries and support the victim’s family. The force has also made a self-referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because the man had previously been reported missing.

Sheffield homeowner Vilma Smith is urging Sheffield City Council to cut four-foot-high grass at Longley Park, fearing it could fuel fires that reach her cottage after a series of deliberately started wildfires. She supports rewilding in principle but says the unusually hot, dry summer makes the long grass unsafe. Councillor Jack Byrom has also called for an urgent review of the scheme. The council says teams visited the park, further cutting is planned, and higher-risk sites will receive targeted mowing, vegetation management and fire breaks.

South Yorkshire and Derbyshire burglars were convicted after careless mistakes provided police with strong evidence. Corey Rodgers left a DNA-covered vape at a Rotherham crime scene and was linked to five break-ins and vehicle thefts. Callum Denton was tracked to CEX using stolen AirPods. A four-man group targeting homes in the Derbyshire Dales was exposed partly by videos found on Ronnie Coleman's phone, while Shane Walker was identified through DNA and teeth marks left on cheese he had eaten during a burglary. The convictions resulted in prison sentences ranging from 18 months suspended to 13 years.

A fundraising appeal has been launched for 16-year-old Zuzanna Bohojlo of Dinnington, Rotherham, who was struck by a car while cycling in Józefów near Warsaw, Poland, on August 9. She is in an induced coma with life-threatening injuries, and her family is seeking support for immediate expenses and potentially extensive rehabilitation and ongoing care. The appeal raised £1,000 within its first 24 hours. Zuzanna’s sister Aleksandra urged people to support the family and send messages for her mother Karolina to read to Zuzanna during her recovery.

Round-the-clock security has been placed around Sheffield’s former Shiregreen Working Men’s Club after a suspected arson attack destroyed the venue on 9 August 2026. Sheffield City Council deemed the remaining structure dangerous and ordered fencing and continuous security to prevent access. The club was known as the filming location for the finale of the 1997 film The Full Monty; previous plans for demolition and redevelopment, followed by a proposed boxing gym, café and community centre, did not proceed.

Sixteen-year-old Rotherham girl Zuzanna Bohojlo is in an induced coma after reportedly being hit by a car while cycling for ice cream during a family visit to Józefów near Warsaw, Poland. Her mother, Karolina, and sister, Aleksandra, are asking friends and the wider community to send messages and pray for her recovery while the family awaits updates from doctors.

Crowds gathered at Sheffield Amphitheatre on August 12, 2026, to watch a 90 percent partial solar eclipse. The west-facing venue offered views over the city, while music and improvised viewing methods, including cereal boxes and colanders, contributed to a festive atmosphere. Photographer Errol Edwards captured friends and families attending the event.

Photographs capture crowds across Sheffield watching the 90% partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, using eclipse glasses, kitchen colanders and improvised cereal-box viewers. Tens of thousands attended viewing spots including Bole Hills, Sheffield Amphitheatre and Ringinglow, although the eclipse did not make the city noticeably dark.

South Yorkshire Police are appealing for information about Emmie, a 15-year-old girl from Rotherham who was last seen in Kimberworth at around 9:30 a.m. on August 12, 2026. She is described as white, approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, with long brown hair, and may be wearing black leggings and a white top. Officers are concerned for her welfare and ask anyone with information to contact police via the online portal or 101, quoting incident number 436 of 12/08/2026.

A photo gallery documents the Bowshaw Community Festival held at Bowshaw Showground near Batemoor and Lowedges in Sheffield on August 9, 2026. The event featured live music, reggae, classic cars, roaming dinosaurs and giant bubbles, attracting hundreds of attendees. Photographer Errol Edwards captured families and festivalgoers enjoying the sunny day.

Sheffield will experience a 90% partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, rather than the total eclipse visible in Spain. The eclipse will begin at 6:13pm, peak at 7:10pm, and end at 8:03pm, with the darkest period lasting roughly from 7:08pm to 7:12pm. Viewers are advised to choose a high spot with an unobstructed western view, arrive early, and account for likely parking congestion at popular locations such as Sheffield Amphitheatre and Bolehills.

Two brothers, Shea and Cav, and their friend Elliot, aged 17, 21 and 23, respectively, died in a single-vehicle crash on Denaby Lane near Kilnhurst, Rotherham, on August 8. Tributes describe the brothers as kind, loyal and close, while Elliot is remembered as a young man with a promising future who had recently joined the Army. Police are appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage and have provided routes for confidential and anonymous information.

The article recommends elevated Sheffield locations with unobstructed western views for the partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. The eclipse is expected to cover about 90% of the Sun at around 7:10 p.m., shortly before sunset. Suggested locations include Sheffield Amphitheatre, Norfolk Heritage Park and west-facing Park Hill flats, with readers advised to use proper eye protection.

Bird & Blend Tea Co.'s Sheffield city-centre shop on Pinstone Street will offer free iced Superstar Matcha lattes, valued at £5.25, to A-Level students and their teachers on 13 August 2026 and to GCSE students and their teachers on 20 August 2026. Students must show their results and valid student ID, while teachers can use a school staff badge or Teacher Reference Number.

The University of Sheffield has closed its Gell Street pocket park in Broomhall overnight for a three-month pilot because of persistent anti-social behaviour. The park remains open during daylight hours, and the university will review the measure in autumn before deciding whether to continue it. The university also removed incorrect signs stating that only students and staff could use the park, reaffirming that the green space is intended for both the university community and the local public.

Paradiso Artisan Tiramisù celebrated its first anniversary in Sheffield by assembling a 3-metre by 2-metre tiramisù platter at The Mowbray on August 2. About 400 people attended, with volunteers from the café’s tiramisù masterclasses helping founder Mattia Paradiso prepare the dessert before it was shared. The café, inspired by Paradiso’s grandmother Nonna Lina’s recipe from Puglia, says it welcomed more than 20,000 customers during its first year.

Fifteen small dogs at Thornberry Animal Sanctuary are seeking adoptive homes in South Yorkshire. The selection includes Ellie the Pomeranian, Tank the French Bulldog and Graham the Boston Terrier, with adoption links provided for each animal.

Major improvement works at Sheffield Supertram’s Delta Junction and near Hyde Park will run from August 8 to August 31, 2026. Track, points, signalling equipment and pedestrian crossings will be installed or replaced, requiring revised routes and timetables across the Blue, Yellow, Purple and Tram Train services. Replacement buses will operate on affected sections, while passengers are warned of longer journeys, particularly at peak times. The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority describes the multi-million-pound investment as necessary to create a more reliable network for the next 30 years.

University of Sheffield admissions director Dan Barcroft advises students and their families to keep an open mind on A-Level Results Day and consider factors beyond league tables, including teaching quality, student support and university culture. He says clearing is increasingly used by students who exceed their predicted grades as well as those who miss their offers, and recommends researching courses and support services in advance. The University of Sheffield promotes advance clearing registration, dedicated admissions assistance and guaranteed accommodation for students joining through clearing.

A grass fire allegedly started by a group of youths on Woodthorpe Ravine in Sheffield spread to a nearby house on Harthill Road, destroying the property’s roof and prompting the evacuation of several homes. South Yorkshire Police has launched an arson investigation, while South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that the blaze spread through dry vegetation, a hedge and the home’s guttering. The incident occurred amid a wider series of fires affecting green spaces across Sheffield and very high or exceptional wildfire risk across much of England and Wales.

Sheffield is forecast to reach 30C on Wednesday, August 12, after sunny and increasingly warm conditions from the weekend, with little or no rain expected for at least seven days. The forecast follows an exceptionally warm and dry July, during which Sheffield recorded 23 rain-free days and its second-driest July on record. Weather observer Alistair McLean said the combination of heat and low rainfall made July 2026 the city’s warmest and driest month in combination, despite July 1911 being slightly drier.

South Yorkshire Police received 508 calls relating to Rother Valley Country Park between 2020 and 2026. Quad bikes and off-road vehicles were the dominant issue, accounting for 135 calls, while other reports included welfare concerns, violence, sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, vehicle crime and water-safety incidents. The figures follow several serious events in May 2026, including alleged assaults, a large fight and the drowning of 16-year-old Muhammed Secka. Rotherham Council says it has increased patrols, restricted vehicle access and deployed CCTV and body-worn cameras, while stressing that incidents represent a small fraction of the park’s millions of visits.

More than 14,500 knives, including machetes, zombie weapons and kitchen blades, were surrendered to government-backed amnesty bins across England during the past year. Eight new bins in South and West Yorkshire bring the regional total to 45, alongside additional Sheffield bins run by the charity Always An Alternative and the Violence Reduction Unit. The family of murdered Sheffield teenager Harvey Willgoose welcomed the expansion, while campaigner Anthony Olaseinde stressed that community engagement is essential for the bins to work. The Home Office says knife-related homicides are at a 35-year low, overall knife crime has fallen 11% since July 2024 and knife-enabled robberies have dropped 16%, although South Yorkshire officials warn that youth knife crime remains a serious concern.

Dozens of South Yorkshire Police officers and vehicles gathered at Heeley Retail Park in Sheffield on August 5 ahead of an Operation Duxford day of action. The operation involves executing warrants and tackling drugs, illegal off-road bikes, burglary, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour. Previous operations have resulted in the seizure of drugs, weapons, vehicles, criminal proceeds and illicit tobacco, vapes and alcohol.

South Yorkshire Police have imposed a Section 60 order in Sheffield’s Page Hall area, allowing officers to stop and search people and vehicles for weapons until the evening of August 5. The order followed two linked incidents involving large groups, metal bars, wooden bats and serious injuries to two men. One man was arrested after an earlier disturbance and released on bail. The report also highlights court evidence describing recurring large-scale disorder and overcrowding-related community tensions in Page Hall.

Hinde House Crescent on Sheffield’s Waverley Estate has been closed for a two-week programme of pothole repairs after residents reportedly endured poor road conditions for more than five years. Burngreave councillor Mustafa Ahmed said the road was like a “mountain road,” with potholes damaging wheels and tyres, and credited Sheffield City Council executive director Ajman Ali with accelerating the work. Ahmed now plans to campaign for a zebra crossing near the Wensley Street playground.

Children seeking ADHD assessments through Sheffield’s NHS services may now face waits of more than eight years, while current families typically wait around four years for ADHD and three years for autism assessments. Demand for neurodevelopmental services at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust has more than tripled since 2019, with over 6,300 children on the waiting list in 2024/25. Families say the delays risk children leaving school without diagnosis or support, and Ofsted has condemned Sheffield’s SEND provision. The trust says it has expanded assessment capacity, improved processes and is pursuing additional funding with commissioners.

Corey Rodgers, 21, was sentenced to five years and three months in prison after being convicted in connection with seven burglaries, two attempted burglaries and four vehicle thefts committed mainly across Sheffield between January 19 and 21, 2026. Investigators linked him to one break-in through DNA recovered from a vape he dropped outside a Rotherham home, while a video of a stolen vehicle found on his phone provided further evidence. South Yorkshire Police described Rodgers as a prolific offender and urged burglary victims to report incidents promptly to preserve forensic evidence.

The UK government may review Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences, which were introduced by former Home Secretary David Blunkett for dangerous offenders but abolished for new prisoners in 2012. Nearly 2,400 people remain imprisoned under IPPs without fixed release dates, and campaigners, UN experts and human rights bodies have condemned the system for causing prolonged uncertainty, mental-health deterioration and possible human rights violations. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asked Justice Secretary Alex Norris to examine the issue as part of wider prison reforms, while advocates are calling for prisoners to be resentenced so they have a clear release date or receive life sentences.

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to permanently exclude domestic abusers, serious violent offenders, sex offenders and terrorists from a controversial early-release scheme. She argues that electronic tagging and curfews cannot adequately protect victims, particularly amid a reported shortage of 2,200 probation staff. The scheme, which could have made around 6,000 prisoners eligible for release after serving one-third of their sentences, has been delayed from September to October for an urgent review after concerns about the potential release of the killers of PC Andrew Harper. The government has also announced victim-support funding, a new helpline and plans for 14,000 additional prison places by 2031.

The University of Sheffield removed signs incorrectly stating that its Gell Street pocket park was restricted to staff and students. The university apologised and confirmed that the park remains open to the public during daylight hours, but its gates will be locked overnight for a three-month pilot because of persistent anti-social behaviour. The arrangement will be reviewed in the autumn.

A Sheffield resident says teenagers have smashed his windows five times in the past year, including twice in July 2026. Footage from July 26 appears to show a boy approaching the man's Southey Avenue home, throwing stones at a window and fleeing after noticing he was being filmed. South Yorkshire Police are investigating multiple criminal-damage reports and have asked witnesses to provide information.

Three northbound lanes of the M1 between junctions 29a and 30 in Derbyshire were closed after a grass verge fire, described by AA Traffic as a wildfire, broke out beside the motorway. Delays of up to 80 minutes and queues of approximately five miles were reported, while Derbyshire Fire & Rescue was contacted for comment.

A 15-year-old off-road biker crashed while fleeing South Yorkshire Police in Doncaster after weaving between vehicles without a helmet or protective padding. The teenager was prosecuted for dangerous driving, driving without a licence and having no insurance, and was ordered to attend a six-month Youth Justice Service panel with a parent and pay a fine. Police warned that illegal off-road riding by children can endanger the public and urged parents to ensure such bikes and electric scooters are used only on private land with permission.

Sheffield author Stephen Galbraith is releasing his debut thriller, The Wythenshawe Dandy, on August 3, 2026. The novel is a Peak District noir set across Sheffield, Manchester and the surrounding landscapes, beginning with the discovery of an unidentified woman’s body and exploring gang violence, criminal networks and the long-term effects of a violent past. Galbraith, who moved to Sheffield in 1994, drew on local landmarks and his wife Kate’s experience covering the Rotherham child sex abuse scandal. A launch event will take place at Waterstones in Sheffield on August 5, with a £12.99 paperback and an audiobook narrated by Melanie Crawley released through Raconteurs Audio.

Thornberry Animal Sanctuary has 13 dogs available for adoption, including Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Labradors and crossbreeds. Several dogs need more exercise and controlled diets to lose weight, while others require experienced homes, training or reassurance. The profiles highlight individual needs for dogs including Dinky Daisy, Poppy, May and Stuart, helping prospective adopters assess whether they can provide a suitable home.

Betfred plans to close 132 UK betting shops from September and cut more than 600 jobs, prompting concern about the 18 branches operating in Sheffield. Chief executive Jo Whittaker blamed higher employer National Insurance contributions, wage inflation, increased gambling taxes and wider economic uncertainty. The company has begun consultations with affected staff and expects to retain about 1,100 shops nationwide. Rival operators including Paddy Power, William Hill and Evoke have also closed stores or reduced costs following recent tax changes.

Sheffield resident Rob Marsden is awaiting a decision on whether his Fox Hill home will be demolished after a July 23 fire destroyed two terraced properties and badly damaged three others. His roof was lost, his insurance had been cancelled without his knowledge after a financial scam, and he faces more than £14,000 in repairs while also needing to pay for electricity reconnection. Marsden remains in the roofless property and says he has received little information from authorities. Sheffield City Council said it could not comment on the building’s condition or insurance but would contact him about temporary accommodation. A man arrested on suspicion of arson has been released on bail, and no one has been charged.

A burst water main on Welbeck Road in Walkley, Sheffield, sent water about eight metres into the air for several hours on July 31, raising fears of damage to nearby homes and gardens. Resident Lauren Jones said neighbours had repeatedly reported the leak to Yorkshire Water and criticized the length of time it was allowed to continue. Engineers eventually isolated the main and stopped the leak by 2pm, while warning residents they might experience low or no water during repairs.

A cyclist in his 40s suffered a non-life-threatening head injury after colliding with a red Renault Clio on Chesterfield Road South near Sheffield at around 6:20 a.m. on July 31, 2026. The road was closed during the emergency response, which included several police vehicles, and later reopened after the cyclist was taken to hospital.

The A628 Woodhead Pass between Sheffield and Hollingworth has reopened after being closed for five weeks while firefighters tackled a major wildfire at Tintwistle Moor. The blaze, which began after a car fire or crash, remains under monitoring because peat fires can burn beneath the surface and reignite. Temporary traffic signals will cause delays while Derbyshire and South Yorkshire fire crews continue hotspotting operations to ensure the area is safe.

Drone footage shows extensive charring and damage across Tintwistle Moor in Derbyshire after a wildfire that began on June 24 following a car crash. Firefighters battled the blaze for weeks, forcing the Woodhead Pass to close for nearly two weeks. Although visible flames had been extinguished by July 30, deep-seated hotspots continued to produce smoke and posed a risk of reignition.

A large fire broke out on the upper floor of a house on Musgrave Road in Shirecliffe, Sheffield, at about 2:30 a.m. on July 31, 2026. Five fire engines and a turntable ladder attended, while smoke spread to neighbouring properties. No injuries were reported, firefighters left the scene around 5 a.m., and an investigation into the cause was scheduled.

Chesterfield Road South was closed northbound between the Bowshaw and Meadowhead roundabouts in Sheffield after a crash at around 7:30 a.m. on July 31, 2026. An eyewitness reported that a red car had left the road, while seven police cars attended and closed the route. Congestion was building around Bowshaw Roundabout and nearby roads, and South Yorkshire Police had been asked for comment.

Firefighters contained a blaze affecting grass and woodland near homes on Hartley Brook Road and Avenue in Sheffield. South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue advised nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed, while firefighters remained at the scene. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire was not known. Sheffield’s Fire Severity Index was rated very high.

Skyline Enterprises has unveiled plans to revive Sheffield’s derelict Parkwood Springs Ski Village as a major adventure and leisure destination. The proposed first phase includes a gravity-fed Luge ride, family playground, food and drink facilities and an indoor attraction, with ziplining, a surf wave and possible dry-ski slopes planned for later stages. Skyline has agreed a strategic framework with Sheffield City Council, while £19 million in government funding will support access roads and improvements linking Parkwood Springs with Neepsend and Kelham Island. Public consultation is expected in September, followed by a formal planning application later in 2026.

Sheffield Ski Village opened in 1988 after a £2.5 million investment by entrepreneur John Fleetham and became one of Europe’s largest artificial ski facilities, offering multiple slopes, leisure attractions, community programmes and training facilities for elite athletes. Its decline began with a series of fires, including a major accidental blaze in April 2012 followed by deliberate arson attacks that destroyed key buildings and left the Parkwood Springs site derelict. Earlier redevelopment proposals, including a 2017 plan by Extreme backed by a £4.9 million council loan, failed to proceed. New Zealand-based Skyline Enterprises has now committed to working with Sheffield City Council on a potential £19 million government-funded revival featuring ziplines, luges and dry-ski slopes.

Chantelle Sykes, of Parson Cross in Sheffield, was jailed for 12 months after pleading guilty to possessing a knife, harassment, criminal damage and repeated breaches of a criminal behaviour order. The breaches included entering or approaching banned locations, associating with a prohibited person, throwing rice at a police car and damaging a commercial property. She has 194 previous convictions, and the judge described her offending as persistent and deliberate. Her barrister cited ADHD, a personality disorder, self-harm concerns and a difficult upbringing as mitigating factors.

Disney+’s six-part true crime series 20/20: Britain’s Most Notorious Crime Investigations will open with Ben Needham: Lost in Paradise, examining the Sheffield toddler’s disappearance from Kos in July 1991. The episode will revisit theories including illegal adoption, child trafficking, suspected burial sites and an alleged prison confession. Ben’s mother, Kerry Needham, continues to pursue leads and has recently sought diplomatic support from the UK and Greece, while the family hopes the documentary will generate new information.

King Edward’s Swimming Pool in Sheffield closed in May after safety concerns and a volunteer trust could not secure funding for repairs. Sheffield City Council says reopening would require about £200,000 in immediate investment, £600,000–£800,000 for wider building work and equipment, plus roughly £200,000 annually for operating costs. Local Green Party councillors Brian Holmshaw, Maleiki Haybe and Angela Argenzio are disappointed by the closure but agree that the council cannot currently afford to take over the facility. Residents’ petitioners accuse the council of failing to consult them or seek partners to keep the 1930s pool open.

South Yorkshire Police has released a clearer photograph of Mary, a 67-year-old Sheffield woman who has been missing since July 24. She is described as Asian, 5ft 4ins tall, with very long grey hair, and is known to visit cafes and churches around Ecclesall Road. Door-to-door enquiries and CCTV checks are ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 247 of July 24, 2026.

A grass fire burned an area roughly 50 metres long at Longley Park in Sheffield on July 28, 2026, prompting a response from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue. The blaze is the latest in a series of fires affecting Sheffield green spaces, including Graves Park, Grenoside Woods and Hackenthorpe. The incidents occurred as the Met Office rated much of England and Wales at very high or exceptional risk of severe wildfires, while crews continued tackling a major moorland fire at Tintwistle Moor in the Peak District.

Wingstop Meadowhall will give a free order of 10 chicken wings to the first 100 customers arriving at 11am on July 29. The giveaway is part of Wingstop UKI’s largest-ever chicken wing promotion, distributing 20,000 wings across the UK and Ireland; Sheffield, ranked 14th among the locations with the highest demand, will receive 1,000 free wings overall.

A 180-metre convoy carrying three sections of a 120-tonne overhead crane system will travel from Immingham docks to Sheffield Forgemasters on July 29. South Yorkshire Police will escort the loads from the M1 junction at Tinsley from around 8:30–9pm, with temporary closures and diversions on Attercliffe Common, Arena Square, Broughton Lane and Carbrook Street. Police warn of delays, particularly as the operation may coincide with crowds leaving the Utilita Arena, and say the most disruptive manoeuvres should last 15 to 20 minutes.

South Yorkshire Police seized nearly 12,000 vehicles in 2025 for reasons including uninsured or unlicensed driving, theft, dangerous parking and nuisance offences, making the force the eighth busiest in the UK for vehicle seizures. Data from insurer esure shows that more than 1.15 million vehicles were seized by UK police forces between 2021 and 2025, with uninsured or unlicensed driving the most common reason. Police and esure warned that uninsured driving endangers other road users and can result in vehicle seizure, fines, penalty points and disqualification. Derbyshire officers also seized 21 vehicles from dangerous parking locations in Peak District beauty spots.

Sheffield City Council worker James Mead joined Riverlution volunteers in removing litter and tackling invasive Himalayan balsam along the River Don near Blonk Street bridge. The clean-up collected almost 20 bags of rubbish, including sofas, bottles, cans and road signs. Riverlution links river maintenance with reducing flood risk, protecting wildlife and improving local pride, while noting that climate change could significantly increase the number of Sheffield properties at risk of flooding. Volunteers hope continued conservation work will eventually make waterways clean enough for people to swim in.

A wheelchair user and her husband travelled 140 miles from Norfolk to Sheffield for a BBC Gladiators recording after Applause Store reportedly guaranteed her an audience seat. The tickets were cancelled the night before because of venue capacity, after the couple had driven four hours and paid for a hotel. Dave Walton said other disabled viewers also reported cancelled guaranteed tickets and accused Applause Store of discrimination after it deleted his comments and blocked him. Applause Store did not respond to The Star’s requests for comment.

The Lottery Winners singer Thom Rylance said Andy Burnham’s enthusiasm for music is genuine, drawing on their personal friendship and Burnham’s past support for the band through the Greater Manchester Fund. Speaking after The Lottery Winners performed at Sheffield’s Tramlines Festival, Rylance praised Burnham’s reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues and said he believed Burnham would make a strong Prime Minister, although he joked that Burnham had not replied to his congratulatory text. The article also notes Burnham’s public affection for indie rock and The Lottery Winners’ album and collaboration successes.

Nearly six weeks after a teenage girl was allegedly raped near Cat Lane between Heeley and Gleadless Valley in Sheffield, South Yorkshire Police says no arrests or charges have been made. Police released an image of a man sought in connection with the June 18 attack and are asking witnesses to provide information, either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

A photo gallery presents 20 images of headline performances from Saturday and Sunday at Tramlines 2026 in Hillsborough Park, Sheffield, featuring acts including Wolf Alice, Wet Leg, Rick Astley, The Courteeners and Blossoms.

A yellow heat-health alert remains in place for Yorkshire and the Humber as Sheffield faces a warm week, with temperatures forecast to peak at about 27–28°C. The UK Health Security Agency has upgraded alerts to amber in several other English regions, while the Met Office warns that much of England and Wales faces very high or exceptional wildfire risk. Recent fires across South Yorkshire and the Peak District include a month-long moorland blaze near Glossop and a Fox Hill fire that destroyed two homes and damaged three others.

A Sheffield City Centre roundabout at the junction of Tenter Street and Broad Lane will be closed for up to two weeks from July 27, 2026. The closure, covering roads between Garden Street and Solly Street and including Townhead Street, Hollis Croft and White Croft, follows the junction’s reconstruction in 2025. Drivers will be diverted via Netherthorpe Road, Hoyle Street roundabout, Shalesmoor, Gibraltar Street and West Bar, with increased congestion expected on these routes and surrounding streets until mid-August.

Eddie Needham, the grandfather of Sheffield toddler Ben Needham, has died aged 77 without learning what happened to his grandson, who disappeared from the Greek island of Kos in 1991. Ben’s mother, Kerry, said her father was consumed by guilt despite her efforts to reassure him, and the family described themselves as devastated. Kerry continues to pursue answers, including through diplomatic contacts between the UK and Greece, while a documentary about Ben’s disappearance is due to premiere around the case’s 35th anniversary.

Godfrey Forster-Davies, 26, of Eckington, led Derbyshire Police on an alleged 80mph pursuit through Bolsover, Shuttlewood and Clowne after failing to stop for officers. He then attempted to escape on foot but was tracked and detained by police dog Yolo and handler PC Andy Shaw, with body-camera footage recording him screaming for help. Forster-Davies pleaded guilty at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, failing to stop for police and driving with an exposed tyre cord. He is due to be sentenced on August 27.

Cain Byrne, 20, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court to 11 years and six months in prison, followed by a five-year extended licence, after pleading guilty to causing the death of 81-year-old Graham Slinn by dangerous driving. Byrne had been speeding on the A57 near Todwick after inhaling laughing gas, struck Slinn as he crossed with his bicycle, and drove away. Slinn’s family described his death as entirely avoidable and praised police efforts, while the court also imposed a 17-year-and-eight-month driving disqualification.

Residents near Sheffield’s amphitheatre say a road closure intended to deter car-based anti-social behaviour has displaced drug-taking, littering, noise and illegal parking into nearby streets around Barnes Court. Sheffield City Council says the trial has created a calmer traffic-free space and is consulting on whether to make the closure permanent, while acknowledging that nuisance drivers continue to cause problems. Green councillor Ruth Abbey argues that the city-centre Public Spaces Protection Order may also have pushed anti-social behaviour beyond its boundary and says its root causes need to be addressed.

Mckenzie Williams, 21, of Rotherham, was sentenced to 61 months in prison after breaking into three Sheffield homes on January 15, 2026, and burgling another a week earlier. The thefts included more than £10,000 worth of possessions, laptops, jewellery, passports, bank cards and irreplaceable wedding rings. Sheffield Crown Court heard how one family was left traumatised after returning home to find their house ransacked. Recorder Sean Sullivan cited Williams’s extensive previous record and warned that continued offending would lead to increasingly longer sentences.

Ismail Mohamoud Adan remains wanted more than six years after Jordan Marples-Douglas was stabbed to death in Sheffield in March 2020. Adan allegedly fled to Somalia the day after the killing using his partner Dina Aweimrin’s bank card. Ben Jones was convicted of murder and jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years, while Aweimrin received a three-year sentence for assisting an offender. Jordan’s family said the convictions had not brought closure because Adan remains outstanding. South Yorkshire Police is appealing for information about his whereabouts.

Thornberry Animal Sanctuary and Helping Yorkshire Poundies are seeking homes for 12 dogs in South Yorkshire. The featured animals include Pablo, a friendly French Bulldog; overweight Lakeland Terrier Fred; characterful terrier cross Dave; and 15-year-old Jack Russell Smudge. The profiles describe each dog’s temperament, exercise needs, household suitability and requirements for potential adopters.

Fatboy Slim performed a surprise set for about 100 invited guests at Sheffield LGBTQ+ club Gut Level before headlining Tramlines Festival. The event celebrated Gut Level’s purchase of its Chapel Walk building through Music Venue Properties, which acquired the property in June 2026 as part of an initiative to protect grassroots venues from insecure leases and redevelopment. Fatboy Slim, an investor in the initiative, said community ownership provides venues with fair rent and long-term security, while Gut Level owners Frazer Scott and Katie Matthews said the arrangement would allow them to invest in the club and continue supporting Sheffield’s music scene.

A garden fire on Swanbourne Road in Sheffield Lane Top caused heat damage to the exterior of a house at around 10:15 p.m. on July 23. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue sent one engine from Elm Lane fire station and left after about an hour. The incident occurred amid a series of fires across Sheffield during dry conditions, including a blaze that damaged or destroyed several homes on Grimsell Crescent, for which a 59-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson.

Police are investigating an assault on Doncaster Road in Rotherham after two men were reported fighting with a hammer, leaving a 21-year-old man with minor injuries. The conflict began when one man sitting in his car was approached by another wielding the weapon. The injured man was hospitalised and later discharged, while officers continue efforts to identify the second individual involved.

A major early morning fire in the Fox Hill area of Sheffield destroyed several terraced homes after a grass fire spread to properties on Grimsell Crescent. At least eight fire engines and specialist crews responded, with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue continuing operations as nearby roads remained closed. Photographs show collapsed roofs and extensive interior damage, and residents reported emergency services knocking on doors to alert occupants as the blaze spread.

A teenager, Kaine Tighe, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court after firing a catapult in Barnsley in March 2025, causing a 12‑year‑old boy to permanently lose sight in one eye. The judge criticised the dangerous behaviour but imposed an 18‑month young offenders’ sentence suspended for two years, along with 150 hours of unpaid work and £1,200 compensation. Attempts by Tighe to dissuade the victim from contacting police were noted but not deemed a major factor due to his age and immaturity.

A set of 48 photos revisits Tramlines 2025 in Sheffield, showing festival‑goers, performers and moments captured by photographer Errol Edwards, as excitement builds for the festival’s upcoming return with new headliners across the weekend.

Abbeydale Road Beer Festival will return to Sheffield from July 30 to August 2, featuring a North vs South theme across 20 independent venues. Fifteen Beer Stops and five Wild Card locations will showcase breweries from both regions, encouraging visitors to compare styles while collecting stamps for exclusive artwork prizes. Organised by the Abbeydale Traders Association as part of Sheffield’s Year of Beer 2026, the event also includes food, live music, DJs and additional activities. Participation is free, with purchases made at individual venues.

Graves Park Food Festival announced a diverse three‑day live music schedule for the August Bank Holiday, featuring Arctic Monkeys and ABBA tribute acts alongside a wide mix of performers. The event includes multiple stages, new attractions, and participation from charity partner Sheffield Mind, continuing efforts to raise funds for mental health organisations across northern England.

Community groups have launched a campaign to restore Sheffield’s Grade II-listed Meersbrook Hall for public use, aiming to transform the long-underused building into a community hub offering arts, education and social activities. Led by Friends of Meersbrook Hall, volunteers are assessing funding options, addressing structural issues and planning public engagement events, with growing local enthusiasm for the project.

Fans gathered at Sheffield’s Devonshire Green fan zone to watch England defeat Norway and advance to the World Cup semi-finals, with celebrations captured across 56 photos showcasing the crowd’s reactions to the dramatic match moments.

A Sheffield man, Callum Denton, was sentenced after being tracked to a shop by the Apple AirPods he stole during a 2024 burglary. CCTV showed him attempting to sell the items, leading to his arrest and guilty plea. The judge noted his recent progress with housing and mental health support, handing down an 18‑month suspended sentence with rehabilitation requirements.

Ofsted’s new, more demanding inspection framework produced mixed results for Sheffield schools in May and June 2026, with some receiving strong praise and others facing significant criticism. Halfway Junior School earned several strong-standard ratings, while Stocksbridge High School received some of the most critical findings so far under the new system. Eckington School showed major improvement following earlier inadequate results, and St Mary’s Primary School maintained strong attendance and a supportive environment. Links to each school’s full Ofsted report are provided.

Police in Doncaster arrested a 53-year-old man on suspicion of murder after a 32-year-old man died from a serious knife injury in Balby. Emergency services found the victim on Wordsworth Avenue on July 10, but he later died in hospital. A police cordon remains in place as detectives investigate, with officers urging the public to provide any information that could assist the inquiry.

A fan zone with a large screen has opened on Sheffield’s Devonshire Green for the England versus Norway World Cup quarter-final, with thousands expected to gather for the 10 p.m. kickoff. Entry is ticketed for England matches but free for other games, though very late-night fixtures will not be shown. The space is decorated with England flags and equipped with vendors and facilities as supporters prepare for either celebration or disappointment.

A police airplane tracked a 17-year-old riding a stolen off-road bike through Doncaster as he sped through traffic, parks and alleyways before attempting to change clothes to evade capture. Officers arrested him on suspicion of multiple offences, including vehicle theft, driving without insurance and assaulting an emergency worker. The arrest formed part of a wider intelligence‑led operation targeting illegal and dangerous off-road bikes, which resulted in eight vehicle seizures across several Doncaster communities. Police emphasised ongoing efforts to curb nuisance riding and urged the public to continue reporting incidents to help prioritise enforcement areas.

Readers recall pubs once known for being among the roughest in Sheffield, sharing memories and anecdotes about venues such as the Amberley Hotel, the Magnet, the Cannon and the Elm Tree. The piece highlights how reputations varied and often reflected lively, character-filled communities rather than danger.

A £20 million Pride in Place fund will be allocated to the Sheffield areas of Batemoor, Jordanthorpe and Lowedges, with MP Louise Haigh launching a survey to gather residents’ input on spending priorities. Neighbourhood boards will help determine how the investment is used over the next decade, with the consultation running through the summer. Newly appointed neighbourhood board chair Kris Mackay urged residents to contribute ideas ranging from long‑term improvements to quick community benefits.

Rotherham has been shortlisted among 15 towns for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2027 award, selected from nearly 400 applicants and set to receive £60,000 to develop a full bid for the £3 million prize. Local leaders frame the bid around community experience, cultural growth and recent achievements, including its designation as the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture. The submission highlights cultural venues, charities and attractions such as Wentworth Woodhouse, Grimm & Co, Flux Rotherham and Magna Science Adventure Centre, underscoring a broad partnership supporting arts, tourism and community identity.

Two serious collisions within 150 metres brought Sheffield city centre to a standstill, prompting major police, ambulance and air ambulance responses. One incident near the Cathedral tram stop involved a pedestrian reportedly struck by a car, while a second at Fitzalan Square reportedly involved a child hit by a bus. Both High Street and Commercial Street were closed, and all Supertram routes were disrupted or forced to terminate early. Police urged the public to avoid the area while emergency services managed both scenes.

A pay-to-enter fan zone is being set up on Devonshire Green in Sheffield for the England vs Norway World Cup quarter-final on July 11, featuring a large screen and expected heavy turnout. Admission will be free for non‑England matches, though late‑night games will not be shown. Fan City organizers highlight the strong local atmosphere and plan to keep the venue open for the remainder of the tournament.

Police established a cordon on Earsham Street in Burngreave after a suspected stabbing that occurred around 4pm, with witnesses reporting at least one person injured. Multiple officers, police vehicles and an ambulance attended the scene, and the cordon was lifted by early evening. Authorities have been contacted for further information.

A 27-year-old man, Dominic Pecha, followed and stabbed a stranger on Fargate in Sheffield before later turning himself in at a police station. The victim survived despite a liver wound. Psychiatric assessments found Pecha severely unwell, leading the judge to issue a hospital order under the Mental Health Act rather than a prison sentence, citing risks to public safety and the need for treatment.

A Sheffield man, Liam Cross, pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, robbery, and coercive control involving his boyfriend following an alleged assault on May 29 in Wisewood. Prosecutors say the coercive behaviour spanned a year and involved violence, homophobic abuse, emotional manipulation, and financial control. Cross was remanded into custody after appearing at Sheffield Crown Court, and police arrested him on June 1 in connection with the incident.

Three teenagers admitted to starting a pallet fire behind a Pets At Home store at St James Retail Park in Sheffield, causing £192,000 in damage and requiring fire crews from Doncaster and Maltby to remain on scene for more than five hours. Two pleaded guilty earlier to arson with recklessness toward endangering life, while the third entered a guilty plea on July 3. All three, including one who was 14 at the time, will be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on September 18, 2026.

Ofsted rated Stocksbridge High School as requiring urgent improvement, citing severe underachievement among disadvantaged pupils and persistently poor attendance, particularly among older students. Inspectors noted a significant decline in pupil outcomes since the school’s previous good rating in 2022. While acknowledging early steps taken by new leadership under headteacher David Williams and some improvements in behaviour and learning climate, Ofsted found little evidence of sustained progress. The school, operated by Minerva Learning Trust, is expected to be reinspected within six months.

Twenty-one dogs from Helping Yorkshire Poundies and Thornberry Animal Sanctuary are highlighted as seeking new homes in South Yorkshire, including senior dogs, large breeds and young puppies. Each dog’s temperament, needs and ideal home environment is described, encouraging potential adopters to consider providing care and stability for animals with varied backgrounds and personalities.

A judge detailed the financial and civic impact of a 32‑hour police siege in Sheffield triggered by false bomb claims made by Yaqub Younis, who was sentenced to seven years in prison. The shutdown of Park Square Roundabout, mass evacuations and transport disruption cost emergency services nearly £195,000, with the city sustaining over £300,000 in lost revenue and additional service expenses. Businesses were unable to operate, and Younis also caused £17,000 in property damage. The judge dismissed his justification for the hoax as baseless.

England supporters in Sheffield gathered at The Big Tree Pub to watch a tense World Cup match that saw the team secure a 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo and advance to the round of 16, with photos capturing the reactions and celebrations of fans of all ages.

A Rotherham man received a suspended 30‑month prison sentence after admitting to storing thousands of pounds' worth of cocaine and cannabis for a dealer to support his own long-term habit. The judge warned that his actions endangered his family by keeping drugs accessible in his home and emphasised his need to prioritise rehabilitation. He was given drug treatment requirements and told that any failure to comply would result in imprisonment.

A 20-year-old man, Musab Mohammed Ahmed, was issued a hospital order after walking naked through Greasborough in Rotherham while carrying a football. Police were called following reports from shocked residents. Sheffield Crown Court heard medical evidence linking the incident to schizophrenia, and Judge Sarah Wright ruled that he requires treatment under the Mental Health Act. Ahmed will remain in hospital custody until the Ministry of Justice authorizes his release, reflecting concerns about public safety.

Def Leppard return to Sheffield for a sold-out show at Utilita Arena as part of their 2026 UK and European tour, marking nearly 50 years since their formation. The performance follows previous successful homecoming concerts and highlights the band’s long-standing connection to local venues, where they have played to more than 92,000 fans. Their legacy as one of the world’s biggest rock bands is emphasized through their global album sales, iconic hits and recognition in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The event is expected to deliver a high-energy set featuring classic songs, supported by special guests Extreme.

A flat block in Sheffield was evacuated after bailiffs discovered an imitation plastic grenade tied to Steven Budziszewski’s door handle, prompting a major police response. Budziszewski pleaded guilty to affray and public nuisance, while a related bomb charge will remain on file. He is due to be sentenced and is expected to receive a suspended jail term, with the judge calling his actions extremely foolish.