Christian Fuller

Fire services in Surrey and East Sussex have urged residents not to call 999 simply to report neighbours using barbecues, bonfires or campfires, unless there is an emergency or significant smoke. Exceptionally dry conditions have contributed to numerous wildfires and hundreds of fires involving crops, trees and forests, prompting warnings that small garden fires can spread rapidly. The Bluebell Railway and Kent & East Sussex Railway have suspended steam services because sparks could ignite lineside fires, with Bluebell expecting an estimated £250,000 loss during the school holidays. Kent firefighters have also attended several wildfires and field fires, including one believed to have been deliberately started.

Fire services in Surrey and East Sussex have asked residents not to call 999 simply to report neighbours using barbecues, bonfires or campfires unless there is an emergency or significant smoke. The warning follows an unprecedented increase in wildfire reports, including 12 wildfires and around 300 crop, tree and forest fires in East Sussex during July. Extremely dry conditions have also led Bluebell Railway and Kent & East Sussex Railway to suspend steam services because sparks could ignite lineside fires. Bluebell Railway expects to lose about £250,000 during the school holidays, while fire services have strengthened their response capabilities with additional off-road vehicles.

The Battle of Aclea, a major West Saxon victory over Viking forces in 851 AD, has never been assigned a definitive location. Historian and metal detectorist Murray Price believes it took place near Ockley, Surrey, based partly on the possible linguistic connection between “Aclea” and Ockley and historical references by the chronicler Asser. Price and the Bearded Bleepers plan to search local pastureland for artefacts such as sword fittings, arrowheads or Viking strap ends, but no conclusive evidence has yet been found.

Three sisters who died in the sea off Brighton were laid to rest in north‑west London, where their father described the loss as unbearable and their remaining sister expressed deep grief. Tributes highlighted their personal qualities and professional achievements. An inquest is under way, with police ruling out third‑party involvement and continuing to investigate how the women entered the water, reviewing CCTV and gathering witness accounts.