Claire Mcwethy

A man initially arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe has been released without charge as police continue a fast‑moving investigation into her death at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor. Widdecombe, 78, was found with serious injuries, prompting a murder inquiry and public appeals for information. Senior officers confirmed the incident is not terror-related and urged against speculation. Tributes from political figures across parties described Widdecombe as a dedicated and influential public servant, while police maintain a cordon and pursue multiple lines of enquiry.

Thousands of households in Kent lost water after a heatwave strained supplies, with South East Water restoring service to most affected homes but around 500 still without running water. The company urged residents to limit use to essential needs as storage levels remain low and tankers continue supporting the network. MP Sojan Joseph criticised the firm for repeated infrastructure failures and called on the government to intervene, noting widespread disruption across his constituency. The utility cited unprecedented demand and ongoing tanker deliveries, while bottled water stations and priority deliveries support vulnerable residents.

A detailed review of a kaiseki-style dining experience at Amberlea Japanese Teahouse near Sittingbourne highlights the peaceful setting, intimate atmosphere, and seasonally inspired dishes. The hosts James and Thuy are praised for their hospitality and thoughtful preparation, with standout items including braised pork, karaage, homemade apple wine, and a trio of Japanese desserts. The reviewer describes the experience as unique, tranquil, and memorable, emphasizing the teahouse’s immersive environment and personal touches.

A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries in a collision with a van on the A20 in Sellindge, prompting a major emergency response. Ambulance crews and an air ambulance treated the rider at the scene before flying them to a London hospital. The road was temporarily closed while police and other services attended.

A collision on the A249 near the Sheppey Crossing resulted in the death of a woman in her 30s and serious injuries to three others, all of whom were in the same vehicle. Emergency services responded late Friday night, prompting the closure of the bridge for more than nine hours while investigators examined the scene. Motorists were diverted via Sheppey Way and the Kingsferry Bridge until the road reopened by early morning. Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses and relevant dashcam footage.

A fire broke out in a lounge at a semi-detached home on Jointon Road in Folkestone after logs stored too close to a log burner caught alight. Fire crews extinguished the blaze and cleared smoke within 45 minutes. One person was treated by paramedics, and the fire service urged residents to keep flammable items away from chimneys.

Fire crews extinguished an early morning blaze in a Margate home after an electric blanket caught fire. Two teams used hose reel jets to put out the flames, no injuries were reported, and the cause was attributed to an electrical fault.

Fire crews extinguished a fence fire in Elmhurst Gardens, Chatham, in an incident believed to be arson. Two crews responded shortly after midnight and put out the blaze within half an hour. No injuries were reported and the fire service believes the cause was deliberate.

A three‑vehicle crash on the coastbound A2 near Thong shut the road from Halfpence Lane to M2 Junction 1 early Sunday morning. A fuel spillage required a full clean-up, keeping the route closed for several hours. One person was injured but not seriously, and the road reopened shortly after 9 a.m.

A bus driver who had consumed cannabis and fell asleep at the wheel was sentenced to four years in prison and banned from driving for seven years after killing nine-year-old Ada Bicakci in Bexleyheath. CCTV and police investigation confirmed his vehicle drifted across the road into the path of the child and her family. Statements from the victim’s family, police, and prosecutors highlighted the devastation caused by the crash and the dangers of drug driving.

A long walk along the Saxon Shore Way ends with a standout dining experience at The Ship Inn in Conyer, recently revived under new landlord Harry Roberts. The pub’s rustic interior, attentive service and refined dishes—including halibut with seaweed potatoes and an exceptional lamb rump—deliver quality comparable to the Michelin-starred Sportsman nearby. Despite high prices, the food, desserts and overall experience are described as memorable and well worth the cost, reinforcing the venue as an emerging destination in a scenic area already known for one of Britain’s top coastal walks.

Fashion retailer Quiz has closed 23 loss‑making stores, including its Maidstone branch, after entering insolvency and being acquired by Orion in a pre‑pack deal that preserved 42 outlets. The chain attributed poor Christmas sales and weakened consumer confidence due to inflationary pressures as contributing factors. The restructuring puts roughly 200 jobs at risk, though leadership says the move is intended to stabilize the business and safeguard several hundred remaining positions.

A halted redevelopment of the former SOS nightclub in Tonbridge has resulted in the site being put up for sale after its developers entered receivership. The project had aimed to convert the building into 23 apartments and a commercial unit, with discussions suggesting potential for expanding the scheme to 34 flats subject to planning approval. Receivers from Evelyn Partners appointed Watling Real Estate to market the property, noting its central location and partial construction progress. No sale price has been listed, and offers are being invited.

A new emergency call point has been installed in Sheerness High Street, linking directly to Swale Council’s CCTV control room to offer immediate assistance and support public safety. The device is part of the Safer Streets project, funded by a £320,000 government grant, which has also delivered new CCTV coverage, marshals, improved lighting and youth programmes. Council leaders emphasised efforts to reduce antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls, while acknowledging that funding ends next year and further investment will be sought. Kent Police welcomed the added tool for rapid assistance in the town centre.

A rain-soaked but uplifting Leeds Castle Classical Concert delivered strong performances from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and guest vocalists, blending classical staples with contemporary favourites. Despite poor weather, the audience embraced the festive atmosphere, highlighted by a Spitfire flyover, fireworks, and standout vocal performances including Jesús León’s Nessun Dorma. The event fostered a strong sense of shared joy and national pride.

A young beaver that ingested salt water after ending up in the sea was rescued in Sandwich Bay by British Divers Marine Life Rescue and transferred to the RSPCA’s Mallydams Wood centre for rehabilitation. Staff washed the salt from its fur, provided fresh water and food, and set up a straw-bale lodge for recovery. Camera monitoring shows the animal eating and grooming normally, and it will be released back into the wild once cleared by veterinarians.

A car and lorry collision on the A251 Ashford Road near Faversham left two female passengers with serious injuries and resulted in an eight‑hour road closure. A 61‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. Bus services were temporarily diverted before the route reopened later in the morning.

A vehicle fire on the M20 near Junction 8 for Leeds Castle caused significant delays on the coastbound carriageway before being cleared. Traffic was partially blocked following the incident, which began around 5:45 p.m., but conditions later improved.

A three‑car collision on the A2 near Bluewater closed the coastbound carriageway for more than 15 hours as emergency services responded and police conducted investigation work. A passenger from a Ford Fiesta was airlifted to a London hospital with serious injuries, while two others from the same vehicle sustained less severe injuries. The Audi’s driver and passenger left the scene and are being sought by police. Both carriageways were temporarily closed to allow an air ambulance to land, and authorities urged witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

A review of The Dining Room in Leysdown highlights generous portions, refined flavors, and standout dishes including pani puri, chicken tikka, and Jalfrezi-style lamb. Service is friendly though slower as the restaurant fills, while décor is considered clean but lacking character. Desserts such as gulab jamun impress, and overall the restaurant is praised for offering high‑quality fine dining at reasonable prices.