Jess Skelton

Engineering work around Eastleigh will close lines on Sunday, September 27, causing major changes to South Western Railway services between London Waterloo, Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth. Some trains will depart earlier or begin at Southampton Central, while replacement buses will connect Winchester, Shawford, Eastleigh, Southampton Airport Parkway and Southampton Central. Passengers are advised to allow extra time, check timetables and use the live journey planner, as CrossCountry services will also be affected.

Stephen Dorris, 63, of Poole, was convicted at Bournemouth Crown Court of raping a woman known to him on two occasions in September and November 2022. After the victim reported the offences in April 2023, Dorset Police investigated phone evidence and charged Dorris with two counts of rape. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and given an indefinite restraining order. Police praised the victim for coming forward and urged others to report sexual offences, even when allegations are not made immediately.

More than 50 firefighters, including crews from Dorset, responded to a large wildfire at Godshill Inclosure in the New Forest. The blaze covered approximately 30 by 80 metres of trees and scrubland and was difficult to contain because it was deep-seated in undergrowth, visibility was poor and the terrain was challenging. Firefighters continued monitoring and damping down hotspots after overnight operations were scaled back, while the public was advised to avoid the area.