Jodie Bradley

Police and an air ambulance attended Skylark Garden Centre near March, Cambridgeshire, at around 9am on August 16 after a reported medical emergency. Cambridgeshire Constabulary confirmed its attendance but provided no further details.

Police attended Peterborough City Hospital on August 14 after a package left on a desk by a member of the public was reported as suspicious. Officers examined it and found that it was a medical device. Fire services were alerted but were not required to attend, and the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust was contacted for comment.

An 11-year-old boy in Peterborough called 999 asking to be connected to Microsoft after being banned from his Xbox account. Police used emergency call procedures to establish that he was safe and genuinely seeking help with the account. He received a strong warning that misusing the 999 line is a criminal offence and can lead to up to six months in prison or a £5,000 fine for persistent misuse. Policing Peterborough urged families to educate children about the risks of hoax or inappropriate emergency calls.

Cambridgeshire police are seeking the public’s help to identify a man believed to have been injured in an altercation in Cambridge on August 15, 2026. He was last seen cycling from Stourbridge Common towards Fen Ditton at about 2:45 p.m. Police are continuing to investigate and have urged anyone with information to contact them, quoting incident 362 of August 15.

Cambridge University professor Jason Arday, 41, was found unresponsive at his home in Battersea on August 14 and was pronounced dead at the scene. The university expressed condolences, while Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said Arday had faced an unacceptable public hounding and campaign of abuse. Arday had resigned from Cambridge after media reports questioned claims about his PhD and other achievements, although an investigation by Liverpool John Moores University cleared him of wrongdoing. Durham and Glasgow universities are reviewing his appointments, and Cambridge’s Jesus College accepted his resignation from its fellowship.

A yellow heat health alert has been issued for Cambridgeshire and other parts of eastern England from the morning of July 24 until July 26. Temperatures in Cambridge are expected to reach about 28–29°C, with mostly sunny and very warm conditions. The UK Health Security Agency warned of increased health risks for vulnerable people, greater demand for healthcare services, and the possibility of overheated indoor environments.

An inquest heard that 18-year-old Tallulah Bradford died after falling beneath the wheels of a small industrial vehicle being driven through Chalkwell Park in Southend. She had been clinging to the side of the vehicle before falling and suffering fatal head injuries. She died in hospital six days later. Police said two teenagers have been arrested and remain on bail while enquiries continue, and appealed for witnesses or footage from the scene.

Cambridge Water warns of unprecedented demand due to hot weather and asks residents to restrict usage to essential needs such as hygiene, cooking and hydration. Non‑essential uses like washing cars, filling paddling pools and watering plants should be avoided, including all hosepipe use. The company says temporary low water pressure may occur and urges conservation to prevent formal restrictions.

An amber heat health alert has been issued for Cambridgeshire and neighbouring regions as temperatures are forecast to rise to 32°C, potentially lasting from July 8 to July 12. The UK Health Security Agency warns of increased health risks, particularly for older adults and those with existing conditions, while younger groups may also be affected. The Met Office forecasts a period of sustained hot weather driven by high pressure, with parts of southern England possibly reaching up to 35°C later in the week.

Cambridgeshire faces a prolonged hot spell with temperatures peaking at 33C on multiple days, accompanied by high UV and pollen levels. A yellow heat health alert is in effect, signalling expected pressures on health and social care services. The Met Office forecasts dry, sunny conditions throughout the week, with Thursday and Friday likely to be the hottest days.

Councillors approved more than £3 million in funding for Meridian Trust to create a new sixth form facility for Abbey College’s Ramsey Gatehouse Sixth Form, with contributions from both Cambridgeshire County Council and Huntingdonshire District Council. The project aims to replace ageing and costly buildings and address forecasted shortages in post‑16 places in Huntingdonshire. Construction is scheduled to begin in October and finish by September 2027. Local officials and school leaders welcomed the investment, highlighting its role in improving educational opportunities and long‑term outcomes for young people.

Cambridgeshire County Council plans further safety improvements on the Guided Busway, including new separation fencing, upgraded crossings, flood mitigation and updated speed controls. Work continues on northern sections between Cambridge Regional College, Milton Road and Cambridge North station, with procurement for the Histon–St Ives section expected in summer 2026. The £6 million cost will be funded from Major Infrastructure Reserves. Councillor Alex Beckett emphasized the importance of the route and the need to complete essential safety measures despite temporary disruption.

A fatal crash between two East Midlands Railway services near Bedford killed driver Shaun Burton and seriously injured more than 30 passengers. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the details in Parliament and said the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched an inquiry. Rail lines between Bedford and Luton will stay closed for the week while damaged trains and infrastructure are removed and repaired, with replacement services and alternative ticket acceptance available for affected travellers.

A three-year-old boy was critically injured after ending up in the crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst, leading to his hospitalisation at Addenbrooke’s and the arrest of a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. The zoo announced the closure of its Tropical House and expressed support for the family, while police continue to investigate and provide assistance to relatives.

A three-year-old boy suffered critical injuries after ending up in a crocodile enclosure at Johnson’s of Old Hurst in Huntingdon. Police arrested a 30‑year‑old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder and are supporting the child’s family. Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston offered sympathy to those affected while noting the investigation is ongoing and restricting further comment.

A three-year-old boy was critically injured after ending up inside a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire. Police were called to the zoo on June 18, and the child was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, though police say he is not known to the child. Detectives are interviewing witnesses while officers support the boy’s family.

An amber heat health alert has been issued for Cambridgeshire and the wider East of England as temperatures are expected to reach up to 28C, potentially leading to increased mortality among older adults and those with health conditions. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency, begins on June 18 and runs through June 23. Forecasts from the Met Office predict very warm, humid conditions with temperatures possibly reaching 30C, followed by more changeable weather over the weekend.

A yellow heat health alert was issued for Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties from June 17 to June 23, with temperatures expected to reach 28C. The UK Health Security Agency warned of increased risks to vulnerable people and higher demand for healthcare services, while the Met Office forecast very warm, humid conditions with possible thunderstorms and later high pressure building across the region.

Average asking prices for first-time buyer homes have risen by nearly a fifth in parts of Britain, with Cambridge ranked as the most expensive location in Cambridgeshire at £351,126. A Rightmove analyst attributes demand patterns to affordability pressures, noting stronger growth in lower-cost areas and slower movement in pricier markets. Cambridge’s appeal is linked to its tech industry, proximity to London, pedestrian‑friendly layout and global academic reputation.

Two rare handcrafted Indian bronze statues, replicas of Chola‑period figures, were stolen from a Sutton home between April 26 and 29. Cambridgeshire Police appealed for information, urging anyone who has seen the items for sale to come forward using reference 35/32259/26, as the owner hopes to recover them.

A man from Cambridgeshire was jailed after being caught on CCTV stealing from a shop and driving away in a stolen Land Rover, while already due in court for earlier thefts and vehicle offences. He committed additional shop thefts before being arrested by police. He received a 20‑week sentence, a driving ban and an order to pay compensation after admitting multiple theft and driving-related charges.

A High Court granted a year‑long injunction preventing further development and additional caravans at land west of Moor Drove in Histon, following reports of unauthorised activity. The order requires removal of all caravans brought onto the site after the initial interim injunction, reducing the number from 17 to the original five. South Cambridgeshire District Council said the action aims to ensure compliance with planning rules and protect local communities.

Police warned drivers after a man blocked the only entrance to Cathedral Square in Peterborough while collecting a pizza and was found to be driving unsupervised on an expired provisional licence with 12 points. Officers urged motorists to park considerately to avoid obstructing access for emergency services.

A Cambridge property subject to a partial closure order since February has had the order extended for three months following ongoing antisocial behaviour by non-residents. Cambridge Magistrates’ Court extended the order under the Anti-Social Behaviour and Policing Act 2014, restricting access to tenants, the city council and emergency services until August 25, 2026. Police said the measure aims to protect neighbours from continued disturbance and prevent further criminal activity at the address.

A collision between a motorbike and a car closed the M11 in both directions between Junctions 9 and 9a near Saffron Walden, causing long delays and queueing traffic. National Highways issued diversion routes for northbound and southbound drivers, advising motorists to allow extra time and consider re‑routing while the closure remains in place.

Stacey Solomon visited Bury Lane Farm Shop in Melbourn, known for its large food hall, garden shop, café and pick‑your‑own flower fields. The shop highlighted her visit on social media, noting she picked peonies and bought meat from its butcher ahead of a party.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, responded to a collision on the M11 near the Cambridgeshire–Essex border, prompting closure of the junction 9 slip road and causing delays on the southbound carriageway. National Highways reported a northbound closure between junctions 9 and 9A and warned of traffic queues as drivers were advised to avoid the area.

Houghton Mill in Huntingdon has issued a warning advising visitors not to swim in the River Great Ouse due to strong currents, underwater hazards, sudden depth changes and the potential opening of sluice gates. The National Trust said the reminder follows recent outdoor‑swimming fatalities nationwide and emphasised that the area is unsupervised and lacks lifeguards. Visitors, especially children, are urged to stay clear of the river and sluice gates to ensure safety.

Station Road at the Shepreth level crossing will close to vehicles for about three weeks from June 1 as part of the Melbourn Greenway project led by the Greater Cambridge Partnership. Access to the station and local businesses will be maintained with temporary traffic lights, and pedestrian routes will remain open. Planned improvements include new accessible crossings, added double yellow lines, a new 20mph zone, raised junction tables, speed‑calming measures and upgraded lighting. The works aim to improve safety and support walking and cycling through Shepreth.

Police put a 100‑metre cordon in place in Wisbech after a suspicious item was found inside a property on Oil Mill Lane. A 33‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing explosive items and remains in custody. After examination, authorities determined the item was neither dangerous nor explosive, and the cordon has been scaled back to the property.