Keir Mackenzie

A 16‑year‑old on trial for the fatal stabbing of Joshua Ingram at Seaford railway station allegedly told a friend he had attacked the victim over a £20 drug debt. Prosecutors said threatening Snapchat messages had been sent before the incident. The accused denies murder but admits manslaughter, while two other boys face related conspiracy charges. One of them told police he believed the messages were a joke and denied involvement in any plan to harm the victim. The case continues.

A Brockham resident secured an affordable home after a five-year search, highlighting the shortage of low-cost housing in rural areas. The property was provided by the Poland Trust in partnership with Mole Valley Council and Acre, reducing her rent to about half of market levels. The National Housing Federation warned that government proposals affecting Section 106 planning agreements could reduce the number of affordable rural homes, while the government said it was investing £39bn in social and affordable housing and aimed to simplify planning rules. Local housing advocates emphasized the importance of collaboration between councils, housing associations and communities to deliver effective rural housing projects.