Lucy Thorne

Police seized a large quantity of crabs and oysters collected near Langstone Bridge while officers were managing traffic after a three-vehicle crash. The shellfish, found in three shopping bags, were returned to the sea under local regulations intended to protect the marine environment and shellfish stocks. Those involved are expected to be interviewed, while the bridge later reopened after four people were injured in the crash.

Hampshire police seized a large quantity of crabs and oysters that people had collected in three shopping bags near Langstone Bridge after a road crash caused its closure. The shellfish were taken because local regulations protect the area’s marine environment and stocks, then returned to the sea by police community support officers. Those involved are expected to be interviewed. The bridge reopened later the same afternoon after a three-vehicle crash injured four people.

PC Kenneth Adams, a Hampshire police officer killed in a high-speed pursuit crash near Bishops Waltham in 1982, has been posthumously awarded the Elizabeth Emblem. His daughter, Alison Alvey, accepted the honour 44 years after his death alongside colleague PC Paul Salmon. Adams had previously received a Royal Humane Society award for rescuing two people at sea in Malta and served for 20 years, including in Portsmouth's traffic unit. The award recognises his sacrifice and the risks undertaken by police officers in public service.

Oxford businesses are urging Oxfordshire County Council to delay replacing the temporary congestion charge with traffic filters until after the pre-Christmas trading period. The traffic-filter trial, which would restrict cars at six locations and impose £70 fines, has been disrupted by a further four-to-six-week delay to the reopening of Botley Road after gas leaks were discovered. Businesses say three and a half years of road closures have severely reduced earnings and created uncertainty, while the council says it will announce a start date once Network Rail confirms the road’s reopening.

Concerns were raised at Bracknell Forest Council over planning and coordination of SGN’s gas pipe replacement works in Sandhurst, which caused months of road closures and traffic disruption. Councillor Naz Zahuruddin highlighted frequent permit changes and inspection failures, questioning whether the works met reasonable standards. Councillor Guy Gillbe said these issues did not prove poor planning and outlined steps taken to hold SGN accountable. SGN apologised for inconvenience and stated that agreed safety measures and regular stakeholder meetings were maintained throughout the project.