Maxine Denton

A van striking a sprinkler system in the underground car park at IKEA Exeter triggered fire alarms and prompted the precautionary evacuation of more than 300 shoppers. Staff directed customers to leave their purchases behind while traffic was diverted from the building. The store reopened within an hour after safety assessments, and IKEA apologised for the disruption.

Police are investigating reports that a man violently attacked a seagull in Porthleven after it attempted to steal his food, allegedly leaving the bird with broken wings. Witnesses described the incident occurring near the Harbour View Café in front of children. Authorities are appealing for information, and the RSPCA notes that seagulls and other wild birds are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

A car crashed through fencing and landed on the railway line between St Erth and St Ives in Cornwall, causing major service disruption. Great Western Railway cancelled all services on the route before reopening the line later in the day, warning delays would continue until 5 pm. Network Rail said the driver lost control of the vehicle and that the incident severely affected rail operations. Replacement coaches were unavailable, but limited taxis were arranged for passengers.