Patrick Barlow

Sara El-Khawas, 14, and her parents, Hassan El-Khawas and Zeina Alayn, died after getting into difficulty in the sea near Shoreham Fort in West Sussex. Sara’s school in Ealing paid tribute to her, while a younger daughter remains critically ill in hospital. The family, British citizens of Palestinian origin, had travelled from London, and police said the incident appeared to be a tragic accident with no third-party involvement. Community groups left tributes and offered support, while officials highlighted the emotional impact on surviving children and warned about the dangers of open-water swimming.

Fourteen-year-old Adem, who suffered a brain haemorrhage, facial fractures and lost two teeth in a bike crash at Hove Pump Track in May, reunited with the paramedics who treated him. After a week in hospital in Tooting, he has recovered sufficiently to resume cycling. His mother expressed lasting gratitude to the emergency crews, who said rapid treatment and Adem’s helmet were vital to his survival.

Former Communards singer Sarah Jane Morris says researching female musical pioneers helped her develop a deeper connection with their lives and inspired her second concept album. The project follows her 2020 album The Sisterhood, co-written with Tony Remy, and features songs influenced by artists including Tracy Chapman, Amy Winehouse, Dolly Parton, Sinead O'Connor, Peggy Seeger and Raye. Morris also reflects positively on her continuing friendship with her former Communards bandmates, who are now based in Sussex.

University student Alvin Dybvik Payne is unable to return to his course in Oslo after his passport, keys, laptop and other belongings remained inside a carriage overturned in the Lewes train derailment. British Transport Police, Southern and Network Rail say the carriages are not yet safe to access, while Network Rail expects the railway line to remain closed for at least another 10 days. The Payne family says the uncertainty has caused significant frustration and disrupted planned travel.

Joe Williams, curator at Sea Life Brighton, has been nominated in the animal category of the Sussex and Surrey BBC Make A Difference Awards for establishing the UK's first purpose-built sea turtle rehabilitation and repatriation centre. The project cares for turtles washed ashore after storms, strengthening them through tailored feeding and wave exercises before returning them to the wild. One notable rescue, Loggerhead turtle Barnacle Bill, was released into the Azores in 2025 after recovering from a 2023 stranding in Guernsey. Williams credits the work as a small part of broader turtle conservation efforts, while colleagues praise his commitment and the centre's role in giving vulnerable turtles a chance to survive.

Janes Pantry has bought a number of former Coughlans Bakery sites from liquidators and plans to reopen 20 shops under its own brand. Former Coughlans staff will be invited to reapply, potentially restoring jobs and high-street activity. Coughlans ceased trading in June, citing high business rates and increased employer national insurance contributions. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan, who had part-owned the chain, will not be involved in the new venture, while other sites remain subject to discussions.

Kent County Council says preparation work for reopening the Aylesford towpath will begin by the end of 2026, but on-site construction is not expected to start until at least May 2027. The towpath has been closed since a 2023 landslip, and the proposed scheme involves reinforcing its embankments. Council cabinet member Jamie Henderson attributed the delay to the need to work after the sea trout spawning season and to obtain the required licences and approvals.

A historic route between West Burton and Bury in Sussex, known as the coffin trail, was used for more than 1,000 years to carry deceased villagers to burial at St John the Evangelist Church because West Burton had no consecrated ground. The trail, which could be difficult to cross in wet winter conditions, was restored in May 2026 by volunteers and now connects with the South Downs Way. The church still preserves a late-17th-century bier once used by the parish.

Volunteers are opening Reigate Caves in Surrey to the public for one-day tours between May and September, with one of the final opportunities of 2026 taking place in September. The two caves, including one thought to have served as a wine cellar for Reigate Castle, attract about 600 visitors on busy days. Organizers describe the tours as a way to preserve local history and educate visitors, while the caves’ geology has also drawn interest because of similarities to sites near Godstone linked to a major sinkhole.

More than 4,600 South East Water customers in Kent experienced low pressure or no water after urgent treatment-works maintenance and a burst main. The disruption affected villages including Bredgar, Borden, Doddington and Teynham, while Tonbridge residents faced a second weekend of outages after a separate burst main; 7,600 properties had been affected there at the peak. South East Water opened bottled-water stations, arranged deliveries and apologized for delays. The incidents follow other outages, a £30.5 million improvement requirement from Ofwat, and a hosepipe ban affecting 2.4 million customers amid prolonged hot, dry weather.

Chain Pond on Earlswood Common in Surrey dried up completely in July after exceptionally hot weather, raising concerns about its wildlife, including a resident moorhen and its offspring. Residents led by Linda Cork are calling on Reigate and Banstead Borough Council to desilt the pond, unblock its water inlet and inspect its clay lining. The council has warned against leaving tap water near the pond and says it is managing the seasonal pond to support natural resilience and protect the wider ecosystem. A petition calling for improved maintenance has attracted nearly 1,700 signatures, while campaigners fear increasingly hot summers could prevent the pond from recovering.

Brighton & Hove City Council has launched a trial of 100 hire e-scooters, with plans to expand the fleet to 300. Available through the Beryl app at 20 initial sites, the scooters are limited to 12.5mph, cannot be hired overnight, and are restricted from pavements and designated no-go areas. Residents have welcomed their convenience for short journeys and late-night travel, while others remain concerned about dangerous use, alcohol, parking and unclear rules. The council says the trial is among the most tightly regulated in the country.

Sussex Police is adopting the Forcer Protocol, which allows vulnerable veterans and their families or carers to share useful information with police in advance. If a participating veteran goes missing, officers can access the profile to identify risks, likely locations and appropriate support, improving the chances of a safe recovery. Veteran Steve Gallagher, who experienced alcohol and mental health problems after serving in Bosnia, said the initiative would help police work more effectively and save lives. The scheme was founded by Claire Lilly in memory of her husband, L/Cpl Alan Forcer, who died after going missing in 2020, and has been welcomed by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne and the force's armed forces lead.

A visually impaired campaigner warns that pavement parking severely restricts mobility and safety for blind and partially sighted people, as well as parents with pushchairs and wheelchair users. He argues that obstructions can lead to isolation and loss of confidence. Data indicates that many English councils, including East Sussex County Council, allow or encourage pavement parking through marked bays. The council and the Local Government Association acknowledge the issue while noting the need to balance all road users’ needs and awaiting national legislative changes.

A £7m initiative backed by Fatboy Slim, Andy Burnham and other investors has enabled Music Venue Properties to purchase the building housing The Pipeline in Brighton, securing its future as a community-owned music venue. MVP, described as a National Trust-style model for grassroots venues, buys freeholds and provides stable, supportive leases. Operators say the move prevents rent increases and ensures long-term sustainability. The organisation now owns ten venues, bolstering efforts to preserve local live‑music spaces.

A roof panel falling from Swan Walk Shopping Centre forced its closure, disrupting local businesses for at least two weeks. Shop owner Drew Dewsall described the shutdown as financially damaging despite temporary market pitches funded by Horsham District Council. Landlords continue safety testing while local business groups highlight strong community support and stress the importance of safety.

Matt Nelson completed a 700km run across the Thameslink train network, covering 142 stations in 25 days, following a period of mental health struggles. The challenge helped him regain his passion for running and raised money for the mental health charity Mind. Supported by a training regimen including Parkruns and cycling, he finished with a 50km ultramarathon to Brighton. Greater Thameslink Railway praised his achievement.

Leo Sayer reflects on his upbringing in Shoreham and the influence of West Sussex on his songwriting as he prepares for a UK tour. He recalls memories from his youth, including time spent walking local streets where many songs were written, and jokes about a childhood mishap involving his father’s car. Now living in Australia, he says the demands of touring keep him feeling young as he plans performances in Bexhill, Worthing, Folkestone, London and other UK venues.

Punch and Judy shows return to Eastbourne’s seafront after a two‑year break, with performances scheduled twice weekly from late July to late August. Puppeteer James Arnott highlights efforts to update the traditional show for modern, inclusive audiences amid ongoing concerns about slapstick violence. David Wilde, an experienced performer, will also take part, bringing renewed attention to the long‑running seaside tradition.

Lewes District Council approved selling the North Street Quarter land to developer Human Nature, enabling progress on The Phoenix, a proposed 685‑home riverside development in Lewes. The former industrial site is planned to include housing, community facilities, a health hub and flood defences, and is expected to become the UK's largest timber neighbourhood. Council leader Zoe Nicholson said the sale marks a key step toward delivering the long‑awaited project.

Government plans to reorganise local authorities will expand Brighton and Hove’s boundaries to include several East Sussex coastal towns from 2028, prompting local leaders in Lewes and East Sussex to consider legal action. Supporters argue the change reflects community links and supports housing and growth, while opponents warn of overdevelopment and loss of local identity. Proposals to include Falmer were dropped, while decisions on restructuring West Sussex councils have been delayed, leaving local authorities uncertain about future arrangements.

A smuggling gang member, Ta Quang Duc, was sentenced to eight years in prison for moving 22 migrants through lorry trailers in 2020, using ferries and the Channel Tunnel. Co‑defendant Sarfaraz Sardarzehi received a two‑year suspended sentence for assisting on three occasions. The National Crime Agency found the group used encrypted social media and slang codes while keeping migrants in Belgian safe houses until transport was available. Authorities suspect the gang operated beyond the one‑month period covered by the case.

Ryan Welch scored 411 not out for Willingdon Cricket Club in a 40‑over match against Crowborough, setting what statisticians believe is a UK limited‑overs record. His innings included 51 fours and 22 sixes as Willingdon reached 571‑1 and won by 438 runs. Welch, who rarely plays and had only one previous century, described the achievement as overwhelming and acknowledged moments of luck during the innings. Cricket record‑keeping bodies said they were not aware of a higher UK score.

Specialist contractors are cleaning the area around a disused convent in St Leonards after asbestos was found in debris following a recent fire. Roads and nearby properties are being cleared, and an air assessment confirmed no airborne asbestos, allowing a nearby school to reopen. Two teenagers arrested on suspicion of arson have been released on conditional bail. Local authorities and emergency services continue coordinating the cleanup and safety measures.

Engineers at Ricardo have converted a 74hp JCB hydrogen engine into an 800hp unit to power the JCB Hydromax car for an August land speed record attempt at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. The project aims to demonstrate hydrogen’s potential as a clean alternative for heavy-duty applications. The vehicle, built by Prodrive and to be driven by record-holder Andy Green, targets 350 mph to surpass the existing diesel and hydrogen speed records after successful testing at RAF Wittering.

Four pupils from The Beacon School in Banstead describe serving as Wimbledon ball crew members as a rare and rewarding opportunity, highlighting the intense training and excitement of working closely with professional players. Their involvement included supporting Arthur Fery’s early match as he advances toward the semi‑finals, and they hope to work future show‑court matches as the tournament approaches its final rounds.

A couple marrying in Guildford plan to screen England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway at their wedding reception to avoid guests missing the match. Both are lifelong football fans and decided a projector next to the dancefloor would prevent attendees from watching on their phones. The pair, who met at school and became engaged in Spain in 2024, say the unexpected scheduling clash caused brief concern but ultimately suited their football‑loving families.

Jason Burrill, a body double for Dave Bautista in Spectre and Guardians of the Galaxy, describes struggling with mental health during his film work, recalling little of the shoots. He explains how opening up about his anxieties helped him recognize and address underlying issues. Burrill’s career began after being mistaken for Bautista while on holiday, leading to his selection by director James Gunn for Guardians of the Galaxy and later Spectre.

A parliamentary debate is set to honour breast cancer campaigner Susan Michaelis amid ongoing calls for £20m in government funding for lobular breast cancer research. Her husband, Tristan Lorraine, expressed disappointment that funding has not been allocated a year after her death, while supporters including MP John Milne push for legislative action. The Department of Health and Social Care states it remains committed to improving research and patient outcomes.

A Worthing dentist, Fariba Shameli, was convicted of defrauding the NHS of more than £92,000 by submitting over 1,000 false claims between 2013 and 2018. Prosecutors said she manipulated records, claimed for work never performed, and attempted to avoid NHS clawback procedures. She failed to attend her trial at Hove Crown Court, prompting the issue of an arrest warrant. Shameli, previously convicted of related offences, is scheduled for sentencing on 16 July.

A Surrey NHS trust is running a gardening programme at Farnham Road Hospital to support mental health patients by providing tools and plants for therapeutic outdoor activities. The initiative, developed with the trust's charitable arm, aims to improve confidence and recovery, with patients responding positively. Fundraising is under way to expand the programme, which aligns with research linking time spent in nature to improved well‑being. A similar high‑demand project is operating at the University of Kent through its support services and East Kent Mind.

Businesses in East and West Sussex warn that rising water demand and increasingly extreme weather are straining water-dependent industries. Gun Brewery says potential shortages could halt production, while a West Sussex farm highlights fluctuating water availability and rising costs. A regional heat alert and recent hot spells have increased concern over water use, prompting advocacy groups to call for conservation measures. Met Office analysis links these challenges to climate change, emphasising the need for early action to protect water resources.

A Sussex estate has transitioned from growing hops to cultivating tea as rising temperatures make the region more suitable for the crop. Founder Mark Wyatt describes the shift as a significant risk but believes climate change and increased demand for locally produced goods support the move. The estate now produces black and green tea and draws inspiration from the region's thriving sparkling wine industry. Warmer seasons, record temperatures in the South East, and changing attitudes toward alcohol consumption have also influenced the decision.

An amber heat health alert has been issued for South East England as temperatures are expected to rise later in the week, with people over 65 identified as particularly vulnerable. The alert, in place until Sunday, follows recent record-breaking heat and accompanies similar alerts across parts of England. Officials warn of increased risks including water-related incidents and pressure on health and social care services. Forecasts suggest temperatures could reach up to 33°C, prompting advice to avoid peak sun, stay hydrated and limit strenuous activity. The warm spell may mark the third UK heatwave of the year, though it is not expected to match late‑June extremes.

The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber heat health alert for South East England as temperatures are expected to rise later in the week, particularly affecting people over 65 and increasing risks such as water-related incidents and pressure on health and social care services. Amber alerts also cover several other regions, while yellow alerts apply elsewhere. Forecasts suggest temperatures could reach the low 30s Celsius, marking what may become the country’s third heatwave of the year, though not as extreme as late June. Authorities advise avoiding peak sun, staying hydrated and limiting strenuous activity.

Residents in Godalming aged 35 to 70 with risk factors such as blood‑borne viruses, diabetes, fatty liver or heavy alcohol use are being offered free liver scans at a mobile unit in the Crown Court car park. The initiative, run by the Royal Surrey County Hospital, aims to detect liver damage early, with results available the same day. Liver disease is often symptomless in its early stages but treatable if caught promptly.

A new accessible play area in Staines Park will open on 21 July, funded through Community Infrastructure Levy contributions. Spelthorne Borough Council highlights the space as an inclusive facility for children and families, to be maintained by the council after completion.

A man has been charged with the murders of Adrian Horton and Uschi Schild, who were found dead at a property in St Leonards. Sussex Police arrested 58-year-old Sean Gray, who is due to appear before Brighton Magistrates' Court. Police said the victims and suspect were known to each other and that no other individuals are being sought, with enquiries and an increased police presence continuing in the area.

A former member of the Women’s Royal Army Corps who was dismissed in 1982 for being lesbian urges affected veterans to claim compensation before a December deadline. She describes decades of hiding her sexuality and the long-term impact of the military’s former LGBT ban. Following the lifting of the ban in 2000, her dismissal was reclassified as unlawful, enabling her to receive financial recognition. The Ministry of Defence acknowledges past mistreatment and is working to raise awareness of available compensation schemes.

An MP challenged the suitability of a proposed replacement site for Frimley Park Hospital, arguing it is inaccessible, environmentally damaging, and chosen through a flawed process. The prime minister defended the plan, emphasising Labour investment and criticising the MP for opposing a project he had previously demanded. The hospital must be rebuilt due to structural risks from Raac concrete, and the NHS trust is assessing how the site can be responsibly developed amid environmental and infrastructure concerns, with construction expected to start in 2028 or 2029.

Bar owners in Kent and Brighton reported that England’s earlier World Cup knockout match significantly improved business, allowing fans more time to enjoy the build-up and stay longer. Later kick-off times had previously led to rushed visits and reduced spending. With future matches scheduled for very late hours, concerns remain about the impact on fan experience, though the World Cup continues to generate strong footfall for local hospitality businesses.