Poppy Huggett

Ebony Hoyte-Griffith of Thornton Heath was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to her four-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, Skylar, by failing to provide adequate nutrition and veterinary care. Skylar was found severely emaciated, dehydrated, unable to stand and suffering from infected pressure sores after months of illness; she was euthanised on welfare grounds. Hoyte-Griffith received a 10-year ban on keeping dogs, a 12-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work and £614 in costs. The RSPCA said prompt treatment might have saved Skylar and reminded owners of their legal duty to provide appropriate care.

Nicole Beling, 60, was found dead at her home on Dittoncroft Close in Croydon after a family member reported her missing. A 61-year-old man was arrested twice on suspicion of murder and bailed while enquiries continued, but the death remained unexplained and no formal murder investigation had been launched. The Metropolitan Police appealed for information from anyone who knew Beling or could assist the investigation.

Four men aged 19 to 24 were arrested on suspicion of affray after an alleged altercation on Galpins Road in Croydon. Police received reports that men carrying machetes chased another man before a firearm was discharged. No injuries were reported, and the Metropolitan Police said inquiries are ongoing.

A reviewer visits the newly reopened Earthy Coffee on George Street in Croydon and orders a chicken ranch wrap with a Coke Zero. The café offers a varied menu and a cooler downstairs seating area, though the space feels somewhat eerie and the upstairs area is uncomfortably warm. The wrap is fresh and reasonably priced compared with independent cafés, but offers limited value against fast food. Friendly, attentive service and the café’s convenient location are its main strengths. The reviewer may return for coffee and cake, particularly on a cooler day.

Bromley councillors unanimously approved the Greater London Authority’s plans to redevelop Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. The scheme will demolish several existing buildings and deliver a new aquatics centre, expanded pools, improved accessibility, refurbished indoor and outdoor sports facilities, an upgraded athletics stadium, a replacement energy centre and enhanced public routes and landscaping. The plans also include restoration of the Grade II-listed venue and are expected to create more open space in Crystal Palace Park. While officials welcomed the project and the role of the Crystal Palace Park Trust, public consultation responses were closely divided, with objections focused mainly on the loss of indoor climbing facilities and the site’s motor racing heritage.

A surprise visit by Wimbledon tennis player Gonzalo Escobar boosted LA Café in Sutton as he praised the food and hospitality, calling it exceptional. Owner Ankur Baria described the encounter as meaningful validation as the café expands its new evening bistro service, which is proving highly popular. LA Café, known for quality dishes and an intimate dining experience, has grown through word of mouth, strong community ties and early support from Virginia Coughlan. The business now attracts diners from far beyond Sutton and maintains a focus on high-quality food, hospitality and customer feedback.

A man in his 20s and a 16‑year‑old boy were stabbed on George Street in Croydon and taken to hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries. No arrests have been made, and police have increased patrols in the area while appealing for public information.