Press Association

John O’Sullivan, 20, appeared at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court accused of stealing approximately £1 million worth of streetlamps and lanterns from victims across several UK counties, including Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. His parents, Anna and Richard O’Sullivan, are accused of handling stolen goods. O’Sullivan did not enter a plea, and the case was sent to St Albans Crown Court because of the seriousness of the allegations. He was released on conditional bail and is due to appear on September 2, while his parents are scheduled for an initial hearing on August 12.

England’s regional mayors will be allowed to retain a share of locally collected income tax and business rates under proposed devolution reforms. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has been designated an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority, improving its position to seek more powers, funding flexibility and control over transport, infrastructure, housing and skills. Andy Burnham said the policy was intended to drive growth and investment rather than enable tax rebates or cuts, while Mayor Paul Bristow welcomed the prospect of keeping more locally generated wealth. Further details, including the proportion of taxes mayors can retain, are expected in a white paper accompanying Chancellor John Healey’s autumn budget. The reforms may also allow tourist taxes and streamline overlapping local government, health and policing boundaries.

Cambridgeshire and six other UK regions have been officially declared to be in drought after record-low rainfall and high temperatures. East Anglia faces a fourth heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 35°C and an amber heat-health alert in place. Authorities warn that water demand is outpacing natural replenishment and that wildfire conditions could become exceptionally severe, with 706 wildfires recorded in England and Wales during 2026, including 208 in the preceding 12 days. Fire chiefs urge caution, prevention and continued investment in specialist wildfire response as climate change increases the likelihood of larger and more complex incidents.

Family members paid tribute to 19-year-old kayaker Michael Henry, who is presumed dead after his kayak capsized near Boulmer on July 7. One man reached a buoy and was rescued by the Coastguard, but extensive sea and coastline searches by Northumbria Police failed to find Henry. Police concluded he likely died at sea, offering condolences to his family while asking for privacy as the community mourns.

New government guidance known as Benedict's Law will require all UK schools to stock adrenaline auto‑injectors and train staff to respond to allergic emergencies from September. The measures follow the death of five‑year‑old Benedict Blythe and sustained campaigning by his parents and allergy‑support organisations. An inquest found failures in preventing and responding to his allergic reaction. Education and health officials welcomed the policy while school leaders stressed that adequate funding and reliable supply chains are essential for effective implementation.