Stuart Maisner

A 37-year-old man was taken to hospital after being stabbed at about 01:10 BST at the junction of Shelley Road and Salisbury Road in Worthing, West Sussex. Sussex Police are seeking witnesses and information, and described the suspected attacker as a slim Black man wearing a brown T-shirt and jeans.

South East Water’s new chief executive John Halsall acknowledged the company’s poor performance following repeated supply failures that affected thousands of customers in Kent and Sussex. The utility was recently ordered by Ofwat to invest £30.5m in improvements and has expanded a hosepipe ban affecting 2.4 million people. Halsall pledged operational improvements, greater transparency and stronger resilience, while the company seeks new financing after significant winter outage costs. Interim chair Lisa Clement urged accelerated reforms during a critical period for the firm.

A dog injured by a suspected snare in woodland near Bedgebury Forest prompted renewed calls for an England-wide ban on the traps. The owners described the device as a deliberately laid and cruel wire restraint, while Defra reiterated its intention to outlaw snares due to risks to pets and wildlife. Forestry England confirmed it neither uses nor permits snares on its land, and the Countryside Alliance maintained that humane cable restraints should remain available for livestock protection. The incident underscored safety concerns and heightened pressure for legislative action.

The first phase of Wingham Wildlife Park’s expansion near Canterbury is being introduced, nearly doubling the site’s size. New habitats for tigers, Asiatic lions, squirrel monkeys and agoutis will open to visitors, with park director Tony Binskin praising the project as a major milestone. The design aims to enhance animal welfare and improve visitor experience. The park, which appealed earlier for funds to support new equipment, has not yet announced when the remaining areas of the expansion will open.

Two new early morning Gatwick Express train services linking London Victoria and Gatwick Airport are being introduced as part of a trial aimed at improving flight connections. Operated under Govia Thameslink Railway, now in public ownership, the services depart London early on Saturdays and Gatwick early on Mondays, accompanied by new perks such as fast‑track security and discounted lounges. Rail Minister Peter Hendy said the additions support passenger needs and wider network growth.

Thousands of homes and businesses in Tunbridge Wells continue to face water shortages due to an equipment failure at South East Water’s treatment works. The company apologised as bottled water stations reopened and priority customers received deliveries. Residents expressed anger over repeated supply failures, while SEW said low storage levels and high demand were hampering recovery. The firm recently faced regulatory pressure from Ofwat to invest £30.5m in improvements and warned of financial strain after major winter outages. Repeated incidents over recent months have intensified scrutiny of SEW’s performance.

Police arrested a 31-year-old man from Aylesbury on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop after a 19-year-old was killed in a hit-and-run on the A3 in Guildford. Officers located a white DAF tanker lorry and are seeking a large white van believed to be a witness vehicle, urging anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Surrey Police.

Residents in Redhill are being asked for feedback on the Public Space Protection Order that covers the town centre, following a survey launched by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council. The PSPO, first established in 2017 and expanded in 2023, targets a range of anti-social behaviours including threats, verbal abuse, public urination, littering and distress‑causing spitting. The consultation runs until 23 August and aims to help review the order’s effectiveness in maintaining safety in the area.

A roof panel collapse at Swan Walk Shopping Centre in Horsham prompted its temporary closure for safety inspections, though no injuries occurred. Management emphasized visitor and staff safety, kept the car park open with adjusted access, and plans to determine the cause with specialist contractors. Tenants such as Gobsmack Comics described the disruption as devastating, with an update expected Monday.

Cheryl Baker is hosting another backyard performance by The Fizz at her home in west Kent, continuing a tradition that began during lockdown. The event features founding members Baker and Jay Aston, joined by new singers Matthew Pateman and Nikk Mager, who were selected through public auditions. The group describe renewed energy and strong vocal harmony, and despite Baker suggesting it may be the final garden concert, she leaves open the possibility of future shows.