Local BBC Radio Sussex (East & West)
Coughlans Bakery has ceased trading and entered voluntary liquidation after rising business rates, employer national insurance contributions, and fuel costs added to a challenging financial climate. Romesh Ranganathan, a co-owner since 2024, has shared in the heartbreak as staff and suppliers face the impact.
An ongoing operation into group-based child sexual exploitation in south Wales has led to eight men being charged across Newport, Swansea, London, Birmingham, Lancashire, Edinburgh and Argyll and Bute. The charges involve rape of minors and facilitating sexual exploitation dating from 1985 to 1996. Prosecutions continue.
Gatwick Airport is experiencing a continued water supply disruption due to a power outage at a local treatment works. Bottled water is being distributed and contingency measures are in place as authorities work to restore normal service across both terminals.
Courts have dismissed legal challenges to Gatwick’s £2.2bn expansion and to Luton’s growth plans. Gatwick’s plan will deliver more flights and jobs while Luton’s project aims to nearly double passenger numbers by mid‑2040s. Campaigners warn of noise and climate impacts as officials push ahead with delivery by 2030 and beyond.
A makeup artist Ava Gillies (26) died after a two-vehicle crash near Wrelton, North Yorkshire, while Amber Street (from West Sussex) died in a three-vehicle crash near Arundel. North Yorkshire and Sussex police are investigating, with witnesses urged to come forward; several others were injured in the incidents.
A 16-year-old has been convicted of murder in Seaford, East Sussex, after fatally stabbing Joshua Ingram during a confrontation linked to a cannabis debt. The court found two other youths not guilty of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm, while the 15-year-old and 17-year-old faced different verdicts involving assisting an offender. Sentencing is scheduled for October.
French court convicts Safine Hamadi and Owen Cenazandotti of inflicting violence on Raphael Graven (Jean Pormanove) and incitement to hatred after a livestreamed abuse case. Sentences are suspended; fines imposed; Kick is under investigation. No manslaughter charge.
A family of four from London has died after entering the sea at Shoreham Fort, West Sussex, yesterday. A younger sister remains in hospital in critical condition. Investigations point to a tragic accident with no third-party involvement; the family’s funeral arrangements and community support are underway.
A major blaze at Caldyne Business Park near Crawley has damaged hundreds of vehicles, cut power to thousands of homes and businesses, and prompted an arson investigation. Authorities say eight fire engines and water carriers tackled the scene; a 67-year-old man is in custody on suspicion of arson and has been bailed.
A wave of measures has expanded support for families as the new term begins: free school meals for all Universal Credit households, more free breakfast clubs, cheaper uniforms through branded-item limits, and thousands of extra childcare places. The changes aim to ease the financial squeeze and ensure children start classes ready to learn.
A fire at a third-party car parking site near Crawley has damaged about 140 vehicles and led to the arrest of a 67-year-old man on suspicion of arson. The incident disrupted operations for passengers using Sapphire Parking and affected power to local businesses.
Arnolda has turned a painful upbringing into a remarkable training career in Newmarket. After sleeping rough as a teen, he has become the first trainer of Black or Asian heritage in Flat racing’s HQ and now has multiple winners, underscoring resilience and opportunity in sport.