Territorial police force for Kent, SE England
Posthumous conditional pardon is granted to Ruth Ellis, the last woman hanged in the UK, acknowledging a grave injustice linked to domestic abuse while noting flaws in responding to abuse within the justice system.
A lifer in Belmarsh has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation after an incident with a guard in February. Cases have moved to Inner London Crown Court for trial, with further developments expected.
A man has been charged after an aggravated burglary in Tollington Park, north London, left a woman dead and another man injured. Police say the investigation is ongoing and residents are asked to share any footage or details.
Masked demonstrators have blocked roads around Dover and later gathered in Portsmouth, halting access to the Port of Dover and delaying ferries before dispersing by midday. Protesters have chanted "stop the boats" and linked the actions to the Patriot Platform and far‑right figures; officials and ministers have condemned the disruption and police are reviewing how intelligence and resources were deployed.
Protests at Dover and surrounding towns were coordinated by far-right figures, with hundreds of masked demonstrators blocking a major port. Kent police say information was not fully assessed, prompting calls for independent reviews. Protests spread to Portsmouth; authorities are reviewing triage and response. No arrests were made on the day.
Masked men organised by a new far‑right network have blocked roads at Dover and Portsmouth over the past week, disrupting port traffic and confronting police as migrants arrived. Authorities have criticised policing failures and ministers have urged forces to use powers to curb face coverings and public‑order risks. Groups operate through encrypted social channels and present a disciplined, paramilitary style.
The Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone has seen a large fire that forced about 280 guests to evacuate. Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirms the blaze started in the basement; police are treating it as suspicious. A welfare centre is assisting evacuees as investigations continue.