A market town and civil parish in Norfolk, with a storied past and recent unrest ties
The government is expanding use of former military sites to house asylum seekers, planning to accommodate about 3,750 people across Bicester, Barnham and Linton-on-Ouse, with extensions at Crowborough and Wethersfield. Local opposition persists in several communities as the plan unfolds.
The Conservative plan to bar foreign nationals from social housing has been proposed to free up about 230,000 homes for British families. Critics warn it could breach human rights, drive up homelessness, and face legal challenges, while Labour argues it does nothing to fix the housing emergency and could worsen costs for taxpayers.
The Home Office has proposed housing 1,250 asylum seekers at a former military site near Piddington, triggering protests from residents and remarks from politicians about shared responsibility. Ministers say the scheme is contained and more affordable than hotels, while communities push back over location, process and safety concerns.
Protests in Thetford, Norfolk, have escalated over three nights as crowds targeted homes linked to asylum seekers. A man in his 60s has been arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and assisting an offender and has been released on bail. Police are investigating how address information became public amid clashes with officers and injuries to personnel.
Rightmove data shows a 104% rise in searches for homes with air conditioning as the UK endures record heat. Buyers are weighing comfort and energy costs, with expert comment on how climate drives property choices and the market remains subdued in overall activity.
A Sudan-born man with catatonic schizophrenia has been sentenced to 25 years in prison and an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to attempted murder in a frenzied attack on a lone woman in March 2024 in Leeds. The attack prompted concerns over safety and mental health care, with the judge noting a sexual element to the assault.
Quevin Castro has died at 25 after collapsing during a pre-season friendly between Real Sport Clube and Estrela da Amadora in Lisbon. The Lisbon Football Association confirms the death; West Bromwich Albion and multiple clubs have paid tribute."