This is Staffordshire --POLICE have charged a man in connection with an incident where a police officer was knocked off his bike.
The 44-year-old Staffordshire Police constable was allegedly hit by a van on the A50 eastbound, in Meir, as he rode to work.
He spent three weeks in hospital and is now recovering at home.
The force launched an investigation into the incident, which happened at 6am on Tuesday, November 12.
They arrested 20-year-old Thomas Lavin, of Durham Drive, Lightwood, on suspicion of dangerous driving and he was bailed to allow officers to continue investigating.
He has now been charged with driving without due care and attention, and is due to appear before magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on January 22. Reported by This is 3 days ago.
This is Lincolnshire --
This is South Wales -- MOTORISTS have been warned to beware of icy conditions that has led a main Carmarthenshire road to be closed on Christmas Day. The A48 between Carmarthen to Cross Hands remains shut in both directions due to ice and police say the conditions are worsening. An accident has happened along the stretch between Pensarn roundabout and the A476 Llandeilo Road junction. On Twitter Dyfed Powys Police has told drivers to avoid the area. They said: "The A48 from Carmarthen to Cross Hands is closed due to icy conditions. "Conditions are worsening on the A48 between Carmarthen and Cross Hands. "Please avoid travel in this area if possible." The police force has also alerted drivers of icy conditions along the A474 between Garnant to Gwaun cae Gurwen. Drivers are also being told to approach the M4 Briton Ferry bridge with care this morning due to strong winds, which has led 30mph warning signs to be put in place.
Reported by This is 3 days ago.
This is Nottingham --
This is Gloucestershire -- POLICE are locked in a constant battle to stay ahead of criminals, but one constant remains in their arsenal – the dog unit. Spaniels are used to sniff out drugs, while Alsatians are called in for 'general purpose' incidents. And while firearms, tazers, pepper spray and batons are 'last resort' tools to control offenders, dogs are used for incidents ranging from criminal tracking and crowd control to searches. Dog handler Shane Collins and his six-year-old Alsatian Wyper are one of 14 teams on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Shane said: "Generally offenders will stop what they are doing when they see the dog. "They can look quite ferocious and intimidating on the wrong end. The dogs really mean business. "If there is a violent crowd with limited resources of officers, dogs can help control the situation very quickly. No one wants to be bitten. "There was recently a suicidal woman who had gone missing in Stroud. A police helicopter had gone out around two hours after she had been reported missing. It did not pick her up as the area we were searching was so dense. "We carried on with the dogs and found her reasonably quickly. "Wyper knows he is looking for someone – on this occasion it was a woman who had cut her wrists. If she had been left overnight, she would have died. "When we found her, the woman was barely moving. "She was down a ten foot gully. The dog could tell by my approach that it was a different scenario than if we were pursuing a criminal, his behaviour towards the woman reflected that. "We do not want anybody to get bitten, but it is an excellent deterrent." Handlers like Shane also work closely with the firearms unit. Dogs can be fitted with a head cam to go into a building to search for explosives. "The dogs are very powerful and they can give you a big clout," Shane added. "Using the dogs to bite an offender is a last resort. You are about to inflict a lasting injury that will leave a scar. "We give them a verbal challenge. We tell them we are police officers and we have a dog. If they fail to comply, they will get hurt. "We warn them three times, it is the same with firearms. "The level of force is very high so we have to justify why we are releasing that dog." Dogs are taken on at a year old and stay with the same handler until retirement at around eight. They are tested every six months to ensure they are still responding to commands. Tim Counter has been training police officers since 1995. He is shot at, restrained and even attacked by police dogs during training exercises. Tim said: "Even with a protective suit on when I'm there to be shot by a tazer or attacked by the dog, it sets you back. When you are confronted by a dog, you have to stand still. It is frightening. I get tazered quite a lot in training and when you see that red dot, you know you are going to get it. "It is the same with the dog. You know it is coming but you can do nothing about it. "They can knock you off your feet, I'm always anxious. The suit stops me getting properly bitten, you still know it is coming and have to roll with it. "Confined space training is frought with danger. If officers go into a basement and it is not properly built, all sorts of gases can be there to cause danger, particularly if they have been used as a drugs lab for example. "There is so much now for police to be trained in, it is constantly changing as threat evolves. Officers have to know how to deal with a chemical attack for example. "We do glass entries, public order training where rocks are thrown at us. We are very busy and officers are constantly updating their skills. "Specialist roles within the police are sought after and spaces are few and far between. There is a lot of interest for the dog unit."
Reported by This is 18 hours ago.
This is Exeter -- Police in Axminster are appealing for information following another armed robbery in the Town. The incident occurred at around 6.00pm on Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24th December at the Prospect Filling Station on the B3261 Lyme Road in Axminster. The offender entered the premises armed with a knife and threatened the assistant and demanded money from the till. The male assistant handed over a quantity of cash and the offender then left. The suspect is described as being a white man aged between 20 and 30 years, approximately 6' in height, slim build, with brown eyes and wearing a blue hat and face scarf with horizontal stripes, a blue sweatshirt, jeans and dark shoes. Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time or anyone who has any information regarding the identity of the offender. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting police reference KA/13/705 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or report online at www.Crimestoppers-uk.org The incident follows a robbery at The Co-op Store in South Street last Saturday when a man with a knife threatened staff and got away with cigarettes and vodka. A 26-year-old local man has been charged with the offence.
Reported by This is 14 hours ago.
This is Lincolnshire -- Four people were charged with drink driving in Lincolnshire on Christmas Day. 60 people have now been charged in Lincolnshire since the start of a Christmas drink drive campaign. Jordan Thomas Faulkner, 22, was arrested on December 25. Police say he had 74 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath on Grand Parade, Skegness. He will appear at Skegness Magistrates' Court on January 14. Joseph Clarey Crust, 28, was arrested on December 25. Police say he had 62 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath on Eaudyke Road, Friskney. He will appear at Skegness Magistrates' Court on January 14. Matthew James Stacey, 38, was arrested on December 25. Police say he had 81 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath on Queens Way, Saxilby. He will appear at Lincoln Magistrates' Court on January 21. Jaroslavas Pecerskis, 32, was arrested on December 25. Police say he had 56 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath in Pennygate, Spalding. He will appear at Grantham Magistrates' Court on January 23.
Reported by This is 13 hours ago.
This is Croydon -- THOUSANDS of civilian staff working for the Met Police are set to strike on New Year's Eve. The union representing the workers, the Public and Commercial Services Union, insisted its members have had to take a real terms pay cut because of a below inflation rise of 1%. The union represents around 7,500 civilian staff including 999 call handlers, support officersand staff who work in custody suites and support victims of crime. Senior union reps are discussing the possibility of co-ordinating industrial action with the Fire Brigades' Union. The union says the MPS can afford to pay staff more after saving millions of pounds on police staff salaries in recent years due to job cuts. In an industrial action ballot, 72.5% voted for strike action on a 23.1% turnout. PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "The Met Police is not short of money, it does not need to force pay cuts on low-paid staff who help to keep London safe."
Reported by This is 3 days ago.
This is Grimsby -- Police have launched an appeal for information following an assault in Cleethorpes earlier this month. At around 9.50pm on Thursday, December 5, a 49-year-old man was injured after being involved in an altercation near Hype on Market Street. He was left with a blooded nose and cut to the back of his head following the incident. At the time of the assault, the man was stood with a group of other men who are thought to be known to him. Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident and are asked to contact Humberside Police on 101 quoting Crime Ref AB/2013554/2013 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Reported by This is 2 days ago.
This is Bath -- Police are appealing for witnesses after a number of cars were vandalised in Weston. At least six cars and a van parked in the Church Road and Weston Park area had their wing mirrors smashed overnight on Wednesday, December 18 to Thursday, December 19. One car also had its doors scratched. Police are trying to trace the person or people responsible. They are investigating a report of a man seen behaving suspiciously in Weston Park at around 4am on the Thursday morning. He was white, in his early 20s, wearing blue jeans and possibly a bobble hat. He was tall and of slim build. Anyone with any information, or who may have had their vehicle damaged but has not reported it, is asked to call Bath police on 101 quoting crime reference number 126557/13.
Reported by This is 2 days ago.
This is Leicestershire -- A fugitive who went on the run three months ago was arrested this morning, days after police offered a £1,000 reward for his capture. Daniel Perry was arrested in Loughborough shortly after 9am. Earlier this week, the force revealed it was offering a £1,000 reward for information which led them to Mr Perry. The appeal - including a photograph of Mr Perry - featured on the front page of Tuesday's Leicester Mercury. Officers are today questioning him in connection with an incident on Monday, September 9, when a stolen car was rammed into a police vehicle, injuring the officer inside. Officers had been tailing the car from Whitwick and attempted to stop it when it reached Shepshed. A female passenger in the car was arrested, while the driver, believed to be Perry, fled the scene. Police found stolen goods in the car. Mr Perry has previous convictions for car crime and burglary. Officers said this week they believed he was still in the Loughborough or Shepshed areas. A number of homes he has been linked to have been visited since he went missing. Officers also produced a 'wanted' poster which has appeared throughout the two towns.
Reported by This is 2 days ago.
This is Plymouth -- POLICE have released a CCTV image showing two men they want to speak to in connection with an attack which left a man with multiple fractures to the skull. Investigators say the victim was out in the city centre on December 1 celebrating ahead of his 25th birthday with his girlfriend when he was attacked as they walked along Union Street. It is understood the victim and his girlfriend were involved in a very brief conversation at around 3.10am with another man outside the Walkabout public house. The attacker, who was in the company of another man, then punched the victim once in the face. The victim fell backwards and struck his head on the pavement and lay unconscious as the suspect and his colleague ran off. Police believe the pair first jumped into a taxi but the driver refused to take them. They then got out and ran towards Derry's Cross. The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Derriford Hospital. He underwent an X-ray and CAT scan which revealed he had a fractured eye-socket as well as multiple fractures to his skull. Det Con Rob Souness, who is investigating, said: "I am still seeking the suspect for this offence but through CCTV enquiries I believe I have located two persons who can help with my enquiries. "The first male is a white male, between 18-30 years of age, average build with short dark hair. He is wearing a red t-shirt. "The second male is a white male, between 18-30 years of age, chubby build, with short fair curly hair. He is wearing a checked short sleeved shirt and jeans." If you witnessed the assault or have any information about the attacker contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference EC/13/11692.
Reported by This is 2 days ago.
This is Staffordshire --
This is Exeter -- Devon and Cornwall Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a missing girl from Barnstaple. Bethany Gordon, 13, was last seen at Barnstaple Retail Park around 11am on Boxing Day. Police believe she may have made her way to the Plymouth area where she has friends. Officers have conducted extensive searches in both Barnstaple and Plymouth and are appealing for the public to report any sightings of Bethany. She is described as white, around 5ft 2ins tall, and of stocky build. She has blue eyes and shoulder length brown hair worn tied back. She was last seen wearing a green three-quarter length coat, grey leggings and black and white shoes. Anyone who has seen Bethany or knows of her whereabouts is urged to be contact police on 101, quoting log number 223 of 261213.
Reported by This is 1 day ago.
This is South Wales -- POLICE in Swansea are appealing for witnesses to an incident which left a pedestrian with a fractured foot. The incident happened at around 1.15am last Saturday in Princess Street, Gorseinon, when a red Vauxhall Astra was in collision with a 23-year-old man, resulting in him sustaining the injury. A 31-year-old woman has since been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and dangerous driving and is currently on police bail while an investigation continues. Police are hoping to trace witnesses who were seen in the area at the time, including a group of youths who may have information which could help. - Phone 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, quoting incident number 62130399103, if you can help.
Reported by This is 2 days ago.
This is Dorset -- OFFICERS are asking for public help to find missing Poole man Matthew Purser. The 30-year-old was last seen at around 7pm on Saturday 21 December – when he left his home along Jellicoe Close in the Newtown area. Matthew is described as white, six feet tall and of a large build with short dark hair. He has pale skin, a round shaped face with some stubble on it when he was last seen. He has a large scar across his face. He was wearing a grey hooded jumper and a navy body warmer, tracksuit bottoms and Puma trainers. Police Constable Dave Mearing of Poole police said: "I understand that Matthew had become upset before he left and his family is concerned that he may come to some harm. "He did not take his car or mobile phone – he only has a bank card and a small amount of cash with him. "It is important that Matthew, or anyone who knows of Matthew's whereabouts comes forward as soon as possible. I urge Matthew to get in touch – we simply need to know that you are safe and well." Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 24:517.
Reported by This is 1 day ago.
This is Leicestershire -- Police have issued an appeal for information to trace a missing woman. Christine Gray, 54, was last seen at Fosse Park Shopping Centre at about midday today. She was reported missing by her companion shortly afterwards. Christine is described as white, 5ft tall, well built, with short, dark hair. She was wearing black trousers, a black and white striped top and a navy blue duffle coat with a fur hood. She speaks with a Scottish accent and is a smoker. Police said it was likely that she may ask someone for a cigarette as it is believed she does not have any with her. Officers said they were growing concerned for her welfare. Anyone who has seen a woman matching Christine's description is asked to contact Leicestershire Police on 101.
Reported by This is 1 day ago.
This is Dorset -- OAKDALE Conservative Club have offered a £1,00 reward to help find the driver who left Christopher Colegate fatally injured after a collision in Poole. Dorset Police are continuing to appeal for information after the collision at approximately 7:30pm on Friday 13 December, when the 69-year-old was struck by a car which failed to stop at the scene. Mr Coelgate was on his way to Oakdale Conservative Club along Darby's Lane when he was struck. Club chairman Bob Barnes said: "Like the rest of the local community, we are really saddened by this incident. "Chris Colegate was a regular at the club and had many friends here. We all miss him dearly. "We urge anyone with any information about this tragic collision to do the right thing and contact Dorset Police. No matter how small, your information could be the missing piece of the jigsaw." Members of the club have offered a £1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and charge of an offender. A team of officers from Dorset Police's Traffic Unit are continuing to investigate the collision and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Police Sergeant Stuart Pitman of Dorset Police's Traffic Unit said: "I am still keen to speak to the drivers of two vehicles that were in the area at the time of the collision; a Honda civic-type vehicle travelling from Darby's Lane into Popes Road and a medium sized light-coloured family car which travelled along Heath Avenue towards Wimborne Road at speed. "I urge these drivers to come forward so we can eliminate you from the investigation. I would also like to trace a male pedestrian walking along Darby's Lane towards Johnston Road who passed Mr Colegate shortly before the collision. This pedestrian was wearing a grey hooded top with the hood up." Crimestoppers have also offered a reward of up to £1,000 for information leading to the arrest and charge of an offender. Members of the public should call 0800 555 111 to be eligible for this cash reward.
Reported by This is 20 hours ago.
This is Gloucestershire -- IT MAY be the season of goodwill, but it is also the season of opportunist crime as criminal gangs look to take advantage of unsecured properties around Gloucester as families disappear off to see relatives this weekend. Homeowners are advised to hide away their expensive iPads and other Christmas presents and not leave them in full view. Gloucestershire Police launched Operation Switch when the clocks went back in October and said they have come down hard on burglars caught in the act, and will use all means at their disposal to ensure criminals are brought to justice. Sergeant Jon Testar, who has led the city-wide operation, has hailed the use of police dogs in the apprehension of burglars who have been spotted at the scene. He said: "When the dog handler turns up on a crime scene it is the verbal control that can help to control people. The dogs respond very well and are incredibly useful, particularly with tracking. "We went to arrest somebody on December 10 and because of the dog, we could cover both sides of the building on the Stroud Road to track the man we were after. "There were a number of exits available to the offender but because of the dog he had nowhere to go. "If he had come out over the roof, it would have taken a considerable number of officers to cut off his exit routes. The offender would have realised that and we then found him hiding as he had nowhere to go. It gave us immediate control. "The dogs are a 'games up' tool for police to use. "There was an incident at the Pipe and Musket in Tuffley in January when four offenders escaped into a row of nearby bungalows. "There were around 20 or 30 buildings. We put the dogs in from opposite ends and searched each garden systematically until we found all four of the offenders we were after. "They were flushed out one by one and we made four arrests on suspicion of a pub burglary that day. There was no helicopter available that day, there was no other way." Police dog handler Shane Collins is one of 14 to operate around the county. "When we get that call to go to an incident like a burglary where there has been an offender spotted at the scene, we need to get there quickly," he said. "It is rare to have a burglar still in a house, but it does happen and the police dog is very effective then. "If there is a burglary, to catch the person with a dog is a great boost for everyone and shows how valuable they are to the police. "If a burglar discards a stolen item, that can be picked up too as it will retain the offender's scent. "The dogs can pick a tiny ammunition shell, around the size of a five pence piece, they are incredible animals." In Gloucester, since October 14, dwelling burglaries, including attempts, are down by around 35 per cent. In Barton and Tredworth the results have been even more significant. Since a focused door-to-door home security advice campaign last year, the number of incidents have fallen by around 40 per cent.
Reported by This is 15 hours ago.