Author: Blake Foster

Officers confirmed a woman in her 20s was raped in Embankment Gardens in Westminster at around 4.10am yesterday (December 2). The woman is currently being supported by specially-trained officers. Police are making urgent enquiries but no arrests have been made at this stage. The Standard reported that a large section of the park next to the Embankment Bistro and Bar has been cordoned off by police. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Around 4.10am on Tuesday, December 2, officers attended Embankment Gardens, following reports of a rape. “Police attended and spoke to the victim, a woman aged in her…

Tesco is providing ‘hundreds’ of ‘perfectly imperfect’ Christmas trees to customers at select stores, including Borehamwood Extra. The giveaway will take place on December 6 and will begin at 10am. The wonky trees, with features like unevenly spaced branches, would not normally be on sale, but are deemed “perfectly imperfect” by Tesco. In line with the festive spirit of giving, customers will have the option to make a donation to Tesco’s food charity partners, FareShare and Trussell. Jake, a Tesco employee, searches for a perfectly imperfect Christmas tree at Needlefresh Christmas tree farm in Yattendon, Berkshire (Image: PA) The initiative…

The London Ambulance Service attended a collision at the junction of Chapel Close and Chantry Crescent today (December 3) at around 12.40pm. An ambulance crew, paramedics in fast response cars and an incident response officer were dispatched as well as London’s Air Ambulance. Despite efforts to save them, a person was pronounced dead at the scene. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 12.41pm (3 December) to reports of a road traffic collision at the junction of Chapel Close and Chantry Crescent, NW10. “We sent resources to the scene including an ambulance crew, paramedics in fast response…

The emergency services were called to a home on Thorold Road in Chatham at around 3.15am yesterday (December 2). Paramedics treated a 19-year-old man for stab wounds but the victim died at the scene. A 32-year-old man from Chatham, was arrested later the same day. That evening, an 18-year-old from Greenford in Ealing was also arrested. Both remain in custody. A cordon remains in place at the scene of the stabbing in Thorold Road as enquiries continue, though an adjacent alleyway has been reopened. Detectives continue to appeal for witnesses and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.…

The crossing on Wellesley Road is one of 10 projects taking place in Croydon after the council secured £40m in funding from the Government and other external sources. The projects are part of the executive mayor’s Town Centre Vision and Growth Plan to encourage regeneration, attract investment and provide developments in the borough. The Wellesley Road crossing was opened on December 3 by executive mayor Jason Perry after it was finished on schedule. The council also hopes that the crossing, at the junction of Lansdowne Road, will benefit Croydon businesses by improving access to East Croydon for those visiting the…

Opening in Clarence Street, the new chain of stores are focused on serving meals throughout the day, to cater to the high-demand for high quality ‘food-for-now’. Open between 7am-7pm, shoppers will be able to pop in for breakfast, lunch and dinner, whether grabbing a Costa Coffee, hot baguette, buttermilk chicken tenders or wholesome protein pots. Hot food served over the counter will also be on offer for customers. (Image: Co-op On-The-Go, Kingston On Thames, Surrey. 2/12/25) The stores also offer exclusive products. Customers can choose between all day breakfast meal pots, berry burst bircher and, apple and cinnamon overnight oats…

A holidaymaker’s dream trip to Sardinia turned to horror when she had an epileptic seizure in a hot shower – suffering such severe burns she couldn’t walk for 18 months. Annie Perez, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at 15, jetted off to Sardinia, Italy, to see a band with her friends. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast on their villa balcony, the 38-year-old went for a shower and suffered a seizure while in the bathtub, sustaining severe burns on her right arm and both legs. Her friends, alerted to a problem after seeing water flood under the bathroom door, rushed in and took her…

Poet and author Michael Rosen and Hampstead-based illustrator Helen Oxenbury will publish their timely story exclusively in next week’s The Big Issue. Pax: A Festive Tale follows a family living on the breadline, whose cat Pax ventures out into the cold when they are unable to afford his food. Helen Oxenbury’s illustration for Pax: A Festive Tale, a story exclusively written by Michael Rosen for The Big Issue magazine. (Image: Helen Oxenbury) Little Evie and her mum then head out on a Christmas quest to find their beloved pet – highlighting the brutal reality endured by 3.8 million Brits who…

The event included free activities such as face painting, Santa’s grotto, and a magician, thanks to money raised by Elm Park Regeneration. It also featured performances by the Benhurst School Choir and Flukes ukulele band, with stilt walkers and costumed characters adding to the festive spirit. Santa and supporters celebrate successful Elm Park illuminations event (Image: Hornchurch Residents’ Association) Deputy mayor Councillor Barry Mugglestone, a lifelong resident of Elm Park, turned on the Christmas tree lights. Costumed performers and community leaders gather beneath Elm Park tree (Image: Hornchurch Residents’ Association) Councillor Stephanie Nunn, who coordinated the event, said: “Thank you…

The lottery – which was set up to raise money for good causes in the community – will hold its next super draw on Saturday, December 20. The lucky winner will claim a £3,000 Christmas cash prize. Entrants have until December 20 for your chance to win this great prize. They will also be helping raise money for local good causes as at least 60% from each ticket sold goes to support community projects in the Epping Forest district. Those who buy their usual £1 ticket will automatically be entered into this draw. Tickets cost £1 each, and winners could…