Eastbourne United Club’s Oval Bar Burgled, Public Assistance Sought

The Oval Bar, a popular social hub linked with Eastbourne United Football Club, was targeted by burglars on the night of February 14th to 15th.
The establishment suffered extensive damage and reported the theft of numerous bottles of spirits.
In the wake of the break-in, The Oval Bar has received some leads but remains in pursuit of more information to aid the investigation. They have issued a plea for anyone with knowledge of the incident or who may be offered the stolen items to come forward.
Eastbourne Police are actively seeking assistance from the public and can be contacted at 101.
Hastings Police Clamp Down on Shoplifting: Multiple Arrests Made Read more on www.Sussex.News
Mum injured in Clapham alkali attack now stable

The mum-of-two injured in an alkali attack in Clapham is now in a stable condition and no longer sedated, police have said.
The 31-year-old woman’s condition has “improved” but she is still not well enough to speak to police.
The news came as police announced that they believe they have recovered the body of suspect Abdul Ezedi during a search of the River Thames.
Met Police Commander Jon Savell said: “I am pleased to say the condition of the 31-year-old woman has improved.
“She remains in hospital but she is in a stable condition and no longer sedated.
“We have still not been able to speak to her but hope to as soon as she is well enough.”
Police had been searching for the 35-year-old suspect since January 31 after the woman and her daughters, aged eight and three, were attacked with a corrosive substance in Lessar Avenue.
The breakdown of the relationship is considered a possible motive for the attack.
Scotland Yard said the crew of a passing boat reported they had seen a body in the water at Tower Pier, in central London, at around 4pm on Monday (February 19).
The body was recovered by the Met’s Marine Policing Unit and detectives “strongly believe” it is Ezedi due to the distinctive clothing he was wearing.
Police earlier said they believed Ezedi went into the River Thames at Chelsea Bridge, some four hours after the attack on Wednesday January 31.
Metropolitan Police Commander Jon Savell said: “Based on the distinctive clothing he was wearing at the time of the attack and property found on his body, we strongly believe we have recovered the body of Ezedi.
“We have been in contact with his family to pass on the news.
“As you may expect after a considerable period of time in the strong current of the Thames, formal identification is not possible visually, nor from fingerprints.
“We will work with the coroner on other ways to complete formal identification, such as DNA testing and dental records. That may take some time.
“Our inquiries continue into the attack.
“Again, I thank all those hundreds of members of the public who called us with information during the hunt for Ezedi. T
Two Arrested Following Serious Collision on A2 near Dartford

Investigators seek witnesses and footage as inquiry continues Kent Police have made significant progress in their investigation into a serious collision on the A2 near Dartford, with two suspects now in custody. The incident occurred at approximately 10:40 pm on Friday, February 16, 2024, on the Watling Street coastbound carriageway between the A296 and Ebbsfleet […]
Suspect Charged with Two Ashford Burglaries

Joshua Milner appears in court following residential break-ins Kent Police have taken swift action following reports of two burglaries in Ashford, with a suspect now facing charges. The incidents occurred on Friday, February 16, 2024, when authorities were alerted to a man entering the rear porch of a residential property on Kingsnorth Road. Fortunately, he […]
Rye Resident Sentenced to Four Years for Violence and Drug Crimes

In a significant crackdown on drug-related violence in Rye, a local man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison following a series of serious offenses. The sentencing marks a pivotal moment in the local law enforcement’s efforts to combat drug and violence crimes within the community.
In late September 2022, law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant at a residence on Pottingfield Road, Rye, in response to growing concerns over drug-related criminal activities in the area. The search led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia, around £360 in cash, and multiple mobile phones, indicating the presence of illicit drug activities.
The investigation quickly centered around Leon Dodson, 25, who was found at the property. A thorough examination of the evidence, including messages on the seized phones, revealed Dodson’s involvement in the supply of narcotics and related criminal acts.
The case against Dodson escalated in May 2023, following reports of a stabbing incident at the Queens Head Hotel in Rye, where two men were injured. The subsequent police investigation resulted in Dodson’s arrest and charges including grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, affray, and criminal damage.
Further investigations linked Dodson to the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, leading to additional charges in October 2023. The charges were in connection with the earlier search warrant and highlighted Dodson’s role in the local drug trade, particularly concerning cocaine and cannabis supply.
Dodson’s legal battles culminated at Lewes Crown Court on 4 November, where he was initially sentenced to 58 months in prison after pleading guilty to the charges related to the violent offenses. In a subsequent hearing on 29 January, Dodson received an additional sentence for the drug-related crimes, which will run concurrently with his initial sentence, totaling 58 months’ imprisonment.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
R&B Icon Usher Announces European Tour with Three London Shows at O2 Arena

R&B legend Usher has announced a huge European tour including three dates at London’s O2 Arena.
Usher’s Past Present Future tour will see the singer visit London in April 2025 on April 1, 2 and 5.
The singer will also visit Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam as part of his European tour before heading to America for shows in Texas, Las Vegas and more.
Announcing the tour, Usher said: “Europe, you ready? After the epic experience at the Super Bowl and the huge demand for shows across North America, I’m happy to announce I’m coming your way as well – for shows in London, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin.
“This tour is both a celebration of the past 30 years and a glimpse into the future. We are just getting started!”
The Past Present Future tour marks 30 years since Usher released his debut self-titled album back in 1994.
The Yeah! singer also recently finished his two-year, 100-show Vegas residency, My Way: The Las Vegas Residency which saw him perform a one-of-a-kind show.
Usher performed at the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show in Las Vegas at the start of February, performing to millions in his 13-minute set.
See What’s On. (Image: Newsquest)
The singer brought on guests including Alicia Keys where the pair performed their 2004 hit My Boo.
Usher’s tour follows the announcement of his latest album, Coming Home, which was released on February 11.
How to get tickets to Usher at London O2 Arena
Fans of Usher can grab pre-sale tickets by signing up to fan presale via the Usher website before 10am.
General sale tickets will go on sale on Thursday, February 22 at 12pm local time via Ticketmaster and O2 Priority.
The Body Shop Announces Closure of Seven UK Stores Amid Restructuring

The Body Shop is closing seven of its stores today (February 20), with four shops in London set to shut immediately.
The retailer has around 198 outlets in the UK but half are set to close after it fell into administration last week.
It will also cut around 270 head office jobs as part of a heavy restructuring, leaving it with around 400 workers at its London headquarters.
The group also employs around 1,500 workers across its UK shops, with hundreds of these workers expected to face redundancy as a result of the proposed closures.
The Body Shop to shut 4 London stores immediately
Administrators for the business said seven of its shops will shut their doors for good on Tuesday.
They confirmed the closure of its stores at Surrey Quays, Oxford Street, Canary Wharf and Cheapside in London.
Nuneaton in Warwickshire, Ashford town centre in Kent and Queens Road Bristol will also shut.
The group’s other stores will continue to trade until further updates from insolvency experts overseeing the process.
The Body Shop has around 198 stores in the UK (Image: PA)
Administrators from FRP Advisory said in a statement: “After years of unprofitability and following a full evaluation of The Body Shop’s UK business, the joint administrators have concluded that the current store portfolio mix is no longer viable.
“This swift action will help re-energise The Body Shop’s iconic brand and provide it with the best platform to achieve its ambition to be a modern, dynamic beauty brand that is able to return to profitability and compete for the long term.”
Recommended reading:
The Body Shop officially enters administration with hundreds of stores at risk
This is who founded The Body Shop more than 40 years ago but who owns it now?
Everything to know on what it means for a company to go into administration
The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon as one of the first companies to promote so-called ethical consumerism, focusing on ethically produced cosmetics and skincare products.
The announcement comes only weeks after new owners, European private equity firm Aurelius, took control of the business.
Aurelius, which specialises in buying and turning around troubled firms, secured a £207 million deal in November to buy The Body Shop from Brazilian cosmetics giant Natura & Co.
Restaurant Manager Banned for Seven Years After Employing Illegal Workers

Ikbal Hussain was banned as company director following the discovery of illegal workers at Hertfordshire restaurant The owner of an Indian restaurant and takeaway in Hertfordshire has been disqualified as a company director for seven years after employing three illegal workers. Ikbal Hussain, aged 51, hired the workers at the Taste of Raj on High […]
Codeine Linctus Reclassified to Prescription-Only Medicine Amidst Concerns of Abuse and Addiction

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) takes action to protect public health The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced the reclassification of codeine linctus, an oral solution used to treat dry cough in adults, to a prescription-only medicine. This decision comes in response to mounting concerns over the risk of abuse, […]
Police Officer Under Investigation Following Violent Altercation with Detained Man

Internal investigation launched after video footage captures disturbing scene in Portsmouth. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have initiated an internal investigation after a video surfaced online, depicting a disturbing altercation between a police officer and a detained man in Portsmouth. The graphic footage, captured by a passerby on a mobile phone, shows a shirtless […]