Crime & Safety
RSPCA slams ‘dangerous’ dog racing as broadcaster pulls out
Sports Information Services will cease its coverage of racing at the Sandy Lane venue in a move described as “disastrous” to greyhound racing.
The sports broadcaster confirmed to the Racing Post that it will drop Oxford and Suffolk Downs from its schedule from Monday onwards.
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This will effectively end operations at both tracks under its service, with SIS claiming that the decision came as the betting industry braces for changes to betting duty and taxation set out in the Autumn Budget.
It’s unclear how the change will specifically impact the long-term operations of the stadium.
The RSPCA welcomed the news on Thursday (April 2), issuing a statement branding greyhound racing as “inherently dangerous”.
Sam Gaines, head of companion animals for the RSPCA, said: “The uncertainty around greyhound racing at Oxford Stadium is yet another sign that this industry is outdated and unnecessary, with interest clearly waning.
READ MORE: Future uncertain for Oxford Stadium as broadcaster pulls out
“Greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for the dogs involved, and the industry’s own data shows that thousands of injuries have occurred in recent years, while hundreds of dogs have lost their lives.
“The risks of suffering, purely for the purpose of entertainment, is simply unacceptable.
“Wales and Scotland have recently taken decisive action to phase out this sport, and we urge the UK Government to follow suit and consign greyhound racing in England to the history books.”
The crash occurred on the A417 Reading Road in East Hendred, near Wantage, on Thursday, April 9 at about 7.20pm.
Police say it involved a silver Volkswagen Golf and a pedestrian, and they were called to the scene by South Central Ambulance Service.
Sadly the pedestrian, a man his 70s, died on the scene of the collision.
Thames Valley Police said the man’s family has been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
READ MORE: Pedestrian died in East Hendred crash with Volkswagen Golf
Investigating officer detective sergeant Oliver Cahill‑Smith, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the loved ones of the man who tragically lost his life in this collision.
“We are investigating this collision as a priority and would urge anyone who witnessed the incident to get in touch.”
No arrests have yet been made and the police are urging anyone with information to get in touch, quoting reference number 43260172791.
The Oxford Mail has opened a book of condolence, inviting people to leave their tributes to the man who sadly lost his life in the crash.
The incident occurred in Mascord Road, Banbury, on Friday, April 10, just before 3pm.
Thames Valley Police have confirmed that a boy, whose age has not been released, was hit by a vehicle.
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A Thames Valley Air Ambulance was deployed to assist in the care of the boy, and take him to hospital.
Mascord Road was closed while emergency responders dealt with the incident, and was reopened several hours later, at about 5.30pm.
Thames Valley Police has been asked for an update on the situation and further information, and Thames Valley Air Ambulance has been approached for comment.
The fatal road traffic collision occurred on the A417 Reading Road in East Hendred, near Wantage, on Thursday, April 9 just before 7.20pm.
Police say they were contacted by South Central Ambulance Service to report the crash, which involved a silver Volkswagen Golf and a pedestrian.
READ MORE: Emergency response in Oxfordshire village as road closed
Sadly, the pedestrian, a man in his 70s, died at the scene of the crash.
Thames Valley Police said the man’s family has been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
No arrests have so far been made, but police are now appealing for any witnesses to the crash to come forward.
Investigating officer detective sergeant Oliver Cahill‑Smith, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the loved ones of the man who tragically lost his life in this collision.
“We are investigating this collision as a priority and would urge anyone who witnessed the incident to get in touch.
“We would particularly like to speak to drivers who passed through the area between 7.10pm and 7.20pm, especially those travelling west towards Wantage, as they may be able to provide witness accounts or relevant dashcam footage of the driving conditions at the time.
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“Anyone who was in the area with a dashcam is asked to review their footage, as it could contain vital information relating to the collision or the moments leading up to it.”
Anyone with information or footage should contact police by calling 101 or submitting a report to the Thames Valley Police website, quoting reference number 43260172791.
Alternatively, make an anonymous report to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
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