Crime & Safety
Reports of road closure due to fire in Oxford neighbourhood
An eyewitness report from Littlemore, Oxford, said a fire broke out in a residential property around midday today, Sunday, May 17.
The eyewitness, a woman who did not want to be named, said fire engines reportedly attended the scene on Giles Road, just south of the Eastern Bypass Road.
READ MORE: Police update after man killed on Oxfordshire border
The residential road was said to be closed for more than two hours while the emergency incident was dealt with.
The woman said a ‘house was up in flames’, including the back garden of the property, and said she heard ‘popping sounds’ and it ‘smelt like battery acid’.
The road appeared to reopen at about 2.45pm the same day.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue and Thames Valley Police have been approached for information on this incident.
Crime & Safety
Emmerdale’s Jimmy King to be ‘killed off’ after 22 years
Nick Miles, who has played Jimmy King since 2004, is reportedly being killed off later this year.
Jimmy first arrived alongside his dad and brothers and has undergone many storylines during his time on the ITV soap.
His exit is rumoured to coincide with the return of ex-wife Sadie King (Patsy Kensit), whose return was announced earlier this week.
Emmerdale’s Jimmy King to be ‘killed off’ after 22 years
Jimmy made his first appearance in February 2004 and has appeared on the show ever since.
He has evolved from a hard, cold businessman to a devoted husband and a comical character.
His storylines on the ITV soap have included his various business dealings, a feud with the Sugden family and being stabbed by Daz Eden (Luke Tittensor) following an arson attack.
His character has also gone through a breakdown of his marriage to Sadie (Patsy Kensit) and his marriage to Nicola.
He currently owns half of the Home James haulage company, but is often seen propping up the counter at the Main Street Café alongside Nicola (Nicola Wheeler).
According to reports, actor Miles is still filming scenes on the soap and will be on screen until the autumn.
His death will see a “jaw-dropping stunt” that will have a “far-reaching impact on the village”, Radio Times reports.
The news of Jimmy’s exit was first reported by The Sun.
A source told the publisher: “Once the decision was made that Nick would be leaving, the writers quickly realised his character wouldn’t abandon his wife and children so they had to kill him off.
“That’s what made them approach Patsy about returning.”
Patsy Kensit returning to Emmerdale
It was confirmed earlier this week that Patsy Kensit would be returning to Emmerdale after two decades to reprise her role as Sadie King.
The actress played the villainous character on the ITV soap for a two-year stint between 2004 and 2006, and will return later this year.
Kensit said: “I am really excited to return to Emmerdale. I treasure the years I was here before.
“Sadie King is a character that I really loved playing. The cast and crew are absolutely brilliant and I am so grateful for the chance to return to the show, it’s absolutely amazing.”
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Patsy Kensit back to the cast, and crucially to see the iconic Sadie King storm back into the village.
“Her return will be explosive and guaranteed to shock. Sadie’s seductive demeanour, combined with her utterly ruthless nature, are set to deliver a spectacular and highly dramatic touch of class to the Yorkshire Dales.”
Emmerdale fans are also set to welcome two new faces in the coming months.
The fresh arrivals are expected later this year to strengthen two of the show’s families – the Tates and the Sugdens.
Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw revealed plans to expand the families during an interview with Inside Soap, but fans don’t yet know who they will be or the connections they have with the existing characters.
Laura said: “At the heart of last year, I wanted to cement the families in our show.”
She continued: “Everyone always talks about the Dingles, but I felt like we needed to build up some of the other families – that’s probably what I’m most proud of.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.
Who is your favourite character on Emmerdale? Let us know in the comments below.
Crime & Safety
My Life My Choice launches ground-breaking new film
The film highlights the experiences of women with learning disabilities during the First World War and is the result of a 10-year research project led by self-advocacy charity My Life My Choice.
The findings reveal the often-overlooked contributions and resilience of women with learning disabilities who worked in munitions factories, laundries, domestic service, and other essential roles.
A spokesperson for My Life My Choice said: “Lived experience is essential.
“Our members helped guide the research, challenge assumptions, and make sure the stories were told in the right way.
“This project shows the power of people with learning disabilities leading their own history.”
The film features lived experience researchers – people with learning disabilities – who played a central role in uncovering and telling these stories.
Their involvement ensured that the research was shaped by firsthand insight, dignity, and respect.
The film premiered on Thursday, May 7 at an event attended by lived experience researchers, partners, supporters, and members of the community.
To uncover the stories, the team visited museums, archives, and historical collections, including the Imperial War Museum and the Oxford History Centre.
Records from the Mental Deficiency Committee, established in 1914, provided key evidence about the lives and treatment of women with learning disabilities.
These records revealed not only the vital work these women performed during the war, but also the stigma and discrimination they faced.
The film combines storytelling, performance, and historical research to bring these forgotten voices to life.
It is now available to watch online, along with other resources and materials developed through the wider project.
This project was made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
A spokesperson said: “Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, My Life My Choice has been able to uncover and share these important stories, ensuring they are recognised and remembered.”
My Life My Choice is a self-advocacy organisation led by people with learning disabilities, supporting them to speak up, take part in research, influence change, and lead full and active lives.
More details about the project and a link to the filmed stories can be found at https://mylifemychoice.org.uk/researching-women-with-learning-disabilities-in-world-war-i/
For further information about My Life My Choice’s wider research and lived experience services, contact Yazz at yazz@mylifemychoice.org.uk or call 01865 204214.
Crime & Safety
Age UK Oxfordshire highlighting older people’s mental health
The charity is marking Mental Health Awareness Week by highlighting how issues like bereavement, illness, loneliness, caring responsibilities, and financial pressure can quietly but seriously affect wellbeing, particularly in later life.
Paul Ringer, CEO of Age UK Oxfordshire, said: “Many of the people we support wouldn’t say they’re struggling with their mental health.
“But worries about money, changes in health, caring for someone else, or going days without meaningful human contact can slowly build up.
“Over time, that can seriously affect wellbeing, confidence and how people feel about their lives.
“Acting early, with the right support, can make a real difference.”
The charity supports thousands of older people each year across Oxfordshire, helping them navigate life changes, reduce anxiety, and stay connected to their communities.
It offers practical help such as clear information and advice, support with accessing financial entitlements, and opportunities to join social activities and community groups.
Mr Ringer said: “Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that action doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective.
“Often, it’s about practical, everyday support – clear advice, help with a form, or feeling more connected to the community around you.
“These steps may seem small, but they can have a real and lasting impact.”
Age UK Oxfordshire is encouraging anyone concerned about an older person to start a conversation and help them access support early.
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