Crime & Safety
Ryan Bridge speaks of London arrest after Oxford incident
Bridge was previously arrested in Oxford on suspicion of causing racially and religiously aggravated assault on Wednesday, April 1 in Abingdon Road, Oxford.
Raise the Colours had been issued a legal notice banning it from putting up flags across Oxfordshire.
At the time a spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Last week, we launched an investigation following reports of incidents of public order offences on Abingdon Road, Oxford.
“Officers are investigating those public order offences and have arrested a 44-year-old man from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, on suspicion of causing racially and religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.”
The force has since confirmed he remains on bail in connection with this incident.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “I can confirm there’s no updates at this time and the arrested 44-year-old man from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, remains on bail.”
Bridge has now also been arrested in London following an alleged incident in Birmingham.
His arrest on Saturday followed an alleged hit-and-run crash involving a van and a pedestrian in Birmingham on Thursday, May 14.
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A man in his 30s was said to have been left with leg injuries during the incident.
Bridge took to social media to publicly say that a cherry picker van was seized from his workplace and was in a police compound.
Bridge maintained his innocence in a Facebook live stream on Sunday, May 17.
He said: “The day before (Friday, May 15) when that cherry picker van got lifted from my work where they know where I work, they know where I live, so why not come and see me?
“Why not do it at Birmingham New Street when I was getting on the train live, why not do it as soon as I got off the train, why let me walk past all the police? They let me walk to that stage where they knew all the audience was.”
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Two men, wanted on suspicion of GBH following an incident in Birmingham where a man was run over, were spotted arriving into London to attend the Unite The Kingdom protest.”
In a separate statement the police confirmed: “One of the two men was arrested in connection with the incident in Birmingham where a man was run over as previously described.”
The second arrested man was wanted for a separate suspected offence which allegedly involved encouraging people to attack a police officer.
The Witney Pride Festival began at midday on Saturday, May 23, with a march through the town from Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre to The Leys Recreation Ground.
At the park there was a festival including music, drinks and food, all under the sun.
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Mayor of Witney Jane Doughty said: “What a fantastic weekend at Witney Pride!
“Thank you all for the incredibly warm welcome.
“It’s a true privilege to serve as your mayor and to represent everyone in our wonderful, diverse town.”
At the festival there were performances by Banbury drag entertainer Miss Lightning, the Witney Vocals Choir and the Witney Guitar Club.
A spokesperson for the latter said: “We had a great time.”
In addition Amelia Lakes, Rokat, Kyle Finn and drag sensation Dosa Cat also performed, alongside Lady B, Nicolette Street, Amrick and Lucy Luscious Lips.
Local businesses were also encouraged to participate by decorating their shops with Pride flags and by setting up a stall at the event
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A spokesperson for The Shake and Sweet Shop witnessed the initial parade and was impressed.
They said: “Nice to get out, during a quiet minute and glimpse some of the colourful Witney Pride parade.
“What a wonderful sound and lovely to spot many of our customers. Hope the festival was as wonderful as the weather.”
Thames Valley Police has said they are concerned for the welfare of Jessica, who was last seen at 4pm on Tuesday, May 26, at Bicester Food and Wine.
The force believes she is travelling to Banbury town centre.
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A spokesperson for the Cherwell unit said: “Have you seen Jessica?
“She was last seen in Bicester food and wine around 4pm today. We believe she has travelled to Banbury Town centre.
“She frequents Garth Park and other parks in the Bicester area, but also the library.
“We are concerned for her welfare. If you see her, please call us on 999 quoting reference 1327 of today’s date.”
Thames Valley Police has warned dog owners to “never” leave their pet in a hot vehicle, even if for a short time.
The force released the advice today (Tuesday, May 26) after a dog was removed from a car because of the “dangerously high temperature”.
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It was kept in an air-conditioned police vehicle until the owner returned.
A spokesperson for the South Oxon and Vale of White Horse team said: “We are urging the public to never leave dogs in hot cars—even for a short time.
“Recently, PC Hackett attended a report of a dog left in a vehicle.
“Despite the windows being slightly open and a bowl of water inside, the temperature was still dangerously high.
“The dog had to be removed and kept safe in an air-conditioned police vehicle until the owner returned, where advice was given.
“Cars heat up rapidly, even on mild days. Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature effectively and can quickly suffer or die.
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“Leaving a dog in a hot car may constitute an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
“If you see a dog in distress call 999 in an emergency otherwise report via 101.
“Remember: If you wouldn’t sit in the car, don’t leave your dog in it.”
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