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Fire crews damp down waste fire at landfill site near Didcot

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Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Sutton Courtenay Landfill site on Appleford Road near Didcot at 10.26pm yesterday evening (Tuesday, April 21).

It sent pumps from Didcot, Abingdon and Wallingford fire stations, and a water carrier from Wheatley fire station to extinguish the waste fire using hose reels.

READ MORE: West Oxfordshire green garden waste bins go sticker-free

The fire service advised residents to close their windows and doors at around 12.50am on Wednesday, April 22, due to the developing smoke plume and its associated smell.

Damping down is still ongoing, with a fire engine remaining on the scene to support this.

It is unknown how long the engine will remain at the site and whether the site is open.

The 290.5ha landfill site opened in 1980 and takes in 350,000 tonnes of waste per annum as well as 60,000 tonnes per annum in quarry back fill, plus soils.





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Crime & Safety

Oxfordshire man died of ‘amisulpride and cocaine toxicity’

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Held on April 15 at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court, the inquest into Benjamin Mander found that he likely died following the “toxic effects” of the drugs which then resulted in a “hypoxic brain injury”.

Amisulpride, sold under the brand names Socian and Barhemsys, is a drug used primarily to treat schizophrenia, depression and nausea and vomiting.

READ MORE: Fear and anger as numerous Traveller caravans at popular park

A hypoxic brain injury is caused by a partial lack of oxygen to the brain.

Mr Mander died on November 9, 2025, at the age of 45, having been born on March 11, 1980 in Salford, Manchester.

He was a health care assistant residing in Witney and according to the coroner’s report and had a history of mental health issues and drug and alcohol issues.

John Radcliffe (Image: Supplied)

After he was discovered having a seizure at his home on November 9, just after midnight, he was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital where he later died.

The official inquest summary stated: “Benjamin Mander had a history of mental health issues and drug and alcohol misuse.

“He was discovered collapsed and having a seizure at his home address just after midnight on 9th November 2025.

READ MORE: Do not approach order issued as manhunt launched for Oxford man with knife

“It is likely to have been caused by the toxic effects of amisulpride and cocaine, resulting in a hypoxic brain injury.

“He was taken by ambulance to the John Radcliffe Hospital but died later on the 9th November 2025 at the John Radcliffe Hospital.”

The inquest was conducted by senior coroner Darren Michael Salter who concluded the death was “drug related”.





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EastEnders legend set to be killed off as Ross Kemp returns

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Walford fans, be warned, there are some incredibly emotional scenes ahead in EastEnders next week as an iconic character is set to leave.

In what has been one of the BBC’s most heartbreaking storylines, Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) bids farewell.

The sad conclusion will bring to an end Paul Bradley’s year-long return to the Walford soap after a 25-year gap. 



Fans of the BBC soap will see the beloved character pass away in forthcoming scenes.

As the residents of Albert Square gather to say their goodbyes, Nigel continues to cling to his loved ones.

Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) stages a last-minute return to Walford to say goodbye to his best friend.

Sadly, however, he dies soon after.



Eventually, news of his passing spreads across the Square, as everyone decides they need to do something to celebrate.

Nigel’s wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) and his best friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) announce their plans to celebrate Nigel in the wake of their loss, and Julie is taken aback by how quickly the community has come together.

However, a struggling Phil is not able to keep it together, prompting worry from his brother Grant and close pal Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) as Phil struggles to keep it together.



Ross Kemp on returning to EastEnders

As reported by The Metro, Ross, who plays Grant, recently said of his comeback: “As well as exploring Grant’s attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, it’s especially an honour to be part of Nigel’s powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life.”

The news is set to spread shockwaves across Walford as the locals mourn one of their own. 

EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 27th April at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. 

Will you be sad to see Nigel go? Let us know in the comments





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UK drivers given ‘urgent warning’ over £5,000 fines

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Some parts of the country are set to hit highs of 19°C and 20°C this week, hotter than Athens, as a spell of warm weather arrives.

With sunshine on the horizon, Brits are expected to flock to the roads, but drivers have been given an “urgent warning” over common warm-weather habits which could land them with a hefty fine, or even points on their licence.

Mel Savage, Head of Underwriting Operations at Ripe Motorhome Insurance, has highlighted the everyday summer driving habits that could see motorists hit with penalties.

Driving in flip-flops or barefoot

Heading to the beach in flip-flops might seem harmless, but drivers could land a £100 fine and three penalty points.

While it’s not illegal to drive in flip-flops, sandals or even barefoot, it is strongly discouraged as it can affect your ability to stay in proper control of the vehicle, something that’s even more important when driving larger vehicles like a motorhome.

In more serious cases, motorists could face fines of up to £5,000 if inappropriate footwear is found to have contributed to an incident.

As this is assessed on a case-by-case basis, best practice is to keep a suitable pair of shoes in the car to change into before setting off.

Eating ice cream or food while driving

Much to many drivers’ surprise, eating behind the wheel isn’t actually illegal. However, problems arise if tucking into summer treats, like ice cream, doughnuts from the pier, or even sipping a drink, distracts you from the road.

In these cases, you could be charged with careless driving, resulting in a £100 fine and three penalty points.

In more serious cases, the penalties can be far steeper, with fines of up to £5,000, nine points on your licence, or even a driving ban.

Wearing sunglasses that restrict vision

While it’s not illegal to wear sunglasses behind the wheel, in fact, they’re recommended in bright conditions, drivers should be careful about the type they choose. Heavily tinted lenses, such as those that let in very little light, can impair vision and are not suitable for driving.

Under the Highway Code, drivers must ensure they have a clear view of the road at all times.

Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000, or £2,500 for commercial drivers, and three penalty points.

In more serious cases, such as if poor visibility contributes to a collision, motorists could face harsher penalties, including disqualification or even imprisonment.

Driving with pets unrestrained

Heading to or from a dog walk in the sunny weather could land you with a £1,000 fine if your four-legged friend isn’t properly restrained, as outlined in Highway Code Rule 57.

Drivers are required to ensure pets are secured so they can’t distract or injure anyone in the vehicle.

In more serious cases, fines can rise to £5,000, along with penalty points on your licence. If an incident occurs, you could also risk invalidating your insurance.

Overloading your car or motorhome

Overloading your vehicle can also land you with a hefty fine, with penalties varying depending on the severity of the offence.

Drivers can face fines ranging from £100 to £300, based on how much the vehicle exceeds its legal weight limit.

In more serious cases, motorists could be taken to court, where penalties may be far more severe under the Road Traffic Act 1988, including larger fines and even a prison sentence.

Driving with the music too loud

Driving with music too loud is one of the lesser-known Highway Code rules that could land motorists with a fine, which could reach up to £5,000 in the most severe cases.

The Highway Code advises drivers to avoid distractions, and loud music can interfere with concentration, potentially leading to careless driving charges.





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