Archive
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Police cars and ambulance descend on city street amid incident
7:33am Good morning We will be bringing you an update on this incident as soon as Thames Valley Police provide a comment
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Ghost tour to take place in Oxford this Halloween
A ghost tour will teach people about Oxford's gruesome history this Halloween. Led by a guide in authentic cavalier attire, the Oxford Ghost Tour will share terrifying stories from centuries past, including hauntings and executions. The fourth
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Oxford's Lord Mayor to uphold tradition dating back to 1379
A 645-year-old tradition is set to be upheld by the Lord Mayor of Oxford when he inspects the city's historic walls next week. Councillor Mike Rowley will perform the centuries-old duty, which dates back to the reign of King Richard II, on Wednesday
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Trains cancelled due to signalling failure impacting Oxford commuters
Trains are being cancelled this evening due to a signalling failure. Services between London Paddington and Reading are being impacted, which could delay people travelling to and from Oxford. Train operator Great Western Railway (GWR) said
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Unsafe concrete and asbestos found in town cinema roof
Unsafe concrete and asbestos has been found in Abingdon Guildhall's roof - which is likely to keep the town cinema shut indefinitely. Abbey Cinema is run from the Abbey Hall, part of the Guildhall run by the town council. The cinema was asked
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Oxford Playhouse to welcome mathematician for new play and lecture
A mathematician is set to return to Oxford Playhouse with his new play next month. Marcus du Sautoy, the Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at the University of Oxford, will chair the annual Charles Simonyi Lecture on November
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Green light given to modern business park on outskirts of Oxford
A major scheme for a modern business park on the outskirts of Oxford has been approved, despite concerns over its access. Applicant The Railpen Pension Nominees Limited applied to demolish the existing office buildings and construct three new
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Trial delayed for woman accused of sexually abusing teen boy
A trial for a woman accused of forcing a teenage boy to have sex with her has been delayed. Osareen Omoruyi, 51, is on trial at Oxford Crown Court charged with three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage
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Oxford school plunged into lockdown as 'child makes threats'
5:54pm End of blog We will now bring today's blog to a close. Thank you for following. Subscribe to the
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Mugshots of murderers released by police after guilty verdicts
The police photographs of two men found guilty of murdering Tobias Bruce have been released. Ryan Byrne, 35, of Hathaway Green Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, and George Stephens, aged 28, of no fixed abode, were both found guilty by unanimous jury
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Oxford University responds on Imran Khan omission amid backlash
Oxford University has responded to a backlash after Imran Khan was not named as a candidate to be chancellor. The historic institution will appoint a new chancellor for the first time in 21 years after Lord Patten’s decision to retire after holding
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Midfield ace avoids surgery and potential five-month injury lay-off
CAMERON Brannagan has avoided a potential five-month injury nightmare with the knee problem he picked up last month. The Oxford United midfielder received treatment following a 50/50 challenge in the 1-0 win at home against Stoke City, and was
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Gang of four hospitalise man after ‘hitting his head with metal implement’
An Oxfordshire man was hospitalised after a gang of four hit him over the head. The incident occurred between 3am and 6.50am on Saturday, October 12 as a man was walking home from Banbury town centre on Warwick Road. He was then approached
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Two men GUILTY of killing man who attempted to steal Cartier watch
Two men have been found guilty of murdering Tobias Bruce after he was stabbed to death in Oxford earlier this year. Ryan Byrne, 35, of Hathaway Green Lane, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and George Stephens, 27, of no fixed abode, were on trial at Oxford
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Cinema building to be demolished and replaced with aparthotel
A city centre cinema building will be demolished and replaced with Oxford's first aparthotel after a major scheme was permitted. Applicant Marick Real Estate can proceed with the plan to replace the Odeon cinema in George Street. The aparthotel
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Charges for shoplifting offences almost double in Thames Valley
There has been a 98 per cent increase in charges for shoplifting offences across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Milton Keynes over the last year. From April 1, 2023, to October 13, 2023, there were 852 charges, which rose to 1691
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City chippy nominated for UK Takeaway of the Year award
A fish and chip shop in Oxford has been nominated for the UK Takeaway of the Year award. Harrison’s Fish & Chip Co on Elms Parade in Botley is up for the prestigious gong and has been named alongside 40 other businesses. The chippies will ‘
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Downton Abbey actor announces shock Oxford University chancellor bid
A Downton Abbey star has been officially named among the University of Oxford's chancellor candidates. Major-General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE is a journalist and television correspondent as well as a senior British Army reservist and officer
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James May crashes car into bollard in Oxfordshire’s neighbouring county
James May has crashed a car into a bollard north of Oxfordshire. The legendary TV presenter called time on his professional work with co-hosts Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond last month. After working together on Top Gear and The Grand
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Oxford University disqualifies Imran Khan from chancellor contest
Oxford University has disqualified Imran Khan from the contest to become the new chancellor. The former Pakistani prime minister was reportedly running for the role from his prison cell in Pakistan. Khan, a controversial politician and cricket
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First leg of cup final postponed by Pirates
POOLE Pirates have postponed the first leg of the Championship Knockout Cup final against Oxford Cheetahs. The meeting was due to take place at Wimborne Road this evening, but with rain forecast for most of the day, an early decision was made to
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All chancellor candidates officially announced by Oxford University
Oxford University has formerly revealed all 38 chancellor candidates. This follows Lord Patten’s retirement at the end of Trinity Term 2024 after 21 years as chancellor of the university. The chancellor is the titular head of Oxford University
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Police warn public after ‘suspicious man’ photographs stranger’s home
Police have warned the public after a “suspicious” man was caught taking photographs of a stranger’s home in a village. The incident took place in North Street, Fritwell, on the afternoon of Saturday, October 5 as a householder spoke to an unknown
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Goals, assists and first starts: How did U’s players fare on international duty?
ALL six Oxford United players on international duty have now seen their respective nations play their final game of the October window. Seven U’s players were initially called up, however Leicester City loanee Ben Nelson withdrew from England’s
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Oxford's Heathrow Airport bus service cancelled TODAY
A bus service between Oxford and Heathrow Airport has been cancelled. The Oxford Bus Company said in a statement that some services would not run today (Wednesday, October 16). The operator apologised to customers for any inconvenience caused
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What is the Assisted Dying bill as it is introduced in the House of Commons
The assisted dying debate will return to Parliament this week as a new bill is formally introduced in the House of Commons. A debate on the bill next month will mark the first time the controversial issue has been voted on in the Commons in almost
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'Check your change': This is the penny worth 'at least £150,000'
Coin collectors have been alerted to a penny coin worth “at least £150,000”. The penny is one of the rarest coins ever produced according to experts, who say if you have one “you are rich”. It is a pre-decimal penny from 1933 and only seven
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How much DWP Universal Credit, PIP and other benefits could rise by next year
Benefits including Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are likely to increase by less than expected in April. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits are usually hiked in April in line with September’s inflation
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Motorcyclist hospitalised with serious injury as major incident blocks road
A motorcyclist has been hospitalised with a serious injury following a crash in Oxfordshire. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when there was a road-traffic collision on the A418 London Road near J8A Westbound of the M40. At the time
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Police race to SERIOUS crash with major Oxfordshire road blocked
9:57am Congestion eased Traffic has returned to a normal flow in the area.
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Emma Raducanu sends furious message to naysayers amid injury woes
Emma Raducanu has sent a furious message of defiance to her naysayers after several tournament losses. The 21-year-old has had a topsy-turvy year having been knocked out of Wimbledon in the fourth round to Lulu Sun before then declining to play
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How much state pensions are set to rise in April as Government 'face £100m bill'
Pensions are set to rise in April next year as the Government is facing an extra £100 million bill following revised figures published on Tuesday, a former pensions minister has said. Under the triple lock guarantee, the state pension increases
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Severe train delays after all lines left blocked
There are severe delays to Oxfordshire train services after all lines in Bicester were blocked this morning. A spokesperson for Chiltern Railways on Wednesday morning said: “Due to engineering works not being finished on time at Bicester North
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Archaeologists make discoveries at A34 Lodge Hill
Archaeologists have made a series of historic discoveries at the A34 Lodge Hill junction. Oxfordshire County Council and contractors Balfour Beatty started work this summer to create major improvements for drivers. The junction at Lodge Hill
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Oxfordshire town council one of first in country to launch bio-diversity plan
An Oxfordshire town council is one of the first in the country to have its own bio-diversity action plan. Wallingford Town Council's landmark plan aims to protect and enhance local wildlife and natural spaces. The plan is the brainchild of
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Families head to Earth Trust's pumpkin patch
Families have been visiting the Earth Trust's pumpkin patch to get ready for Halloween. The trust has a centre at Little Wittenham near Didcot where staff aim to inspire people to address climate, biodiversity and wellbeing issues with the power
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Historic city pub to be wrapped in scaffolding
The American owners of one of Oxford's most famous pubs have informed drinkers scaffolding will be put up, a year on from buying the building. The Eagle and Child in St Giles has now been closed for about four years. In October last year it
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Oxfordshire's healthcare system prepares for busy winter
Health and social care workers across Oxfordshire are preparing to join forces to deliver services this winter. Staff from hospitals, GP practices, social services, community health services, ambulance services, the voluntary sector, and mental
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Police officers commended for organised crime group investigation
Thames Valley Police officers have been commended for their work investigating an organised crime group. The officers were praised for their efforts in a "complex" investigation called Operation Jostle, which targeted a group involved in vehicle
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City prepares to host first ever Climate Awards this week
The first ever Oxford Climate Awards will be held this week with a prestigious black-tie event. The nominations in the 12 categories will be eagerly awaiting the award ceremony on Thursday, October 17 at Oxford Town Hall. Across multiple
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Concern for bats as plans lodged for new Oxfordshire homes
Plans have been lodged for 16 new homes in Oxfordshire and have raised concerns for bats. Rectory Homes Ltd has submitted a planning application for the new houses to be built on the land east of Chain Hill on Chain Hill Road in Wantage. The
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Runners and walkers mark Parkrun's 20th anniversary
Walkers, runners and joggers celebrated the 20th year of Parkrun and its goal of making people healthier and happier. Witney Parkrunners came together with the rest of the nation with Happy Birthday banners across the start line and cupcakes at
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Woman accused of threatening to stab teen if he didn't have sex with her
A jury has heard that a woman allegedly threatened to stab a teenage boy if he didn’t have sex with her. Osareen Omoruyi, 51, is on trial at Oxford Crown Court charged with three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting
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Man, 61, accused of sexually abusing teen girl, 13
A trial has started at Oxford Crown Court for a man accused of sexually abusing a teen girl in the late 1990s. John Westland, of Horseshoes Close, Appleton, near Abingdon, is on trial this week charged with historic child sex offences. The
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Joke of the Fringe 2024 winner to perform in Wantage this week
The winner of Joke of The Fringe 2024 is set to perform in Wantage later this week. Comedian Mark Simmons won U&Dave’s Funniest Joke of the Fringe Award with his quip: "I was going to sail around the globe in the world’s smallest ship but I
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Life of horror Edgar Allen Poe to be brought to life on stage in Abingdon
The life of poet and writer Edgar Allen Poe is set to be brought to life on the stage in Abingdon. Moonhawk Theatre will present 'Poe' at the Unicorn Theatre from November 20 to November 23. The show, created and performed by the Moonhawk team
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Apple Day to take place near Bicester this weekend
An annual Apple Day is set to take place near Bicester this weekend. Langford Community Orchard Group will host the event on Sunday, October 20, from 2pm to 4pm. Visitors can enjoy apple pressing demonstrations, with freshly pressed juice available
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Arctic warming causing CO2 to be released at increasing rates
Rising temperatures will lead to the accelerated weathering of rocks in the Canadian Arctic, causing more CO2 to be released into the atmosphere, University of Oxford researchers have found. In the Arctic, where surface air temperatures are warming
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Cheetahs rider blown away by support from Oxford fans as thousands raised after crash
LUKE Killeen has been blown away by the support shown to him by Oxford Speedway fans following his crash in the second leg of the Championship grand final. The 19-year-old Australian and teammate Jody Scott were both involved in racing incidents
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How have players who left U’s in summer fared since exits?
SEVEN first team players left Oxford United on a permanent basis over the summer, while a handful more departed on loan. Of the seven permanent exits, four players were released, two more were sold, and Wembley hero Josh Murphy left on a free transfer
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'Years of neglect' has led to 'dangerous' living conditions, say Mill residents
People at a converted woollen mill say they are living in dangerous conditions and being charged huge bills for works that should have been done by the management company. James Talbot, who lives in one of the 11 apartments at Woodford Mill in
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Cheney School named as finalist in Oxford Climate Awards 2024
Cheney School has been named as one of three finalists in the Sustainable Secondary School of the Year category at the Oxford Climate Awards 2024. The Oxford school, which was the first to achieve Energy Conscious Organisation status in 2021, has
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Staff at 14th century pub ‘handled raw meat and didn’t wash hands’
Staff at an historic Oxfordshire pub did not wash their hands after handling raw meat according to a damning food hygiene inspection. The Three Tuns on Market Place in Henley is independently run and features open fires, wood-panelled walls and
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Fresh plans permitted at former pizza restaurant
Fresh plans for a former Pizza Express in an Oxfordshire town have been permitted after an "unacceptable delay". Developer Longmill Rickbost applied for planning permission to convert premises at 39-40A High Street and No 1 Horse Fair in Banbury
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Criticism grows as calls for rethink over new city 'science quarter'
A swathe of new offices and labs could be coming to Botley Road if major plans are approved by the city council. A total of four new buildings could be built on the site of the retail park and across the road at New Barclay House, should the schemes
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Pregnant Banbury mum urges others to quit smoking
A pregnant woman who is nearly three months smoke-free is encouraging others to give up smoking after receiving "outstanding" support from a specialist maternity service in Oxford. Zarah Jaggs, 32, from Banbury, is one of more than 100 pregnant
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Cowley fighter ready for return to ring at home of British boxing
JORDAN Flynn is looking forward to getting back in the ring at the home of British boxing. The Cowley fighter is getting set for his first bout since April, when he beat Tanzanian boxer Tampela Maharusi 59-54 on points in a six-round battle.
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Oxfordshire school gives new pupils chance to perform Shakespeare
An Oxfordshire school recently had the opportunity to perform Shakespeare with a former actor from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Tom Davey, founder of Bright Torches, was at Wallingford School with their year 7 pupils. The Merry Wanderers
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Oxfordshire town residents launch project to help people with renting
A group of residents in an Oxfordshire town have come together in a bid to make renting easier for people living there. The project is looking at starting a housing co-operative in Didcot to make house sharing more affordable. They are the
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Blenheim Palace set for fire performances and pumpkin decorating this Halloween
Blenheim Palace is set to welcome visitors for pumpkin decorating, storytelling, and fire performances this Halloween. From October 26 to November 3, the palace will host a range of activities which will transform adventure play, the walled garden
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Fairytale Farm set to host Halloween event
A farm near Chipping Norton is set to host its annual Halloween event. Fairytale Farm will welcome families for 'Scarily Ever After: Fairy Tale Villain vs Beast' from October 26 to November 3. The event will centre around the classic tale of
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Couple take on wellbeing and health focused home in new Grand Designs
The UK's favourite architectural show - Grand Designs is officially back on TV screens as Kevin McCloud travels around the UK meeting new ambitious individuals building their dream homes. The Channel 4 show recently marked its 25th anniversary
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Richard Dawkins set for Oxford date of final tour
Scientist Richard Dawkins will be joined by YouTuber and podcast host Alex J. O’Connor for the first date of his final ever tour. The Oxford date of 'An Evening with Richard Dawkins and Friends' will see the pair in conversation at the New Theatre