Latest news with #GloucestershireConstabulary
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Boat 'explodes' on the River Thames: Nine people, including baby, are rushed to hospital
Nine people, including a baby, have been rushed to hospital after a boat is understood to have exploded on the banks of the River Thames. Emergency services were seen dealing with the blaze in the small town of Lechlade, on the edge of Wiltshire, yesterday at around midday. It is believed that the fire was started by an explosion on a residential vessel, but the exact circumstances have not yet been confirmed. Wiltshire Police confirmed nine people had suffered injuries and were taken to hospital, while Wiltshire999s reported that a baby was airlifted to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children for urgent medical care. Another one of the injured people was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Police added that a section of the river was closed due to the fire and that enquiries into the cause are ongoing. Two air ambulances and six ambulances were called to the scene alongside several fire engines who put out the blaze. Pictures from the scene show smoke billowing from a house boat on the banks of the river in the middle of the day. Members of the public are understood to have helped rescue people from the fire and water. Police units from Gloucestershire Constabulary, Thames Valley Police, Wiltshire Police and the Ministry of Defence Police were also called to the 'explosion'. A spokesperson for the Wiltshire Police said: 'We responded to a reported fire on a residential boat in the River Thames near Lechlade just before midday on Saturday (May 31). 'Nine people sustained injuries and were transported to hospital. 'A section of the river was closed and enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing.' The conditions of the nine people injured have not been provided but it is understood that at least two people have been discharged from hospital. The boat fire happened on the Wiltshire side on that stretch of the River Thames, near the Gloucestershire border. MailOnline has approached Wiltshire Police, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service for an update.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Nine people taken to hospital after residential boat fire in Wiltshire
Nine people were treated in hospital after a fire broke out on a residential boat along the banks of the River Thames. Emergency services responded to the incident near Lechlade, Wiltshire, at about midday on Saturday, police said. Pictures from the scene showed thick black smoke rising from a residential boat, while bystanders reportedly intervened to rescue people onboard. Wiltshire police confirmed a child was airlifted to Bristol Royal hospital for children, and another individual was flown to the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford. Others were taken to hospital by ambulances. The conditions of the nine people injured in the Lechlade boat fire have not been disclosed but it is understood at least two people have been discharged from hospital. The emergency response reportedly included two air ambulances, six ambulances, three hazardous area response team units, and two rapid response vehicles. Fire engines and police units from Gloucestershire constabulary, Thames Valley police, Wiltshire police and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) police were also called to attend the scene. A Wiltshire police spokesperson said: 'A section of the river was closed and inquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing.' Thames Valley air ambulance and Hampshire and Isle of Wight air Ambulance, Gloucestershire constabulary, Thames Valley police, and the MoD police have been contacted for comment.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- BBC News
Gloucestershire Police told it must improve child safeguarding
Gloucestershire Constabulary needs to do more to protect children at risk, a watchdog has Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found the force needed to "urgently improve" its response to children at risk of harm, and how it investigates reports of abuse, neglect and said they regularly found delays in starting investigations, with inquiries often not pursued - leading to poor outcomes for force said it was "taking decisive action to bring about rapid change" in how it safeguards children at risk. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone, lead for crime, justice and vulnerability, said it was "essential we do everything we can" to keep children safe."We accept HMICFRS' findings and recognise we have work to do to address the concerns identified in its report and to deliver the improvements required," he said."We're taking decisive action to bring about rapid change to how we safeguard children at risk."The steps we've already taken will help us ensure we have the necessary specialist skills and resources in place to protect children from harm; to respond to and investigate incidents involving them; and that appropriate leadership and oversight is maintained for all child protection matters."The safeguarding of children in Gloucestershire is a key priority for the constabulary and we'll continue to work with HMICFRS, as well as with our partners, to improve." His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer said the force needed to "urgently improve" its work to protect children."Leaders aren't clear on their strategic work on improving outcomes for children," she said."There are also serious concerns with the way the constabulary records its reports of vulnerable missing children. It has been aware of these concerns for some time but has been too slow in addressing them."Officers and staff don't always take a child-centred approach when investigating incidents involving children.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Gloucestershire Police found ‘inadequate' at protecting children
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police has been found 'inadequate' at safeguarding children. An inspection by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said the force was 'inadequate' at responding to children at risk, investigating reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of children, and in its leadership of child protection arrangements. The inspectorate also said the constabulary 'requires improvement' at assessing risk to children and making appropriate referrals. In its report, it said the constabulary has 'good arrangements' to share information and contribute to joint plans to prevent harm to children. However, the inspectorate identified 'three causes of concern' relating to the constabulary's 'leadership of child protection, how it records incidents when children are missing, and how it investigates incidents involving children'. Gloucestershire Police said these findings will be used to develop an improvement plan. They also outlined the steps they have taken to address these concerns. Some of their actions include launching the Gloucestershire Rapid Improvement Plan (GRIP), putting monthly meetings in place to scruitinise how children are safeguarded, 20 more officers working in investigation teams, and providing more training to officers and staff. They also said they will run a multi-agency child protection conference, bring in advice from the National Police Chief's Council, and have started campaigns to tackle online grooming. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone, lead for crime, justice and vulnerability, said: "Children and young people are some of the most vulnerable members of society and it's essential we do everything we can to keep them safe. "We accept HMICFRS' findings and recognise we have work to do to address the concerns identified in its report and to deliver the improvements required. "The steps we've already taken will help us ensure we've the necessary specialist skills and resources in place to protect children from harm; to respond to and investigate incidents involving them; and that appropriate leadership and oversight is maintained for all child protection matters. "The safeguarding of children in Gloucestershire is a key priority for the Constabulary and we'll continue to work with HMICFRS, as well as with our partners, to improve." His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer said: "It was positive to see Gloucestershire Constabulary working well with its safeguarding partners, but in other areas, I have concerns about its work to protect children. "I recognise there has been some instability in the senior team, but I have received assurances from the temporary chief constable that leaders are taking the findings very seriously, and are determined to oversee improvements. "I will closely monitor progress in Gloucestershire Constabulary over the coming months."
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix drops another Fred and Rose West series after TV drama success
Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story has been a huge hit for Netflix and it's now been followed by the streaming service adding ITV's drama Appropriate Adult With Fred and Rose West capturing public fascination again, the BAFTA-winning series Appropriate Adult has just dropped on Netflix. Netflix's recent debut of Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story has sparked renewed interest with its deep dive into the dark narrative surrounding the infamous murdering pair from the eyes of victims' families and the Gloucestershire Constabulary's investigative efforts. Appropriate Adult, originally aired on ITV in 2011, shadows Janet Leach, who served as Fred West's appropriate adult, guiding him through police procedures during interviews to ensure he comprehended his charges. ITV described the drama by saying: "The life of housewife Janet Leach is transformed when she is asked by police to act as an 'appropriate adult' for a man they have arrested - serial killer Fred West." Janet's role became a pivotal experience as she became privy to his chilling confessions, reports Surrey Live. Emily Watson bagged a BAFTA for Best Actress thanks to her potent portrayal of Janet, further cementing her status following roles in hits like Chernobyl, Apple Tree Yard, and Dune: Prophecy. Alongside Emily's standout performance are Dominic West playing the notorious Fred West, Monica Dolan portraying Rose West, Robert Glenister as Detective Superintendent John Bennett, and Selin Hizli as Mae West. Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story, now available on Netflix, delves into the chilling saga of the notorious couple with interviews from affected families and insights into the police probe that exposed their heinous acts. The synopsis reveals: "With exclusive access to previously unseen police video and unheard audio recordings, the three-part series will show how the Gloucestershire police were able to unearth the remains of the West's 12 victims to build a case against them that would bring closure for the families of the victims." It continues: "The series features family members of some of the victims - a few of whom are speaking for the first time - giving insight into the pain and torment they went through for decades." And adds: "From discovering that their missing loved ones were brutally murdered, to the trauma they experienced and the strength they displayed during the trial."
