Two more arrests in Poole murder and burglary inquiry

Two more men have been arrested on suspicion of murder and burglary following the death of a woman in her 80s.Dorset Police found her body at an address in Higher Blandford Road, Poole, shortly after 16:50 GMT on 1 December and noticed signs of a possible break-in.A 22-year-old man from Wimborne and a 21-year-old man from Alderholt have been arrested and bailed while inquiries continue.A 32-year-old man from Verwood, a 30-year-old man from Wimborne and a 16-year-old boy…

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No 10 says it backs pubs as landlords bar Labour MPs in tax protest

Downing Street has insisted the government backs pubs, as a growing number sign up to a campaign to bar Labour MPs from their premises in protest at tax rates.The Labour MP ban was kicked off a week ago by Andy Lennox, landlord of the Old Thatch in Dorset, championing the ban and more than 250 pubs, restaurants and hotels signing up all over the country.Mr Lennox said the ban was a last resort after multiple campaigns spelling out…

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Zoe Tucker ‘devastated’ by theft of gold medal-winning bike

Dave GilyeatSouth of EnglandDuathlon World ChampionshipsZoe Tucker won gold at the world championships in JulyA duathlon world champion has described the theft of her racing bike as a "devastating loss".Zoe Tucker, from Sherborne in Dorset, had her £7,000 measured-to-fit Giant Propel, alongside another similar model, stolen from her garage at some point during Thursday night and Friday morning.Ms Tucker rode the bike during her gold medal victory at the world championships in July, and was using it to…

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Man admits starting fire at Bournemouth International Centre

A video from Picnic Park Deli showed smoke rising from the Bournemouth International CentreA man has pleaded guilty to intentionally starting a fire at a seaside concert and conference venue.Smoke was seen billowing from the roof of the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) on Exeter Road in August, with fire crews fighting the enveloping blaze on the outside roof fascia.Shane Wilson, 38, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered at…

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Family ‘proud’ of grandmother killed in Badbury Rings SUV crash

The family of a grandmother who died in an SUV crash in Dorset have said they are "forever proud" of her.Rebecca French, 51, and a man in his 30s were travelling in a white Vauxhall Grandland on the B3082 Blandford Road near Badbury Rings when it crashed on Sunday shortly before 21:55 GMT.Dorset Police said there were no other vehicles involved in the collision and the pair were both pronounced dead at the scene.In a statement to police,…

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Wildfires push Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service over budget

The cost of tackling two major wildfires in summer has pushed a fire service over budget.A meeting of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service's (DWFRS) Finance & Audit Committee – on which councillors from Swindon, Wiltshire, Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole scrutinise spending – heard that the service's projected overspend was £620,000.The costs racked up as a result of two major blazes – at Holt Heath and another in Newton Heath – both in Dorset.Firefighters from across…

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Flu jabs urged as south of England surge ‘is behind rest of UK’

Marcus WhiteSouth of EnglandPA MediaFlu jab appointments in the south of England are scarce, the BBC foundThe flu surge in the south of England is behind the rest of the country, leaving time for people to get vaccinated, a senior doctor has said.The first week of December saw an average of 100 patients a day in hospital with flu across the whole of Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Oxfordshire, according to NHS data - fewer…

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Antoine Semenyo: Liverpool, Man City and Spurs in running for Bournemouth forward

With such an array of attacking talent at their disposal, it's not as obvious how Semenyo would fit into Pep Guardiola's plans.Given Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush and Savinho, among others, can all operate in the areas of the pitch Semenyo can, there doesn't appear an immediate necessity for City to press forward with their interest in the right-winger.But if a good player is available, then it is always likely that you will find City…

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Delivery driver dresses as Grinch to surprise people in Hedge End

Ellie Skinner revealed how her delivery driver partner, Jeff, is spreading Christmas joy this yearExpecting a parcel to be delivered over the festive season? Perhaps you'll have a Grinch on your doorstep.Ellie Skinner from Hedge End in Hampshire was surprised by her delivery driver partner, Jeff, dressed as the iconic Christmas character.He decided to dress up as a way to spread festive cheer, but it has since become a way to raise money for children.Ms Skinner spoke to…

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Study into £500m Dorset wind turbine plant gets green light

Tristan PascoeDorset political reporter, PortlandGetty ImagesThe site at Balaclava Bay, seen here on the far side of the breakwater, would be about 50 acres and could employ 1,000 peopleA study into whether to build a wind turbine manufacturing plant on the Dorset coast has been approved.The plant at Balaclava Bay, next to Portland Port in Dorset, could be used to make and supply offshore wind turbines and blades and could create more than 1,000 jobs.The Crown Estate which…

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