Weekly round-up: Five stories you may have missed

People sitting on the street in front of police
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Police were out in force at the protest in Oxford on Thursday

  • Published

A story about 16 people being arrested due to their role in a Gaza protest at Oxford University was among our most read this week in Oxfordshire.

A variety of local issues were featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Oxford and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

EU flag must be removed, council orders

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Catherine Bearder received a letter from the council telling her to take down the flag

A former MEP has refused a city council's demand to remove a European flag from outside her home.

Catherine Bearder has proudly displayed the flag since Europe Day on 9 May at her property in Cowley, Oxford.

Oxford City Council said the European Union flag required planning consent following post-Brexit legislation.

But Ms Bearder said she has now told the authority she is flying the flag of the Council of Europe, which is identical and does not require consent.

Missing cat returns home after two years

Image source, Sian Williams
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Sian Williams said she was "distraught" when Nev went missing

A cat that went missing two years ago has returned to his family.

Sian Williams from the village of Begbroke, Oxfordshire, said her family's pet Nev went missing in May 2022.

This was out of character for the then three-year-old moggy, she said, adding: "I never gave up hope that he would return."

Formula 1 legend Mansell immortalised in bronze

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Artist Frances Segelman will have to capture Mansell's iconic moustache in the sculpture

A bronze sculpture of former Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansell is to be made to mark his 25th anniversary as president of UK Youth.

The charity supports vulnerable young people to turn their lives around.

Mansell, 70, won the world title driving for Williams - based in Grove, Oxfordshire - in 1992.

Sixteen arrested over Oxford University Gaza protest

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Police responded to the incident on Wellington Square

Sixteen protesters were arrested after a University of Oxford building was locked down due to an occupation by a pro-Palestinian group.

Oxford Action for Palestine (OA4P) started a sit-in at university offices on Wellington Square at 08:00 BST, demanding a meeting over its policies relating to the Israel-Gaza conflict

The university accused them of "threatening and violent actions".

Oxford United coach releases baby picture after win

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Des Buckingham revealed a photograph existed showing him in 1986

Oxford United's head coach has released a picture showing himself dressed in his club's colours as a baby.

The team was promoted to the EFL Championship for the first time in 25 years after a 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers.

During a pre-match press conference, Des Buckingham revealed a photograph existed showing him in 1986 when the U's won at Wembley in the Milk Cup.