BBC Devon & Cornwall Live: 2-6 July

Summary

Updates from Monday 2 July until Friday 6 July 2018

Live Reporting

Weather: A dry and humid night, sunny and warm tomorrowpublished at 18:32 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
David Braine
Weather Forecaster
There will be the odd patch of cloud through tonight but it will remain dry and there will be some long clear periods as well.
It will feel rather warm and humid.
Minimum temperature: 10 to 13C (50 to 55F)
In general, it will be a little warmer through Saturday.
There will some patchy cloud at times but also a fair amount of sunshine.
Winds will remain light and variable.
Maximum temperature: 24 to 27C (75 to 81F)
Two rip current rescues at Perranporthpublished at 18:08 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
Johnny O'Shea
BBC News Online
Three people were rescued in two separate incidents on Perranporth beach at lunchtime on Thursday.
At about midday, lifeguards spotted a bodyboarder who was out of his depth and struggling in the current just outside the red and yellow flags.
He was brought back to the shore on a rescue board.
Shortly afterwards, at about 13:15, lifeguards noticed two people 75m out, beyond the breaking waves, struggling in another rip current.
Two lifeguards launched their inshore rescue boat (IRB) into the 2-3ft surf. Having reached the two women, the lifeguards helped them into the IRB and brought them back to shore.
Image source, RNLI
Quote Message
When my friend and I realised we had drifted out too far, we signaled for help. We are very grateful to the lifeguards who came to help us – they do a great job and were very nice."
Woman rescued by RNLI lifeguards
Family from Kettering injured in Devon road crashpublished at 17:21 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
Del Crookes
BBC News Online
Police say a family from Kettering, Northamptonshire, were involved in a crash on the A361, external on Friday morning.
The accident happened at about 06:45 on the eastbound stretch of the North Devon link road at Knowstone, South Molton.
Officers say a silver Jaguar X-Type left the carriageway and ended up stationary in a ditch.
A 42-year-old woman and a 49-year-old man were seriously injured and are in surgery after being airlifted to Derriford Hospital.
A seven-year-old child in the car has minor injuries and is being treated for shock.
The road was closed for six hours while a full investigation of the scene took place.
The former Torquay player cheering on England in Swedenpublished at 16:04 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
BBC Spotlight
Former South West footballer Ben Smith has mixed emotions about Saturday's World Cup quarter-final between Sweden and England.
The ex-Torquay United player moved to Sweden just over five years ago and is the head coach for Division 2 side IFK Östersund.
He got married to a Swede, Johanna, last weekend but they delayed their honeymoon until Monday because his team is playing on Saturday.
Image source, Ben Smith
Image caption,
He's a lucky man - Ben Smith's wife, Johanna, does not like football
They have brought the kick-off forward by an hour so he can watch the England v Sweden World Cup quarter-final.
Only problem is he will be surrounded by Swedes in the bar afterwards...
St Ives ‘Creaking at the Seams’ with wastepublished at 15:37 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
Cornish Stuff
It would be a shame to spoil the image of beautiful St Ives if the real picture they’ll take home is one of overflowing bins and rubbish everywhere, a local businessman has said., external
England's World Cup Baa-rmy Armypublished at 15:19 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
BBC Radio Devon
Image source, Lesley Perrett
Ewe won't believe what one Devon farmer has done to celebrate England making the FIFA World Cup quarter finals.
Lesley Perrett, who keeps Devon and Cornwall Longwool Sheep at her farm in Bradworthy, has sprayed her flock's backs with a red St George's Cross in support of Gareth Southgate's men.
These pictures show the animals in all their patriotic glory.
Let's hope England aren't "fleeced" by Sweden on Saturday...
Image source, Lesley Perrett
Image source, Lesley Perrett
Quote Message
They have all been worked up with the St George Cross, and we used my husband's drone to take the photos. I always try and watch the international games. We have got change-over in our cottages tomorrow so I'm hoping the cleaning and everything will be done by 3.00."
Lesley Perrett, Sheep farmer
Devon travel: A361 re-opens after crashpublished at 14:58 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
BBC Radio Devon
The A361 North Devon Link Road has re-opened after an earlier accident between Knowstone and Bishop's Nympton.
Council reassures staff following abuse allegationspublished at 14:58 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
BBC Radio Devon
Leaders of all four political groups at Devon County Council have issued a joint statement to staff, external, after a senior councillor was alleged to have sexually harassed female staff.
The Council’s cross-party Standards Committee issued a notice of public censure to Councillor Brian Greenslade this week following a formal complaint relating to several female employees over a number of years.
The statement reassures staff that the council "will not tolerate any actions that leave them feeling threatened, fearful or intimidated."
Quote Message
We must ensure that our staff enjoy a safe and welcoming environment. They work hard to provide vital services for the people of Devon and we firmly believe that they are fully entitled to go about their business in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. We will not tolerate any actions that leave them feeling threatened, fearful or intimidated, or to be treated with disrespect. As councillors and political leaders, we have even more of a duty to ensure that our own personal behaviour is exemplary and seen to be exemplary."
Statement to staff from Devon County Council
Camper van passenger sustained 'serious injuries'published at 14:07 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
BBC Radio Cornwall
A passenger in a camper van has sustained "serious injuries" after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a car near Helston, police say.
The casualty was flown to Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, by air ambulance after the incident on the A3083 at Culdrose.
A second camper van passenger and the driver of the car were taken to hospital by land ambulance - their injuries are unknown.
The driver of the camper van is reported to have sustained minor injuries.
The A3083 is closed between the A394 and B3293 and is likely to remain closed for some time.
Three taken to hospital after car and camper van crashpublished at 13:38 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
BBC Radio Cornwall
Three people have been taken to hospital after a car and camper van crash in Cornwall.
Image source, Google
Image caption,
The A3083 at Culdrose
Fire crews from Helston, Mullion and Tolvaddon released three people, who had become trapped in their vehicles, before leaving them in the care of the ambulance service and air ambulance.
It happened at the Gunwalloe turning on the A3083 at about 11:15.
Man partially blinds girlfriend's mumpublished at 13:29 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
A 40-year-old man admits deliberately thrusting his finger into the woman's eye during an argument
Read More
World Cup 2018: The football streets of Englandpublished at 13:18 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
Meet the people on the streets that share their names with England's World Cup stars.
Read More
Weapons seized by police in Kingsteigntonpublished at 12:58 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
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Can virtual reality be used to help mental health?published at 12:57 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
BBC Radio Devon
A new research project in Cornwall is looking for members of the public to help study the effects of virtual reality on health, external.
Researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School's Truro campus are using state-of-the-art virtual reality technology to recreate the experience of being in nature for people who may not be able easily to access the real thing.
Image source, University of Exeter
Participants in the study will view scenes of "virtual nature" using different types of technology and be asked to complete a short questionnaire, memory test and interview.
Anyone over the age of 18 can take part in the sessions, which are being conducted at the Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital's Treliske site.
Quote Message
We know that a walk in the countryside or a stroll on the beach can benefit a person's mental health, but for those in hospital or long term care, getting outdoors can be really tough. We think that virtual reality might allow us to provide a realistic and cost-effective substitute, and we'd love a wide range of people to come in and try out the technology."
Nicky Yeo, PhD Researcher leading the study
Drunk gulls found 'stinking of alcohol'published at 12:50 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
RSPCA officials say rescued "disoriented and confused" birds seem to recover after vomiting.
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Brixham assault victim namedpublished at 12:36 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
Del Crookes
BBC News Online
The family of a man who died earlier this week after being assaulted on a night out have paid tribute to him, external.
David Williams, 49, died in hospital on Tuesday after being attacked twice in Brixham after last week's England game against Belgium.
Image source, Devon and Cornwall Police
Quote Message
David’s death has left the family truly devastated. He leaves behind his wife Polly, daughters Georgia, Robyn and Katy, parents Bill and Joyce and his brother Mark. For us all, David’s death at 49 leaves a huge hole which can never be filled. He will be desperately missed by all his family and friends, always being remembered and in our hearts."
Family statement
A 23-year-old man from Brixham arrested on suspicion of assault after the attack has been released under investigation pending further inquiries.
After Mr Williams' death on Tuesday, a 21-year-old man from Brixham was arrested on suspicion of murder and he has also been released under investigation pending further inquiries.
Two other men, 27 and 29, both from Brixham, have now been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Both are currently in police custody and due to be questioned.
Devon travel update: A361 remains closed following crashpublished at 11:45 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
BBC Radio Devon
- The A361 near Knowstone is closed in both directions following a serious crash. The road will remain closed for some time.
- The A358 Chard Road is closed in both directions between Axminster and Chard due to a gas leak between South Common Lane and the B3167.
- On the A38 at Ashburton, one lane is blocked Exeter-bound due to a broken-down lorry at the Peartree Junction. Queues are back to the Dartbridge Junction.
- At Whiddon Down, the A30 is partially blocked by a vehicle having a tyre changed.
Paignton Zoo mourns death of lionesspublished at 11:38 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
BBC Radio Devon
The matriarch of Paignton Zoo’s Asiatic lion pride has had to be put to sleep, external after she contracted TB.
Fourteen-year-old Indu was born at the zoo and had four cubs.
Image source, Paignton Zoo
Staff said they had to act quickly in order to avoid the risk of her becoming contagious and endangering the other lions.
Paignton Zoo’s pride now consists of Indu's five-year old daughter Maliya, a 15-year-old male called Lucifer, and their two cubs, Yali and Arya.
Quote Message
I worked with Indu for nine years and watched her become a dedicated mother and then grandma. She has always looked after daughter Maliya and when Lucifer gets stroppy has always been a tough old bird. Myself and the rest of the cat team will miss her very much, but we are zoo keepers and, sadly, part of the job is to say goodbye.”
Helen Neighbour, Senior mammal keeper
Why the World Cup won't be shown on city's Big Screenpublished at 11:09 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
Plymouth Live
The City Centre Company has revealed why the tennis - but not the football - is shown on Plymouth's city centre Big Screen after complaints rolled in about its "double standards"., external
Saracens start title defence at Newcastlepublished at 11:05 British Summer Time 6 July 2018
Reigning champions Saracens will begin the defence of their Premiership title at Newcastle Falcons on 2 September.
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