Summary

  • Updates for Friday, 31 March, 2017

  • Appeal after rape arrest

  • Final day for well-known head teacher

  • Travellers' double murder trial moved to Old Bailey

  • Cannabis seized in drugs raid

  • Broads National Park sign unveiled in Beccles

  • 'Suffolk Day' is launched

  • Two wins out of two for Witches

  1. Weather: A cloudy night but brighter tomorrowpublished at 17:58 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    Alex Dolan
    BBC Look East weather

    It will turn cloudy with some patchy rain across the BBC East region, but it'll be mainly dry this evening and overnight .. and much milder than last night with lows of 9C (48F) in light south-westerly winds.

    Tomorrow will start mild with one or two showers first thing. It will be generally dry and bright later with sunny spells. Winds will be light to moderate south-westerly. Highs of 16C (60F).

    For a full forecast visit BBC Weather

    Weather map
  2. Pottery firm makes Brexit teapotspublished at 17:44 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    The first order for a teapot commemorating the triggering of Article 50 came from a German person.

    Read More
  3. Naturists to relocatepublished at 17:31 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    Adam Jinkerson
    BBC Local Live

    If you've had a skim through the local papers, you may have seen this article in the Ely Standard, external , which bears all.

    A clothing-free swimming club is moving to Ely, from next month.

    The Mildenhall Naturist Swimming Club, external is temporarily relocating to Paradise Pools in the city for three months, while its current pool hosts a major event.

    Cartoon of naked manImage source, Getty Images

    Malcom Boura, chairman of the club, says that people needn't worry about getting their kit off.

    "It's one of those things that often takes people by surprise," Mr Boura told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

    "They come along, and after a couple of minutes they suddenly realise it isn't a bother.

    "It's pretty rare that someone doesn't get over any embarrassment they might have.

    "There's no sexual context. It's just going for a swim."

    If you fancy experiencing "the freedom to use a pool and sauna as you should" ( says their website, external ), they're holding the first session in Ely this Saturday, 1 April (no joke).

  4. Latitude appearance will be a challenge, says Dom Jolypublished at 17:08 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    TV presenter and travel writer Dom Joly, who will be appearing at the Literary Arena at the Latitude Festival, external at Henham this summer, says the experience is going to be "very new" to him.

    Dom Joly

    The man behind Trigger Happy TV, external  continued: "I did one tour which was just to get over my complete fear of live stuff.

    "Obviously all the stuff I do tends to be telly. I never started as a stand-up; I've never done comedy.

    "This is going to be a different sort of thing where I'm actually chairing a show and it's going to be having a look at what's been happening online, what's been making the news, and trying to stir it up, really."

  5. Man appears in court following armed robberypublished at 16:47 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    Jon Wright
    BBC Radio Suffolk

    A Stowmarket man has appeared before Ipswich Magistrates Court, charged over an armed robbery in the town on Sunday night.

    Magistrates Court, Ipswich

    Police were called to the Coral bookmakers on Market Place at about 20:30, where a man armed with a knife had threatened a member of staff and got away with money. 

    The 35-year-old appeared before magistrates in Ipswich earlier, charged with robbery and threatening behaviour. 

    He's been remanded in custody until 25 April when he'll appear at Ipswich Crown Court.

  6. Hotel customers urged to contact banks after burglarypublished at 16:31 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    Jon Wright
    BBC Radio Suffolk

    Police are urging customers of a Felixstowe hotel, burgled overnight between Sunday and Monday, to contact their banks as their accounts may have been compromised.

    A safe was broken into and the cash float taken from the Fludyers Arms on Undercliff Road East. 

    Debit and credit card receipts from takings on Mothering Sunday were also stolen, which may carry card numbers and signatures.

    Police are particularly keen to trace two people seen outside the hotel between 01:30 and 02:30 on Monday morning.

  7. School lodges complaint about Ofsted inspectionpublished at 16:09 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    The chairman of governors at Rougham Primary School, external has lodged a complaint with Ofsted about the conduct of an inspection in January which has resulted in the school being rated, external as "inadequate" by the education watchdog.

    Rougham Primary SchoolImage source, Rougham Primary School

    Terry Jennings said: "We are all extremely proud of our school.

    "This judgement is unduly harsh and gives an unbalanced account of the school, which is highly regarded within the community and beyond." 

    Headteacher Diane Grimes said: "Despite the disappointing outcome, we are a strong, united team determined to make any necessary adjustments so that we can quickly reach the position we deserve." 

    The school, which is close to Bury St Edmunds, was previously rated as "good".

    We have contacted Ofsted for comment.

  8. Original Status Quo drummer to join Redgrave's Walkway on stage for Rick Parfitt tribute published at 15:07 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    Diss Express

    Original Status Quo Drummer John Coghlan will join Redgrave rockers Walkway on stage this Friday, external when they perform their tribute to Rick Parfitt for the very first time.

    Walkway supported the legendary musicians on numerous occasions and recorded the Parfitt-written track ‘Rain’ on their third album, which will be released later this year and features Coghlan, in his memory.

    
          John Cochlan, in blue shirt and blue jeans, with the rock band Walkway
        Image source, Diss Express
  9. Your photos: Lunchtime on the farm at Whersteadpublished at 14:55 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    We always enjoy seeing your photographs, so a big thanks to Louis Musgrove, who sent us this snapshot of a sunny lunchtime on the farm at Wherstead.

    If you want to contact us, don't forget the "Get involved" button at the top of this page.

    On the farm at WhersteadImage source, Louis Musgrove
  10. Do you recognise any of these people?published at 14:06 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    We brought you the images of cars police believe may contain witnesses who could have information about a fatal stabbing in Ipswich last month.

    Here are the images of pedestrians that have been obtained from dash-cam footage on the evening of 8 February between 18:17 and 18:21. Police are keen to stress there's nothing to suggest these people had any involvement in the incident.

    A man in a white jumper or hoody, dark bottoms and light-coloured shoes walking along Gippeswyck Avenue, in the direction of Birkfield Drive:     

    Man in white hoodyImage source, Suffolk Police

    A man standing on the bend of Gippeswyck Avenue and Ancaster Road. The police vehicle has been traced and the officers spoken to. They did not see anything of note.

    Man standing on bend of Gippeswyck Avenue and Ancaster RoadImage source, Suffolk Police

    A woman carrying a white handbag walking along Ancaster Road in the direction of Gippeswyck Avenue:

    Woman with white handbagImage source, Suffolk Police

    A woman wearing dark coat and dark boots walking along Ranelagh Road in the direction of Ancaster Road: 

    Woman in dark coat and bootsImage source, Suffolk Police

    Captured by a second dash-cam at approximately 18:21, a woman walking at the Ancaster Road bend toward Gippeswyk Avenue. She appears to be carrying a rucksack or similar:

    Woman with rucksackImage source, Suffolk Police
  11. Images of potential witnesses to fatal stabbing releasedpublished at 13:56 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    Detectives investigating the murder of Dean Stansby in Ipswich last month have released images of potential witnesses who may hold vital information to help take the investigation forward.

    The images, captured by dash-cam footage, show both pedestrians and motorists in and around the area of the incident between 18:17 and 18:21 on Wednesday 8 February.

    Here are the images of the vehicles whose occupants police are keen to trace. We'll bring you the images of the pedestrians a little later.

    A white 4x4 vehicle driving along Ancaster Road in the direction of Gippeswyck Avenue:

    White 4 x 4Image source, Suffolk Police

    A black 4x4 vehicle driving along Ancaster Road in the direction of Gippeswyck Avenue:

    Black 4 x 4Image source, Suffolk Police

    A dark 4x4 vehicle driving along Ranelagh Road in the direction of Ancaster Road:

    Dark 4 x 4 vehicleImage source, Suffolk Police

    A white hatchback vehicle driving along Ranelagh Road in the direction of Ancaster Road:

    White hatchback vehicleImage source, Suffolk Police

    Det Ch Insp Caroline Millar said: "The photos clearly show the area we are focussing on to trace potential witnesses.

    "There is nothing to suggest these people are involved in the incident, however it’s possible they may not be aware they may be able to assist, and therefore we need to speak to them in order to rule out the possibility.” 

    Anyone who can identify any of these individuals is asked to call the incident room on 01473 782019.

  12. A sunny and warm afternoon aheadpublished at 13:09 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    After a misty morning, the sun has come out and will continue to shine this afternoon.

    Later, isolated showers may arrive from the west. It will feel warm, with temperatures in the high teens - 18C (64F).

    Today, we thought we'd bring you a selection of wildlife photos from around the county - courtesy of our suitably named Weather Watchers!

    A female blackbird with a mouthful of twigs and grass
    Trees in blossom
    A butterfly on a pink hyacinth
  13. New pound coin worth only 58p after Article 50 triggered, says spoof website published at 13:03 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    The tongue-in-cheek news website the Suffolk Gazette has linked today's new £1 coin with the triggering of Article 50 tomorrow, suggesting the coin will almost halve in value, external in 24 hours.

    New £1 coinImage source, The Royal Mint
  14. Cambridge Rock Festival: A historypublished at 12:49 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    Adam Jinkerson
    BBC Local Live

    Rock fans will be rejoicing as news of a new site for the Cambridge Rock Festival, external has been announced, meaning it will take place this summer on 3-6 August.

    This year's edition, the 13th, will be held at Horseheath Lodge, Horseheath, home to Haverhill Euromillions winner Adrian Bayford.

    Nine Below Zero playing at the festival in 2007Image source, Babz Bell
    Image caption,

    Nine Below Zero playing at the festival in 2007

    So let's look back at the history of the festival...

    • It was started in 2004 at Huntingdon Racecourse, origianlly called Rocking Beer Fest
    • In 2005, it moved venue to Wood Green Animal Shelter at Godmanchester
    • Renamed Cambridge Rock Festival in 2008
    • 2009 saw another venue change to Haggis Farm Polo Club, near Barton
    • It has been held at Haggis Farm every year since 2009, except in 2015, when it was cancelled as the founder's daughter was getting married that summer 
    • Headliners over the years have included The Stranglers, Carl Palmer, Caravan, Hazel O'Connor and Dr Feelgood
    • About 100 volunteers work at the festival each year, some from as far away as Wales and Manchester
    • On average about 3,000 people attend each day of the festival, but this is likely to be much-reduced this year as the full licence is not in place yet for the new venue
  15. Drivers pay the price for parking illegally in Felixstowepublished at 12:44 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post
  16. Pothole damage seen 'almost every day'published at 12:26 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    The owner of a garage in Boxford, near Sudbury, says he's seeing cars almost every day that have been damaged by potholes.

    Pothole

    Speaking as the state of our roads is being highlighted by the Asphalt Industry Alliance, Howard Watts from Riddelsdell Brothers Garage said: "Every day, or every other day, we have cars in with broken springs, destroyed ball joints, tyres which have splits on the side wall where it's gone in the sharp edges of the hole.

    "Most road wheels today aren't steel any more, they're made of aluminium alloys - they just buckle - and of course when you do an MOT on a car, if it's got a buckled wheel, it'll fail."

  17. Leiston's footballers preparing for top of the table clashpublished at 12:04 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    Graeme Mac
    BBC Radio Suffolk sport

    The big match in the Ryman Premier Division, external tonight sees third-placed Leiston, external away at the leaders Bognor Regis Town.

    Glenn Driver

    The Suffolk side have won four of their last five games in the league, following a nightmare run of results that saw them lose six of the previous seven.

    Leiston boss Glenn Driver has been telling us he is pleased to have come through the toughest period of his managerial career to date:

    "There was a lot of soul searching because I couldn't put my finger on why we were losing games," he said.

    "As a group and as a football club we are desperate to reach those play-offs, and if we do we will have as good a chance as anybody."

  18. New site for Cambridge Rock Festival is great newspublished at 11:47 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    Sue Marchant
    BBC Eastern Region radio presenter

    The news that the Haverhill Euromillions winner, Adrian Bayford, will provide a new venue for Cambridge Rock Festival is welcome news for rock fans.

    Now in its thirteenth year, the family-run festival has made its mark on the calendar, specialising in providing a platform for classic rock and blues artists while also giving a "gig" for fresher bands who are trying to break on to the scene.

    Cambridge Rock Festival

    Over the years there have been some epic performances by The Enid, Asia, Australian Pink Floyd and Focus.

    As the festival heads to Horseheath Lodge this year, it will be essential that top headliners grace the stages to encourage new visitors.

    Cambridge Rock Festival

    As for the already converted, they'll no doubt take the leap of faith and again enjoy an incredibly friendly comfortable rock experience.

  19. People are 'ready and waiting' for new £1 coinpublished at 11:13 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    A Suffolk-based retail analyst says 85% of vending machines and parking machines are ready for the new £1 coin, which comes into circulation today.

    New £1 coinImage source, The Royal Mint

    Stephen Moody said: "Most people have had a good couple of years' notice of this.

    "Tesco's has dragged its feet a little bit, but all the other supermarkets, parking machines, they're all going to be ready from today onwards so actually I think people are ready and waiting for them."

    Have you seen one yet? Would you like to be the first person in the county to be photographed with one? If you receive one in your change today, send us a photograph telling us where you are, via the "Get involved" button at the top of this page.

  20. Man charged following armed robberypublished at 10:50 British Summer Time 28 March 2017

    A man has been charged following an armed robbery at a bookmaker's in Stowmarket on Sunday night.

    Coral bookmakersImage source, Google

    The 35-year-old, who lives in the town, was arrested on Monday in connection with the incident, which took place at about 20:25 at Coral on Market Place.

    He's been charged with robbery and threatening a person with a bladed article in a public place, and is due to appear before magistrates in Ipswich later today.