A road rage driver who cut up another motorist then violently assaulted them in the Leominster area in August 2024 was sentenced at court yesterday (Thursday 14 August).

Kimberley Rattray, 35, of West View, Almeley, Hereford, was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), common assault, and driving without due care and attention at Hereford Magistrates Court.

Rattray was given an 18-month suspended sentence, was ordered to pay compensation totalling £400 to the victims, costs of £330, a victim surcharge of £40, given four penalty points on her driving licence, and made subject to restraining orders.

The sentencing follows a violent road rage incident in Leominster on Tuesday 6 August 2024, which left two people injured.

Rattray dangerously overtook another vehicle on the B4361 near Bargates and proceeded to cut in front of them, braking sharply.

She then approached the victim’s car, grabbed the driver by the hair attempting to drag her out, before slamming the car door into her multiple times. When the passenger attempted to intervene, they were also assaulted.

Following an investigation by PC Kieran Duggin from West Mercia Police, Rattray was charged by CPS with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), common assault, and driving without due care and attention.

PC Duggin said: “This was an unprovoked unjustifiable attack, carried out in front of the victim’s young child.

“Such behaviour on our roads is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“West Mercia Police take road rage incidents extremely seriously, and we will use every power available to bring offenders to justice.”

Emergency services responded late last night (August 14) after a vehicle collided with a residential property on Whitefriars Road in Belmont.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:44pm, when a car struck a house, causing significant structural damage.

A spokesperson from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated the property prior to their arrival.

Crews worked to secure the vehicle and established a safety cordon around the affected area.

One male casualty was assessed and transferred to the care of the ambulance service. West Mercia Police also attended the scene.

Update - A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and dangerous driving. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Police confirmed there were no injuries to the occupants of the property. Officers remain at the scene this morning to conduct further inquiries.

📷 S. Burnett

Planning permission has officially been granted for the redevelopment of Hampton Dene Primary School, Church Road, Hereford.

The decision marks a significant milestone in the delivery of modern, inclusive, and sustainable education facilities for the local community.

The approved plans include two new classrooms to enhance the learning environment, improve accessibility and will enable the school to offer additional spaces in the Language and Communication Centre for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The development will also feature an improved parking area and upgraded outdoor spaces.

Construction is expected to begin in the autumn and be completed by early summer 2026.

The project is part of a wider investment in education across the county, aimed at ensuring every child has access to high-quality learning spaces.

Further updates will be shared with parents, carers, and the wider community as the project progresses.

Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, added:

“We’re delighted that planning permission has been granted, which means the improvement works can now go ahead. This project is part of the council’s commitment to delivering high-quality inclusive education facilities that meets the needs of our children and young people.”

Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets, said:

“This is a major step forward for education in Hereford. The improvement works at Hampton Dene Primary School will provide a safe, inspiring environment for students to thrive.”

Have you seen any wild rats in the city?

Thanks to our good friend Corden Smith for sending us this video earlier.

▪️Herefordshire - That's equivalent of one in every 19 people experiencing a crime.

Home Office data shows which areas residents and visitors are most likely to fall victim to crime - and there's one hotspot that far exceeds the rest.

The most dangerous places to live in England and Wales have been revealed by new Home Office figures - and our map highlights the towns and cities where residents are most likely to fall victim to crime. In the year ending March 2025, more than 5.3 million non-fraud crimes were recorded by the 43 domestic police forces in towns and cities across England and Wales. That was about 92,000 fewer crimes than in the year ending March 2024, a 2% fall.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Devon and Cornwall Police saw the biggest drop in non-fraud crime, by 12% in both police force areas. However, crime is rising in some parts of the nation. Avon and Somerset Police who have been using AI technology and algorithms to weigh up the risk of allowing suspects out on bail, witnessed the biggest rise in non-fraud crime, at 12%, which represents around 18,000 more crimes.

Of community safety partnership areas, which are broadly similar to council areas, Derbyshire Dales saw the biggest increase in crime, by 20%.

Crime also went up by 18% in Cheltenham, 18% in Forest of Dean, by 16% in Cotswold, and 16% in Stroud, all in the Gloucestershire police force area. However, all those areas are relatively low in crime.

Crime rates, the number of crimes recorded in each area for every 1,000 people, show that either Westminster or Middlesbrough is most dangerous place to live in England and Wales - depending on how you interpret the data.

Per capita figures allow for a fairer comparison of the threats to law and order in places with widely different population sizes.

While Westminster consistently has the highest crime rate in the country, currently at 423 crimes for every 1,000 residents, that includes huge numbers of tourists who are targeted by thieves and other criminals every year. The same is likely true of Camden (195 crimes per 1,000 residents).

Outside of London, Middlesbrough remains the most crime-plagued part of the nation. Last year there were more than 23,000 crimes in the Teesside town.

While that was a 5% fall from the previous year, it still added up to a crime rate of 158 offences for every 1,000 people. That’s the equivalent of one in every six people who live in Middlesbrough falling victim to a crime last year.

After Middlesbrough, Blackpool in Lancashire has the highest crime rate (154 crimes per 1,000 people), a fraction higher than affluent Kensington and Chelsea in west London (154), followed by Manchester (152), and Hartlepool (142).

Using our interactive map below, you can check the crime rate where you live, whether crime is rising or falling, and how it compares nationally.

Separate figures from the ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales suggest people aged 16 and over experienced 9.4 million incidents of crime in the year to March 2025, up from 8.8 million in the previous 12 months.

The rise is mainly due to a 31% rise in fraud, which accounts for 4.2 million incidents and is the highest estimate for this type of crime since fraud was first measured in the survey in 2016/17.

The overall total of 9.4 million incidents in 2024/25 is 16% lower than the total of 11.2 million for 2016/17, however.

This annual poll, based on face-to-face interviews, seeks to measure the amount and impact of crime, including offences which may not have been reported to police.

The survey covers a range of personal and household victim-based crime, including theft, robbery, criminal damage, fraud, computer misuse and violence with or without injury, but does not include sexual offences, stalking, harassment and domestic abuse, which are presented separately.

Experiences of theft, criminal damage and violence with or without injury, as measured by the ONS survey, have been on a broad downwards trend since the mid-1990s.

Top 20 Community Safety Partnership (CSP) areas with the highest crime rates

▪️Westminster 423.2
▪️Camden 194.8
▪️Middlesbrough 158.3
▪️Blackpool 154.4
▪️Kensington and Chelsea 154.2
▪️Manchester 152.4
▪️Hartlepool 141.5
▪️Islington 140.8
▪️Bristol 132.3
▪️Southwark 127.6
▪️Hackney 124.4
▪️Lincoln 124.3
▪️Doncaster 124.2
▪️Bradford 124.2
▪️Southampton 124
▪️Liverpool 123.7
▪️Kingston upon Hull 122.9
▪️Leeds 122.7
▪️Newport 120.5
▪️Blaenau Gwent 119.5

▪️Herefordshire, County of West Mercia Police
▪️Rank: 272nd
▪️Total crime (excluding fraud): 9,750
▪️Annual change: -11%
▪️Crime rate: 51.7 per 1,000 people
▪️That's the equivalent of one in every 19 people experiencing a crime.

Source | https://hfd.news/aeOpn

Two men were arrested after a warrant was executed at a campsite in Herefordshire this morning (Thursday 7 August) over concerns of drug dealing.

Police were acting on intelligence surrounding suspected supply of class A and B drugs into the Hereford and Leominster areas.

Officers from Hereford CID were supported by Task Force, the Local Policing Priorities Team (LPPT), Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT) and a dog handler as they attended the site off Stonehouse Lane near Bringsty.

They arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs as they carried out a search of the caravans and outbuildings on the site.

A second man in his 20s was also arrested on suspicion of threats to cause criminal damage and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

A third person – a woman in her 20s - was arrested for failing to appear at court on a separate matter.

A quantity of cannabis was found, and mobile phones were checked as part of the investigation into suspected drug dealing in the county.

Detective Sergeant Jim Moore of Hereford Proactive CID said: “This morning, Herefordshire officers executed a warrant at a campsite near Bringsty following intelligence gathered around suspected dealing of class A and B drugs into the Hereford and Leominster areas.

 “A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs – cocaine and is currently helping us with our investigation.

 “A quantity of cannabis was seized from one of the properties and mobile phone searches conducted - further enquiries will be made.

 “We hope today’s actions shows we will always act on concerns around the supply of drugs in our county and act where appropriate to disrupt and shut down drug dealing networks where possible.”

At around 4pm yesterday afternoon (Sunday 3 August) a blue Suzuki Celerio SZ2 car and a coach collided on the A4103 at Cradley in Herefordshire.

The driver of the car, a 67-year-old man, sadly died at the scene.

Nobody else was injured and no arrests have been made.

We’d like to hear from anyone who saw, or who has dashcam footage, of the collision itself or the vehicles in the minutes before.

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact PC Ellis on 07971395290 or daniel.ellis@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident number 304 of 3 August 2025.

Lidl shoppers spot dog playing a piano in supermarket logo

Lidl shoppers have taken to social media to share their discovery which they can’t “unsee”.

But, even the keenest of shoppers are only just noticing the hidden animal in the supermarket’s logo. Have you seen it?

TikTok user @skintdad has pointed out that “when you see it, you can’t unsee it”.

Hereford Voice - That's all we see now 😂

A Hereford store has been temporarily closed following the discovery of illegal tobacco concealed in a ceiling space.

Officers from Hereford city centre team joined partners at Trading Standards, supported by sniffer dogs from BWY Canine for a visit to Liam Halal supermarket on Eign Gate, Hereford yesterday (Monday 28 July).

During the search, officers located a highly sophisticated concealment hidden in the ceiling of the shop, which was operated by hydraulic rams and locks.

With no co-operation from those working in the shop, the concealment was opened by force and a quantity of illegal tobacco was located and seized.

Illegal cigarettes with an estimated equivalent retail value of £4,275 or street value of around £1,900 and illegal hand rolling tobacco with a retail value of £190/street value of £27 were taken away. The sale of these items would amount to almost £3,400 of duty being evaded.

Trading Standards officers closed the shop under Closure Order Powers contained available within the Crime & ASB Act 2014.

They are due to attend Herefordshire Magistrates Court to apply for a three-month closure to disrupt the criminality and help protect the public from the sale of illicit tobacco products being sold there.

Police Sergeant Duncan Reynolds from Hereford city centre team said: “Yesterday we attended a shop on Eign Gate following community concerns around the sale of counterfeit and illicit tobacco.

“Working with our partners at Trading Standards and an independent drugs dog handler, we uncovered a highly sophisticated concealment hidden in the ceiling of the shop, operated by hydraulic rams and locks.

“The illegal tobacco products were seized by Trading Standards who closed the shop using their powers and are now in the process of applying for a three-month closure to disrupt the criminality and help protect the public from the sale of illicit tobacco products.

“We will continue to visit stores suspected of selling counterfeit tobacco and illicit vaping products to shield our communities from harm and act where appropriate.

“The black market of illegal products takes revenue away from the legitimate sales of legal tobacco and vapes by law-abiding retailers and such counterfeit and illicit items are often linked to organised criminal gangs and modern-day slavery.”

Artist Curtis Hylton has rolled up his sleeves this week to start work creating three large murals on the walls of the MRU and Radiotherapy Unit at Hereford County Hospital. The nature-inspired murals will appear over the course of the next couple of weeks. Locals will recognise Curtis' style as he is the artist behind the Herdsman pub mural.

Curtis is pictured outside the buildings this morning along with an artists impression of what one of the three walls will look like.

The new artwork celebrates Herefordshire’s natural beauty, and will feature apple blossoms, robins, kingfishers, and woodpeckers.

Funding for the mural is generously provided by donations to the Oncology Trust Fund, which supports enhancements that benefit patients and staff, beyond essential service delivery needs.

Passers-by wanting to watch progress will be welcome to pop by during the next couple of weeks.

Oona The Puffin Has Been Released!

Elliot and the team from Vets for Pets Hereford

Oh this is such wonderful news, thank you to Elliot and the whole team at Vets for Pets Hereford and to the fabulous people at RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre

• Previous Update 14th July from RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre

The long anticipated update on Oona, the puffin found in Hereford!

Since arriving in our care, from Vets for Pets Hereford, she has been housed on one of our seabird pools, where we have been able to assess her condition and behaviour. Initially, although bright and well in herself, she was very reluctant to spend time on the water and wasn’t doing much in terms of preening and rewaterproofing her feathers.

When sea birds spend time in rehab it’s common for their feathers to become contaminated due to not spending time on water, not preening and also all of the necessary handling that is required for feeding, weighing, cleaning out and veterinary treatment. So because of this she received a wash by our skilled wildlife assistants, in order to bring her feathers back to a good condition. This is super important for the successful release of these pelagic birds, who spend the majority of their life at sea, only coming in land to rear their chicks.

• See our original article on the Puffin in Hereford which soon went viral- https://hfd.news/7qCyS

A major milestone was reached this week when a significant financial gift was given to the Waterworks Museum by the SR & PH Southall Trust. This capital investment provides much greater financial security and allows the Museum to make long term plans knowing there will be a solid financial base.

Pictured are Candia Compton from the SR & P H Southall Trust and Jill Phillips from the Museum signing the contracts in front of the Southall Gallery. (Candia is the daughter of Stephen and Philippa Southall who were founding members of the Museum; the Southall gallery was named after them).

According to Jill Phillips, Chair of Trustees and Governance Director "This financial gift provides the Museum with real security for the first time and is a tangible endorsement of our long-term vision for its success".

SR & PH Southall Trustees commented on "being delighted to have made this gift to the Waterworks Museum. This entirely volunteer run, energetic team is full of ideas for future displays :the museum is a valuable asset to the city and county of Hereford. Trustees hope that this endowment will grow through donations and bequests".

This is great financial news, as small independent volunteer-led Museums like the Waterworks Museum remain vulnerable to ongoing economic changes and operational challenges.

In a tribute Herefordshire Council said they are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Council Leader, John Jarvis, who died on Sunday 13 July 2025.

Former Councillor Jarvis was a prominent figure in Herefordshire Council, serving as the ward member for Kerne Bridge from 2006 to 2015. He held the Cabinet portfolio for environment and strategic housing for four years before becoming Council Leader from 27 May 2011 to 24 May 2013.

Cllr Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said:

“On behalf of the Council, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, family and friends for their loss.

“Former councillor Jarvis was a dedicated public servant whose commitment to Herefordshire left a lasting legacy on our county. Well respected across the political spectrum, Councillor Jarvis embodied a collaborative spirit. His tenure was marked by significant achievements that advanced the county's growth and prosperity. Under his guidance, the Cabinet made the pivotal decision in 2012 to redevelop the old cattle market site into a vibrant retail quarter, a move he described as "the right decision for the city" to revitalize Hereford's economy. He was instrumental in launching the ‘Herefordshire You Can’ campaign to promote Herefordshire as a dynamic place to live, work, and visit. Councillor Jarvis also oversaw the introduction of the Herefordshire Local Plan Core Strategy 2011-2031, championing housing growth to meet the county's needs. Former Councillor Jarvis's vision and leadership continue to shape Herefordshire today, and he will be greatly missed by colleagues, residents and all who knew him.”

As a mark of respect, Herefordshire Council will be flying the County Flag at half-mast for the remainder of this week and on the day of the funeral.

Details of the funeral arrangements will be confirmed once known.

Herefordshire Council, in partnership with Balfour Beatty Living Places, will begin essential restoration works on Mordiford Bridge starting Monday 21 July 2025.

The project, expected to last up to six weeks, is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring public safety across the county.

The works will focus on strengthening the flood arches 2 and 3 on the upstream side of the historic bridge, which have been weakened over time due to repeated flooding. These arches are vital for managing water flow during periods of heavy rainfall, and the restoration is crucial to preserving the bridge’s structural integrity and long-term functionality.

There will then follow a process of removing and replacing the parapet alongside the narrow section of the bridge above the arches. All upgrading works conform to Grade II listing standards, meaning the bridge will retain its unique character.

The works will take place under a 24-hour road closure, seven days a week, but the public right of way footpath in the fields next to the bridge will be maintained, and in preparation for the main phase, preliminary carriageway works have already commenced. During the closure, a signed diversion route will be in place via B4224 Hampton Park Road, A438 Ledbury Road, and C1292 Dormington.

On-site marshals will be available to assist with queries and additional local works may be identified and completed during this period to minimise future disruption.

Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, said: “We understand that road closures can be inconvenient, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we carry out these vital improvements. Mordiford Bridge is one of our key transport links, but it has taken a battering from the impact of the river over many years. These works are essential to ensure the safety and resilience of this historic river crossing.”

A rapist from Hereford was sentenced at court yesterday (Wednesday 9 July) to eight years in prison.

Lukasz Szwagulinski, 36, of Whitecross Road, Hereford was found guilty of four offences – two counts of rape of a female, one of sexual assault by penetration and one of sexual assault between December 2024 and January 2025.

Szwagulinski was handed a prison sentence totalling eight years when he appeared before Worcester Crown Court. He was also handed a restraining order against his victim.

DC Amy Cook, of Hereford Reactive CID, said: “We are pleased to get this result for Szwagulinski whose predatory behaviour fully warrant this custodial sentence.

“I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and resilience of his victim and hope this result shows we will always listen to anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual abuse and prosecute where appropriate, and that it may encourage anyone who has suffered similar abuse to come forward and speak to us.

“We will always listen to you, take your concerns seriously and protect you from predators like Szwagulinski.”

You can report sexual offences and rape here on our website Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | West Mercia Police Always call 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org .

Cornish Bakery, the independent, founder-driven company first started in Mevagissey, Cornwall, has announced that it will be opening up in the cathedral city of Hereford. The beautiful, design-led, premium new bakery is set to open in style on July 21st 2025.

The stunning bakery will be set within what was previously a Regatta shop, in a prominent corner location at 9 High Street. It has been vacant for a while so will be a welcome addition to the city centre with its beautiful, striking COAT burnt terracotta coloured shopfront. The bakery will be conveniently near to some of Hereford’s top visitor sights such as the Cathedral and the famous Chained Library.

The bakery will feature expansive shopfront windows that flood the space with natural light, creating what is likely to be the city’s lightest and brightest space - a beautiful, high-ceilinged, open-plan setting with a striking new façade that showcases the welcoming light and airy interiors.

More than 15 year-round local jobs will be created and the new Cornish Bakery will also be supporting the Hereford community through a partnership with a local charity, to be selected by the new bakery team. The company already has several successful bakeries in the area including at Gloucester Quays, Cheltenham and the recently opened, thriving Cirencester bakery.

Each Cornish Bakery is individually created to honour the setting and history. This site has been carefully designed to take full advantage of its pedestrianised location, with a large seating area that combines planting, clean architectural lines, comfortable textures, and stunning feature lighting. The interiors have been kept neutral and light, creating a space that invites customers to linger a little longer whilst watching the world go by. 

Given the company’s Cornish heritage, they always use new bakery opportunities to support committed artisan makers and designers. The new Hereford bakery will feature bespoke artwork by Cornwall-based designers, A-Side. Cornwall-based basket maker Lin Lovekin has handcrafted a collection of bespoke lampshades and Studio Haran has designed and created unique pendant lighting for the bakery, bringing contemporary Cornish craftsmanship to the heart of the space.

Inside, the 164 square metre property hosts seating for up to 69 people. All Cornish Bakery products are freshly made and baked on site every single day and the Hereford open kitchen will enable visitors to watch the team mixing, shaping, kneading and baking the extensive product range throughout the day. 

The bakery will peddle Cornish Bakery’s range of delicious products including its award-winning pasties and sausage rolls, both lauded by The Times’ food reviewer Giles Coren. Additionally, it sells its daily crafted and baked viennoiseries, cakes, and handmade Cornish pasties alongside recently introduced runaway success options. 

These include the twice-baked Pistachio Croissant, stuffed with homemade frangipane and pistachio cream and the Shakshuka Croissant, filled with lightly spiced roasted peppers and sun-dried tomatoes combined with a cheesy bechamel sauce. Additionally, the new Cornish Raspberry Crème Brûlée pastry, Pastrami Reuben Roll and Hazelnut Pain au Chocolat will all feature on the menu.

Cornish Bakery managing director, Mat Finch said, “Hereford has been in our sights for a while and we’re really delighted to have found the perfect property in this fantastic city. It feels like a natural fit for us, and we’re proud to be investing in such a thriving and welcoming community. The new bakery has been purposefully designed not just to offer our award-winning bakes and products, but to be a high-end space that locals and visitors will love spending time in.”   

A perfect breakfast, lunch or afternoon stop off for shoppers, visitors and residents alike, the Hereford Bakery Manager and team will be ready to welcome customers from 8am - 5pm every day of the week from July 21st. 

The body of Lord David Lipsey was recovered on 1 July, after a multi-agency search, Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said they received a report concerning the safety of a man last seen swimming in the River Wye at Glasbury.

Lord Lipsey's next of kin have been informed and have asked for their privacy to be respected.

Dyfed-Powys Police said in a statement that the force's thoughts were with them.

Lord Lipsey, who previously worked as a journalist and Downing Street adviser under then prime minister Jim Callaghan, entered the Lords in 1999.

The Lord Speaker John McFall said the upper chamber extended its 'condolences to the noble Lord's family and friends'.

Lord Lipsey had lived in the Wye Valley for the last three decades and told the House of Lords last October how he and his wife, Margaret, would go swimming in Glasbury 'most mornings' and 'some mornings in the winter'.

But he told the chamber of the deteriorating condition of the river due to 'chicken s***' that had not moved off farms and been driven by water into the stream.

He said it made the river smell of 'rotten egg', children were getting sick after swimming in it, and it had caused the numbers of salmon to dwindle.

In a speech during the second reading of the Water Special Measures Bill he said: 'Residents such as us complain about children who are sick after swimming, rotten egg odours, opaque green pea-soup blooms and brown slime on the bottom. It is not the Wye that we moved next to 30 years ago.

'This beautiful river is being turned into a sewage dump.'

Lord Lipsey was given a life peerage by Tony Blair and was a journalist for papers including the Sunday Times, Guardian and Economist.