ITV Meridian news in brief
All the news as it breaks in the south, south east and Thames Valley.
Latest ITV News reports
Bishop of Winchester suspends Dean of Jersey
The Bishop of Winchester has today withdrawn the commission of the Dean of Jersey, the Very Reverend Robert Key, effectively suspending him. The Dean of Jersey’s suspension follows the publication today of an Independent Report, commissioned by the Diocese of Winchester’s Safeguarding Panel.
This found that there were a number of failures in the implementation of policies, in relation to a safeguarding complaint in 2008. The report raises concerns that the Dean of Jersey did not comply with key safeguarding procedures in dealing with the complaints of a vulnerable adult parishioner.
Wife of Sir Frank Williams dies
The wife of Formula One supremo Sir Frank Williams has died following a long fight with cancer. Lady Virginia Williams - known as Ginny - died peacefully at the family home in Grove, Oxfordshire, with Williams team founder and principal Sir Frank at her bedside.
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Multi-million pound rail station to open
by Mike PearseA new £5 million railway station will be officially opened at East Grinstead today.
A new station building has been constructed and platforms made longer to allow trains with more carriages to run to ease crowding.
The ceremony will be performed by Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames.
CCTV appeal after 100 cars vandalised
Wiltshire Police has repeated its appeal for information after "large scale criminal damage" to vehicles in Swindon last week.
Almost 100 cars were vandalised, many with their tyres slashed, on several residential roads in and around the Old Town area between 3am and 5am on Thursday February 21st.
The affected roads included Stafford Street, Dixon Street, Prospect Hill, East Street, Wood Street, Evelyn Street, North Street, Raggett Street, Westlecot Road and Berenger Close.
Insp Joseph Saunders said: “This is a large enquiry which we are investigating thoroughly.
“Due to the large number of cars damaged during this spate of vandalism, I am confident that someone must have seen or heard something which might prove crucial to this investigation."
Anyone who has information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
CCTV released after Portsmouth theft
Police have issued this CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a theft from a newsagent in Portsmouth.The incident occurred at around 3.30pm on Wednesday, February 20th, at McColls on London Road.
A man approached the till to pay for a packet of sweets. When the till was opened by the cashier he leant over and snatched cash before leaving the shop.
PC Rob Mitchell said: "I would like to hear from anyone who can help to identify the man pictured in the CCTV image as we believe he may be able to assist with the investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Mitchell at Portsmouth Central police station by phoning 101, or anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.
Witness appeal after road crash
Police are appealing for witnesses after a crash in Bradfield on Tuesday, where a man sustained serious injuries.
At 4.26pm, a blue Saab convertible travelling in one direction was involved in a collision with a silver Renault Scenic travelling the opposite direction in South End Road.
The driver of the Saab, a 31-year-old man from the Mortimer area, sustained head injuries and had to be airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford for treatment.
The occupant of the Renault Scenic suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment.
– PC Mark BrazierThe road was temporarily closed while an investigation took place at the scene.
“We are now keen to hear from anyone who may have been travelling along this road and is able to provide information about the collision.”
Anyone with information is asked to call PC Brazier via Thames Valley Police’s 24-hour non-emergency number 101.
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Compensation claims for Dreamliners
by Mike Pearse
Boeing, the company behind the grounded fleet of 787 Dreamliner planes, is facing millions of pounds of compensation claims.
Read the full storyPolice appeal after hit and run
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a collision that caused serious injury in Oxford Road, Garsington, today.
At around 5.45am a cyclist was travelling along the road, near to the junction with the Hill, when he was involved in a crash with a vehicle that failed to stop.
The vehicle is described as either a car or light van.
The cyclist, a 50-year-old man, was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital with injuries to his ribs and collarbone. He remains there in a stable condition.
– PC Edward TurnerWe are appealing for anyone who was in the area who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
"Similarly, if a driver on this road feels their vehicle may have been involved, we would appeal for them to come forward to police so that all the circumstances of this incident can be investigated."
Anyone with information is asked to call PC Edward Turner on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Body found in Swindon - police statement
Wiltshire Police were called shortly after 11.40am this morning to reports of a body being discovered in the wooded area off Bryanston Way, Nythe, Swindon.
Officers were on the scene within five minutes and the body of a male was located.
This is not being treated as a suspicious death. A report is now being complied for HM Coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon.