Thursday 11th June

Thursday, 11 June 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three Royal Navy personnel who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Petty Officer Owen Green, all based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, were killed when their Merlin helicopter came down in open countryside near Okehampton. Speaking at the start of Prime Minister's Questions, the Prime Minister said his thoughts were with the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.

Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles, vehicle parts, drugs and high-value watches seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. The action centred on commercial premises in Henstridge and forms part of an ongoing investigation into suspected stolen and cloned vehicles. The operation was led by South Somerset's Neighbourhood Policing Team, working alongside Dorset Police, and the National Rural Crime Team.

It’s day-two of a trial at Bristol Crown Court in which three Afghan men and a 16-year-old boy are accused of raping a 17-year-old girl from Somerset. Mehrab Safi aged 21, Awal Ahmadzai and Salman Habibkheil, both aged 19, and the teenage defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, face a number of related charges. All four deny the allegations. The trial continues.

An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil. 'AeroWomen', organised by Leonardo, focused this year on careers in the space sector. Among the speakers was reserve astronaut, Meganne Christian, who shared her experiences of working in the aerospace industry.

A footpath in Chard will be closed for one day next week. The route between Glanville Avenue and Thorndun Park Drive will be shut on Wednesday June 17th from eight in the morning until six in the evening.

More from News

Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more
Tuesday 2nd June

Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Group says a decision not to introduce mass screening for prostate cancer is the wrong one. A Martock woman has been banned from driving for 28 months. Somerset Council is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking the volunteers who help deliver council services... and more
Monday 1st June

People in Somerset with Football Banning Orders are being reminded they must surrender their passports by the end of today ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. A road in Yeovil will close for nine days later this week. Farmers from Somerset were among the winners of this year's ITV Britain's Got Talent final...and more