Tuesday 7th July

Tuesday, 7 July 2026 06:30

Two men have been found guilty of attempted murder in Yeovil. Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious crash near Taunton. A new partnership in Somerset aims to tackle domestic abuse through the power of grassroots sport... and more

Two men in their thirties have been found guilty of attempted murder after firing a gun at a moving car in Yeovil. James McGuinness from the town and Junior Renford of London, both 31, were found guilty of attempted murder, possession of a firearm whilst prohibited for life and possession of ammunition without a certificate. In addition, McGuinness had been charged with possession of a stun taser. They each denied the offences but a jury at Taunton Crown Court found them both guilty of each count. They were sentenced to 30 years in prison on Friday.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious crash near Taunton that closed the A358 for several hours. Officers were called to Mattocks Tree Hill at around half past ten on Thursday morning following a collision between a lorry and a car. The driver of the car sustained life changing injuries and the passenger is in a life-threatening condition. Their next of kin have been informed.

Meanwhile, an upgrade to the aging gas and electrical network on the A358 will begin later this month. The work by Wales and West Utilities, alongside the National Grid, will take place from the 20^th July and will affect the road between Staplegrove Road and Minehead Road. At the same time, improvements to the Silk Mills junction will be made, as part of a wider building programme. This will mean a one-way system will operate inward-bound to Taunton and a diversion will be in place for outbound traffic. It’s hoped the work will be completed by October.

A new partnership in Somerset aims to tackle domestic abuse through the power of grassroots sport. Somerset Domestic Abuse Service has joined forces with the county’s Football Association to raise awareness and promote safer communities. Under the partnership, education will be provided to local clubs so coaches, volunteers, players and parents can better recognise the signs of domestic abuse and access support.

The mayor of the West of England has admitted the results of a £5m scheme designed to help young people into work are "not good enough" after it reached only 300 people in its first year. Of those, 126 progressed into a job, study or training. Helen Godwin has said she's confident a redesigned scheme will deliver better results in the programme’s second year.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more