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Man on bike may hold key to Plymouth taxi theft probe

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Man on bike may hold key to Plymouth taxi theft probe

We are appealing for the public’s assistance to identify this man in relation to a theft from a vehicle in Plymouth.

Overnight between January 9 and January 10 a suspect smashed the window of a taxi parked in Stonehouse Street and stole £170 in takings.

Enquiries remain ongoing and investigating officers are keen to speak to the man pictured on a bike as it is believed that he may be able to assist with enquiries.

Anybody with information is asked to call 101 or visit our website quoting 50260007242

Police appeal to find wanted Okehampton man

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police appeal to find wanted Okehampton man

We are seeking assistance from the public to locate a 43-year-old wanted man from Okehampton.

Trevor Hare is sought for breach of bail conditions.

Officers are conducting enquiries and appealing for any sightings or information to help locate Hare.

He is described as a white male, 5ft 10ins tall, of stocky build and with brown hair.

Hare has links to Plymouth and West Devon.

Anyone who sees Hare is asked not to approach him but to call police on 999, quoting 50240291406.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Growing concern for missing Newton Abbot teenager

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Growing concern for missing Newton Abbot teenager

3.07PM UPDATE : Cody Mills, 15, who had been reported missing from Newton Abbot has been located safe and well. Thank you for supporting our appeals.

Original report below:

We are growing concerned for the welfare of 15-year-old Cody Mills who has been reported missing from Newton Abbot.

Cody was last seen at his home address by his mother on Saturday 21 February at 4.15pm, but has not been seen since.

Cody is described as a white male, around 5ft 5ins tall, with short curly mousey hair.

He has links to Exeter.

We are actively trying to locate Cody and would like to hear from anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts.

If you can assist, please call 999 quoting 50260045080

DEVON VOICES: “It may well be that people are not reporting these crimes to the police”

Alison Hernandez
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DEVON VOICES: “It may well be that people are not reporting these crimes to the police”

The challenges and issues that affect residents I represent across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as their Police and Crime Commissioner vary significantly due to our vast geography. 

Rural communities are incomparable with large towns and cities which are all recognised by Devon & Cornwall Police within its localised resources and priorities. These have to be adapted even more so in the summer months in areas which see an influx of tourists. 

I was recently invited to visit Bideford in North Devon by Police and Crime Panel member Councillor Philip Hackett, also lead member for Public Health and Community Safety at Torridge District Council, to meet with district and town councillors, business representatives from Bideford Town Centre and officers from Torridge District Council. 

Also in attendance were local officers from Devon & Cornwall Police, including street marshals and CCTV team members.  The aim of the visit was to help me understand policing and crime issues affecting them and provide an update on what may come next for policing with the national reforms planned. 

I heard how antisocial behaviour (ASB), shoplifting, alcohol and drugs, and violence are concerns which are all key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan. Discussions were also had around rural crime, including animal rustling and thefts of tractors and football pitch mowers. 

Torridge is one of the best performing areas in Devon & Cornwall Police in terms of crime and their management and leadership. The number of overall recorded crimes was 3,216 from February 2025 to January 2026  – a slight rise from 3,076 crimes recorded by the force for the previous 12 months. 

In comparison, forcewide overall recorded crime statistics were 124,118 – compared with 122,963 the previous year. Interestingly, in terms of shop lifting which was highlighted as an increasing problem during the meeting – the number of recorded offences by the force in this area is 212 – the same rate was also recorded the previous year. 

It may well be that people are not reporting these crimes to the police which is why I would encourage all businesses to sign up to business crime reduction partnership UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC) which has joined forces with the National Retail Crime Alliance (NRCA). 

It is a quick and easy way for traders to report any crime in just a few minutes via an app or online portal with intelligence shared among the business community. It is successfully enabling police to prevent crime, seek convictions, tackle persistent offenders and reduce ASB and theft. 

Currently, only 28 businesses in Torridge and North Devon have signed up to it, despite my office funding the first 12 months for free. I would encourage businesses to visit uk-pac.com to find out more information. 

Another area for discussion was a desire for more visible policing in Torridge. Reassuringly, Devon & Cornwall Police is maintaining record police officer numbers of 3,610 with 171 officers returning to the frontline across the force. It has also created an extra 49 PCSO roles, one of which will be based in Bideford with seven PCSOs in total working in Torridge.  

Bideford has also benefited from being a designated hotspot policing area this past year and has street marshals who carry out vital patrols and help disrupt ASB and crime. North Devon is also home to Devon’s first Tri-Service Safety Officer (TSSO) Chloe Townsend in Holsworthy. These incredible officers are a unique collaboration in Devon and Cornwall between police, fire and health services. I also have to acknowledge the dedication of the neighbourhood policing team who work exceptionally well together for the greater good of the community. 

Parts of North Devon also benefit from a now year-round Saturday night bus service which my office helps fund. It provides a cheap, safe way to get home after a night out or getting to or from work in the early hours. 

Between May to December 2025, 16,201 passengers used the night buses across Devon and Cornwall. Of those, 2,753 were from Bideford, and 2,139 were from Ilfracombe. Discussions are underway with Stagecoach into the feasibility of additional routes in North Devon. 

My office has also awarded funding of almost £300,000 to nearly 40 towns and villages across Devon and Cornwall who applied for CCTV to reduce crime. In North Devon, schemes were successful in Chulmleigh, Great Torrington and St Giles in the Wood. 

I am grateful to everyone who attended the meeting in Bideford to help me better understand the unique issues it has, and I look forward to working with all partners – including Torridge District Council and North Devon and Torridge Community Safety Partnership – to ensure North Devon is a safe place to live, work and visit. 

Appeal after driver is seriously injured in Plymstock collision

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Appeal after driver is seriously injured in Plymstock collision

We are appealing for witnesses and footage following a single vehicle road traffic collision in Plymstock.

Officers were called at around 6pm on Friday 20 February to Dean Hill, near The Broadway.

The collision involved a white Audi Q3.

As a result, the driver of the vehicle was seriously injured and taken to hospital. A passenger suffered minor injuries.

The road was closed while an investigation was carried out at the scene. 

Officers from the Roads Policing Team would like to thank the public for their patience whilst the road was closed.

Anyone with any relevant information and dash-cam footage which may assist the investigation is asked contact police via our website or by calling 101 quoting log 611 of 20 February.

Pupils face uncertain return after devastating school fire

Devon Today
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Pupils face uncertain return after devastating school fire

A devastating blaze has forced a school to shut its doors indefinitely after flames tore through part of the site over the weekend.

A serious fire broke out at The Promise School in Okehampton at around 3.30pm on Sunday, February 22 . The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Emergency services remain at the scene and, as of 7am on Monday, February 23 , the incident was still described as ongoing by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Residents in the Stockley Hamlet area were advised to keep their doors and windows closed overnight.

In a message published on the school’s website, principal Quentin Gunderson said the damage meant the school would not reopen as planned following the half-term break.

Quentin said: “URGENT NOTICE: a serious fire has occurred on the school site today the cause of which is unknown.

“The emergency services are currently in attendance.

“Due to the extent of the damage, the school will need to be closed for the immediate future.

“We will provide further updates as soon as we receive more information from the fire service and the Trust, including provision for ongoing learning.

“Please do not come onto the school site at this time, as access is restricted for safety reasons.”

Pupils had been due to return to classes on Monday after the half-term holiday. However, school officials confirmed the site would remain closed for the foreseeable future because of the damage sustained in the blaze.

Members of the public have been urged to stay away from the area while emergency crews continue their work. Further updates are expected once more information is available from the fire service and DMAT.

Roads crisis laid bare with lanes ‘washed away’ as millions promised for fixes

Lewis Clarke
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Roads crisis laid bare with lanes ‘washed away’ as millions promised for fixes

Rural roads are “quite literally being washed away” after heavy rainfall, with communities facing mounting repair bills and growing frustration over crumbling surfaces.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Liberal Democrat councillor for Torrington Rural and Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband at Devon County Council, said years of underinvestment had left parts of the network in a “shocking state”.

She said: “It is deeply concerning to see just how bad some of our rural roads have become. With all the recent rain, in places they are quite literally being washed away. Decades of underinvestment have left many of them in a shocking state, and residents are understandably angry and frustrated.”

She said the impact went beyond inconvenience.

“This is not just an inconvenience. It is affecting people’s daily lives and affecting local businesses, particularly those that rely on tourism,” Cllr Cottle-Hunkin said.

“Potholes and poor surfaces damage vehicles, increase repair costs and make everyday journeys to work, school, medical appointments and shops more stressful, uncomfortable and time consuming. Good roads are essential for a strong rural economy and connected communities.”

Her comments come as the new Devon County Council prepares to vote on its first ever budget.

She said: “This week the new Devon County Council votes on its first ever budget. I am pleased that Highways are set to receive an additional £15 million of capital investment in 2026/27. This funding will go towards targeted preventative maintenance, resurfacing and patching, the kind of work that helps stop small problems turning into major ones.”

She added that a further £4 million in revenue funding would be directed towards preventative work.

“On top of that, a further £4 million of revenue funding will be invested in drainage improvements, gully clearance, vegetation management and other preventative measures. Given how much damage water is doing, this is particularly important,” Cllr Cottle-Hunkin said.

Devon has the largest road network in England, totalling more than 13,000 kilometres. It is primarily rural, with more than half of its roads unclassified.

Cllr Cottle-Hunkin said: “It is also important to recognise the scale of the challenge. Devon has the largest road network in England, totalling over 13,000 kilometres. It is primarily rural, with more than half of its roads unclassified. Maintaining such an extensive and dispersed network is a significant task, particularly after decades of limited investment.”

She warned that significantly more funding would be required to bring roads up to standard.

“The reality is that it would take hundreds of millions of pounds more to bring Devon’s roads up to standard because they are now in such poor condition. But I will continue pushing for them to be sorted locally and for our communities to get the investment they deserve. I sincerely hope this increase in funding will deliver noticeable improvements,” Cheryl said.

There are also plans to work more closely with town and parish councils in the coming years to strengthen local input and collaboration.

“Let us hope for some drier weather and real progress on the ground,” she added.

Pub donates 50 chip portions to hero-firefighters tackling school blaze

Lewis Clarke
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Pub donates 50 chip portions to hero-firefighters tackling school blaze

As crews continued to tackle a major fire at The Promise School, firefighters were given a morale-boosting delivery of 50 portions of chips from a local pub owner.

Okehampton Fire Station shared its thanks in a social media post as crews worked for hours to bring the blaze under control.

The station said: “As crews from across Devon continue to fight the fire up the Promise school, we would like to thank Simon Chudley from the London Inn/ The Copper Key for supplying 50 portion of chips for the working crews! It’s deeply appreciated.”

Smoke was seen billowing into the sky above Okehampton on Sunday, February 22 after the roof of The Promise School, on Dartmoor View, caught fire. The incident was first reported at 3.30pm.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service initially sent six fire appliances, two aerial ladder platforms and two water carriers to the scene. Devon and Cornwall Police and the South Western Ambulance Service also attended.

The fire continued for several hours and was still ongoing into the evening, with an additional six appliances sent to provide extra firefighters and water.

In an update issued at 5.45pm on Sunday, a fire service spokesperson said: “Crews are using water jets and the aerial ladder platforms to tackle the fire. The incident is creating a significant smoke plume in the area, and the building is severely damaged. No injuries reported.”

The B3260 Exeter Road was closed in both directions from 6.30pm near Okehampton Services as emergency services dealt with the incident.

The Promise School in Okehampton (Credit : Brian Johnston)

The Promise School is a specialist academy catering for pupils aged four to 16 with social, emotional and mental health needs. Part of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, it provides education for up to 100 students.

The school had opened its new building to pupils in June 2023. It had been closed for the past week due to the half-term break and had been due to reopen on Monday, February 23.

Heartbreak as additional needs school ‘gone’ after huge inferno

Devon Today
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Heartbreak as additional needs school ‘gone’ after huge inferno

A major emergency response has been launched after a large fire tore through the roof of a school, sending thick black smoke billowing across the skyline and prompting road closures.

Fire control received multiple calls reporting a fire at The Promise School in Dartmoor View, Okehampton. Flames and dense smoke could be seen from a distance, with the length of the school roof involved in the blaze.

One resident who filmed the incident said the building ‘had gone’.

Six fire appliances, two aerial ladder platforms and two water carriers were initially mobilised to the scene. Police also attended.

By 5pm on Sunday, February 22, six further fire appliances had been sent to provide additional firefighters and water.

An update at 5.45pm said crews were using water jets and aerial ladder platforms to tackle the fire. A significant smoke plume had formed in the area and the building was described as severely damaged. No injuries were reported.

At 7.36pm, there were three water bowsers at the scene and road closures were in place. Crews continued working to extinguish the fire using aerial ladder platforms, water and foam jets, while providing protection to an adjacent building.

Residents in the Stockley Hamlet area were advised to ensure doors and windows were closed due to the smoke. Residents have also reported struggling with tap water during the incident.

By 8.28pm, a high-volume pump had been set up to assist efforts to bring the fire under control.

Fire crews from Appledore, Hatherleigh, Okehampton, Torrington, Torquay, Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh, Chagford, Moretonhampstead, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Danes Castle, Crediton, Cullompton, Honiton, Plympton, Middlemoor and Wellington attended the incident.

The last update was issued at 9.11pm on Sunday, February 22.

Residents have been rallying to help.

Councillor James Grainger said: “Many of you will already be aware of the serious fire at the Promise school in Okehampton, which has sadly destroyed the building.

“The most important news is that everyone is safe and no one has been hurt. I wanted to wait to comment publicly until this had been fully confirmed by the fire service.

“The cause of the fire is not yet certain, though early indications suggest it may be an electrical fire and arson can be ruled out.

“Please also take extra care if travelling on the A30. If the wind direction changes, smoke could drift across the road and reduce visibility.

“Thank you to our fire crews and emergency services for their swift response, and to the community for their patience while the situation is being managed.”

Josh Ware from Future Bodies Gym wrote: “If there are any children who may benefit from a safe space to release energy and reset over the coming days, weeks, or months, we’re happy to provide dedicated, structured coaching sessions to help support their wellbeing.

“We already have an arrangement in place that allows teachers to bring pupils into our facilities, however we appreciate that this may be difficult under the current circumstances.

“I’ll be contacting the school directly tomorrow to discuss how we can help.”

Petition calls for action to save Teignmouth beach

Lewis Clarke
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Petition calls for action to save Teignmouth beach

A seaside stalwart faces the sands of time as residents warn erosion is threatening the future of Teignmouth Pier.

Almost 150 people have signed a petition calling for urgent action to tackle what campaigners describe as accelerating erosion along Teignmouth beach, which they say is exposing structural supports beneath the town’s historic pier.

Jamie Starkie, who launched the online petition, said he had “always cherished Teignmouth beach for its beauty and vibrancy” and described it as a place where he and his family have spent “countless weekends enjoying the sun and sea”.

However, he warned that the rate at which sand is being lost has become “a growing concern”.

“Over the past few years, the erosion has rapidly accelerated, exposing parts of the structural piles that hold up the beloved Teignmouth Pier,” Jamie said.

“This is not only an environmental concern but also poses a significant threat to the integrity of the pier and the safety of visitors.”

Jamie said that while coastal erosion is a natural process, he believes the situation is worsening without adequate protective measures.

“Without adequate protection, such as properly maintained groynes, the situation at Teignmouth continues to deteriorate,” he said.

He argued that installing new groynes is a proven way to manage and mitigate coastal erosion, explaining that they help trap sand and allow the beach to build up naturally, protecting infrastructure such as the pier.

“Other coastal towns that have implemented robust groyne systems have seen significant improvement in beach preservation and reduced erosion,” he added.

The petition calls on the Environment Agency, which oversees coastal defences in the region, to prioritise the installation of new groynes along Teignmouth beach.

“By taking this action, the Agency would help preserve the beach and pier for future generations to enjoy,” Jamie said.

“Their intervention would not only sustain the local tourism industry but also continue to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors alike.”

He warned that delays could make the situation worse.

“Time is of the essence as the longer we wait, the more damage is done, making future interventions more costly and complex,” he said.

Those wishing to support the campaign can sign the petition online.

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