Local News

Police in Chandler’s Ford have charged two boys as part of their investigation into the serious assault of five boys on Halloween.

A 45-year-old man has been jailed for burgling a number of addresses in East Sussex.

Around 20,000 people attended this year's Lewes Bonfire celebrations, with Sussex Police confirming 11 arrests and ambulance crews treating 52 people during the evening.

A disqualified driver who led police on a high-speed chase through East Sussex has been jailed for 13 months.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has recognised their staff for acts of bravery, a life-saving house fire response and decades of service at its annual awards ceremony.

A new free pop-up museum exploring memories, storytelling and technology is coming to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard this November, bringing together local communities and international artists.

Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller has called on the government and railway operators to take urgent action to tackle train delays and cancellations caused by extreme weather, warning that passengers across West Sussex are facing increasing disruption.

The former leader of Reform UK on Arun District Council has left the party and will now sit as an Independent.

Two more teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious assault at a house party in Chandler's Ford, Hampshire, which left five teenagers injured.

Plans to build 223 homes in Loxwood have been approved by Chichester District Council.

Hovertravel has announced a major refurbishment of its Solent Flyer hovercraft as part of a significant investment to improve the reliability of passenger services between the Isle of Wight and the mainland.

Microsoft has unveiled plans for a new technology centre with a 35-metre tower in Southampton which could employ around 200 people within two years.

Sussex Police say a man has been arrested following a report of upskirting in a Brighton clothes shop.

Horsham District Council’s Local Plan ‘strikes the right balance’ when it comes to the proposed development West of Ifield, the Planning Inspector has said.

Fernleigh and Rocking Horse are celebrating after being named joint winners at the Chichester and District Business Awards 2026, which recognised some of the area's most successful businesses and organisations.

Residents across West Sussex are being encouraged to get creative and make handmade white hearts as part of a campaign to spread kindness and raise awareness of support services.

Brighton travel to the outskirts of Madrid tonight with their Conference League campaign in good shape, with the Seagulls fancying their chances of making it three games unbeaten.

A West Sussex charity helping around 2,000 women and girls every year is being recognised by Arun District Council for its vital work supporting vulnerable people facing domestic abuse, poverty and other difficult circumstances.

Portico has unveiled a £12m quayside expansion at Portsmouth International Port, which is expected to help “unlock new opportunities for trade”.

A cultural centre on the South Downs will not be at the ‘scale that was originally intended’, the leader of Eastbourne Borough Council has said.

A 29-year-old man has been charged following a serious collision at Brighton Marina which left two men injured outside Hollywood Bowl.

Chichester has been named one of the world's top 10 trending travel destinations for 2027, becoming the only UK location to feature in a prestigious international ranking by travel giant Expedia.

Southampton Airport could be expanded to handle planes carrying almost three times as many passengers.

Officers were called at around 10pm on Saturday 31 October to a report that a man had been assaulted by multiple people near to Cottage Grove in Portsmouth.

A Hastings car wash owner has been handed a suspended prison sentence after repeatedly employing people who did not have the legal right to work in the UK, despite previously receiving advice from Sussex Police.

A Portsmouth councillor has been charged with 35 offences, including 12 counts of rape, the Crown Prosecution Service has announced.

South East Coast Ambulance Service has developed specialist PPE training for NHS hospital staff dealing with suspected highly infectious diseases.

Chichester Rangers are hosting a charity football match this month to raise money for a local child who is battling stage 4 cancer.

Police in Chichester are appealing for help identifying a man who may have information about a break-in at Confucius Chinese restaurant in Cooper Street, where around £200 in cash was stolen.

A 42-year-old Southampton man has been jailed for four years and seven months after threatening staff with a folding saw during two robberies in Romsey, Hampshire, in the space of just 15 minutes.

Portsmouth could get 20 extra care beds to ease pressure on the city’s hospitals and rising bed care demand.

West Sussex County Council children's services have been rated good in all four areas by Ofsted, marking a major turnaround from an inadequate judgement.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary are appealing for the public’s help to find a 23-year-old man who is wanted in connection with a burglary in Fareham.

A 20-year-old man from Brighton has been handed a three-year Football Banning Order following a series of incidents involving antisocial behaviour and disorder linked to football matches.

West Sussex has reached a major milestone in its drive towards cleaner transport, with more than 1,000 public electric vehicle charging sockets now available across the county.

Portsmouth is preparing to honour the men and women who lost their lives serving their country, with two special remembrance services taking place in the city this November.

Sussex Police have launched an appeal to identify a man after a suspected fraudster posed as a police detective to obtain jewellery from a resident in Crawley.

A golf club is seeking permission to build housing on the outskirts of Bexhill.

Chichester Festival Theatre (CFT) is launching a new six-week puppetry training programme aimed at complete beginners, in a bid to widen access to the craft on the South Coast.

A controlling abuser who targeted a woman known to him has been sentenced.

As Christmas 2026 approaches, Community Fundraisers is preparing for its 11th year of providing a free Christmas Day meal for people in the Chichester community.

Fifteen years after plans to transform Townhill Park were first drawn up, just 56 homes have been completed as the major regeneration scheme now faces challenges.

Police have renewed their appeal for information about a teenager who vanished from the Isle of Wight exactly 30 years ago, as his family continues its desperate search for answers.

A 46-year-old man from Worthing has died following a serious two-car collision on the A26 near Lewes, prompting a police appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Firefighters have been called to a refuse lorry fire in Brighton this afternoon (Friday 30 October), with emergency services urging motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area.

Twelve students from Worthing College have successfully completed a five-day training programme with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, helping them develop confidence, resilience and valuable life skills.

A new bus service connecting Whiteley and Southampton is already proving popular, with nearly 500 passenger journeys being made every day just two months after its launch.

Police in Adur and Worthing are urging residents to enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly as communities across the area prepare for Bonfire Night celebrations.

A disused Poundland store in Portsmouth would be turned into a housing development complete with cinema room, sky garden and planetarium under plans submitted to the city council.

Two social workers from West Sussex County Council have been recognised for their outstanding dedication to helping vulnerable residents and families after receiving prestigious national awards at a ceremony held at the House of Commons.

The Home Office has formally submitted a planning application to continue using Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex as accommodation for asylum seekers until January 2030.

A campaign to save Worthing Samaritans is gathering support as the charity prepares to close its local branch at the end of November.

Police have increased patrols at pubs, clubs and university campuses as part of a campaign to prevent drink spiking and improve safety in the night-time economy.

The leader of Arun District Council has shared his frustration at the Government’s latest delay in deciding how West Sussex will be divided under local government reorganisation (LGR).

This Halloween, join V2 Radio News Editor Philip Keeler for a chilling special edition of The Newsroom, as we uncover four of the South of England's most mysterious and spine-tingling ghost stories.

A Wealden district and county councillor has left the Green Party.

A mother who lost her 11-year-old son after he was struck by a falling scaffold plank in East Sussex from an unsecured vehicle load has received a national award for her tireless campaigning to improve road safety.

Portsmouth could get extra care beds to help ease pressure on Queen Alexandra Hospital, as patients face delays leaving hospital for community care.

Police in Portsmouth are urging residents to remain vigilant following a series of reports involving attempted vehicle thefts, thefts from cars and attempted burglaries in the Hilsea and Copnor areas.

Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde has called on the Government to provide greater protection for RNLI volunteers following growing concerns about abuse, threats and intimidation directed at lifeboat crews across the country.

Sussex Police are urging motorists across the region to make sure their eyesight is good enough for driving as officers support a road safety campaign highlighting the dangers of poor vision behind the wheel.

Autistic children and young people from across West Sussex have come together to create a series of short films aimed at helping adults better understand their experiences and provide more meaningful support.

Brighton and Hove Albion have been knocked out of the EFL Cup after losing to holders Manchester City in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Councillors are to examine how Worthing town centre could be improved following concerns over disruption to businesses, the condition of the high street and the impact of major building projects.

Police in Eastbourne are urging residents to take extra care this Hallowe'en as officers work with local communities and businesses to prevent a rise in anti-social behaviour.

A lower risk of radiation emergencies from nuclear-powered submarines has prompted Portsmouth City Council to slash its emergency planning zone by more than half.

Eastbourne has been awarded £1 million in Government funding to help tackle derelict buildings and bring neglected properties back into use.

A prolific burglar who was confronted by a woman after breaking into her home in Hove has been jailed for three years and seven months.

More than 36 guitars transformed into unique works of art are set to go on display in Brighton this December, as musicians, artists and the NHS come together to explore the healing power of music.

Millions of households across Sussex, Hampshire and the rest of Britain are set to benefit from measures announced in the Chancellor's Budget, including £100 towards energy costs, higher wages, cheaper bus fares and continued relief for motorists.

Families across West Sussex preparing their children for their first day at school next September can now get a helping hand, thanks to free Gruffalo-themed activity packs available at libraries across the county.

Plans to soften the impact of changes for Ukrainian refugees are set to go in front of a cabinet councillor.

A motorcyclist in his 30s has died following a collision involving a car in Southampton, with a 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of drug driving and causing death by careless driving.

Visitors to Ashdown Forest are being urged not to set off fireworks on the Forest as Bonfire Night celebrations continue across Sussex and Hampshire.

Four fire engines were called to a house fire in Ashington, West Sussex, during the early hours of this morning (Wednesday 28 October).

V2 Radio News Editor Philip Keeler takes listeners behind the scenes to explain how the station covered Storm Austen as it swept across Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Plans to expand parking and build a new retail unit at Ferring Country Centre have been refused over concerns about traffic, flooding and the impact on trees and biodiversity.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to take extra care with candles after two recent fires, including one which left three people suffering from smoke inhalation.

The budget for new Adur council homes in Albion Street, Southwick, has risen to £19.6million, with repairs expected to be completed by summer 2027.

Hampshire Police are appealing for help to find a Havant man wanted in connection with an investigation into a reported serious assault in Waterlooville.

Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower has reopened to visitors following a brief closure for an operational handover.

A bus driver who helped save the life of former Brighton and Hove council leader and mayor Bill Randall has been honoured at an awards ceremony in Eastbourne.

Highways teams dealt with 201 emergency incidents across West Sussex as two named storms hit the county over an extended weekend.

As Halloween approaches, many people will be watching horror films or visiting scare attractions. But why do we choose to frighten ourselves?

A Chichester-based charity that started with just one person and a van has reached an extraordinary milestone, rescuing enough surplus food to provide the equivalent of 10 million meals to communities across the South of England and beyond.

Police are appealing for information after a man was hit by a motorcycle in Burgess Hill.

Motorists are facing severe delays on the M27 near Portsmouth this morning following a collision which has left one lane blocked on the westbound carriageway.

Book lovers on the Isle of Wight are being invited to meet award-winning author Emily Bullock as she returns to Ventnor Library to discuss her latest novel, Almost a Ghost Story, inspired by the Island's landscapes, communities and famous Fringe Festival.

More than 15,000 potholes have been repaired across West Sussex in just six months as the county council steps up efforts to tackle damaged roads and reduce the risk of flooding ahead of winter.

Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde has united more than 100 MPs from 11 political parties in a major campaign calling on the Government to end what he describes as the unfair treatment of military veterans who receive compensation for injuries sustained while serving their country.

A two-time World Championship bronze medallist from Horsham is preparing to represent Great Britain once again, taking her team of Greenland Dogs to Germany in November in pursuit of further international success.

An eight-year-old schoolgirl from Rye in East Sussex has landed a starring role in a national television advertising campaign for Cats Protection, appearing alongside a ginger cat in a heartwarming story about friendship, rescue and finding a loving home.

Local swimming groups in Worthing are taking a hands-on role in tackling concerns over seawater pollution following the opening of a new community-led testing facility.

A 32-year-old man has been charged with a string of offences, including false imprisonment, robbery and threatening a person with an offensive weapon, following an incident in Eastbourne.

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a 43-year-old cyclist was seriously injured in a collision with a van in Bersted, near Bognor Regis.

Police have launched an investigation following a robbery at a Tesco Express in Southbourne, near Chichester, where a suspect reportedly claimed to be carrying a firearm before fleeing with a quantity of tobacco.

A man in his 40s has died and a one-year-old girl remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries following a serious collision on the A34 near Sutton Scotney in Hampshire.

Firefighters are tackling a blaze at an industrial estate near Arundel this afternoon (23 October), with dramatic footage showing part of the site on fire.

A community table tennis programme in Lewes is helping people living with Parkinson’s regain confidence, improve their mobility and build lasting friendships, with more than 20 people now attending free weekly sessions.

The transformation of Bognor Regis's Alexandra Theatre into a new arts centre is gathering pace, with construction progressing towards its planned opening in spring 2027.

Portsmouth Water is introducing new technology that could help engineers find hidden water leaks up to four times faster, as the company prepares for the colder winter months.

Plans for 64 homes in Fontwell have been approved by Arun District Council, despite objections from Walberton Parish Council over drainage, sewer capacity and pressure on local services.

Two taxi drivers have had their licences revoked following cases involving a driving offence and criminal damage.

Welcome to our live blog for Storm Austen as it impacts the South.

A major fire which engulfed two industrial buildings at Lancing Business Park has been confirmed as accidental, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has revealed.

Watch live webcams across the South as Storm Austen passes through Sussex and Hampshire.

A Bognor Regis restaurant is celebrating after being named among the finalists in one of the UK's biggest food industry awards, just eight months after reopening its doors.

Thousands of people are expected to descend on Littlehampton this Saturday, 24 October, as the town prepares for its annual torchlight procession, spectacular bonfire and fireworks display.

Researchers at the University of Chichester are helping to shape the future of British military equipment through a major defence trial investigating how increasingly sophisticated technology affects soldiers' physical and mental performance.

Eastbourne has been named one of the UK's top 20 destinations for a night out, beating major cities including Manchester and Newcastle in a new national nightlife ranking.

A 54-year-old man has been charged with six offences following a series of burglaries, attempted break-ins and the theft of an e-scooter across Portsmouth.

Portsmouth's bid to become UK City of Culture 2029 has come to an end after the city failed to secure a place on the final shortlist, leaving campaign organisers devastated by the decision.

Storm Austen is continuing its approach towards the South, with damaging winds, heavy rain and potentially significant travel disruption expected across Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight overnight and into Friday.

Electric diggers, trucks and other construction vehicles have been put through their paces on Eastbourne beach as part of a pioneering trial aimed at making coastal flood defences cleaner, quieter and more environmentally friendly.

Rising airport drop-off charges across the UK are set to come under Government scrutiny after new figures revealed Gatwick Airport was now one of the most expensive airports in the UK for dropping off passengers.

Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde has called on the Government to take tougher action against illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, warning that dangerous riding is putting pedestrians at risk across the town.

Victims in Hampshire linked to the infected blood scandal have already given statements to police, but no criminal investigation has been opened despite a formal request from Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s police commissioner.

Sussex Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to following an alleged homophobic assault which left an 18-year-old requiring hospital treatment in Chichester city centre.

More than 70 critically ill patients have been flown directly to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton since its emergency helipad opened in March, prompting hospital bosses to seek changes to its planning permission.

A 79-year-old man has pleaded guilty to murdering his elderly wife at their home in Aldwick, near Bognor Regis.

A criminal case against a Sussex Police officer who was charged with sexually assaulting a woman while off duty has been discontinued.

A dedicated Neighbourhood Watch volunteer from Horsham has been recognised with a prestigious national award for her contribution to community safety across Sussex.

Five graduates from the University of Chichester are celebrating after their children's theatre production, which explores miscarriage and women's health, received five-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Campaigners have questioned the financial viability of plans to build up to 3,000 homes West of Ifield.

Civic leaders, university representatives, businesses and policymakers from across the UK are gathering in Southampton today (20 October) for a major national conference examining how towns and cities can become more successful, sustainable and resilient.

Chichester's MP Jess Brown-Fuller has condemned reports of racist, homophobic and xenophobic abuse experienced by cast members of a production at Chichester Festival Theatre, describing the incidents as "truly disgusting".

Residents in Durrington, near Worthing, are being invited to have their say on new transport proposals aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving road safety and making bus journeys faster and more reliable.

Police in Southampton have launched an appeal to identify a man and woman following the reported theft of a parcel from a residential address in the city.

Residents across Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being warned to prepare for potentially damaging winds on Friday (23 October), with gusts possibly exceeding 70mph in some exposed coastal locations.

“We will find them, we will raid them.” A councillor has issued a warning after figures revealed 32 shops in Portsmouth have been suspected of organised crime links.

A major crackdown on knife crime has begun in parts of Eastbourne, Brighton and Crawley, with Sussex Police receiving £600,000 in government funding to strengthen enforcement, increase patrols and protect young people from violence.

It's been a weekend of wagging tails and autumn adventures in Brighton, where dogs have been treated to their very own pumpkin patch experience.

A call from Reform UK councillors in West Sussex for the county council to withdraw from all voluntary refugee resettlement schemes has been voted down.

Police in Chichester are urging motorists across the district to take extra precautions to protect their vehicles from thieves as the darker autumn evenings arrive.

West Sussex County Council has issued a stark warning to the government that mounting financial pressures could push even well-managed local authorities towards a financial tipping point, potentially putting vital public services at risk.

An art exhibition celebrating the creativity, achievements and personal experiences of young people who have been in care is set to open to the public in Hastings later this month.

More than 3,700 people across West Sussex have successfully quit smoking with the help of a free support service, as health officials encourage more residents to give up cigarettes during Stoptober.

Police investigating a fatal motorcycle collision on the M27 between Fareham and Portsmouth are appealing for the driver of a Mercedes to come forward after vehicle debris was recovered from the scene.

Hundreds of schoolchildren across the Chichester District have been introduced to the magic of Shakespeare through a series of fully booked interactive theatre performances.

Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Eastbourne which left a man in his twenties with a significant head injury.

A fire at a derelict building in Bognor Regis is believed to have been started deliberately, prompting a response from emergency services.