‘Terrifying balaclava gangs’ and ‘CCTV in family home’

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This week's news was dominated by the major incident and counter-terror investigation launched near RAF Fairford. Five British nationals in their 20s were arrested and released on bail and homes near the base were evacuated until Monday evening. Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard kept readers up to date as the story developed rapidly.

On Wednesday evening, the Weston Mercury reported on the evacuation of residents in Worle. A large cordon was set up following the discovery of suspicious substances and items at a property.

Meanwhile, Hartcliffe and Withywood councillor Kirsty Tait called for more neighbourhood police on the streets and youth workers as she said that "balaclava gangs" and knife crime in south Bristol are "absolutely terrifying". Bristol Live reported that she addressed the Labour Party conference in Liverpool and described the devastating case of best friends Max Dixon and Mason Rist, who were murdered in a case of mistaken identity in 2024.

And Gloucestershire Live reported that Gloucester City Council apologised after a family discovered a CCTV camera inside their home. The equipment was removed immediately after the family raised the issue.

Finally, Somerset Live wrote about the "full review" that is set to be carried out by Bridgwater Town Council after animals – including puppies, kittens and chickens – were being sold at the town's annual fair.

Bristol Post covered news that the average rent for a home in Bristol is higher than any other major city outside London, but for the first time in years, it is now more expensive to rent in Bath.

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