Missed some local news this week? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Grab a coffee, get comfortable and check out five stories you may have missed below.
1. Woman arrested on suspicion of Stevenage murder
A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man died following a suspected stabbing in Stevenage.
Police were called at 11.53pm on Wednesday (June 19) to reports of a serious assault in Walden End, Stevenage.
A 61-year-old man was rushed to hospital with suspected stab wounds, but he sadly died a short time later.
A 34-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody at this time.
Police confirmed that both the suspect and the victim were known to each other.
2. Warning to dog owners over deadly disease
Dog owners are being urged to protect their pets from a potentially fatal disease after an animal hospital near Hitchin has confirmed a rise in cases.
Davies Veterinary Specialists says it has seen a significant increase in the number of critical patients admitted with leptospirosis since the pandemic.
It is an infection which, while historically rare, can make dogs seriously ill - and even kill them - and also be passed onto humans as Weil’s disease.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that dogs catch when they are exposed to urine from wildlife - mostly rats, or farm animals that carry the bacteria - and can cause kidney failure, jaundice and bleeding into the lungs.
"Unfortunately, I think this rise in the number of cases we are currently seeing could be due to a change in the disease itself now with different strains (serovars), a lack of vaccinations, and that some vaccines now do not protect against the most common serovars," said Katherine Clarke, European specialist in small animal internal medicine.
3. Stevenage restaurant closes down
A steakhouse and cocktail bar in Stevenage closed its doors for the final time on Wednesday.
Firejacks on Stevenage Leisure Park announced to customers that it will be permanently closing "after many wonderful years".
In an email, a spokesperson said: "We’re incredibly grateful for all the amazing memories and support you've given us over the years."
However, the unit will not remain empty for any length of time, with a Pan-Asian restaurant set to take over the premises.
Banana Tree will be offering salad bowls, soupy noodles, curries, regional specialties and more.
4. Five-acre Stevenage site bought for £40 million scheme
Property developers have bought a site in Stevenage for a £40 million scheme.
Fiera Real Estate and Wrenbridge have purchased a five-acre site on the Pin Green Industrial Estate in an off market transaction, so that they can build a single logistics facility measuring 120,000 sq ft.
It is understood the site was previously earmarked for a Morrisons superstore, but these plans were scrapped in April.
Wrenbridge said the location "will draw occupiers exiting London, as well as local businesses looking to upgrade their operations".
5. Man charged with Ickleford murder
A man from Hitchin has been charged with murder after another man died from injuries suffered during an assault in Ickleford.
Oscar Jackson, 21, of Wilshere Crescent in Hitchin, has been charged with murder and remanded in custody following the death of a male in his 40s.
Police were called to the car park of Ickleford Sports and Recreation Club in Chambers Lane in at around 10.30pm on Sunday, June 16, following reports of an assault.
The victim was taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries.
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