A Luton pensioner found her beloved pet cat decapitated in her garden - sparking claims from an animal rights charity that the Croydon cat killer has started operating in Bedfordshire.
Further investment into Royston based Hotel Chocolat on the way
The Royston businessman and founder of Hotel Chocolat is to invest further in the company after the firm was valued at £167m.
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In an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange, the valuation has netted company founder, Angus Thirlwell, more than £20m.
Mr Thirwell said he plans to invest further in its British chocolate manufacturing operations, new stores and digital offering.
Natalie Hemming investigation: Police have car in their possession
Lee Agnew
BBC Three Counties Radio
Police investigating the disappearance of a mother-of-three from Milton Keynes, want people who saw a specific car to come forward.
Thames Valley PoliceCopyright: Thames Valley Police
Officers have the Black Ford S-Max Sport in their possession, but would like to know where it "was between 21:45 on Sunday and the early hours of the Bank Holiday Monday."
Det Supt Chris Ward said: "We believe that vehicle travelled along the A413 from Milton Keynes into Aylesbury, has travelled on the Aylesbury side of the A41 and it's also used the A418."
A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Natalie Hemming, 31, who hasn't been seen since Sunday.
Afternoon headlines: Car appeal in missing case... CCTV examined in inquest
Jane Killick
BBC Three Counties Radio
The latest headlines:
Police investigating the disappearance of a mother-of-three from Milton Keynes have found a car they were looking for in connection with the case
A group of seven masked men have forced their way into a flat in Borehamwood and tied up the woman and two men inside
Weather: Fine and dry with lots of sunshine
Alex Dolan
BBC Look East weather
Tonight: Staying fine and dry with long spells of sunshine and light easterly winds. Lows of 6C (43F). Pollen levels will stay high.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Tomorrow: Another fine and dry day with high temperatures. High level cloud in the afternoon will turn the sunshine hazy later, but it will be a very pleasant afternoon. Highs of 20C (68F).
Istiak Yusuf 'may have survived' with quicker treatment
Kate Bradbrook
BBC Look East
A man who died in police custody in Luton after taking a concoction of drugs "may have survived" if medical help had been summoned earlier, a consultant has told the inquest.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Dr Nigel Langford, a consultant in emergency medicine, talked about seizures brought on by cocaine use, and examining CCTV of Istiak Yusuf in his cell said he was in seizure, which could be seen by movement in his arm.
Dr Langford said if patients who've ingested cocaine "receive immediate medical treatment" prospects can be good. In this case, Mr Yusuf was taken to hospital while in cardiac arrest.
Businessman threatened with arrest by bogus officer
A Hertfordshire businessman who was the victim of a blackmail attempt was told he and his wife would be sent to prison and their children put into care.
SBNACopyright: SBNA
St Albans Crown Court heard the man was contacted by a bogus policeman to say he may be arrested for money laundering from heroin dealing. The man feared the threats came from a genuine officer so contacted someone he knew to involve the police internal investigations department.
Chris Middleton, 27, of Stevenage has been jailed for two years for his part in the scam.
Blackmail scam man 'wanted to make easy money'
A man jailed for his part in blackmailing a Hertfordshire businessman after he ran up gambling debts of £30,000 had wanted to make "easy money".
The judge at St Albans Crown Court jailed Chris Middleton, 27, of Stevenage, for two years but acknowledged he was a "junior partner" and the person who instigated the scam had not been brought to justice
"His father is a retired police officer and his mother a retired teacher. He is very ashamed at what he has done," Claire Dowse, defending, said.
Travel: A507 closed in Clophill
BBC Travel
The A507 is closed in Clophill between the A6 and Warren Lane due to a vehicle fire.
Police are directing traffic.
Custody death man had 'highest ever seen' cocaine in body
Kate Bradbrook
BBC Look East
The amount of cocaine in the body of Luton man Istiak Tusuf was the "one of the highest ever seen," according to a forensic specialist giving evidence at the third day of an inquest into his death in police custody.
Family photoCopyright: Family photo
The jury at Ampthill Coroners Court heard Kerry Taylor, a senior forensic toxicologist, describe how any concentration of cocaine found in a blood sample above four would be classed as high. She said Mr Yusuf's blood had a level of 11.3.
Ms Taylor said the level of ecstacy was not considered to be high. Neither was the level of alcohol in the blood, but the reaction of alcohol mixed with cocaine would have created the metabolite cocaethylene that killed him.
Bedfordshire elephant has tooth removed
Dani Bailey
BBC Local Live
Lucha, a 33-year-old Asian elephant, had an infected tooth which was causing her discomfort, so keepers called in a specialist zoo dentist.
Whipsnade Zoo said Lucha had been off her food. They had a closer look and found the problem. Her whole tooth was removed and she's now back on her feet...
Video content
Video caption: Elephant at Whipsnade Zoo has tooth removed by specialists.Elephant at Whipsnade Zoo has tooth removed by specialists.
Mother swan found dead on her nest in Milton Keynes
Man jailed for blackmailing Hertfordshire businessman
The son of a retired police officer has been jailed for two years for his part in the blackmail of a Hertfordshire businessman.
SBNACopyright: SBNA
Chris Middleton, 27, of Webb Rise, Stevenage, was looking for money to pay off gambling debts when he got involved in the scam. St Albans Crown Court heard he was offered £5,000.
The victim was contacted by a bogus policeman who threatened arrest for money laundering from drug dealing. Middleton was caught when he delivered a package involved in the scam at a post office.
Road reopens after fire in Standon
Dowsetts Lane in Standon, Hertfordshire has reopened after firefighters dealt with a refuse fire in a builders yard.
Boys & Girls NurseryCopyright: Boys & Girls Nursery
Hertfordshire nursery's Tough Mudder challenge for Watford Hospital
Dani Bailey
BBC Local Live
A nursery based in Hertfordshire has raised almost £4,000 for the Children's Emergency Department at Watford Hospital.
Boys & Girls NurseryCopyright: Boys & Girls Nursery
The Boys & Girls Nursery team took part in Tough Mudder, a "hardcore obstacle race", to raise money for an infusion pump for the department, which is used for children who cannot take on fluids and risk dehydration.
About 40 members of staff took part and completed the course in five hours and 40 minutes.
Quote Message: I am so proud of the team who participated. We had a great day." from Natasha Kirby Director of Boys & Girls Nursery
I am so proud of the team who participated. We had a great day."
Good news from forecaster Dan Holley for the weekend
Dani Bailey
BBC Local Live
It's one of those days where we're going to talk about the weather a fair bit on here...
Thames Valley PoliceCopyright: Thames Valley Police
Natalie Hemming, 31, of Alderney Avenue, Newton Leys, was reported missing on Tuesday and police arrested a 42-year-old man from Milton Keynes on suspicion of murder yesterday.
The Black Ford S-Max Titan X Sport is believed to have travelled on the A413, A418 and A41 around Aylesbury between 21:45 on Sunday and 00:45 on Bank Holiday Monday.
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
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- Police investigating the disappearance of a mother-of-three from Milton Keynes have found a car they were looking for in connection with the case
- An expert who studied CCTV footage of a Luton man who died in police custody says it looked like Istiak Yusuf was having a seizure
- A group of seven masked men have forced their way into a flat in Borehamwood and tied up the woman and two men inside
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Video caption: Elephant at Whipsnade Zoo has tooth removed by specialists.Elephant at Whipsnade Zoo has tooth removed by specialists. 
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Latest PostOur live coverage across the day
That's all from us today for Local Live in Beds, Herts and Bucks - thanks for joining us.
We'll be back tomorrow from 08:00 to bring you the latest news, including the election results, across the three counties.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Homes damaged by fire and goats rescued
Three homes were damaged, and goats and chickens rescued in Luton last night after a fire in a garden spread.
Firefighters were called to Pembroke Avenue just after 17:00 where they found the fire quickly spreading to terraced houses.
Two goats were saved and chickens released by officers. Two outhouses were destroyed and three properties seriously damaged.
Luton pensioner finds pet cat decapitated
Bedfordshire on Sunday
A Luton pensioner found her beloved pet cat decapitated in her garden - sparking claims from an animal rights charity that the Croydon cat killer has started operating in Bedfordshire.
Further investment into Royston based Hotel Chocolat on the way
The Royston businessman and founder of Hotel Chocolat is to invest further in the company after the firm was valued at £167m.
In an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange, the valuation has netted company founder, Angus Thirlwell, more than £20m.
Mr Thirwell said he plans to invest further in its British chocolate manufacturing operations, new stores and digital offering.
Natalie Hemming investigation: Police have car in their possession
Lee Agnew
BBC Three Counties Radio
Police investigating the disappearance of a mother-of-three from Milton Keynes, want people who saw a specific car to come forward.
Officers have the Black Ford S-Max Sport in their possession, but would like to know where it "was between 21:45 on Sunday and the early hours of the Bank Holiday Monday."
Det Supt Chris Ward said: "We believe that vehicle travelled along the A413 from Milton Keynes into Aylesbury, has travelled on the Aylesbury side of the A41 and it's also used the A418."
A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Natalie Hemming, 31, who hasn't been seen since Sunday.
Afternoon headlines: Car appeal in missing case... CCTV examined in inquest
Jane Killick
BBC Three Counties Radio
The latest headlines:
Weather: Fine and dry with lots of sunshine
Alex Dolan
BBC Look East weather
Tonight: Staying fine and dry with long spells of sunshine and light easterly winds. Lows of 6C (43F). Pollen levels will stay high.
Tomorrow: Another fine and dry day with high temperatures. High level cloud in the afternoon will turn the sunshine hazy later, but it will be a very pleasant afternoon. Highs of 20C (68F).
Istiak Yusuf 'may have survived' with quicker treatment
Kate Bradbrook
BBC Look East
A man who died in police custody in Luton after taking a concoction of drugs "may have survived" if medical help had been summoned earlier, a consultant has told the inquest.
Dr Nigel Langford, a consultant in emergency medicine, talked about seizures brought on by cocaine use, and examining CCTV of Istiak Yusuf in his cell said he was in seizure, which could be seen by movement in his arm.
Dr Langford said if patients who've ingested cocaine "receive immediate medical treatment" prospects can be good. In this case, Mr Yusuf was taken to hospital while in cardiac arrest.
Businessman threatened with arrest by bogus officer
A Hertfordshire businessman who was the victim of a blackmail attempt was told he and his wife would be sent to prison and their children put into care.
St Albans Crown Court heard the man was contacted by a bogus policeman to say he may be arrested for money laundering from heroin dealing. The man feared the threats came from a genuine officer so contacted someone he knew to involve the police internal investigations department.
Chris Middleton, 27, of Stevenage has been jailed for two years for his part in the scam.
Blackmail scam man 'wanted to make easy money'
A man jailed for his part in blackmailing a Hertfordshire businessman after he ran up gambling debts of £30,000 had wanted to make "easy money".
The judge at St Albans Crown Court jailed Chris Middleton, 27, of Stevenage, for two years but acknowledged he was a "junior partner" and the person who instigated the scam had not been brought to justice
"His father is a retired police officer and his mother a retired teacher. He is very ashamed at what he has done," Claire Dowse, defending, said.
Travel: A507 closed in Clophill
BBC Travel
The A507 is closed in Clophill between the A6 and Warren Lane due to a vehicle fire.
Police are directing traffic.
Custody death man had 'highest ever seen' cocaine in body
Kate Bradbrook
BBC Look East
The amount of cocaine in the body of Luton man Istiak Tusuf was the "one of the highest ever seen," according to a forensic specialist giving evidence at the third day of an inquest into his death in police custody.
The jury at Ampthill Coroners Court heard Kerry Taylor, a senior forensic toxicologist, describe how any concentration of cocaine found in a blood sample above four would be classed as high. She said Mr Yusuf's blood had a level of 11.3.
Ms Taylor said the level of ecstacy was not considered to be high. Neither was the level of alcohol in the blood, but the reaction of alcohol mixed with cocaine would have created the metabolite cocaethylene that killed him.
Bedfordshire elephant has tooth removed
Dani Bailey
BBC Local Live
Lucha, a 33-year-old Asian elephant, had an infected tooth which was causing her discomfort, so keepers called in a specialist zoo dentist.
Whipsnade Zoo said Lucha had been off her food. They had a closer look and found the problem. Her whole tooth was removed and she's now back on her feet...
Video content
Mother swan found dead on her nest in Milton Keynes
One MK
A mother swan has been found dead on her nest in Milton Keynes following an animal attack.
Man jailed for blackmailing Hertfordshire businessman
The son of a retired police officer has been jailed for two years for his part in the blackmail of a Hertfordshire businessman.
Chris Middleton, 27, of Webb Rise, Stevenage, was looking for money to pay off gambling debts when he got involved in the scam. St Albans Crown Court heard he was offered £5,000.
The victim was contacted by a bogus policeman who threatened arrest for money laundering from drug dealing. Middleton was caught when he delivered a package involved in the scam at a post office.
Road reopens after fire in Standon
Dowsetts Lane in Standon, Hertfordshire has reopened after firefighters dealt with a refuse fire in a builders yard.
Nursery raise money for children's A&E in Watford
Dani Bailey
BBC Local Live
I just had to share this photograph of the nursery staff who took part in an extreme obstacle course to raise money for Watford Hospital.
This was their team photograph before the race. I wonder if they realised at this point what they'd let themselves in for?
Hertfordshire nursery's Tough Mudder challenge for Watford Hospital
Dani Bailey
BBC Local Live
A nursery based in Hertfordshire has raised almost £4,000 for the Children's Emergency Department at Watford Hospital.
The Boys & Girls Nursery team took part in Tough Mudder, a "hardcore obstacle race", to raise money for an infusion pump for the department, which is used for children who cannot take on fluids and risk dehydration.
About 40 members of staff took part and completed the course in five hours and 40 minutes.
Good news from forecaster Dan Holley for the weekend
Dani Bailey
BBC Local Live
It's one of those days where we're going to talk about the weather a fair bit on here...
One, because it's sunny.
Two, because we're British!
Natalie Hemming: Police search for car after murder arrest
Dani Bailey
BBC Local Live
Police searching for a missing mother-of-three have released a picture of a car they say "may be connected" with her disappearance.
Natalie Hemming, 31, of Alderney Avenue, Newton Leys, was reported missing on Tuesday and police arrested a 42-year-old man from Milton Keynes on suspicion of murder yesterday.
The Black Ford S-Max Titan X Sport is believed to have travelled on the A413, A418 and A41 around Aylesbury between 21:45 on Sunday and 00:45 on Bank Holiday Monday.