BBC Local Live: Beds, Herts & Bucks

They've kept us hanging all day... but Beds, Cambs and Herts Police Dog Unit have finally told us the name of their new pup!

BCH Police DogsCopyright: BCH Police Dogs

On Twitter, they post: "I've met my human family and my new foster sister. The children keep calling me Blade. I think that must be my name."

A Biggleswade milkman will be delivering his last pint this Saturday after nearly four decades on the job.

People living in St Albans are unhappy about overnight work taking place along the railway.

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Workmen have been using chainsaws in the early hours of the morning, with no notice to residents.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "Safety is our number one priority and for this reason work of this type must be carried out while trains are not running. The equipment we use means some disturbance is unavoidable, but we will make every effort to minimise any unnecessary noise."

It'll be a dry end to the day with some patchy evening sunshine for some.

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Overnight it should remain dry with light winds, though cloud will thicken from the west in the early hours of Friday. Minimum temperature: 12C (54F).

Tomorrow, after a dry start outbreaks of rain will soon spread in from the southwest, with these turning persistent and heavy in the afternoon. It will become increasingly windy overnight. Maximum temperature: 16C (61F).

The fiancee of a Buckinghamshire farmer who spelt out "Di will you marry me?" in crops using weedkiller to propose said she was "absolutely blown away" by the gesture.

Rick DaviesCopyright: Rick Davies

Rick Davies, 32, showed Diana Cull, 33, the message by flying her over his 20-acre field in a flight he won at a charity auction for £50.

Ms Cull said: "I was totally overwhelmed, I started crying, it was like something you see in films... It was a massive yes, there was no hesitation."

The top stories we're looking at:

• A man has been taken to hospital after his car crashed into the porch of a house in St Albans
• Plans for a rail depot at Langley in Buckinghamshire are to be opposed by South Bucks District Council
• There's been an arrest in Luton this afternoon after reports of a man with a machete

We've just heard paramedics have now left the scene of a crash in Camp Road, St Albans, and a man has been taken to hospital.

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If you peer through the trees, this picture we've been sent shows a car has collided with a house, and the porch seems to have collapsed on top of it.

A man was cut out of the vehicle by the fire service. He is currently at Watford General Hospital being treated for head injuries.

The M1 southbound is blocked at J15 for Milton Keynes due to a crash, where an air ambulance has just left the scene. Northbound between J14 and J15 is also slow because of drivers slowing down to look.

In Toddington, the High Street is closed in both directions between Grange Road and Market Square because of a crash and vehicle fire.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Community First Responders tweeted that the A1M is slow northbound from Welwyn Garden City. London Midland trains are also still delayed through Euston due to line problems.

We were talking a bit earlier about Herts Past Policing, a project that has been looking back at crimes over the last century and pulling them all together into a website.

Hertfordshire PoliceCopyright: Hertfordshire Police

The collection is focussed on 1914-1918 to tie in with the World War One centenary, and there are some very interesting posts that you wouldn't dream of hearing about these days...

Like this incident from 24 July 1915, when Louisa Seymour of Little Berkhamsted was fined 25 shillings for using bad language. In her defence, Ms Seymour said she never used filthy language except when she got drunk.

A vehicle has collided with the porch of a house in the Highfields area of St Albans this afternoon.

Police were called at 15:20 to Camp Road where a man was cut out of the vehicle using hydraulic cutters.

Paramedics and the air ambulance are at the scene.

Beds, Cambs and Herts Police Dog Unit has tweeted the latest on its new police pup - and they're still keeping us on tenterhooks about his name!

BCH Police DogsCopyright: BCH Police Dogs

They write: "I've had a very busy day and am feeling quite sleepy. Off home now to meet my new family."

Plans for a rail depot at Langley in Buckinghamshire are to be opposed by South Bucks District Council.

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The Heathrow Express Depot would be put there as part of the construction plans for the HS2 high speed rail line, for which it's predicted an additional 500 lorry movements would occur.

There are already concerns about the number of lorries from existing businesses in the area.

The top stories for the three counties this afternoon:

• There's been an arrest in Luton this afternoon after reports of a man with a machete
• Two cyclists are in hospital after a collision with a tractor on the Bedfordshire / Buckinghamshire border
• Plans for a rail depot at Langley in Buckinghamshire are to be opposed by South Bucks District Council

A man has been arrested this afternoon in Luton after officers were called to reports of a man with an offensive weapon, Bedfordshire Police say.

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Earlier we received reports there was a man with a machete on New Bedford Road in the town.

A yellow warning for wind and rain has been issued by the Met Office for the East of England from midday on Friday.

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An area of rain and strong to gale force winds are expected to cross much of southern England before clearing to the East on Saturday morning.

The Met Office says people should be aware of potential disruption to travel and other outdoor activities.

We're getting reports that there are police on New Bedford Road in Luton dealing with a man with a machete.

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We've put a call into the police to get the details, and our reporter Toby Friedner is on his way there. We'll update you with the latest news as we get it.

Work has begun on the new Watford Health Campus road, part of a £250m development of housing, businesses and improved open public spaces.

Watford Borough CouncilCopyright: Watford Borough Council

The multimillion-pound plans were unveiled in January last year and championed by the first elected mayor for Watford, Dorothy Thornhill.

As the first phase of the scheme, the road is expected to open in Autumn 2016.

There is disruption on the M1 northbound at Toddington Services. There is a shed load and an overturned lorry on the slip road from the services blocking one lane.

The A5 is still queuing in Dunstable due to faulty traffic lights.

London Midland trains are experiencing delays of about 20 minutes on trains running through Euston due to emergency engineering works.

A Harvester in Milton Keynes has put up its Christmas tree - complete with baubles and tinsel - more than five months early.

I've just been talking to the Buckinghamshire farmer who proposed to his girlfriend using weedkiller to spell out a message in crops, who sent me this great picture of his efforts.

Rick DaviesCopyright: Rick Davies

Rick Davies, 32, sprayed pesticide from the back of a quad bike he drove through his wheat field at Newton Lodge farm in north Buckinghamshire to spell out the message "Di will you marry me?"

The gesture destroyed about an acre of wheat worth approximately £600, but he said he was "definitely pleased" with the result. "All I wanted was a yes," he said. Which he got!

Eleven people have been charged with conspiring to supply crack cocaine and heroin across the eastern region.

Officers carried out the arrests during the past three months following an investigation covering Bedfordshire, London, Norfolk and Suffolk. All 11 suspects come from the London area.

Striker Kim Farrow thinks Watford can earn a surprise win against Arsenal in Thursday's Continental Cup tie.

The Lady Hornets are bottom of WSL 2, having won only one game this season, while the Gunners are second in WSL 1.

The FACopyright: The FA

Millwall currently top Watford's cup group and WSL 1 leaders Chelsea are second after rescuing a narrow victory at second-tier club Reading.

"I think that result just shows that it doesn't matter what league you're in," Farrow, 23, told BBC Sport.

Two cyclists are still being treated in hospital after colliding with a tractor in Milton Keynes yesterday.

GoogleCopyright: Google

The crash involving a group of cyclists and a blue new Holland tractor, which was towing agricultural equipment, happened along Harrold Road in Snelson at about 11:00. The cyclists were travelling north, the opposite direction to the tractor.

One of the cyclists, a 29-year-old man, was taken to Bedford Hospital for back injuries. The other cyclist, a 42-year-old man, sustained fractures to his back and ribs and was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital. The tractor driver was not hurt.

A man has been fined more than £2,000 after he was found dumping waste twice in High Wycombe.

Bucks County CouncilCopyright: Bucks County Council

Kazim Karabulut, 47, of Harcourt Hill, Oxford, pleaded guilty at Wycombe Magistrates' Court last week. He had initially denied the offences, on 13 and 22 January this year, when interviewed by police.

Magistrates fined Mr Karabulut £500 for two occasions of failing in his duty of care regarding the dumped waste. He was ordered to pay clean-up and prosecution costs of £995, along with a victim surcharge of £50, making a total of £2,045.

Most places will be dry this afternoon. It may be rather cloudy on the whole, although some bright or sunny spells are likely.

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There is a slight chance of a light, isolated shower. Winds will be light. Maximum temperature: 21C (70F).

Yesterday, a law student at the University of Bedfordshire had a bit of a shock at her graduation ceremony.

University of BedfordshireCopyright: University of Bedfordshire

Her boyfriend proposed at the ceremony in the luscious grounds of country house Putteridge Bury - you can watch the adorable video here.

The manager of Putteridge Bury, Darren Smith, has already promised the couple a discount on the venue for their wedding.

A man initially jailed for life for murdering an antiques dealer has had his sentence reduced.

Essex PoliceCopyright: Essex Police

Male escort Michael Brennan, 24, was told he would serve at least 22 years for stabbing Paul Simons, 54, to death in Chelmsford in December 2013.

During his trial, Chelmsford Crown Court heard the body of Mr Simons, from Bushey in Hertfordshire, was found at a flat in Moulsham Street in the early hours of 4 May 2013.

The top stories we're looking at:

• The Home Secretary, Theresa May, is launching an independent review of deaths in custody - this comes as the Independent Police Complaints Commission continues to investigate two deaths at Luton Police Station
• Tina Beloveth Powerful, from Milton Keynes, is due in court to be sentenced for fraud tomorrow after failing to appear last Friday

A Hertfordshire policing website that looks back at crime over the last century has been described as a "remarkable project".

Hertfordshire PoliceCopyright: Hertfordshire Police

The newly-launched website, Herts Past Policing, has been three years in the making. It began with a donation of police records between 1840-1919 and focuses on stories between 1914-1918 to tie in with the World War One centenary.

Project manager Emma Steed (pictured) said: "This has been a truly remarkable project involving dozens of volunteers from across the county and will be ongoing as more and more stories, memories and records are added."

The head of a bogus business school in Milton Keynes, Tina Beloveth Powerful, will appear in court tomorrow after a warrant was issued for her arrest.

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She is due to appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court for sentencing tomorrow at 10:00 after being found guilty of fraud and false advertising. She had been due in court last Friday, but did not turn up.

The brother of missing Milton Keynes man Stephen Keogh has appeared in a video asking him to contact his family.

Thames Valley PoliceCopyright: Thames Valley Police

Police are carrying out searches for the missing 38-year-old from Netherfield who has been missing since 11 May.

Stephen's brother John has appealed for help saying: "Mate, if you're seeing this please get in touch with me, mum, Keith, anyone of the family to let us know that you're safe and sound."

Beds, Cambs and Herts Police Dog Unit tweets: "Good morning all, the moment you've been waiting for. Say hello to our newest recruit."

BCH Police DogsCopyright: BCH Police Dogs

We've been told his name will be announced on social media later, but in the meantime send us your suggestions.

Watling Street in Milton Keynes is closed in both directions between The Bowl Roundabout and Knowlhill Roundabout after two vehicles crashed (pictured).

TVP Roads PolicingCopyright: TVP Roads Policing

Thames Valley Roads Policing tweeted that two casualties are being treated at Milton Keynes General Hospital.

Meanwhile, on the A5 in Dunstable there are delays northbound due to faulty traffic lights. London Midland trains are also delayed by up to 20 minutes between Milton Keynes Central and Watford Junction due to safety checks on the line.

A website looking at how Hertfordshire was policed since 1840 has gone live.

Hertfordshire PoliceCopyright: Hertfordshire Police

"The stories contained within the website are truly remarkable and do not just shed light on past policing in the county, but also give a fascinating insight into Hertfordshire society a hundred years ago," said the Herts Past Policing project manager Emma Steed (pictured).

Over three years Bishops Stortford Museum, Hertfordshire Archives, Hertfordshire Constabulary Historical Society and many more volunteers have been gathering information for the site funded by the Heritage Lottery.

A Luton-based charity which helps people in Sierra Leone living in poverty is launching its first shop tomorrow.

Home LeoneCopyright: Home Leone

Home Leone got involved after an EU report said over 280,000 homes were needed in Freetown.

Ever since, the charity have been working towards getting those first homes built. The shop aims to raise money so construction can continue.

A charmer farmer popped the question to his girlfriend - using weedkiller to spell out his proposal in a wheat field.

The top stories we're looking at:

• Home Secretary Theresa May is launching an independent review of deaths in custody. It comes as the Independent Police Complaints Commission continues to investigate two deaths at Luton Police Station
• A cyclist has been left with serious injuries after a hit-and-run in Hertfordshire last night
• Bedford Hospital say changes have been made following the death of a newborn baby

More now on the story we brought you yesterday about the inquest into the death of a seven-hour old Casey Garrett at Bedford Hospital last September.

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The baby's father Dean Garrett (pictured right) has said coroner Thomas Osborne - who questioned whether the hospital was a suitable location to train midwives following a catalogue of errors leading up to the baby's birth - has agreed to take the hospital up on its offer to inspect it.

Mr Garrett said: "He's also discussed other means of processing improvements himself to prevent other deaths - so to hear that support from the coroner means a lot to us because ultimately that's what we want to happen."

Former Stevenage striker Calvin Zola played for Luton Town in last night's 4-2 friendly win at Thurrock.

Jake Howells scored twice for the Hatters, with Pelly Ruddock playing 60 minutes on his return from injury.

Police in Milton Keynes are carrying out searches in the hunt for a 38-year-old man who has been missing from Broadlands in Netherfield, since 11 May.

Thames Valley PoliceCopyright: Thames Valley Police

Thames Valley Police said the force would be looking for Stephen Keogh near Milton Keynes railway station and in the Granby and Netherfield areas for several days.

There was a reported sighting of Stephen - who's described as white, with dark hair, about 5ft 9ins tall and of medium build - on 22 May in Netherfield.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was left with serious injuries following a hit-and-run in Hertfordshire last night.

The woman in her 40s was found in the road in Silver Street, Goffs Oak, by a member of the public at about 19:45.

Hertfordshire Police say it believes a black car, possibly a Ford, was involved in the collision and failed to stop at the scene.

Stevenage Borough Council has granted planning permission for a new North Stand at Stevenage FC's Lamex Stadium.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

The new two-storey structure will seat more than 1,500 people, with additional conference and leisure facilities.

Work could start this summer, with the new stand opening in a year's time.

It's a cooler start this morning than it has been in recent days, but it will turn into a fine, dry day with sunny spells, although cooler than yesterday.

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Maximum temperature: 21C (69F). Watch the latest forecast with Sara Thornton.

Watford FC have taken their number of summer signings to nine with yesterday's double signing of Jose Manuel Jurado from Spartak Moscow and Napoli defender Miguel Britos.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Jurado (pictured) played under Hornets' coach Quique Flores at Athletico Madrid, whilst Britos said former Napoli team-mate Valon Behrami - another Watford summer arrival - helped persuade him to come to Vicarage Road.

There are delays on High Street North in Dunstable this morning at the A505 Church Street junction due to faulty traffic lights which are only letting a few cars through at a time.

There's congestion on the B489 West Street to the Meadway junction and the A505 to the Priory Road junction.

Get the latest updates from BBC Travel.

These are the top stories we're looking at this morning:

• The Bedfordshire coroner has been invited to inspect Bedford Hospital following the death of a new-born baby there last September
• A mother in Bedfordshire is calling for more to be done after claiming her five-year-old daughter was coerced into simulating explicit sex acts at school
• Police in Milton Keynes are carrying out searches in the hunt for a 38-year-old man who's been missing since May

Welcome to today's live page for Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire for another whirl around the latest news, sport, leisure, travel and weather across the three counties until 18:00.

If you've got something to tell us, please feel free to email your comments to bhblive@bbc.co.uk or contact us on Twitter @BBC3CR or Facebook.