Local News from Monday, July 13th, 2026

The University of Exeter has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading institutions in defence, security and resilience education and research after being appointed a founding member of the new Defence Universities Alliance.

South West Water has announced it will be introducing temporary restrictions on hosepipe use for customers in Mid Devon and parts of East Devon including Tiverton, Cullompton, Bampton, Honiton, South Molton, Dunkeswell, Axminster and Lyme Regis, due to current exceptionally high levels of demand in the area.

Police are appealing for any information following a series assault in Exeter.

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) can confirm it is now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.  Specialist officers from across the CTP network have been working alongside colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police since a murder investigation was launched last week. 

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage following a fatal road traffic collision in Exmouth on Sunday 12 July.

South West Water is asking customers in Mid Devon and parts of East Devon to limit water use to essential purposes as prolonged hot, dry weather continues to drive exceptionally high demand across the area.

Plans by the Prime Minister-in-waiting to create a ‘Number 10 North’ office in Manchester have been blasted by the leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Proposals around allowing 5G equipment installations across Devon will be discussed next week in a move that could see the county earn £350 a year from every lamppost used.