Bristol crime round-up: The people police need help to track down
Police officers investigate reports of crimes across Bristol everyday, but sometimes the suspect is hard to track down. In many instances, police are able to find CCTV footage of people in the area where the crime took place. This means they are able to release the images to the public in the hope that the individuals can be identified, in case they have any information that might help the investigation.
Avon and Somerset Police has released images of individuals they wish to speak to in connection with a number of crimes in November. Some appeals have since been removed after members of the public helped with identification, but several remain live on the force’s appeals[1] list. Can you help officers identify those in the pictures below or were you simply in the area when the reported crime happened?
The crimes being investigated include a fatal crash, tools being stolen and cash stolen from a vulnerable elderly woman. Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police by calling 101 and quoting the relevant crime reference. The CCTV images relating to each investigation can be viewed below along with their crime reference number and when the alleged offence took place.
Man dies in M4 lorry and Tesla crash near Bristol
Drivers experienced severe delays on the M4 (Image: Highways England)
A driver has died after a crash involving a car and a lorry on the M4 near Bristol, police have said.
Emergency services were called to the collision, eastbound between junctions 22 for the M49 and 21 for the M48, at around 4.30am today (Monday, December 4). The road was closed in both directions[4] while Avon and Somerset Police and paramedics attended the incident but the Tesla driver died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer, Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement.
No one else is reported to have sustained any injuries. Officers are now appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the crash to get in touch. In a statement, an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said: “We are appealing for witnesses following a collision between a car and a lorry on the M4 eastbound between junctions 22 (M49) and 21 (M48) at approximately 4.30am this morning (Monday 4 December).
Emergency services attended, however the driver of the car, a blue Tesla, tragically died at the scene. “His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.
No one else involved in the collision suffered any injuries. “The M4 was closed in both directions between junctions 22 and 21 to allow investigations to take place and the vehicles to be recovered. It reopened shortly after 1.45pm.
We would like to thank drivers for their patience and understanding during the closure. “If you can help, please call 101[5] and give the call handler the reference number 5223295665, or complete our online appeals form[6].” The motorway was closed in both direction until around 1.45pm, while emergency services attended the scene and crash investigation work was undertaken.
Stockwood bus arson attack CCTV appeal launched as police seek woman
Avon and Somerset Police wants to identify this woman as part of an investigation into a suspected arson attack on a bus in Bristol (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)
Police have released a CCTV image of a woman officers want to speak to as they continue to investigate a suspected arson attack on a bus in Stockwood[7].
The incident happened on the number 2 double-decker service on November 26 as it was going along The Coots[8]. Pictures taken during the incident show the bus alight with flames and smoke pouring into the sky. Avon Fire and Rescue[9] Service dashed out to the scene to extinguish the flames and an Avon and Somerset Police[10] investigation into the incident is ongoing. Officers have now released a CCTV image of a woman they believe might be able to help with the investigation.
She is described by police as being white, of average build with dark hair and was wearing a black jumper, grey trousers and white shoes. A spokesperson for the force said: “We are appealing for the public’s help to identify this woman in connection with our investigation into a fire on a bus. Officers were called to The Coots, in Bristol, on Sunday, November 26 following reports of a fire on the number 2 double-decker bus.
“As part of the investigation into a suspected arson, we are keen to speak to this woman. We believe she may have information which can help our investigation. We appreciate the image is not very good quality but we are hoping people may recognise her by the clothing she is wearing.
“She is white, of average build, with dark hair. She is shown wearing a black jumper, grey trousers, and white shoes. “The bus, which was running between Cribbs Causeway and Stockwood, was travelling along Ladman Road and then onto Stockwood Road.
The vehicle came to a stop when the driver realised the vehicle was on fire. Thankfully, no one was injured or required hospital treatment. “If you recognise the woman in this photo, please call us.
If you can help, please call 101[11] and give the call handler the reference number 5223289324, or complete our online appeals form[12]. “You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111[13] or via their anonymous online form[14]. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.”
A37 Wells Road crash leaves two in hospital after bus and lorry collide
A bus and a lorry collided on the A37 Wells Road, in Knowle, Bristol (Image: Paul Gillis/BristolLive)
Two people have been rushed to hospital following a serious crash between a bus and lorry in Bristol[15].
The A37 Wells Road has now reopened closed in Knowle[16] due to the incident which happened during the early hours of Thursday morning[17] (December 7). It took almost two hours to cut the driver of the lorry free, with both vehicles left badly damaged. Avon & Somerset Police confirmed that the injuries sustained by both drivers are not thought to be life threatening.
Crash investigation work and a clear up operation took place and the road reopened in both directions just after 12.30pm. Traffic was very busy in the surrounding area and diversion routes were in place[18]. A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police[19] said earlier: “Emergency services were called to a collision on the A37 Wells Road, Bristol, just before 4.45am on Thursday, December 7.
It involved a lorry and a bus. “The driver and passengers of the bus were assessed by ambulance crews at the scene, while fire crews worked to free the lorry driver by about 6.40am. Both drivers went to hospital with injuries not currently believed to be life-threatening.
“The A37 remains fully closed between its junction with the A4174 and Broad Walk, pending completion of collision investigation and the recovery of the vehicles. “Anyone who witness the collision or has any dashcam or other footage which could help is asked to call 101 and give the reference 5223298393.” A First West of England spokesperson said: “Firstly, we’d like to wish those involved a speedy recovery, and we are assisting the police with their investigation.” It’s been confirmed that the bus involved was the 2 service between Cribbs Causeway and Stockwood.
Kingswood attack leaves two men in hospital with stab wounds
Police and forensics teams were seen on Downend Road, Kingswood after two men were taken to hospital (Image: Submitted)
Two men have been taken to hospital with stab wounds after an attack at an address in Kingswood[20], police have said.
Emergency services were called to a flat in Downend Road in the early hours of this morning (Sunday, December 3) following the incident. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police told BristolLive two men aged in their 40s were taken to hospital with stab wounds. One sustained more serious injuries in the attack but is in a stable condition and neither are currently believed to have life threatening injuries.
Their next of kin are aware, the spokesperson added. Local residents have reported a large police presence at the scene in Downend Road throughout the day and officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries. Forensic officers have also been seen completing an examination.
Officers are reportedly following up on positive lines of enquiry. Avon and Somerset Police has said there is no evidence to suggest a wider threat to the public at this time. Detectives are appealing to any witnesses for information and are especially keen to hear from anyone who was travelling along Downend Road between 1am and 2am, or who has dashcam or doorbell footage of anything suspicious.
The force said in a statement: “If you can help please call 101 and give the reference 5223295042. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information[21].”
Cash stolen from vulnerable elderly woman, 87, in Bristol city centre
Avon and Somerset Police officers want to speak to this man over a theft in Bristol city centre (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)
An 87-year-old woman was targeted by a crook who stole cash off her just after she had withdrawn it in Bristol city centre[22]. Avon and Somerset Police said the incident took place at around 12noon on August 21 in Merchant Street.
The woman had just withdrawn a sum of money from a bank when a man approached her and stole[23] an envelope containing the cash. Police[24] said the victim has vision and hearing loss and has been described as vulnerable. Officers investigating the incident have released CCTV footage of a man who they wish to speak to about the incident. Anyone who recognises him has been urged to contact police immediately.
A statement from the force said: “We’re issuing CCTV footage in a renewed appeal to identify this man as part of an investigation into the theft of cash from a vulnerable 87-year-old woman. It happened in Merchant Street, Bristol, at about midday on Monday 21 August. “The woman – who has vision and hearing loss – had just withdrawn money from the bank.
A man approached her, took an envelope containing the cash and made off. “The man in the footage is described as white, aged 35 to 45 and about 5ft 8ins tall, with short brown hair with a distinctive M-shaped or “widow’s peak” hairline. He’s wearing a dark blue padded jacket with a hood, grey trousers and trainers with white soles.
“If you saw what happened, recognise the man or have any other information we’d like to hear from you. If you can help, please call 101[25] and give the call handler the reference number 5223202182, or complete our online appeals form[26]. “You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111[27] or via their Anonymous Online Form[28].
No personal details are taken, informalion cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.”
Burglars smash into Bristol Tesco Express store with sledgehammers
Tesco Express in Wells Road remains closed with a police cordon in place after a reported break in (Image: Paul Gillis/Reach PLC)
A Tesco Express store in Bristol was smashed into by sledgehammer-wielding burglars[29] during the early hours of this morning (December 6), police say. The incident unfolded at the shop in Wells Road, in Whitchurch[30], at around 4.45am. Avon and Somerset Police[31] says two people broke into the shop using a sledgehammer.
When officers arrived at the Tesco[32] Express, they saw two men climbing out of a window with boxes of booze. The force says a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of burglary, carrying an offensive weapon and being in possession of a class A drug. Police add a second suspect fled the scene are searches are being conducted to locate him.
A cordon remains in place at the shop while police continue their investigations. An appeal for witnesses has been issued by the force. Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call 101[33] and give the call handler the reference number 5223297457, or complete their online appeals form[34].
Search to reunite tools from stolen van with rightful owners
Among the items in the stolen van is this tool box (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)
A large number of tools have been recovered from a stolen van in Ashton and police officers are hoping to reunite them with their owners.
The equipment was recovered from a Ford Transit van in Buttercup Walk, Ashton on Saturday, November 25, Avon and Somerset Police said. Some of the tools which had identifying marks have already been returned to their owners, the force has said, but the remaining items do not have these. Officers are appealing for anyone who has had tools stolen to get in touch.
Avon and Somerset Police are also appealing for information in connection to the thefts. If you have any CCTV footage which may help the investigation, then please call 101, quoting reference 5223288828. Tradespeople are reminded to remove tools from their vehicles and ensure they are secure overnight and at weekends.
The police force also recommend fitting an alarm to the car if it does not have one and not to leave anything of value which can be seen from the outside. Consider locking it in the boot of the vehicle but ideally remove all items from the vehicle. Similarly, owners of vans are advised not to leave expensive power tools in their vehicle overnight or at the weekend, when not at work.
If they feel the need to leave items in the vehicles, then they should consider fitting specialist floor-mounted safes and secure storage boxes.
Avon and Somerset Police also advise security marking as well as taking photos of their tools and equipment.
References
- ^ appeals (www.avonandsomerset.police.uk)
- ^ Judge’s scathing remarks to ‘cruel’ teen who murdered Ben Moncrieff (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Aggressive man ‘hurled waste’ during row at Bradley Stoke recycling centre (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ The road was closed in both directions (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ 101 (tel)
- ^ online appeals form (www.avonandsomerset.police.uk)
- ^ a suspected arson attack on a bus in Stockwood (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ The Coots (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Avon Fire and Rescue (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Avon and Somerset Police (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ 101 (tel)
- ^ online appeals form (www.avonandsomerset.police.uk)
- ^ 0800 555 111 (https)
- ^ anonymous online form (crimestoppers-uk.org)
- ^ Bristol (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ in Knowle (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ happened during the early hours of Thursday morning (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ diversion routes were in place (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Avon & Somerset Police (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Kingswood (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information (crimestoppers-uk.org)
- ^ Bristol city centre (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ stole (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Police (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ 101 (tel)
- ^ online appeals form (www.avonandsomerset.police.uk)
- ^ 0800 555 111 (https)
- ^ Anonymous Online Form (crimestoppers-uk.org)
- ^ burglars (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Whitchurch (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Avon and Somerset Police (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Tesco (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ 101 (tel)
- ^ online appeals form (www.avonandsomerset.police.uk)