Somerset

The UK set a new June temperature record of 36.4°C in Somerset, breaking the previous 1976 record as a heatwave strained ambulance services. London Ambulance Service reported a record 642 life-threatening emergencies due to extreme heat, prompting extended red weather warnings.

A suspected arson attack caused an explosion and fires at caravans in Glastonbury, Somerset, leading to arrests and heightened concerns about people living in vehicles. Jan Johnston described the event as 'like a bomb had gone off' due to the sudden explosion and thick smoke.

Jaguar Land Rover faces potential battery supply delays due to construction issues at a government-backed factory in Somerset. Agratas, the supplier, dismissed its main building contractor over a budget mismatch. Both Agratas and JLR are owned by the Indian conglomerate Tata.

A lorry sent to fix a sinkhole in Somerset became stuck after the ground gave way, leaving it at a near 45-degree angle. The incident occurred on Butleigh Drove, near Walton. Contractors from Stabilised Pavements were involved.

England's dirtiest beaches have been identified in the Brown Flag Awards, with Somerset named as the worst-performing county. The report highlights significant environmental concerns affecting coastal areas.

The UK government has allocated £380m to Tata-owned Agratas plant to build a battery factory supplying Jaguar Land Rover, despite construction delays. The investment aims to boost economic growth and secure jobs, with batteries intended for electric Range Rover and Jaguar models.