George Thorpe
@mrgeorgethorpe.bsky.social
BBC journalist mainly covering Devon, Cornwall and the Channel Islands. Enjoy lots of things outside of work. Taller than most, but not everyone. Views my own etc
Went down to Polperro today. Spoke to quite a few people who saw the fire. Reports of explosions and thick smoke. Understand owners of the property had not long purchased the site
Multiple crews tackle property fire in Cornwall www.bbc.com/news/article...
Multiple crews tackle property fire in Cornwall www.bbc.com/news/article...
Multiple crews tackle property fire near Polperro
An eyewitness describes seeing solar panels on the Cornwall property being involved in "explosions".
www.bbc.com
July 8, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Went down to Polperro today. Spoke to quite a few people who saw the fire. Reports of explosions and thick smoke. Understand owners of the property had not long purchased the site
Multiple crews tackle property fire in Cornwall www.bbc.com/news/article...
Multiple crews tackle property fire in Cornwall www.bbc.com/news/article...
Laura Robertson - Jersey Opera House’s third interim chairperson in a couple of months - said the venue would take on technical challenges “head on”
Opera house chairperson excited by venue's future www.bbc.com/news/article...
Opera house chairperson excited by venue's future www.bbc.com/news/article...
Jersey Opera House's new chair rejects 'poison chalice' concern
Laura Robertson has taken on the interim role following Cyril Whelan's resignation.
www.bbc.com
June 24, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Laura Robertson - Jersey Opera House’s third interim chairperson in a couple of months - said the venue would take on technical challenges “head on”
Opera house chairperson excited by venue's future www.bbc.com/news/article...
Opera house chairperson excited by venue's future www.bbc.com/news/article...
Estimates of the number of fish who have died in the St Austell River (known locally as the White River) have reached the thousands
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Thousands of fish killed in Cornwall river pollution
The Environment Agency says a
www.bbc.co.uk
June 20, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Estimates of the number of fish who have died in the St Austell River (known locally as the White River) have reached the thousands
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It is believed the packs fell off a boat during the night near Westward Ho!
Vacuum-packed chicken washes up on beaches www.bbc.com/news/article...
Vacuum-packed chicken washes up on beaches www.bbc.com/news/article...
Vacuum-packed chicken washes up on Devon beaches
Police say a crate appears to have fallen off a boat during the early hours of Friday morning.
www.bbc.com
June 20, 2025 at 4:14 PM
It is believed the packs fell off a boat during the night near Westward Ho!
Vacuum-packed chicken washes up on beaches www.bbc.com/news/article...
Vacuum-packed chicken washes up on beaches www.bbc.com/news/article...
Latest: Two people who died in the skydiving incident at Dunkeswell on Friday have been named by police. They were Belinda Taylor & Adam Harrison. Tributes have been paid to both
Man and woman who died while skydiving named www.bbc.com/news/article...
Man and woman who died while skydiving named www.bbc.com/news/article...
Man and woman who died while skydiving in Devon named
Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, and Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth, were killed, police say.
www.bbc.com
June 16, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Latest: Two people who died in the skydiving incident at Dunkeswell on Friday have been named by police. They were Belinda Taylor & Adam Harrison. Tributes have been paid to both
Man and woman who died while skydiving named www.bbc.com/news/article...
Man and woman who died while skydiving named www.bbc.com/news/article...
This scheme which allows French people to visit the Channel Islands with a national ID card for day trips is popular. But could new laws from the UK lead to changes across the water?
What is the future of the French ID scheme? www.bbc.com/news/article...
What is the future of the French ID scheme? www.bbc.com/news/article...
What is the future of the ID scheme for French visitors?
The scheme, which is used by French day trippers, could be in doubt due to changes in the UK.
www.bbc.com
June 16, 2025 at 9:06 AM
This scheme which allows French people to visit the Channel Islands with a national ID card for day trips is popular. But could new laws from the UK lead to changes across the water?
What is the future of the French ID scheme? www.bbc.com/news/article...
What is the future of the French ID scheme? www.bbc.com/news/article...
The bot was found on the Cornish coast near Gorran Haven and Portmellon late on Friday night. Searches for the skipper proved fruitless
Search for missing yacht skipper called off www.bbc.com/news/article...
Search for missing yacht skipper called off www.bbc.com/news/article...
Search for missing yacht skipper called off in Cornwall
Coastguards say no-one has been found during the operation after the empty boat was found on rocks.
www.bbc.com
June 16, 2025 at 9:05 AM
The bot was found on the Cornish coast near Gorran Haven and Portmellon late on Friday night. Searches for the skipper proved fruitless
Search for missing yacht skipper called off www.bbc.com/news/article...
Search for missing yacht skipper called off www.bbc.com/news/article...
Warnings about the street drugs linked to three deaths in Plymouth have been issued
Deaths show risks of lethal drugs, charity says www.bbc.com/news/article...
Deaths show risks of lethal drugs, charity says www.bbc.com/news/article...
Plymouth deaths show risks of lethal street drugs, charity says
Three men died in Plymouth in incidents believed to involve drugs illegally sold as Valium.
www.bbc.com
June 16, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Warnings about the street drugs linked to three deaths in Plymouth have been issued
Deaths show risks of lethal drugs, charity says www.bbc.com/news/article...
Deaths show risks of lethal drugs, charity says www.bbc.com/news/article...
Worked on this over the weekend. Two people died in the incident on Friday. Investigations into what happened continue
Skydivers killed in 'tragic accident' at airfield www.bbc.com/news/article...
Skydivers killed in 'tragic accident' at airfield www.bbc.com/news/article...
Skydivers killed in 'tragic accident' at Dunkeswell Aerodrome
Two people are pronounced dead at the scene at Dunkeswell Aerodrome.
www.bbc.com
June 16, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Worked on this over the weekend. Two people died in the incident on Friday. Investigations into what happened continue
Skydivers killed in 'tragic accident' at airfield www.bbc.com/news/article...
Skydivers killed in 'tragic accident' at airfield www.bbc.com/news/article...
These blue pills have sparked a public health warning in Plymouth after being linked to three deaths in the city. Investigations continue
Warning after three deaths linked to blue pills www.bbc.com/news/article...
Warning after three deaths linked to blue pills www.bbc.com/news/article...
Warning after three deaths in Plymouth linked to blue pills
Council warns about pills being sold illegally as Valium, in blister packs with Arabic writing.
www.bbc.com
June 9, 2025 at 6:17 PM
These blue pills have sparked a public health warning in Plymouth after being linked to three deaths in the city. Investigations continue
Warning after three deaths linked to blue pills www.bbc.com/news/article...
Warning after three deaths linked to blue pills www.bbc.com/news/article...
They might bring a £80m boost to the SW, but traders have a slightly different view on the benefits of events like the Royal Cornwall Show & Devon County Show
County shows offer 'more than money' for traders www.bbc.com/news/article...
County shows offer 'more than money' for traders www.bbc.com/news/article...
Royal Cornwall and Devon county shows offer 'more than money'
Business leaders believe the combined value of the shows to the South West economy was about £80m.
www.bbc.com
June 6, 2025 at 6:44 AM
They might bring a £80m boost to the SW, but traders have a slightly different view on the benefits of events like the Royal Cornwall Show & Devon County Show
County shows offer 'more than money' for traders www.bbc.com/news/article...
County shows offer 'more than money' for traders www.bbc.com/news/article...
Cornwall & Devon didn’t get anything in the chancellor’s announcement
Lack of South West transport funding criticised www.bbc.com/news/article...
Lack of South West transport funding criticised www.bbc.com/news/article...
Lack of Devon and Cornwall transport funding criticised
Politicians and business leaders are unhappy no money was earmarked by the chancellor.
www.bbc.com
June 5, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Cornwall & Devon didn’t get anything in the chancellor’s announcement
Lack of South West transport funding criticised www.bbc.com/news/article...
Lack of South West transport funding criticised www.bbc.com/news/article...
Officers made several arrests during the day of action
Police crackdown on dangerous drivers in Cornwall www.bbc.com/news/article...
Police crackdown on dangerous drivers in Cornwall www.bbc.com/news/article...
Police crackdown on dangerous drivers in Cornwall
Officers carried out checks during a day of action in Truro, Tregony and Perranporth.
www.bbc.com
June 4, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Officers made several arrests during the day of action
Police crackdown on dangerous drivers in Cornwall www.bbc.com/news/article...
Police crackdown on dangerous drivers in Cornwall www.bbc.com/news/article...
The supermarket chain says it’ll be a state-of-the-art store
New Sainsbury's store earmarked for Falmouth www.bbc.com/news/article...
New Sainsbury's store earmarked for Falmouth www.bbc.com/news/article...
New Falmouth Sainsbury's supermarket plans unveiled
The retailer said the store would be twice the size of its current site and create about 100 jobs.
www.bbc.com
June 4, 2025 at 6:23 PM
The supermarket chain says it’ll be a state-of-the-art store
New Sainsbury's store earmarked for Falmouth www.bbc.com/news/article...
New Sainsbury's store earmarked for Falmouth www.bbc.com/news/article...
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh will be joining her nephew in Wadebridge
Prince William to visit Royal Cornwall Show www.bbc.com/news/article...
Prince William to visit Royal Cornwall Show www.bbc.com/news/article...
Royal Cornwall Show: Prince William attending event with aunt
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh is also set to attend the show in Wadebridge.
www.bbc.com
June 4, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh will be joining her nephew in Wadebridge
Prince William to visit Royal Cornwall Show www.bbc.com/news/article...
Prince William to visit Royal Cornwall Show www.bbc.com/news/article...
More details of this year’s event - which will be done on a slightly smaller scale - have been announced
Jersey Battle of Flowers 2025 dates confirmed www.bbc.com/news/article...
Jersey Battle of Flowers 2025 dates confirmed www.bbc.com/news/article...
Jersey Battle of Flowers 2025 dates confirmed
Organisers say the new look event will take place over two days in St Helier.
www.bbc.com
June 2, 2025 at 9:29 AM
More details of this year’s event - which will be done on a slightly smaller scale - have been announced
Jersey Battle of Flowers 2025 dates confirmed www.bbc.com/news/article...
Jersey Battle of Flowers 2025 dates confirmed www.bbc.com/news/article...
In a separate announcement away from the defence spending review, Lympstone is set to get new accommodation
£250m for new Royal Marine recruits' accommodation www.bbc.com/news/article...
£250m for new Royal Marine recruits' accommodation www.bbc.com/news/article...
£250m for new Royal Marine recruits' accommodation at Lympstone
The announcements comes ahead of the publication of the strategic defence review on Monday.
www.bbc.com
June 2, 2025 at 9:23 AM
In a separate announcement away from the defence spending review, Lympstone is set to get new accommodation
£250m for new Royal Marine recruits' accommodation www.bbc.com/news/article...
£250m for new Royal Marine recruits' accommodation www.bbc.com/news/article...
Drove down the A38 about an hour ago and it was still closed
Serious crash closes A38 both ways in Devon www.bbc.com/news/article...
Serious crash closes A38 both ways in Devon www.bbc.com/news/article...
Serious crash on A38 in Devon closes road both ways
National Highways says a car overturned onto its roof and diversions were put in place.
www.bbc.com
May 31, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Drove down the A38 about an hour ago and it was still closed
Serious crash closes A38 both ways in Devon www.bbc.com/news/article...
Serious crash closes A38 both ways in Devon www.bbc.com/news/article...
Leaders of the project based just outside Plymouth hope the rare birds will breed there
Tears of joy as ospreys visit special Devon nests www.bbc.com/news/article...
Tears of joy as ospreys visit special Devon nests www.bbc.com/news/article...
Tears of joy as ospreys visit Devon nests on telegraph poles
Three large nests were set up 56ft (17m) above the ground in a bid to get the rare birds breeding.
www.bbc.com
May 31, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Leaders of the project based just outside Plymouth hope the rare birds will breed there
Tears of joy as ospreys visit special Devon nests www.bbc.com/news/article...
Tears of joy as ospreys visit special Devon nests www.bbc.com/news/article...
Peter Wilkinson was described as a sexual predator whose crimes “dredged the depths of depravity”
Man who sexually abused vulnerable women jailed www.bbc.com/news/article...
Man who sexually abused vulnerable women jailed www.bbc.com/news/article...
Man who sexually abused vulnerable women jailed
Peter Wilkinson targeted five women in the Tavistock area of Devon between 2012 and 2024.
www.bbc.com
May 30, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Peter Wilkinson was described as a sexual predator whose crimes “dredged the depths of depravity”
Man who sexually abused vulnerable women jailed www.bbc.com/news/article...
Man who sexually abused vulnerable women jailed www.bbc.com/news/article...
Damage was caused to 18 vehicles in Guernsey
Garage boss distraught after vehicles vandalised www.bbc.com/news/article...
Garage boss distraught after vehicles vandalised www.bbc.com/news/article...
Guernsey garage boss distraught after vehicles vandalised
Police are investigating after 18 vehicles were "significantly damaged" in the overnight.
www.bbc.com
May 29, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Damage was caused to 18 vehicles in Guernsey
Garage boss distraught after vehicles vandalised www.bbc.com/news/article...
Garage boss distraught after vehicles vandalised www.bbc.com/news/article...
The Camel Trail might be about to get longer
Funding boost for Cornish trail extension project www.bbc.com/news/article...
Funding boost for Cornish trail extension project www.bbc.com/news/article...
Funding boost for Camel Trail extension project
Money to help pay for a feasibility study has been secured from the government and Cornwall Council.
www.bbc.com
May 29, 2025 at 10:41 PM
The Camel Trail might be about to get longer
Funding boost for Cornish trail extension project www.bbc.com/news/article...
Funding boost for Cornish trail extension project www.bbc.com/news/article...
Tributes to Karol Zalewski have flooded in from family, friends and parkour groups
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Heartbreak over much-loved motorcyclist's death in Plymouth
Family and friends of Karol Zalewski say his death has left a "void that can never be filled".
www.bbc.com
May 28, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Tributes to Karol Zalewski have flooded in from family, friends and parkour groups
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The plan involves Exeter and Torbay hospitals
Heart attack care trial pulled to review feedback www.bbc.com/news/article...
Heart attack care trial pulled to review feedback www.bbc.com/news/article...
Devon heart attack care trial pulled to review feedback
NHS Devon's proposals involving hospitals in Torbay and Exeter have been criticised.
www.bbc.com
May 28, 2025 at 8:57 PM
The plan involves Exeter and Torbay hospitals
Heart attack care trial pulled to review feedback www.bbc.com/news/article...
Heart attack care trial pulled to review feedback www.bbc.com/news/article...