Fire services were called a car fire spread to houses in Milton Keynes.

The incident was reported on Cruickshank Grove in the Crownhill area of the city, with reports of the fire breaking out around 1:20pm yesterday (02/10).

A car fire broke out on the driveway of a property, before the fire then affected a nearby garage door, a second car and first floor balcony of a two storey detached property.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue reported that the engine compartment of one car was 100% damaged by fire, the cab was approx 50% damaged and the second vehicle sustained approx 30% fire damage.

Two crews from the West Ashland fire station attended the incident, with firefighters using two breathing apparatus sets, one hose reel jet, one short extension ladder and small tools.

The fire service confirmed that firefighters remained on scene for an extended period of time for damping down and checking for hotspots. Home fire safety advice was also provided to the occupiers.

Luton Town have confirmed their home match against Huddersfield Town later this month has been postponed due to international call-ups.

The Hatters had been scheduled to host the side from West Yorkshire for a match on October 11th against a Huddersfield side who, after 10 games, sit 2 places and 3 points above them in the table.

But international call-ups for the parallel international weekend means that Luton have hit the threshold to request a postponement, which has been granted by the EFL.

In a statement, Luton said, “The Club has received notification of sufficient call-ups for our players to represent their countries during the upcoming international window to request a postponement of the fixture at Kenilworth Road.

“A new date for the rescheduled fixture will be shared once confirmed with Huddersfield and the EFL.

“Tickets will be valid for the rearranged fixture, however if any supporters would like a refund, please contact the ticket office.

“We thank all Hatters for your support and apologise to anyone inconvenienced by this change.”

The postponement means Luton will now have no league match between this weekend’s trip to Stevenage and their game on October 18th at home against Mansfield Town, although they are scheduled to make a trip to Cambridge in the EFL Trophy after the Stevenage game.

A former EFL referee from Milton Keynes has been sentenced to over 13 years in jail for multiple child sex offences.

Gareth Viccars, 47, of Quadrans Close, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, was sentenced to 13.5 years with three and a half on license following a sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London on Thursday 2 October. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Viccars has previously plead guilty to 16 counts relating to sexual offences, including sexual activity with a child and meeting a child following sexual grooming, at the same court on Friday 11 July. The offences relate to three victims and took place between November 2021 and October 2024.

At the time, Viccars had been working as an assistant referee. In a statement, the refereeing body for professional football in England, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, said he was suspended “as soon as the allegations came to light”.

The Metropolitan Police in London have said they are now leading an appeal for other potential victims to come forwards, following an investigation which was supported by the Northamptonshire Police and Cambridgeshire Police forces.

Detective Chief Inspector Ross Morrell, who led the Met’s investigation, said, “Viccars’ offending is shocking. He would regularly reach out to young girls, who he would build relationships with using lies and manipulation and then sexually assault.

“Today’s sentencing reflects the Met’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, with our increased specialist teams working together with partner police forces to strengthen the evidence.

“We are appealing today for anyone who believes they or their children may be a victim of Viccars to come forwards. We believe there may be hundreds of further victims who have not yet reported to the police.

“Any further victims are entitled to receive specialist support and guidance, not only from the police but independent charities and services.”

Following Viccars’ sentencing, the Metropolitan Police said that their detectives are appealing for any other potential victim-survivors to come forward.

Detectives suspect there could be hundreds of girls who Viccars committed offences against, due to his random and widespread messaging. Despite using an alias name and routinely changing his social media accounts, the methods and lies he had made up about his life are recognisable as they were consistent throughout his offending.

Two late goals saw Luton Town take a point as they drew 2-2 with Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

A double by CJ Hamilton had given Blackpool a two goal lead, but Jordan Clark scored a goal back before Gideon Kodua scored a stoppage time penalty to equalise for Matt Bloomfield’s side in Lancashire.

The point means Luton draw a match for the first time this season, with the Hatters rising up to 7th as they played a match previously postponed due to international call-ups.

Luton had arrived chasing back-to-back victories after a weekend win over Doncaster at Kenilworth Road.

At Bloomfield Road, however, it was Blackpool who began on the front-foot and they took the lead after 9 minutes. One-time Hatter Josh Bowler played in Hamilton, whose shot crept beyond Josh Keeley to put the home side ahead.

Keeley made a solid save to keep out Ashley Fletcher, before Luton had an opportunity when Bailey Peacock-Farrell made a flying stop to keep out Lamine Fanne.

Late in the first half, Zack Nelson had a shot blocked at close-range by Olly Casey, with Millenic Alli missing the target with the rebound.

With 8 minutes of the second half played, it was Blackpool with the second goal of the game. Alli was dispossessed on the edge of the Blackpool box and the hosts began a forward charge. Jordan Brown lead it, with his pass releasing Hamilton to advance and then fire past Keeley for his second of the night.

Both sides created and spurned a variety of opportunities before one did find a way through in the 78th minute. It was Luton with the game’s third goal as they got back to 2-1, with substitute Clark lining up a shot from outside the box and seeing his effort find the back of the net via a deflection.

There would then be a further twist when Luton were awarded a penalty in the final minute of the 90. A foul by Casey on Kodua was penalised by the referee, and from 12 yards, West Ham loanee Kodua beat Peacock-Farrell to bring the Hatters back on level terms.

It saw the Hatters recover a point, with the team now hoping to make it 3 unbeaten when they visit Stevenage at the weekend.