Investigations

Investigations

Inside Avon and Somerset Police’s new ‘whole story approach’ to catching rapists 

In 2021, Avon and Somerset found itself at the forefront of Operation Bluestone, a groundbreaking initiative to increase rape prosecutions. But is it making a real difference for survivors?

‘Hollow victory’: a rape survivor’s journey through a broken criminal justice system  

Revealed: Catalogue of police failings before Shannon Beirne fell to her death

Investigations

Revealed: Carpentry firm that switched names and pocketed deposits now under investigation

After reporting on a shadowy online firm that regularly changed names and owed multiple customers hundreds of pounds last year, the Cable has found evidence linking it to a new business that also keeps shifting its identity.

Image of modular homes at Bonnington, Lockleaze showing bricks being removed (credit: David Griffiths)

Investigations

‘Crisis’ extends housing misery for Lockleaze buyers, as L&G admits mould issues on sister scheme

Life in Lansdowne

After the fall: a death at Lansdowne Court

Rogue landlord yacht owner turns to Airbnb after fleecing tenants’ of their deposits

Thomas Flight, whose Miss Conduct yacht sits in Bristol Harbour, has been convicted of a series of offences against his previous tenants but his properties are now on the short-term let market.

Revealed: ‘Miss Conduct’ yacht owner is rogue landlord who spun ‘web of deceit’ to mislead tenants

Thomas Flight hid behind aliases and fake addresses, and deployed aggressive ‘agents’ to deny people living in his St Paul's flats their rights as tenants.

Revealed: Serious incidents ongoing at controversial south Bristol flats, despite council review

Minutes obtained by the Cable show ongoing problems at Imperial Apartments in Hengrove, with concerns being raised over tenants' mental ill-health, energy costs, the 'unwelcoming' environment and the behaviour of security staff.

Bristol council was warned of polystyrene cladding dangers long before tower block blaze, so why didn’t it act sooner?

The Cable quizzes Bristol City Council's housing chief on the ‘urgent’ rollout of new high-rise fire safety measures, how much it’s all going to cost, and why the authority didn’t act faster.

‘A tragic reflection on society’: the Bristolians jailed for sleeping rough, and feeding pigeons

Civil injunctions used to tackle anti-social behaviour can end up punishing vulnerable people, to little good effect. Is there an alternative?

An arson attack. A pig’s head dumped outside. Eccleston House residents are traumatised, and their concerns have been met with silence.

The Cable investigates how flammable cladding fuelled a fire at the tower block, the impact it’s had on the community, and why the council’s communication is making matters worse.