An 80-year-old woman from Bideford in Devon is taking the police to the High Court over the effects she claims she suffered after television crews were allowed to film her home being searched for stolen goods. Frances Jarvis claims that after the search she left her home and did not return for several months, and that she also suffered post-traumatic stress disorder. She claims that she suffered further distress when the film was shown on the BBC programme Inside Story: Art Detectives on 21 June 1995. She is suing the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Det Sgt Richard Ellis, Det Sgt Leonard Essery, the BBC and Touch Productions, for damages, and for aggravated and exemplary damages.

Writ issued by Devonshires, London EC2.

A woman from Kingsbridge, Devon, is suing Roche Products and F Hoffman, who trade as Roche Ltd of Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, over the anti-malarial drug, Lariam. A group action in which compensation is being claimed from the drug companies is under way. Susan Ambury is one of the first to be involved in the action. She is also suing her GP, Dr Wyatt, and Devon Family Health Services Authority.

Writ issued by Sproulls, Bodmin.

The Right Honourable Robert Washington, the Earl of Ferrers, is suing engineering consultants Montgomery Watson for damages over coastal defence works in Devon. The Earl, along with Leonard Witts, Major David Hardy, Anthony Sharman, and David and Vera Pollard, has issued a writ against the High Wycombe-based firm. The writ claims damages for alleged breach of contracts made in May and September 1990 for the provision of consulting engineering services in the design and supervision of coastal defence works at Putsborough Sands.

Writ issued by Thos Boyd Whyte, Bexleyheath.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Owen and his wife, who claim their home has been badly affected by the nearby Cirencester and Stratton bypass, have issued a writ claiming damages for alleged failure by the Transport Secretary to use his discretionary powers to buy their property. In addition, they want damages in respect of the proposed route of the bypass.

Writ issued by Lt Col and Mrs David Owen, in person.