Ben Perrin

Bournville's independent shops on Sycamore Road operate under protective leases that prevent businesses from selling the same types of goods, preserving a traditional village shopping area near Cadbury World. Shopkeepers including Andrew Evans, Julie Davis and Barry Fletcher say trade can be quiet and want Cadbury World to direct more of its roughly half-million annual visitors to the village. The area also retains restrictions on alcohol and fried-food takeaways, while residents and councillor Nicky Brennan highlight its green spaces, community amenities and distinctive heritage.

West Midlands Police arrested a 43-year-old man after reports of an aggressive thief being detained by security staff at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre. The arrest was one of six made across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands in connection with separate suspected shop theft offences. Police said shop theft harms businesses, staff and the public, and that officers are working with local businesses through the Safer Towns Summer initiative to improve safety in shopping areas.

West Heath Surgery in Birmingham says it has received a high number of requests for GP appointments relating to toothache, swollen gums, dental infections and abscesses. The practice explains that dental problems should be assessed by a dentist and that antibiotics are inappropriate for most cases. Patients are advised to contact their dentist or NHS 111 for urgent out-of-hours care, with over-the-counter pain relief and warm salt-water rinses suggested while they wait.

Birmingham's historic Old Stock Exchange has been put up for sale as a vacant 26,065-square-foot office building. The six-storey property, built in 1928 and retaining features including oak-panelled rooms, a period staircase and its original banking room, could be converted into offices, a hotel or educational space. CBRE, which is handling the sale, cited strong demand for Birmingham office space, limited availability in the city centre and nearby regeneration and HS2 infrastructure as factors likely to attract buyers.

A 62-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson after a garden fire on Chesterfield Close in West Heath spread to neighbouring gardens and properties. Six West Midlands Fire Service engines attended the incident shortly after 9:45 p.m. on August 1, and no one was injured. The suspect remains in police custody while West Midlands Police continue their investigation.

A gun was reportedly fired by one group of young men toward another on Poplar Green in Dudley at about 1:50 p.m. on August 1. No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made. The Major Crime Unit is leading the investigation, conducting CCTV and house-to-house inquiries, while additional police patrols have been deployed. Detectives are seeking information about those involved and the motive.

Hashratullah Nabizada, 24, has been charged with attempted murder following a June stabbing in Birmingham’s Victoria Square that left an 18-year-old man with potentially life-changing injuries and a 17-year-old boy with facial injuries. Nabizada has been remanded in custody and is due before magistrates on August 3. He is the third man charged in connection with the incident, following charges against Obaidullah Mamozai and Niazal Rahmanullah.

West Midlands Police raided a property on Wingfield Close in Fordbridge, Solihull, and seized seven vehicles, including off-road bikes, a quad bike, a modified e-bike and an electric scooter. The action followed complaints about public nuisance and reckless riding. Police said the vehicles would be retained while inquiries continued and urged residents to report anti-social behaviour and related incidents.

Shane Hartle, 38, pleaded guilty to robbing a woman on Old Walsall Road in Great Barr after pinning her against a vehicle, threatening her and smashing a pint glass over her head. The injured victim fought him off and sought refuge in a shop. Police identified Hartle through witness information and inquiries linked to his electronic tag before arresting him in December. Birmingham Crown Court sentenced him to four years and three months in prison.

Police responded to multiple reports of disorder and gunshots on Poplar Green in Dudley shortly before 1:50 p.m. on August 1. The area was cordoned off, with no reported injuries or arrests, and officers continued enquiries while appealing for CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage. A local resident described fear and concern about gun violence in the neighbourhood.

West Midlands Police cordoned off Slade Road in Stockland Green, Birmingham, after a 35-year-old man was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. Officers are investigating an earlier dispute involving several people, while the road remains closed at multiple junctions. Local councillor Amar Khan called for more police patrols and stronger action against drug dealing and persistent anti-social behaviour, while urging residents not to spread rumours.

The M6 southbound carriageway is scheduled to close overnight from 9pm on August 1 until 5am on August 2 for maintenance works. The closures will affect the section between junctions 10 and 7, as well as the junction 8 link road to the M5 southbound. National Highways has advised motorists to follow diversions via the national and local road networks.

The West Midlands is expected to experience a dry, sunny and warm Saturday, with temperatures reaching 24°C and UV levels rated at 7. Residents are advised to seek shade during midday, cover up and use sunscreen. Sunday should remain very warm with highs of 25°C, while Monday through Wednesday may bring humid conditions, showers and a small risk of thunderstorms.

Three boys aged 12, 13 and 14 from the Rugeley area were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a deliberate wildfire in woodland off Bower Lane, Etching Hill, on July 30, 2026. Staffordshire Police said the fire was started using pieces of burning wood thrown into the woodland and was brought under control by fire crews. Investigators credited local residents’ home CCTV with helping identify the suspects and appealed for witnesses or dashcam footage.

Fourteen-year-old Shaniye from Solihull was last seen at 5pm on July 29 wearing a light blue tracksuit and grey-and-white trainers. West Midlands Police has issued an urgent public appeal and asked anyone who sees her to call 999, quoting log 2441-30/07/26. Police inquiries to locate her are ongoing.

A 15-year-old boy suffered a gunshot injury after being shot at Yellow Park near Porchester Street in Birmingham’s Newtown area on 23 July 2026. His injuries were not life-threatening or life-changing. West Midlands Police arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder, and he remained in custody while officers reviewed CCTV and pursued other enquiries.

A nine-year-old boy remains in critical condition after a two-car collision at the junction of Masshouse Lane, Primrose Hill and Shannon Road in Kings Norton, Birmingham, on July 28. Emergency responders restarted the boy’s heart at the scene before taking him to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The Renault’s driver, a woman in her 60s, was also injured, while two occupants of the other vehicle suffered minor injuries. Police charged 32-year-old James Connors with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, dangerous driving, and driving while disqualified and uninsured. He was remanded in custody, and police are seeking witnesses and dash-cam footage.

Stand Up To Racism plans a major counter-protest outside Reform UK’s conference at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre from September 3 to 5. The group objects to the planned appearance of Jordan Bardella, president of France’s National Rally, and accuses Reform UK of promoting far-right and anti-immigration politics. Birmingham organizers Bob Moloney and Weyman Bennett said they would oppose the party’s alleged support for mass deportations and what they called its racist and anti-working-class agenda.

A 30-year-old man was arrested in Selly Oak on suspicion of wounding with intent against one West Midlands Police officer and attempting to wound a second officer during an incident on Soho Road on July 3. He was also wanted in connection with suspected burglary and assault offences. Police inquiries remain ongoing.

A missing five-year-old from Badsey, near Evesham, was found unresponsive in water and pronounced dead at the scene. West Mercia Police said the death was believed to have resulted from drowning, with no suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement. A report will be prepared for a coroner, while police urged the public to avoid speculation and respect the family's privacy.

Most of the caravans, motorhomes and vehicles that had formed an unauthorised encampment at Swanshurst Park in Billesley have left. Birmingham councillors are coordinating a thorough cleanup before a funfair and are discussing measures such as extending knee-rails, digging ditches and raising mounds to deter future encampments. Birmingham City Council says it will protect its land and points to transit sites and plots available for the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community.

A man was found with stab injuries on Dimbles Lane in Lichfield at about 12:30 a.m. on July 24, 2026, after police were called to a disturbance. He was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. Police cordoned off the area and began searches and forensic examinations; no arrests had been made. Staffordshire Police are seeking CCTV, doorbell and dashcam footage from the area.

Six Chinese restaurants at Han Dynasty Food Hall on Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham, were temporarily closed after inspectors found mouse droppings and other evidence of infestation during an emergency probe. Birmingham City Council said the conditions presented an imminent risk to public health, and magistrates confirmed the emergency prohibition orders. The restaurants underwent deep cleaning and passed follow-up inspections, reopening between July 22 and 23, with further inspections expected.

Steve Hoccom, a 67-year-old Birmingham man with dementia and Alzheimer’s, cannot return to his home after paying more than £13,000 for renovation work that his family says remains substantially unfinished months later. His relatives say promises by the builder were repeatedly missed, while West Midlands Police have treated the matter as a civil dispute. Hoccom’s son-in-law Sean, who left his job to provide full-time care, has launched a GoFundMe appeal to fund essential work on the bathroom, kitchen and other rooms while the family pursues legal action.

Police cordoned off a square on Hurst Street in Birmingham after a man in his 40s was found seriously injured and taken to hospital. His condition remains serious and no arrests have been made. Officers are investigating how he sustained his injuries and have appealed for information from the public.

Inspectors found mice droppings and damaged food products at three B&M stores in Birmingham, leading the company to admit serious hygiene failures and receive a £2 million fine, plus additional costs. B&M apologised and said procedures were not followed, outlining steps taken to strengthen controls. Food safety experts from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and the British Pest Control Association stressed the importance of strong hygiene practices, pest management, staff training and oversight to prevent risks to customers and staff.

HS2 construction work will close sections of the M42 near Birmingham Airport from July 24 to 27, with further weekend closures scheduled in August and September. The shutdown enables installation of motorway box beams and continued viaduct work. National Highways and the AA warn drivers to expect delays, follow diversions, and allow extra travel time, especially for airport and NEC journeys, while advising motorists to check traffic conditions and prepare their vehicles for potential congestion.

A series of deliberate fires at Park Hall Country Park in Stoke-on-Trent prompted a police investigation after firefighters extinguished multiple blazes while additional ones were set nearby. Inspector Rebecca Price said officers want to identify several teenagers seen in the area wearing balaclavas and riding e‑scooters. Police are appealing for information and asking residents with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to come forward, with anonymous tips accepted through Crimestoppers.

Authorities charged Joshua Kerry with the murder of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead in her Dartmoor home following what police described as a targeted attack. Counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation, and the CPS confirmed sufficient evidence to proceed while noting that inquiries into potential political or terrorist motives are ongoing. Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on July 21, and officials stressed the need to avoid prejudicing the active legal proceedings.

Daniel Thomas was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted at Birmingham Crown Court of nine rapes and two sexual assaults committed against two women in separate incidents in Ladywood and Edgbaston. West Midlands Police built the case using victim testimony and forensic evidence, including DNA analysis, despite Thomas denying the offences. Officers leading the investigation praised the victims for their strength and cooperation, noting that their support was crucial to securing the conviction.

A boy riding a scooter was seriously injured after being struck by a van on Church Road in Webheath, Redditch. Bystanders assisted him until emergency crews arrived, and West Midlands Ambulance Service provided advanced trauma care before transporting him to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

A 22-year-old woman admitted stealing nearly £5,000 worth of Lego sets and other goods from multiple retailers in Birmingham and Solihull. The thefts targeted Sainsbury’s, Tesco, B&M, Homesense and M&S. With prior convictions, she faces sentencing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, where the judge deferred the decision to allow intensive supervision, warning she could be jailed if she fails to comply.

Mohammed Ruman Khan received a sentence of nearly 14 years for a series of violent offences, including a knifepoint robbery in Birmingham and a ram‑raid attempt on a Newcastle jewellery shop. Police linked him to multiple robberies across the north of England and identified him using a photo taken after the Birmingham raid. Officers from several forces collaborated on the investigation, and inquiries continue to find additional suspects involved in the ram‑raid.

A Newcastle man was sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison for an armed burglary in Alum Rock, where he threatened a family with a knife and stole gold, clothing and perfume. Relatives confronted him and managed to photograph him, aiding police in tracking him to Northumbria and arresting him. He pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and other offences, receiving a combined sentence issued at Newcastle Crown Court. Police praised the victims’ quick actions and cross‑force cooperation leading to his conviction.

Two Birmingham waste collectors were assaulted in Sparkbrook after refusing to empty an additional bin, with one reportedly pinned to the ground by a group of men. West Midlands Police are investigating and reviewing video footage, while Birmingham City Council condemned the violence and pledged support for affected staff. No arrests have been made and authorities are appealing for information.

A Polish remand prisoner, Patryk Jalocha, was found hanged in his HMP Manchester cell after repeated concerns about his wellbeing, including graffiti depicting a hanging that staff failed to follow up on. A Prison Service officer was dismissed for falsifying required suicide‑prevention monitoring checks shortly before the death. The ombudsman’s investigation found additional shortcomings in the handling of Jalocha’s risk and issued recommendations to strengthen monitoring procedures, emergency response protocols and attention to warning signs such as cell graffiti.

Birmingham City Council raised nearly £500,000 at a property auction by selling two retail sites in Harborne, including a Chinese takeaway building and another retail unit. Two additional properties, including the high‑value Skilts School site near Redditch, failed to sell, while an industrial unit in Sparkhill was withdrawn. The auction results showed strong demand for smaller Harborne properties but limited interest in larger or higher‑priced sites.

Police resolved a 13‑hour stand‑off on Westwood Road in Aston, arresting a 20‑year‑old man on suspicion of making threats with a bladed article and possessing Class A drugs. Specialist negotiators were deployed, and the incident concluded safely with the man now in custody. Authorities thanked the local community for its patience.

A new inquest will be held into the 1984 death of 15‑year‑old Mark Billington after the High Court ruled that fresh evidence could have led to a different original verdict. Newly highlighted material includes an expert assessment suggesting the rope knots point to third‑party involvement, unconsidered sightings of the boy on the day he disappeared, and a claim that a police witness statement may have been significantly altered. Additional accounts involve a land manager who reported suspicious activity and a man who allegedly admitted involvement decades ago. A pre‑inquest review is scheduled for September followed by a full hearing in November.

Police detained a 14-year-old boy and seized a machete after responding to reports of disorder between two people on Winson Street in Winson Green. Firearms officers were deployed due to concerns a weapon was involved. The boy remains in custody on suspicion of possessing a bladed article. Authorities urged the public to report suspicious activity and provided contact options for concerns about knife crime.

A seventh suspect, Cornelius Price, has been charged with offences linked to a burglary series and exploitation in Shropshire, including facilitating travel for exploitation, conspiracy to steal, handling criminal property and burglary. Six other men were charged earlier with related offences, some also facing drug supply and additional burglary charges. Most have been bailed to appear in court in July, while Price has been remanded ahead of a court appearance in Telford. Offences span incidents between September 2024 and December 2025.

A former Birmingham doctor pleaded not guilty to 45 sexual offences alleged against 38 women and girls, with accusations spanning from 2017 to 2021 at hospitals in Stoke-on-Trent and Dudley. A crown court trial is scheduled for October 2027, following a procedural hearing in Stoke-on-Trent. Judge Graeme Smith renewed the defendant’s bail and set a further preparatory hearing for February.

A Redditch photographer, Steven Liles, was sentenced to eight years and six months in prison for multiple sexual offences, including voyeurism and sexual activity with a child, committed between 2009 and 2019. Police discovered hidden camera footage in his home studio, and he was convicted of grooming and assaulting girls he encountered through his photography work. Judge Jackson imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and court charges, while investigators praised the victims for their courage in securing his conviction.

Police searching for an 87-year-old man last seen in Broseley, Shropshire, discovered a body and informed his family. The death is not being treated as suspicious, and an inquest is expected to open and adjourn. Authorities asked for privacy for the family.

British Transport Police are investigating an incident in which a woman shouted at a man travelling with three dogs on a train from Birmingham New Street and spat in his face. Officers released a CCTV image of a woman believed to have information and appealed for assistance from the public, providing contact details for BTP and Crimestoppers as inquiries continue.