Chloe Hughes

Jowad Haji, 24, is on trial at Warwick Crown Court accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman at a barbershop in Stratford-upon-Avon after allegedly offering her a job. Prosecutors say he closed the shop door, took her to a back room, and attacked her, including allegedly strangling and forcing her into sexual activity. Haji denies rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and intentional strangulation, saying the pair had a close relationship and consensually kissed after she followed him to the back of the shop. The trial is continuing.

The West Midlands Combined Authority is paying £24m to acquire National Express West Midlands from parent company Mobico, with completion expected in November 2026. The deal will bring the region’s bus network into public control, protect about 4,800 jobs and support a transition to franchising from April 2027. Routes, fares and tickets will remain unchanged initially, while authorities will later set the network, timetables and fares. The government will also remove weekday time restrictions on disabled bus passes from 1 April, a move welcomed by disabled passengers. Conservative critics say the purchase could transfer significant liabilities to local taxpayers.

David Boylett, 62, from Telford, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court to four-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to attempting to possess a component of a prohibited firearm and possessing a firearm and ammunition without a certificate. The National Crime Agency found two 3D printers, firearm parts, tools, ammunition and extensive material about making guns and ammunition at his home. Investigators said the handgun was about 15 minutes from becoming fully functional and successfully test-fired it, while also finding evidence that the remaining components could have been printed.

David Boylett, 62, from Telford, was jailed for four and a half years after pleading guilty to attempting to possess a component part of a prohibited firearm and possessing a firearm and ammunition without a certificate. A National Crime Agency raid on his home found two 3D printers, firearm parts, ammunition, tools and extensive research on converting guns and making ammunition. Investigators said he was about 15 minutes from making a 3D-printed handgun fully functional, and successfully test-fired the weapon. The NCA said the evidence demonstrated the depth of Boylett’s interest and intent in creating potentially deadly weapons.

Vanessa Gardee Vega, 53, was issued a six-month interim slavery and trafficking risk order after being arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged human trafficking, child neglect, serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery involving members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe. The order restricts her from entering Crewe or contacting the alleged victim and requires her to surrender travel documents and report to police. Fourteen people have been arrested in the wider investigation and remain on bail. The group’s headquarters was raided by about 500 officers in April, prompting protests and further arrests. Cheshire Police stressed that it was investigating allegations against individuals, not the religion itself.

Alan Morris, an 84-year-old grandfather from Rodington, is preparing to cycle either 56 miles to Lake Vyrnwy or 70 miles to Lake Bala on 9 August to raise money for Hope House Children’s Hospice. Morris has supported the hospice since 1993 and says his commitment deepened after his grandson Ruairi, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, began receiving respite care there. He has raised almost £100,000 for the hospice, which needs about £10 million annually to operate its services across Shropshire, Cheshire and Wales and relies on public support for most of the year.

Two days of planned strike action by TSSA members at West Midlands Railway, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, have been suspended following further talks between the union and the company. The strikes had threatened reduced or cancelled services across Birmingham and surrounding counties because of a dispute over rest day working payments. West Midlands Railway said trains would operate a full normal timetable, following earlier strike action by the same union in May and July.

Five-year-old Jaxon called 999 after his mother, Stacey, fell down the stairs, hit her head and became unconscious at their Dudley home. He gave police their address and officers provided first aid until paramedics arrived. West Midlands Police later presented him with a young person’s award, a bike and police museum tickets, while his mother and police leaders praised his calm response and stressed the importance of teaching children when and how to call 999.

Five-year-old Jaxon from Dudley called 999 after his mother, Stacey, fell down the stairs, became unconscious and developed vomiting and slurred speech. He calmly provided the family address, enabling West Midlands Police officers and paramedics to reach her and provide first aid. Jaxon later received a chief constable’s young person’s award for courage, along with a bicycle and a police museum visit, while police and his mother highlighted the importance of teaching children when and how to call emergency services.

Residents of Wem created more than a thousand knitted and crocheted flowers between April and July, decorating the derelict White Horse pub, bins, a post box and a memorial bench. More than 50 people contributed through library crafting sessions, home projects and local groups, with the displays intended to support the town’s Sweet Pea show and Heart of England in Bloom entry. The decorations have remained in place because of favorable weather and public interest, while some flowers will be reused for Remembrance events.

Billy Woodhouse received a suspended 12-month prison sentence and a 10-year ban on keeping animals after operating Hatton Boarding Kennels in Shifnal despite its licence being suspended. He admitted animal welfare and fraud offences, including failing to properly care for a dog that was later euthanised on veterinary advice. Shropshire Council said other dogs were returned in conditions consistent with very poor care and that the case caused significant distress to their owners.

An eight‑week trial will use Severn Valley Railway’s heritage steam and diesel trains to provide commuter services between Bewdley and Kidderminster, connecting with West Midlands Railway routes to Birmingham. Running from 1 September on select weekday mornings and evenings, the pilot aims to measure demand and evaluate the benefits of improved regional rail connectivity. Officials say the trial could lead to future extensions of existing services to Bewdley if sufficient usage is demonstrated.

Four men were sentenced in Telford for kidnapping and torturing a 21‑year‑old man after a dispute linked to perceived family honour. The attackers abducted the victim from his home, held him in a remote storage container, subjected him to prolonged violence and demanded a £20,000 ransom from his family. The victim escaped after being moved to another vehicle and later reported severe long‑term psychological and physical effects. The judge described the crime as grave and deeply troubling, assigning leading roles to Shayyan and Ehteshan Hussain and significant involvement to Faheem Chohan and Jawad Hussain, and commended West Mercia Police for their extensive investigative work.

A cat at Severn Valley Rescue in Shropshire was found with a shattered leg containing bullet fragments after going missing, prompting police involvement and a fundraiser for its medical treatment. The rescue centre reported that the cat, Mr Star, will undergo a leg amputation and appealed for information from anyone who may have been shooting in the area on 17–18 July.

A documentary by Tristan Copeland explores how his cousin Gary Matthews became drawn into Covid‑19 conspiracy theories before dying from the virus in 2021. Copeland recounts Matthews’ gradual shift toward misinformation, his resistance to pandemic protections, and the online conspiracy community that became influential in his life. Following Matthews’ death, Copeland faced backlash from conspiracy theorists, which motivated him to investigate further through interviews with family, friends, group members, and experts. The film, titled What About Gary?, has been screened locally and is set for wider showings.

Film crews for the BBC series Murder 24/7 document West Mercia Police investigations from emergency calls through prosecution, revealing the scale and detail of major crime operations. The new series covers several murder cases across Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, including updates on the international search for remaining suspects in the killing of delivery driver Aurman Singh. Producers highlight the programme’s dual role in depicting crime-solving and broader social issues, with the third series now available on BBC iPlayer.

David J. C. Austin, chairman of David Austin Roses and son of the company’s founder, has died at his Shropshire home after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Figures including presenter Monty Don and the Royal Horticultural Society paid tribute, praising his legacy of widely admired roses and decades of leadership. His children described him as humble, kind and dedicated to continuing their grandfather’s vision. The company will remain under its leadership team while working closely with the next generation of the Austin family, as customers shared condolences and memories of his work.

A Shropshire cafe worker’s grilled cheese and chilli jam crisp idea has reached the final stage of a national Walkers competition, with the flavour set to appear in shops from September to November. Becky Dibble developed multiple flavour concepts before judges selected her favourite, which will compete against a salt and pepper chicken option in a sales-based contest. Her family and workplace are preparing to support the launch as she promotes the flavour locally, even dressing in a chilli costume.

A mobile game, Lumi Nova: Tales of Courage, will be offered to children aged seven to 12 in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to support anxiety management. The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service aims to expand early-access digital therapy over the next three years, with leadership highlighting the tool’s potential to improve support for young people.

Shropshire Council is considering the future of its former headquarters, the Shirehall, with a report recommending the site's sale to reduce costs and generate capital. The authority faces major financial pressures and relies on exceptional government support to balance its budget, prompting leaders to argue the building is too costly to retain. Opposition has emerged from the Green Party and the Save Our Shirehall campaign group, both advocating refurbishment and mixed-use redevelopment rather than disposal. Cabinet members will review the recommendations before making a final decision.

Women with endometriosis welcome the introduction of two new non-invasive NHS tests that could reduce diagnostic delays but stress that broader improvements in treatment, specialist access and GP training remain essential. Several women describe long-term pain, repeated surgeries and misdiagnoses, while noting the potential for the new tests to ease hospital pressures and lessen reliance on invasive procedures. Continued concerns include limited awareness among general practitioners and the need for more comprehensive care pathways.

British firefighters deployed to Venezuela encountered severe destruction following two major earthquakes, working alongside international teams to rescue survivors and deliver humanitarian aid. Station commander Mark Leeson described the overwhelming devastation but also highlighted moments of hope as people were still being rescued within a critical window. Despite losing homes and loved ones, local residents showed notable resilience and kindness toward the emergency teams.

Jude Bellingham’s standout performance against Mexico and his growing reputation on and off the pitch have sparked widespread admiration in his hometown of Stourbridge. Locals celebrate his achievements, reflecting on his character, work ethic and early sporting promise. Community members, former coaches and residents express pride in his success and see him as a role model and potential future England captain. Bellingham’s commitment to his Birmingham roots, including investing in local sport, reinforces his connection to the region as national and global recognition continues to grow.

Ludlow will host its first youth festival on 30 July, featuring gaming, dance, crafts, music, food and visits from local services. The free event, created following consultations with young people and community groups, aims to provide more outdoor activities and creative opportunities. Supported by Future Sound, organizers hope the festival becomes an annual tradition. The mayor described it as a celebration giving young people a platform to shape meaningful local events.

A national operation targeting organised immigration crime led to eight arrests across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, including four people at a Shropshire nail bar suspected of illegal working. West Mercia Police and Immigration Enforcement inspected businesses such as nail salons, car washes and barbers between 15 and 20 June. Additional arrests were made for immigration entry offences, overstaying and licence violations, while a woman in Worcester was detained on suspicion of controlled prostitution for financial gain. All arrested individuals have been bailed, with police highlighting the complexity and exploitative nature of immigration‑related crime.

A veterans support hub in Dawley has become the first Valour-recognised centre in the West Midlands, providing coordinated access to services for former armed forces personnel. The accreditation follows more than £670,000 in government funding to expand services including housing, health, welfare and employment support. Local officials describe the recognition as a major milestone that will strengthen assistance for veterans and their families.