Harry Leach

Zakar Ahmed, 32, pleaded guilty to four animal welfare offences after his dog Mishka died from prolonged starvation and another dog, Zeus, was found severely underweight, chained outside without bedding and suffering behavioural problems. Zeus’s physical condition improved in RSPCA care, but he was later euthanised because of ongoing mental suffering. Ahmed received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years, a 25-year animal-keeping ban and 250 hours of unpaid work.

Police are searching for three men who allegedly threw petrol bombs at vehicles outside Royal Shalimar wedding venue on Highgate Road in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, at about 8:30 p.m. on August 19, 2026. Two cars were deliberately set alight, while witnesses reportedly saw the suspects flee in a white Volkswagen Golf. No injuries were reported. West Midlands Police are reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses, and West Midlands Fire Service attended to make one vehicle safe. Anyone with information is being asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.

Off-duty Heartlands Hospital wellbeing hub coordinator Naima Shaharyar stopped to help Elayne Hawkins after seeing her collapse from cardiac arrest while walking her dog on Coleshill Road in Hodge Hill. Shaharyar performed CPR and guided another bystander until paramedics arrived. Hawkins’ family was told the CPR was vital to saving her life; she is recovering and hopes to attend her granddaughter’s wedding before returning to Canada. Hospital executive director Dr Rifat Rashid praised Shaharyar’s calm response and emphasized the life-saving impact of early CPR.

Dozens of caravans moved onto land near Middlemore Road and the River Rea in Northfield, prompting residents to raise concerns about alleged overnight fires near homes. Councillor Charlie Latchford said West Midlands Police had agreed to issue a Section 61 notice requiring the group to leave by 6pm. Similar traveller activity was reported near Barnes Hill, while Birmingham City Council said it would protect its land and highlighted available transit sites and plots for the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community.

Police arrested a 26-year-old man during a dawn raid at premises on Great Lister Street in Nechells, Birmingham. Officers seized a large amount of cash, suspected Class-A drugs and suspected illegal cigarettes. West Midlands Police said the arrest followed community intelligence linked to an ongoing investigation into drug supply and that enquiries are continuing with Birmingham City Council and Trading Standards.

A man in his 40s was seriously injured after being assaulted on Upper High Street in Wednesbury at about 11:50 p.m. on August 15. He remains in serious but stable condition in hospital. West Midlands Police is reviewing CCTV, speaking to witnesses and asking anyone with information to contact the force, quoting reference 5657 of 15 August.

The European Athletics Championships concluded in Birmingham with Alisa Vainio of Finland winning the women’s marathon in a championship-record 2:22:26 and Amanal Petros of Germany taking the men’s title. Great Britain won women’s team gold, while Abbie Donnelly claimed bronze and became the first British woman to win a European Championship marathon medal. Large crowds from across Europe praised Birmingham’s atmosphere as the city hosted the championships for the first time in the UK. Transport services had briefly been suspended after West Midlands Police arrested a man on suspicion of fraud, but operations returned to normal.

Visitors from across Europe praised Birmingham's hospitality, atmosphere and attractions while attending the European Athletics Championships from August 10 to 16. Spectators supported athletes from countries including Norway, Germany, Spain, Finland, Hungary and Great Britain. The marathon events saw gold medals for Finland's Alisa Vainio and Germany's Amanal Petros, while Britain's Abbie Donnelly won bronze and became the first British woman to win a European Championships marathon medal. Local residents also welcomed the international crowds and said the event showcased Birmingham positively.

Devastating fires across Stourbridge, Highters Heath, Oldbury, Castle Vale and Kings Norton left dozens of families homeless and injured several people during a period of extreme heat. Fundraising appeals were launched, including a Dudley Council-backed appeal that had raised £7,000. The UK Government issued an emergency alert warning people in England and Wales not to light barbecues, campfires or fireworks, temporarily removed disposable barbecues from sale, deployed 100 military personnel and urged insurers and local authorities to support recovery. A man was arrested on suspicion of arson after the Kings Norton fire, while authorities and political leaders highlighted wildfire risks, climate change and the need for stronger national preparedness.

A man was found dead in woodland at Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield on August 15, 2026. West Midlands Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and that a report would be prepared for the coroner.

West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service are investigating a blaze that destroyed six homes on Gorleston Road in Highters Heath, Birmingham, after it began near Daisy Farm Park on August 13. Fire investigators are treating suspected arson as one possibility, but the cause has not been determined. Families lost their homes and possessions, while residents described the danger posed to nearby households and praised the community response.

A scooter rider was taken to hospital after being struck by a car near Aldi on Old Meeting Street in West Bromwich shortly after 3:40 p.m. on August 14. The injuries were not considered life-threatening or life-changing, while the driver left the scene. West Midlands Police is seeking information to identify the vehicle and driver.

A fundraising appeal has been launched by the Heart of England Community Foundation for West Midlands families whose homes were destroyed by fires in Stourbridge, Highter’s Heath, Oldbury, Castle Vale and Kings Norton. The fires injured dozens of people and left many families without belongings. Donations will support emergency living expenses, clothing, household essentials, replacement belongings and longer-term recovery needs. The appeal had raised more than £50,000 at the time of publication.

A fire that began in Daisy Farm Recreation Ground in Highters Heath spread along a fence line and into a block of six homes on Gorleston Road, destroying two houses and damaging the others. Andrew Reynolds said his mother lost almost all her possessions, while the family dog was rescued. Several residents were displaced, and a GoFundMe campaign organized by TikTok creator Ringz N Tiingz had raised more than £7,500. West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police were investigating the cause; police said no arrests had been made.

West Midlands Police are investigating a report that a woman was approached and touched inappropriately near Whittall Street on St Chads Queensway in Birmingham at about 6:50 p.m. on June 27. Police released a CCTV image of a man they want to identify and asked anyone with information to contact them, or Crimestoppers anonymously.

A lorry caught fire on the M6 northbound between junctions 4 and 6 near Birmingham Airport, causing major delays and congestion. Fire crews from Sheldon, Hay Mills and Bickenhill extinguished the blaze, which affected the entire vehicle, and no injuries were reported. Several lanes remained closed because the fire damaged the road, while Birmingham Airport advised passengers to allow extra time and National Highways provided updated delay and congestion information.

A three-car collision on Aldridge Road in Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, briefly blocked the road and caused diversions to National Express services 937 and 997. One person was treated for minor injuries and discharged, while police said all three drivers remained at the scene. The crash renewed concerns about the road's history of serious collisions, prompting resident David Brown to call for extended speed humps and speed cameras.

A boy suffered potentially serious injuries in a two-car collision on Priory Road in Dudley at around 2:45 p.m. on August 3. Paramedics treated him at the scene before taking him to Russells Hall Hospital. Bus services 8 and X8 were diverted, and motorists were warned to expect delays. West Midlands Police had been contacted for comment.

A disposable barbecue caused a football-pitch-sized wildfire at Cannock Chase's Sherbrook Valley on July 30, destroying heathland and killing adders, toads and other protected wildlife. Because dry conditions continue to create a high wildfire risk, Staffordshire County Council is keeping Chase Road temporarily closed and advising drivers to use alternative routes. The road will reopen once conditions are considered safe, while officials urge visitors to leave barbecues at home.

A large grass fire devastated part of Sheldon Country Park near Mapledene Primary School in Birmingham during a heatwave. West Midlands Fire Service crews worked in challenging conditions to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading, while Friends of Sheldon Country Park urged the public to avoid the area and keep access routes clear. Firefighters remained at the site damping down hotspots, following other recent grassland fires in the region.

A man and a woman were assaulted near Utilita Arena Birmingham at about 11pm on May 4 after attending a concert headlined by Ne-Yo and Akon. West Midlands Police released CCTV images of two blonde women and a bearded man they want to identify, and asked the public to provide information through 101, online live chat or Crimestoppers.

Crimestoppers is offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a man suspected of more than 50 offences in Solihull over the past year. The attacks reportedly targeted lone women and older people, often involving violence from behind, strangulation, and the theft of gold jewellery. The suspect remains unidentified, and Crimestoppers is urging the public to provide anonymous information directly to the charity through its phone or online channels.

A 33-year-old man died after his grey Ford Focus hit a tree and overturned on Tyburn Road near Star City in Birmingham at about 2:15 a.m. on July 27, 2026. Two passengers suffered serious injuries and remained in hospital. Local residents shared tributes, while West Midlands Police launched an investigation and appealed for dashcam footage and witness information.

Tyburn Road near Salford Circus in Birmingham was closed in both directions for several hours after a serious collision on July 27, including during the morning rush hour. West Midlands Police advised drivers to avoid the area, while the number 67 bus service was diverted. The closures affected access into and out of the city between Salford Circus and Jarvis Way.

Birmingham men Alexander Harrison and Aadil Jabbar were arrested after police stopped their car in the Southside area and found cannabis and more than £1,000 in cash. Subsequent searches uncovered about 160 wraps of cocaine and heroin, while phone evidence showed discussions about drug seizures and how to produce a strong cannabis strain. Both men pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply controlled drugs and are due to be sentenced in September.

Birmingham City Council has secured a court victory allowing it to continue removing excessive letting-agent boards from streets in Selly Oak and Bournbrook. Residents and students had complained that the boards created visual blight, contributed to over-commercialisation and could identify student homes as crime targets. The council said many signs remained after properties were fully let and were being used primarily for commercial branding. Thirteen letting agents removed their boards after warnings, while four non-compliant agents faced formal enforcement action.

Police located Tyreece Clarke-Jones, a Birmingham drill rapper and convicted robber who absconded from HMP Sudbury in May. After his escape, videos on Instagram appeared to show him taunting officers and travelling, though the account was later removed. Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed he was found in the West Midlands but released no further details. Clarke-Jones had been serving a sentence for a 2019 armed robbery involving an axe and the theft of £20,000 from a One Stop store.

Police arrested four men and a 15‑year‑old boy after locating and pursuing a stolen car taken from Hockley. Officers spotted the vehicle in Smethwick and brought it to a stop in Edgbaston, where the occupants fled before being detained on suspicion of vehicle theft. All five remain in custody as detectives continue questioning.

Nine men aged 54 to 76 have been charged with a total of 41 offences related to historical child sexual exploitation in Wales, involving allegations from 1985 to 1996. The most recent charge is against Mohammed Ramzan, accused of multiple rape and indecent assault offences. Previous charges against other men include counts of rape, aiding and abetting rape, indecent assault, and causing prostitution. All defendants, who were arrested across the UK, are due to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24. Gwent Police emphasised victim support and urged the public to avoid posting information that could impact the court process while encouraging anyone experiencing or witnessing abuse to come forward.

A two-car collision outside the Queen's Head pub in West Bromwich left one driver with minor injuries while the other fled before police arrived. West Midlands Police are investigating the crash, which also damaged a wall. Witnesses are urged to contact the force quoting incident number 1766 of July 19.

A man in his 20s died after falling from a Queensway car park in Halesowen shortly after 6:10 a.m., prompting temporary road closures and bus diversions. West Midlands Police confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious and will prepare a file for the coroner, extending condolences to the man's family.

Two horse riders, Sophie Fouracre and Kerry Donoghue, died in separate cross-country accidents on the same day at events in Oxfordshire and Cumbria. British Eventing confirmed both incidents, stating medical teams responded immediately but were unable to save either rider. The horses involved were uninjured, and full safety reviews will be conducted. British Eventing’s chief executive expressed condolences and thanked emergency and event staff for their support during the tragedies.

Overnight closures will affect both directions of the M42 near Birmingham Airport for maintenance works, with the southbound stretch between junctions 6 and 7 shut from 9pm on July 19 to early morning July 20. Inrix and National Highways issued warnings advising diversions via slip roads, with northbound closures also in place between junctions 5 and 6 during the same period.

A man was found dead near the junction of High Street and Berry Maud Lane in Solihull after officers responded to welfare concerns early on July 17. Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious and a coroner's file is being prepared. Local residents shared messages of sympathy and condolences online following the discovery.

Armed robbers who raided a mobile phone shop on Weoley Castle Road in Birmingham on July 10 remain at large. Three masked men carrying machetes stole phones while holding the shopkeeper at knifepoint. West Midlands Police confirmed no arrests have been made and appealed for information, urging witnesses to contact the force or Crimestoppers anonymously as the investigation continues.

Police reported that a body was found during the search for a 57-year-old man missing from Little Wenlock, with investigators confirming the death is not being treated as suspicious. The man’s family has been informed, and tributes from members of the community expressed condolences and sadness following the announcement by West Mercia Police.

A shopkeeper in Sparkbrook chased three machete‑wielding robbers from his phone repair shop using a hockey stick after warning them not to continue the attempted robbery. Police launched an investigation, confirmed no injuries, and appealed for witnesses or footage. Information can be provided directly to the force or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Former West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford received a £57,800 payout after retiring under pressure for recommending a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters at a Europa League match based on inaccurate AI‑generated intelligence. A Home Affairs committee found that flawed information produced via Microsoft Copilot contributed to the decision and that the force failed to consult the Jewish community. The Police and Crime Commissioner’s office said Guildford was legally entitled to payment in lieu of notice and outstanding leave, arguing immediate retirement ensured stable leadership and avoided him remaining in post during the notice period.

Police opened an investigation after a parent alleged he was assaulted at Starbank School in Birmingham. Officers said they are reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses regarding the incident, reported to have occurred on July 9. The school denied the accusation and declined to issue an official statement. Enquiries remain ongoing.

Detectives investigating the death of Adam Lucas, found in a river at Victoria Park in Leamington Spa, continue to appeal for information, stating they believe someone knows what happened. Five people were arrested, including two from Birmingham, after a post-mortem confirmed injuries consistent with assault. Police are reviewing extensive CCTV footage and speaking with locals as they work to trace Lucas’s movements in the hours before his death, urging anyone with relevant details to come forward.

Police are investigating an assault and racist abuse of a bus driver on the number 27 service in Kings Heath and have released CCTV images of two men they want to identify. The driver sustained minor injuries. Officers are appealing for information and have provided a crime reference number, with Crimestoppers offering an anonymous tip line.

Police ended 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 used, and the man remains in custody as police thanked the local community for its patience.

A man suffered serious arm injuries after being bitten by an escaped dog on Gillhurst Road in Harborne, prompting a police investigation. West Midlands Police seized the animal along with two other dogs from the same address and said the seized dogs are not believed to be banned breeds. Residents reported feeling frightened and claimed multiple dog attacks had occurred in the area over recent months.

A Birmingham mother caring for her disabled son struggles with the cost and availability of suitable childcare during the six‑week summer holiday, forcing her to use savings and reduce work hours. Local holiday clubs cannot meet her son’s complex needs and private options are unaffordable. Disability charity Sense reports that over 60,000 disabled children in England lack accessible holiday provision and warns of a postcode lottery in support. The charity calls for a national framework for children’s social care, arguing that current gaps force parents to cut work hours or leave jobs and that the next government must prioritise disabled children’s year‑round support.

Tributes have been paid to Brad Thomas, a 27‑year‑old father fatally stabbed on Clarence Street in Wolverhampton. Friends and family shared messages remembering him for his warm smile and caring nature. Joseph Wills Jr has been charged with murder and possession of a blade, while Joseph Wills Snr has been charged with assisting an offender, both appearing before Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court. Two additional individuals arrested in connection with the investigation have been bailed, and police continue to appeal for information.

A man from Evesham, Shaul Samson, received a 25-year sentence after being convicted at Worcester Crown Court of multiple child rape and sexual abuse offences. His crimes surfaced in 2025 following a disclosure by the victim, with subsequent investigations uncovering sexual messages, explicit content, and incriminating items. Police condemned his actions, praised the victim’s courage, and encouraged other victims to come forward. Samson must serve at least two‑thirds of his sentence and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and lifetime registration as a sex offender.

CCTV footage revealed that Gavin Parry, an alleged Burger Bar Boys gang member, was ambushed and fatally shot at a Winson Green industrial estate after returning armed with a STEN machine gun. Mechanic Theo Bailey was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 22 years for his role in setting up the trap, disabling CCTV, and misleading police, while Dante Kalsi received a three‑year sentence for perverting the course of justice. Investigators highlighted the dangers of automatic firearms and urged the public to report information about illegal weapons.

Police are investigating the death of a 65-year-old man who suffered fatal injuries after falling from his seat on a number 420 DRM bus in Bromyard on June 14. The incident was reported to authorities four days later, prompting an appeal for witnesses. Officers state the death is not currently being treated as suspicious and are seeking information to clarify the circumstances surrounding the fall.

A 37-year-old man, Matthew Williams, has been charged with being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog that caused the fatal injuries of 78-year-old Lila Hall during an April incident in Wolverhampton. He appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court and was remanded until an August hearing. West Midlands Police confirmed the charge and appealed for any additional witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues.

Four people were arrested over a 24‑hour period during a police operation around Soho Road in Handsworth. Officers recovered a concealed weapon, seized drugs, and detained individuals for offences including failing to appear in court, breaching a community order and recall to prison. Operation Fearless patrols also acted on public space protection order breaches as part of ongoing efforts to tackle crime and address community priorities in the area.

A Birmingham man, James Daly, reported developing a painful facial rash and blisters after using a £2 Sun Oasis sunscreen purchased from Poundland, leading to low confidence and reluctance to leave his home. Daly said he had no issues with other brands and wants the product removed from shelves. Poundland expressed regret but noted no similar complaints and said it would forward details to the manufacturer for investigation. Daly is seeking compensation, has been prescribed steroid cream, and plans to see a dermatologist.

A National Express bus and two cars, including a Volkswagen Golf, were involved in a collision on Kingstanding Road near Elmbridge Road in Birmingham, blocking the street for around two hours. Emergency services found no injuries at the scene. Three bus routes were temporarily diverted but later returned to normal. Authorities were conducting investigations, and police were contacted for further information.

Work has begun to repair and relaunch Birmingham New Street’s long-defunct LED media screens, known as the “eyes,” after a three-year blackout. Owner Hammerson plans to install upgraded displays and reactivate all three screens later this year. The restoration follows sustained calls from residents and campaigners, highlighted by safety concerns after Katie Fox’s death. The screens, in place since the station’s redevelopment a decade ago, have been mostly inactive since 2023, with one dark even longer. Hammerson confirmed the project is underway and promoted the return through a social media teaser.

A 17‑year‑old boy was charged with attempted murder and firearm possession after a shooting on Bowyer Road in Birmingham left a 16‑year‑old critically injured. He was remanded to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, while police continued investigating and appealed for witnesses or footage. Officers remained in the area to reassure residents.

A 20-year-old Birmingham man, Ethan Lacey, returned to the UK after surviving catastrophic head injuries sustained in a fall from a moving vehicle in Pattaya, Thailand. Despite life support being withdrawn, he continued breathing unaided, prompting his grandmother to lead a GoFundMe campaign that raised over £27,000 for medical costs and repatriation. His family remains in debt after arranging his return but expresses deep gratitude for public support while noting he still faces a long recovery.

A bricklayer suffered life‑changing injuries after falling through an unprotected gap at a Leamington Spa worksite, leading to a £16,000 fine against construction firm Sibbasbridge Limited for failing to implement adequate safety measures. A Health and Safety Executive investigation concluded the firm did not properly plan or risk‑assess the job or provide protective scaffolding. The victim, Nicholas Crow, now faces significant mobility, speech, and memory impairments, with his family describing devastating long‑term effects. The company pleaded guilty to breaching work‑at‑height regulations and was ordered to pay additional costs at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.

Warwickshire Police increased a reward to £5,000 for information leading to the location of Adrian Lewicki, who officers believe can assist with enquiries into the rape and assault of a woman in Nuneaton on June 14. Police released an updated image of Lewicki and said he may be in Nuneaton, Coventry or Morecambe. Crimestoppers is offering the reward for anonymous information that helps officers find him.

Two drug dealers, Majid Hussain and Sahil Suleman, were jailed after ramming three police vehicles in a BMW while attempting to flee officers in Birmingham. Police found £300,000 worth of heroin and multiple phones in the car. Hussain received eight years and eight months for drug offences, criminal property possession, and dangerous driving, while Suleman was sentenced to three years. Police highlighted their ongoing efforts to disrupt organised drug crime through Operation Target.

A serious two‑car collision in Northfield left a man and woman with potentially life‑threatening injuries, prompting the closure of Bristol Road South, Frankley Beeches Road and surrounding routes from shortly after 4 p.m. Emergency responders from police and ambulance services attended, with multiple bus routes diverted and significant traffic disruption reported. Roads were expected to remain closed for an extended period as emergency crews continued their work.

Local authorities in Telford and Walsall rejected online claims that new apartments and the Barons Court Hotel were being used to house migrants. MP Wendy Morton confirmed the hotel had never been used for that purpose and criticised the spread of misleading posts on social media. Telford & Wrekin Council similarly condemned disinformation stating that new Station Quarter apartments were assigned to illegal migrants, urging residents to verify information before sharing it.

A man and a woman suffered potentially life‑threatening injuries following a two‑car collision near Bristol Road South and Frankley Beeches Road in Northfield. Emergency services responded shortly after 4pm, with police and ambulance crews treating both victims at the scene. Several nearby roads were closed and are expected to remain shut while emergency work continues.

An NHS materials management assistant, Emmanuel Nbanga, was convicted of stealing £279,000 worth of medical supplies from the Alexandra Hospital and routing them through Ultimate Medical Ltd so the NHS paid for its own stock twice. UML, run by Solomon Adeyemi, resold the stolen items and provided additional substandard goods sourced from China. Money was laundered through accounts linked to Remilekun Olusesi. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust uncovered the fraud after spotting matching identification numbers on supplies. Total NHS losses reached £367,759. All three men await sentencing, with two remanded as flight risks, and the NHS Counter Fraud Authority emphasised the financial and safety risks caused by the organised scheme.

Katie Fox’s mother launched a GoFundMe campaign to fund a memorial stone for her daughter, who was fatally stabbed at a Birmingham bus stop in November. A memorial service was held in May, and Katie was buried in Devon, where she had hoped to move. Her mother described the past months as devastating and thanked supporters for their generosity. Djeison Rafael has been charged with her murder, with his trial rescheduled for October.

Eight Legia Warsaw supporters appeared at Birmingham Crown Court charged with violent disorder linked to disturbances before a Europa Conference League match at Villa Park in November 2023. The judge confirmed the trial is expected to run up to four weeks, with all defendants requiring interpreters and permitted to travel under bail conditions as long as they attend daily. Jury selection began with questionnaires to screen for potential conflicts, and proceedings are scheduled to start the following day.