James Connell

Former Pakistan prime minister and ex-Worcestershire cricketer Imran Khan was returned to prison after a private-hospital medical examination found him fit to continue serving his sentence. The Pakistan Supreme Court ordered the examination following concerns raised by his family and doctors. Khan is serving concurrent sentences linked to the Toshakhana-II state gifts case and the Al-Qadir Trust land case, while denying wrongdoing and alleging that the charges are politically motivated. He has been imprisoned since August 2023.

A community fundraiser organized by Clare Boniface raised £1,437 to replace Lidhia O’Mahony’s electric bike, which was stolen from a public rack outside Lloyds Bank at The Cross in Worcester. The 68-year-old carer relies on the bike to travel between her home in St Peter’s and work at The Lawns Nursing Home in Kempsey. After a £55.76 transaction fee, £1,371.24 will fund a replacement bike and secure lock, with any remaining money allocated to insurance, maintenance and other cycling costs. West Mercia Police continue to investigate the theft.

More than 3,000 people attended CAMRA’s 24th Worcester Beer, Cider and Perry Festival at Worcester Racecourse over three days. The event featured more than 100 beers, 50 ciders and perries, live music, entertainment, and a new chess area hosted by Worcester City Chess Club. Popular beers sold out by Saturday, while festival organisers highlighted support from local businesses, pubs and brewers and expressed hopes for a larger event the following year.

The Met Office warns that expected autumn rain may not be sufficient to end drought conditions across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, much of England and Wales. The warning follows severe wildfires, including fires in Pershore and Stourbridge that destroyed or damaged homes and led to evacuations and hospitalisations. Chief meteorologist Will Lang says rainfall is likely but could remain below normal, while El Niño may increase rainfall later in autumn or early winter. Andy Burnham warns that fires could be followed by flooding and calls for faster clean-energy transition in response to climate change.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said people continued to use barbecues and light bonfires despite a government severe wildfire alert warning against activities that could spark fires. The force reported a high number of calls about fires and related incidents, urged residents to contact the Fire and Rescue Service only about genuine emergencies, and reminded the public to use 101, online reporting and other channels for non-emergency police matters.

A SEAT Ibiza collided with a motorbike on Ombersley Road in Worcester, then hit a wall and parked vehicles at the Listers dealership before coming to rest on top of a white CUPRA. Emergency services attended, the road was closed, and the female driver and motorbike rider sustained only minor injuries. Police reported no serious injuries or arrests, while Listers declined to comment and reportedly had no CCTV footage of the crash.