Jamie Brassington

Tina Wood overcame dyslexia, repeated failures to obtain a personal licence, job rejections, serious health problems and profound bereavements to become landlady of the Ashmore Inn in Wolverhampton in 2021. Under her leadership, the pub has become a community hub, operating a discreet food bank, providing meals and food during school holidays, distributing thousands of toys and Easter eggs, and hosting charity events. The pub has won Admiral Taverns’ Community Pub of the Year award and has been shortlisted for Best Admiral Taverns Pub at the Great British Pub Awards.

Neil Thompson, 45, was found dead on the playing field of Smestow Academy in Wolverhampton after an 11-year-old pupil discovered him during a PE lesson. An inquest heard that he died from aspirating blood caused by severe facial and head injuries, which were consistent with blunt-force trauma. Police investigated the death as a possible homicide but found no definitive evidence of another person's involvement or robbery. Investigators believe he may have been thrown from his electric bike on an uneven canal towpath, although an assault could not be ruled out and the circumstances leading to his injuries and his arrival at the school remained unclear. The coroner recorded a narrative conclusion.

Kuljit Singh Uppal, a 39-year-old father of two from Telford and governor at the School of Coding & AI, died after a Porsche Taycan collided with a tractor towing a flatbed trailer on the A41 near Newport, Shropshire, on August 11. His wife, parents and colleague Manny Athwal paid tribute to his dedication to his family, education and helping disadvantaged people. West Mercia Police arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving; he was released on bail while the investigation continues. Police are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage.

A skip and several bins were deliberately set alight on Eastgate Street in Stafford on August 17. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported. Police arrested a 31-year-old man of no fixed address on suspicion of arson and appealed for CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage.

An inquest heard that Neil Thompson, 45, may have sustained fatal facial and head injuries after being thrown from his e-bike on an uneven canal towpath in poor weather. He was later found dead on the grounds of Smestow Academy in Wolverhampton, but investigators could not establish how he reached the field or definitively determine whether he fell or was assaulted. West Midlands Police found no clear evidence of another person or robbery, while the coroner recorded that the circumstances surrounding the injuries remained unknown.

Police closed Quinton Road West in Birmingham after a man was found with serious leg injuries near a Co-op store at around 4:15pm on August 18. An air ambulance and other emergency vehicles attended, while residents in flats above the shop were temporarily kept from returning home. West Midlands Police said the incident was not being treated as a stabbing, described enquiries as being at an early stage, and appealed for witnesses.

A multi-agency road operation in West Bromwich and the wider Sandwell area stopped 79 vehicles and seized 31. Twenty-one were taken off the road for having no insurance and 10 for having no tax. Officers and partner agencies also identified registration irregularities, illegal tyres, dangerous vehicle conditions, outdated MOTs, tinted windows, mobile-phone use and seat-belt offences. Four people were arrested on suspicion of offences including driving while disqualified, failing to appear in court, theft and possession of Class B drugs.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested near Townwell Fold in Wolverhampton city centre after police reportedly found more than 40 wraps of Class A drugs during a stop and search. A subsequent search of his home uncovered a zombie knife, additional drugs, cash and drug-dealing scales. The boy was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply and referred to the Youth Offending Service. West Midlands Police said increased patrols and enforcement would continue in town-centre hotspots.

A man suffered serious leg injuries during an incident at a Co-op store on Quinton Road West in Birmingham on August 18, 2026. West Midlands Police attended at about 4:15 p.m., cordoned off the area near Gorsy Road and appealed for witnesses while investigations continued. An air ambulance landed nearby, and residents living above the store experienced restricted access to their homes.

Wolverhampton City Council will resurface and reline the Three Tuns roundabout where the A449 Stafford Road meets Three Tuns Lane. The road will close overnight from 7pm to 5am between August 19 and 21, with diversions in place. The work is expected to cause additional disruption on Stafford Road, one of the West Midlands' most congested routes, and forms part of the council's £10 million highways improvement programme.

Birmingham activist Femi Oluwole accused West Midlands Police of bias after officers declined to treat Nick Buckley’s post calling him a “poster boy for mass deportation and remigration” as a crime, while warning that Oluwole’s criticism of Reform UK politicians could amount to a borderline offence. A police review upheld the decision on free-expression grounds but acknowledged that officers’ explanations and comments were unhelpful, leading to managerial feedback. The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s office found the complaint had been handled reasonably and proportionately, leaving Oluwole to seek independent legal advice for any further action.

Oldbury, in Sandwell, has a slightly above-average happiness score of 7.5 out of 10 according to the Office for National Statistics, compared with 7.4 nationally and 7.2 in Birmingham. Interviews with residents produced mixed views: some praised community support and local amenities, while others cited fly-tipping and a generally less happy atmosphere. A homeless 38-year-old man described rough sleeping, abuse and limited assistance despite being on Sandwell Council’s housing waiting list, highlighting a sharp contrast between the official figures and difficult conditions faced by some residents.

A fire damaged several homes in the Sandy Road and Maureen Avenue area of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, on August 13, 2026. Emergency crews assessed 11 people, six of whom were taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital for smoke inhalation, while five were discharged at the scene. Residents from affected properties were directed to Goldenhill Community Centre for support, and the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

A large fire that began near Racecourse Lane in Stourbridge spread across approximately 40 acres, affecting woodland, roads and homes and forcing some residents to evacuate. Firefighters remain at six sites, including Quarry Park and Brunswick Gate, where exclusion zones have been established because some buildings are structurally unsafe. Residents and businesses have been advised to stay away from affected areas and keep windows and doors closed because of smoke.

A fire on Gildas Avenue in Kings Norton, Birmingham, damaged part of a house, a garden, fencing and nearby grassland or trees. Around 25 firefighters from five West Midlands Fire Service crews attended on August 11. The extent of the damage was documented in photographs, while it remained unclear whether anyone was injured.

Five men aged 18 to 38 were charged after West Midlands Police carried out warrants at five addresses in Dudley and Sandwell as part of an investigation into the alleged 'Dappa' drugs line. Officers recovered more than £35,000 in cash, phones believed to be linked to drug dealing, knives, imitation firearms and ammunition. The men face various charges relating to the alleged supply of crack cocaine and heroin, with additional drug, criminal-property and ammunition charges against some defendants. All five were remanded in custody to appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court.

Former Staffordshire Police constable Lewis Edwards was found guilty of gross misconduct after showing colleagues inappropriate images on his phone and engaging in unwanted, inappropriate conversations. He resigned in April 2025 before the proceedings concluded, but a hearing determined that he would have been dismissed. Edwards has been added to the College of Policing’s Barred List, preventing him from working in policing or other law-enforcement roles. Staffordshire Police said the case reinforced its commitment to investigating inappropriate behaviour and protecting staff from disrespectful conduct.

West Midlands Police have released CCTV images of two men they want to identify in connection with a car stolen from Dudley High Street between 7pm and 8pm on June 26, 2026. Officers are asking anyone with information to contact them using crime number 20/301468/26.

A deliberately started grass fire in Brownhills, Walsall, spread across about half of a 71-acre field, covering an area equivalent to roughly 20 football pitches. Fifteen homes were evacuated because of heavy smoke, while plans to evacuate another 60 properties were halted as firefighters contained the blaze. No casualties were reported. West Midlands Fire Service deployed around 31 firefighters, seven response vehicles and two fire engines, using hose reels, a portable pump and water from a nearby canal before declaring the fire out late on August 11. Crews were due to return for safety checks.

Multiple grass and wildfire incidents broke out across the West Midlands, including major fires in Brownhills and Kings Norton, as well as blazes in Tipton, Dudley and Coventry. West Midlands Fire Service deployed numerous crews, while residents were urged to avoid affected areas and some residents near the Brownhills fire were temporarily evacuated because of smoke. Investigators determined that the Brownhills fire, which affected around half of a 71-acre field, was started deliberately. The incidents occurred during an amber extreme-heat warning, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 37°C or 38°C. The Fire Brigades Union warned that the UK faces a national wildfire emergency and raised concerns about firefighters lacking modern protective equipment.

Firefighters responded to multiple grass and wildfires across the West Midlands during a dry spell, including incidents in Brownhills, Tipton, Kings Norton, Dudley and Coventry. West Midlands Fire Service deployed dozens of firefighters and numerous crews, while the public was advised to avoid the affected areas.

Around 25 firefighters from five West Midlands Fire Service crews responded to a large fire on Gildas Avenue in Kings Norton, Birmingham, on the evening of August 11, 2026. The cause was not known, and residents were urged to avoid the area. The response was part of a wider evening involving fires in Brownhills, Tipton and Coventry, which together drew dozens more firefighters.

West Midlands Police are appealing for information after a shop worker was pushed to the ground while challenging a man who allegedly took items without paying at a Kingstanding Road store in Birmingham around 9pm on July 5. Police released an image of a man they want to identify and asked the public to contact 101, the force’s Live Chat, or Crimestoppers, quoting crime number 20/314692/26.

A 45-year-old woman, identified in the article as Marie Griffiths, was charged with three counts of theft after police investigated the alleged theft of about £250 in goods from an electrical store at St John's Retail Park in Wolverhampton, along with approximately £200 in food and £50 in toiletries from two other shops. She was arrested in St Peter's Gardens, released on bail with conditions, and is due to appear at Dudley Magistrates Court on 24 September.

A Birmingham street busker says he lost consciousness and suffered memory loss after a man allegedly threatened him with scissors and threw glass and other heavy objects at him on Union Street on July 22. He was taken to hospital, and says the incident has left him fearful enough to install a 360-degree camera system for protection. West Midlands Police confirmed officers attended reports of two men fighting, said one man suffered a medical episode and was taken to hospital, and is investigating while appealing for witnesses.

Elliot Webb, 24, from Sedgley in the West Midlands, has spent roughly a decade largely confined indoors because severe headaches, vomiting and low intracranial pressure prevent him from standing for more than about an hour a day. Diagnosed as a teenager with Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, he underwent surgery but says his symptoms quickly returned. His family claims repeated hospital visits and investigations failed to identify a suspected cerebrospinal fluid leak, including an MRI performed without contrast dye that had been recommended by a specialist. Elliot says the illness caused him to miss school and exams, lose contact with friends and spend up to 23 hours a day in bed. After further investigations in 2026, his neurosurgeon reportedly said there was little more the team could do. The hospitals involved reject suggestions that his care was inadequate, saying he received appropriate investigations and ongoing support. Elliot is fundraising £5,500 to consult a private CSF-leak specialist.

West Midlands Police are appealing for information to identify two men suspected of an attempted armed robbery at a shop on Bradford Street in Walsall town centre on May 20. One suspect allegedly carried a machete, and several mobile phones were grabbed, but the pair were unable to escape with them. Police have released an image and asked anyone with information to contact them, quoting reference 20/255614/26.

Home Office enforcement raids across the West Midlands targeted suspected illegal construction workers, courier drivers and employers allegedly facilitating illegal working. Raids at construction sites led to 15 arrests, while Operation Lux targeting courier drivers linked to subcontracted DPD routes produced 16 arrests and five vehicle seizures. Further Birmingham city-centre operations resulted in nine arrests, three detentions, civil penalty referrals and the seizure of approximately £1,500. The West Midlands recorded 884 visits and 701 arrests in 2026 so far, as national enforcement activity also reached record levels. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said increased resources were being used to protect compliant businesses and workers, while liable employers could face substantial fines for failing to conduct right-to-work checks.

Lidl GB is expanding its partnership with Neighbourly and Olio to redistribute surplus food through evening collections at 196 UK stores, including 10 in the West Midlands. When charities cannot collect late in the day, Olio volunteers known as Food Waste Heroes will collect fresh produce, meat and bakery items and share them with local families, shelters and community organisations. The pilot has prevented about 1,200kg of food waste each week, while a nationwide rollout could redistribute up to 5,000 tonnes—almost 11.9 million meals—annually. Participating West Midlands stores include locations in Tamworth, Coventry, Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Nuneaton, Leamington Spa and Rugby.

A man sustained serious injuries in an incident on Darlaston Road in Walsall shortly after 8 a.m. on August 6, 2026. West Midlands Ambulance Service provided advanced trauma care at the scene before taking him to Queen Elizabeth Hospital under emergency conditions. Members of the public reported that West Midlands Police had cordoned off the road, while police had not yet commented.

A horse rider sustained minor injuries in an incident on a road in Shropshire. West Mercia Police urged motorists, particularly in the Shifnal and Albrighton area, to slow down, keep their distance, avoid sudden noises and wait for a safe opportunity to pass horses. The warning emphasized that riders have the same right to use the road as other road users.

A 28-image gallery shows the abandoned Paget Road, or Wulfrun Campus, of City of Wolverhampton College after teaching relocated to the £61 million City Learning Quarter. The images capture empty classrooms, debris, chemicals left in a science lab and writing remaining on a whiteboard. The site faces demolition after Wolverhampton Council submitted plans to remove 12 buildings, while a ground-floor arson attack on July 19 has added to concerns about its future.

An urban explorer documented the deserted Paget Road campus of City of Wolverhampton College, which closed on 17 October 2025 after teaching moved to the £61 million City Learning Quarter in Wolverhampton. The former Wulfrun Campus still contains classroom materials, chemicals and a final whiteboard message, while a July fire was reportedly started deliberately. Wolverhampton City Council has submitted plans to demolish 12 buildings, though no decision has yet been made.

Ashley Cadwaladr, 32, of Walsall, appeared at Walsall Magistrates’ Court after being charged with burglary over the alleged theft of a boiler and copper piping from an address in Bloxwich earlier in July. He was remanded in custody pending a later court appearance.

Two Cradley Heath shops, International Vape and All Day, have been ordered to close for up to three months after Sandwell Council trading standards officers and West Midlands Police found them selling illicit tobacco products. The orders were granted by Walsall Magistrates’ Court on July 23 and July 27 following an eight-month investigation. The closures bring the number of Cradley Heath shops ordered to shut this month to six, with Sandwell Council saying the action is intended to disrupt criminal activity and protect legitimate businesses.

Maintenance work will close the M5 northbound carriageway between Junction 4 at Lydiate Ash and Junction 3 at Quinton from 9pm on July 29 until 6am on July 30. At the same time, both northern link roads from M5 Junction 1 at West Bromwich to the M6 Junction 8 will also close.

Two people were seriously injured when a Renault Clio and a Volvo XC40 collided on Drake Street in Welland, near Malvern, Worcestershire, at 7:25 p.m. on July 25. The Clio driver and front-seat passenger were taken to hospital, while the occupants of the Volvo were not seriously injured. West Mercia Police are seeking witnesses and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to assist the investigation.

Staffordshire Police are appealing for information after a robbery at a business premises on Masefield Drive in the Leyfields area of Tamworth at about 9:25 p.m. on July 25, 2026. Officers released an image and description of a white man approximately six feet tall, of medium build, wearing a grey hooded jacket and shorts and carrying a black holdall. Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact police, while anonymous reports can be made through Crimestoppers.

Mohammed Jangheer was convicted at Birmingham Crown Court of possessing crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply. West Midlands Police said officers spotted the 45-year-old acting suspiciously in Handsworth on Villa Road, pursued him when he failed to stop, and recovered a bag he threw over a wall containing more than 400 drug wraps. A mobile phone linked him to drug dealing. Jangheer denied both charges but was found guilty and remanded in custody pending sentencing in September.

Around 40 firefighters from eight fire engines attended a grass fire at Woodgate Valley Country Park in Birmingham after it was reported at about 3:25 p.m. on July 27, 2026. The blaze charred a large area of grassland and produced heavy smoke but was extinguished, with no reported injuries or casualties. West Midlands Fire Service said the cause was not yet known.

Tributes have been left on Oak Tree Crescent in Halesowen, where Bill Oddie grew up, following his death at age 85 on July 25. A chalk message and photographs commemorate his work with The Goodies and his career presenting BBC wildlife programmes including Springwatch and Autumnwatch. Oddie's agent and friend David Foster praised his broadcasting, comedic and conservation contributions, saying his efforts to encourage environmental protection would not be forgotten.

A World War II unexploded mortar round was found at a property off Wolverhampton Road in Oldbury, prompting the brief evacuation of nearby residents. The British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team removed the device and plans to detonate it in a controlled explosion at Warley Woods. West Midlands Police warned local residents to expect a loud bang.

The Boat, a 200-year-old Grade II-listed pub in Wednesfield that had stood empty for six years after reportedly being closed by police amid drug problems, is being transformed into a desi mixed grill restaurant. Owner Avtar Singh, known as Goldie, says about £300,000 has been invested since January, with the renovation retaining historic features while adding new toilets and murals of Punjabi singers, including Sidhu Moose Wala. The restaurant is expected to reopen in August.

West Midlands Police are investigating the suspected theft of a scissor lift that was found in Digbeth, Birmingham, on July 26. A social media video appeared to show the mobile work platform being ridden along a pavement. Officers are reviewing footage and have asked anyone with information to contact them, quoting log number 1281 of July 26.

Birmingham could experience two unusually hot days next week, with temperatures forecast to reach 27C on Tuesday, July 28, and 30C on Wednesday, July 29, before falling to about 24C on Thursday. The West Midlands is expected to avoid the three-day threshold required for an official heatwave. The Met Office says the UK’s prolonged hot, dry July is highly unusual, with rainfall at only 20% of the average. Dry conditions have contributed to wildfires in Scotland, North and South Wales, the Isle of Wight, Hampshire and elsewhere.

The Boat, a Grade II-listed pub in Wednesfield that had stood empty since 2020 after a police closure linked to alleged drug use, is being transformed into a desi mixed grill restaurant. Co-owner Avtar “Goldie” Singh has invested about £300,000 in the restoration, retaining historic features while adding Punjabi-themed décor. Local residents have welcomed the revival, with some sharing emotional memories of the pub. The venue is expected to reopen in August, although the project has faced break-ins and planning difficulties related to the building’s listed status.

A 17-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after a woman was injured at a pub on Camp Lane in Kings Norton, Birmingham, late on July 24. The girl was later released on bail with conditions while West Midlands Police continued its investigation and appealed for information under crime reference 20/337780/26.

Birmingham is forecast to reach 27C on Tuesday and 30C on Wednesday, July 28–29, following a cooler spell. Although the West Midlands has a 27C heatwave threshold, the forecast may not meet the three consecutive days required for an official heatwave. The wider UK is experiencing exceptionally dry conditions, with drought status declared in North Wales and the Upper Severn, while wildfires continue in parts of Scotland, Wales and southern England. Met Office forecasting suggests another drier spell could develop in August.

A collision on the M6 southbound between Junctions 13 at Stafford South and Junction 12 at Gailey brought traffic to a halt and caused substantial tailbacks toward Penkridge. Two lanes remained closed during the morning while emergency and recovery crews worked at the scene, affecting holidaymakers, caravans and other motorists heading toward the West Midlands. All lanes reopened by 12:15 BST, although slow traffic continued because of the earlier accident.

Around 20 firefighters from four West Midlands Fire Service stations responded to three separate fires at a nature reserve off Oval Road in Tipton on July 25. The incident remained ongoing, and the public was urged to avoid the area while the cause of the fires was unclear.

Passengers driving to Birmingham Airport are warned to expect delays after weekend roadworks closed sections of the M42. The northbound carriageway is shut between Junctions 6 and 9, the southbound carriageway between Junctions 7A and 6, and the southbound link from the M6 is also closed. Heavy congestion has been reported on nearby roads, with the disruption scheduled to continue until the early hours of Monday, July 27.

A man in his 40s was fatally stabbed on Ridgway Road in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, on July 23. Staffordshire Police arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of murder and said two other males, aged 25 and 17, were also in custody. Police are seeking information and footage to identify two further men believed to be involved.

An inquest heard that Benjamin Pesian, a 25-year-old former Birmingham City University architecture student, died after jumping from the terrace balustrade of the 25th-floor Marco Pierre White Steakhouse at The Cube in Birmingham on June 7, 2025. Senior coroner Zafar Siddique said it was unclear whether Pesian intended to take his own life, but that he was likely experiencing psychosis. Pesian had diagnoses of schizoaffective and bipolar affective disorders, had stopped taking antipsychotic medication, and had recently been released from detention under the Mental Health Act before the incident.

Nine caravans, vehicles, a horsebox and a horse were seen on Kings Norton Park in Birmingham on July 25, marking the second traveller encampment at the site within a month. The group had previously been moved on from playing fields off Pershore Road South on June 19. The development follows another traveller convoy arriving at Sheldon Country Park, while councillor Darren Colling has contacted Birmingham City Council officers about possible eviction proceedings.

West Midlands Police is seeking information and asking the public to identify a man after a woman was assaulted on Broad Street in Birmingham city centre shortly after 7:45 a.m. on July 24. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote crime reference 20/336877/26.

Maciej Pelczar, 48, threatened a housemate with two kitchen knives while drunk at their shared HMO on Rutland Road, Smethwick, in October 2024. The victim later reported the incident through the landlord after a repeat confrontation, telling the court he feared Pelczar might stab him. The defence said Pelczar had been self-medicating with alcohol because of paranoia and believed people were spying on him. Wolverhampton Crown Court imposed an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years, along with 30 days of rehabilitation activity, 150 hours of unpaid work and a victim surcharge.

A man was taken to Russells Hall Hospital after his car collided with a tree on Dovedale Road near Sedgley late on July 19. West Midlands Ambulance Service responded at around 9.27pm, assessed the driver and transported him for precautionary checks. The crash occurred on a residential route connecting Sedgley and Coseley.

Hot weather has forced Transport for Wales to cancel services between Birmingham International and Wolverhampton, with trains starting and terminating at Wolverhampton for the day. The Met Office forecast high temperatures that may affect rail infrastructure, prompting National Rail to warn of potential disruption. The service changes are expected until 11pm, with passengers permitted to use their tickets on alternative operators and the West Midlands Metro.

A fire on the seventh floor of Vauxhall House in Wolverhampton prompted a late-night evacuation as more than 20 firefighters from multiple stations responded. West Midlands Fire Service confirmed the blaze was extinguished shortly after midnight, with crews remaining on site to support residents. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

A man riding a moped died after a collision with a car on the B4380 in Eaton Constantine near Shrewsbury. West Midlands Ambulance Service responded with an ambulance and paramedic officer but the rider was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon after the emergency call at 1:49pm.

A serious collision forced the closure of Wolverhampton’s ring road near Stafford Street, with West Midlands Police urging drivers to avoid the area and appealing for dashcam footage. Officers remain at the scene and will provide further updates, with anyone holding information asked to contact police quoting log 5114 of 13 July.

Police charged 27‑year‑old Hayyaan Sheikh after a gun was reportedly seen on George Street in Sparkbrook. Officers recovered a firearm and Sheikh faces charges of possessing a handgun, ammunition, and nitrous oxide. He was scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on July 13.

Armed police stopped a white BMW on the Black Country Route in Wolverhampton, recovering a loaded handgun and swords linked to a violent attack in Birmingham in which a construction worker was severely injured. Four men connected to the vehicle were arrested and later received multi‑year prison sentences at Wolverhampton Crown Court. West Midlands Police stated the operation removed dangerous weapons that could have been used in further crimes.

A woman in her 70s suffered potentially life‑threatening injuries after being struck by a car at the Morrisons store on Blaydon Road in Pendeford. Police and ambulance crews responded shortly after midday, with the victim taken to New Cross Hospital. The driver remained at the scene and is assisting with enquiries, and authorities have appealed for witnesses to contact them.

A young girl riding a pushbike in Glascote Heath, Tamworth was seriously injured after being struck by a motorbike carrying two masked teenagers who fled the scene. The collision occurred at 4:10pm, prompting a response from Staffordshire Police and an air ambulance. Police described the suspects as aged 16 to 17, dressed in black and without helmets, and appealed for witnesses or footage while providing incident details and contact information for both the force and Crimestoppers.

A routine inspection at the M42 Junction 6 Bickenhill Interchange in the West Midlands revealed concrete damage and corrosion, leading National Highways to close the north bridge to all traffic after repeated breaches of an imposed weight limit. The closure, affecting access routes to Birmingham Airport and the NEC, began at 4pm with no reopening time confirmed. Engineering specialists are assessing the structure while drivers are advised to expect delays.

A man in his twenties died after his car collided with railings in Birmingham city centre during the early morning hours. Paramedics found him in critical condition and administered advanced life support, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman passenger suffered potentially life‑threatening injuries and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Emergency services responded within minutes, with both West Midlands Ambulance Service and West Midlands Police confirming details of the incident and response.

Police charged 40-year-old Simon Crumpton with four shop thefts said to have occurred in Willenhall between July 5 and 8. He was arrested early on July 12 and scheduled to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on July 13. West Midlands Police noted that shop theft is a priority in the Walsall area as part of Operation Marigold.

ONS data highlights that affluent areas surrounding the West Midlands, including parts of Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire, record the highest proportion of households owning three or more cars. Certain Birmingham and Walsall postcodes also rank highly, while Birmingham city centre areas show the highest levels of car-free households. The findings reflect income differences and transport choices across the region.

Police charged Obaidullah Mamozai with attempted murder and assault after an 18‑year‑old man was seriously injured and a 17‑year‑old was assaulted in Victoria Square. Mamozai has been remanded ahead of an August hearing at Birmingham Crown Court. Earlier, Niazal Rahmanullah was charged with attempted murder, wounding, possession of a knife and violent disorder and is also due in court next month. Investigators urged witnesses or anyone with footage to come forward to support the ongoing inquiry.

A Birmingham street busker reported feeling sexually assaulted after a man approached him during a performance in Centenary Square and briefly danced against his back. Video footage captured the interaction, and the busker said he felt confused and upset afterward. He reported the incident to West Midlands Police, but the case did not progress after a review of the footage. Police stated they conducted inquiries and have no active lines of investigation but remain open to new information.

New ONS data shows large differences in population density across Birmingham, with Sparkhill North ranking highest at 16,880 people per square kilometre and Walmley recording the lowest density at 664. Central areas and parts of Sandwell are among the most crowded, while suburban northern neighbourhoods see far fewer residents per square kilometre.

Police acting on intelligence stopped a vehicle on Windmill Crescent in Smethwick, discovering Class A drugs, cash and drug paraphernalia. A 31‑year‑old driver from Great Barr was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and later bailed while investigations continue. Officers urged the public to report suspicious or drug‑related activity.

A woman suffered head and facial injuries after being struck with a bottle by another woman at the junction of Trinity Street and St Swithin’s Street in Worcester around 1.20am on June 20. West Mercia Police appealed for witnesses and requested CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage. The victim was taken to hospital as a precaution and did not sustain serious injuries. Witnesses are urged to contact PC Ruairidh Braithwaite or provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Severn Trent Water states there is currently no need for a hosepipe ban in the West Midlands despite ongoing UK heatwaves, citing reservoir levels at around 80 percent due to a wet winter. The company continues to monitor conditions but remains optimistic that restrictions can be avoided if the summer is typical and customers use water responsibly. Other regions, including parts of Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, have already implemented Temporary Use Bans. Guidance is offered to households on reducing water consumption and addressing leaks to help maintain supply during high‑demand periods.

Two men, Mohammed Khan and Mohammed Haydar, were sentenced to four years and three months in prison for stripping nearly 100 vehicles across the West Midlands, including cars parked near Birmingham City FC’s stadium on matchdays. Police identified them through extensive CCTV and forensic work after they shared videos of their crimes on social media. Victim statements highlighted financial losses, community impact and potential damage to matchday confidence. West Midlands Police continue increased patrols around the stadium and work with local partners to deter further vehicle crime.

A factory fire in Blakenhall has kept Upper Villiers Street closed for 170 days due to safety concerns surrounding a damaged Grade II-listed building. West Midlands Fire Service says the cause remains undetermined because the structure is too unsafe to enter. Community campaigner Paul Birch warns that local businesses risk closure without council support. The City of Wolverhampton Council states that the road cannot reopen until further information is provided by the building’s owners to complete the listed building consent process and says it is working with affected businesses on possible support options.

A 72-year-old pilot crash-landed a microlight at Otherton Airfield in South Staffordshire after becoming distracted by a nearby no‑fly zone while adjusting his approach from Runway 29 to Runway 25. His airspeed dropped, causing the aircraft to strike raised ground before stopping abruptly. He was uninjured, though the aircraft sustained significant fuselage and wing-tip damage. The AAIB identified distraction and lack of recent experience with this type of aircraft as contributing factors.

A government decision raises the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant from £7,500 to £9,000 for 200,000 households in England and Wales that use heating oil, aiming to ease bills and encourage switching to heat pumps. Rising heating oil prices linked to Middle East conflict increased pressure on rural homes, and officials and industry groups say the enhanced funding will make heat pumps more affordable and reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel costs. Experts note ongoing challenges with high installation costs but view the uplift as a meaningful step for vulnerable households facing energy insecurity.

HMRC warns Self Assessment taxpayers that their second Payment on Account for the 2025–26 tax year is due by July 31, urging early action to avoid stress. The agency highlights available support, including payment plans and the HMRC app, which enables fast payments and reminders. Taxpayers expecting lower income can request reduced payments, while early filing of 2025–26 returns can help with budgeting. Additional system changes include automatic Child Benefit data for high-income users and new Making Tax Digital requirements starting in August 2026. HMRC also cautions against fraud attempts impersonating the department.

JD Sports is closing two Hip brand stores in Manchester and Leeds while the retailer streamlines operations and focuses on online trade. The company has reduced several underperforming UK locations following financial uncertainty and plans further consolidation, including shuttering 175 Hibbett stores in the US over three years. Competitive pressure and declining annual earnings have prompted JD Sports to prioritise fewer but more profitable sites amid global economic uncertainty.

Plans under consideration by the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions would automate income tax deductions from State Pension payments, potentially withholding around £200 per month for those receiving the full new pension. The proposal, resembling the PAYE system, aims to address the expected rise in pension amounts above the personal allowance due to the triple lock. The reported approach contrasts with earlier assurances from Chancellor Rachel Reeves that pensioners relying solely on the State Pension would neither file tax returns nor pay tax during the current Parliament. Both the Treasury and DWP declined to comment, and no final decision has been made.

UK airlines are tightening boarding pass and check-in rules as summer travel increases, with a broader shift toward paperless, app-based systems. EasyJet encourages mobile passes but still requires printed versions at some airports abroad. Ryanair has moved to fully digital boarding, while Jet2 and TUI accept both digital and printed passes, though TUI requires clean A4 copies. British Airways supports both formats, including smartwatch compatibility, and Wizz Air maintains strict check-in windows and widespread mobile use.

A Tenerife hotel introduced security staff, jokingly called “sunbed police,” to prevent guests from reserving loungers before the pool area officially opens, after videos showed crowds queuing from early morning and rushing for spots at 8am. The viral footage highlights widespread sunbed‑reservation disputes seen across European holiday destinations, with tourists often rising at 5am to secure preferred locations. Persistent conflicts over saved loungers have led to legal rulings, including a recent German court decision awarding compensation to a family who found all beds reserved daily by unattended towels.

Jet2 outlines its twilight check‑in option available at 12 UK airports for passengers on pre‑midday flights, allowing luggage drop‑off between 4:30pm and 9pm the day before travel after completing online check‑in. The service is promoted as a way to bypass morning queues and streamline airport arrival. EasyJet is mentioned in a separate travel‑advice reference.

Groupia Ltd has entered administration after 24 years, cancelling all holidays and events booked from September 1 onward while those scheduled before that date are expected to proceed under ABTOT arrangements. Administrators Nigel Fox and Christopher Marsden of S&W Partners LLP have taken control, and customers are directed to pursue refunds through credit or debit card providers or by submitting claims to Gallagher Bassett, with processing potentially taking up to six weeks.

UK households face an annual £221 increase in energy costs as Ofgem raises the price cap by 13 percent to £1,862 due to higher wholesale gas prices driven by Middle East conflict. Energy suppliers and analysts warn of pressure on consumer finances, while Good Energy urges market reforms to reduce bills. Ofgem defends the increase, citing global volatility, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband calls the rise deeply unwelcome, emphasizing the need for clean energy investment and measures to ease household burdens.

Drivers in the UK are warned they can be fined up to £1,000 if they fail to update their driving licence address after moving home. The DVLA emphasises the address‑change process is free and motorists can continue driving while awaiting a new licence. Additional updates may be needed for vehicle log books, tax direct debits and personalised registration documents. Keeping address details current ensures drivers receive important notices, reminders and enquiries from the DVLA.

State pensioners with long‑term illnesses or disabilities, particularly arthritis, may qualify for Attendance Allowance payments of up to £458.40 every four weeks. The benefit is tax‑free, non‑means‑tested and available at lower or higher rates depending on care needs, with a large number of eligible pensioners believed not to be claiming it.

The upcoming July 1 increase to Ofgem’s energy price cap will raise annual bills for high‑usage four‑bedroom households by an average of £329, driven largely by higher global energy costs linked to conflict in the Middle East. Gas unit prices will rise 28 percent and electricity just under 6 percent, pushing typical large‑home annual bills from £2,302 to £2,631. Uswitch identifies 27 fixed‑rate deals below the new cap that could save households up to £285, advising consumers to switch to avoid further increases. Analysts expect the cap to remain steady in October, while the government may consider support if prices stay high.

HMRC will introduce a July update allowing the High Income Child Benefit Charge to be pre‑populated on online Self Assessment tax returns, simplifying the process for around 300,000 households. Child Benefit payments have risen to £27.05 weekly for the first child and £17.90 for additional children, totalling about £117.22 monthly for one‑child families. Households earning over £60,000 remain subject to the HICBC, with full repayment required at £80,000 income. HMRC also reminds taxpayers of the July 31 deadline for second payments on account and encourages early filing to know tax liabilities sooner.