Kieran Williams

A major fire at Lancelott Court in Pershore prompted the evacuation of 30 properties and left about 200 homes without power during temperatures of 38°C. Several homes were damaged, one person was treated for smoke inhalation, and a rest centre was opened at Pershore Leisure Centre with support from the British Red Cross and St John Ambulance. Nearby residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed because of smoke, while surrounding roads remained closed for emergency access.

A major incident was declared after a fire began near Salford Priors on the Worcestershire–Warwickshire border. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service advised residents to keep windows and doors closed, urged the public to contact emergency services only when necessary, and reported the closure of the A46 in both directions between Arrow Services and Salford Bridge because of smoke.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Worcester city centre on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug and possessing a bladed article. Police said he fled after officers responded to suspected drug activity near The Cross, but PC Storey caught him in the Sansome Walk area, where a machete-style blade was found in his bag. The teenager remains in custody.

The Midlands Air Ambulance landed on the Malvern Hills after a paraglider was injured in a fall. West Mercia Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service, and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service also attended, while footage by Ritch Ames captured the helicopter landing near groups of hikers. Police thanked the public for their patience and wished the injured person a speedy recovery.

Joshua Henney, 32, of Worcester, admitted driving a Ford vehicle above the 30 mph limit on the A4133 at Ombersley. He argued that a driving disqualification would threaten his job, home, ability to support his children and voluntary work with a junior football club. Worcester Magistrates' Court added three points to his licence but allowed him to keep driving, while ordering him to pay a £184 fine, £130 in costs and a £74 victim services surcharge.