Kieran Williams

A two-vehicle crash on the M5 northbound between junctions 7 and 6 near Worcester caused debris to spread across the carriageway and led to a closure of almost an hour. National Highways reported tailbacks reaching seven miles and delays of up to 75 minutes, with congestion also spreading to Pershore Road and the A4440. One man suffered non-serious injuries and was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital. The carriageway reopened around 4pm after the vehicles were recovered and clean-up operations were completed.

Darren Turner, 50, of Beoley near Redditch, pleaded not guilty at Worcester Crown Court to a charge of recklessly causing a fire that destroyed a warehouse and several acres of farmland in Bretforton near Evesham. Ten Hereford and Worcester fire crews, supported by engines from Gloucestershire, attended the blaze. Turner is due to stand trial in February 2027, with proceedings expected to last three days.