Lauren Chaloner

A wildfire in Stourbridge left 19 homes destroyed and 18 damaged, with workmen clearing rubble and residents returning to inspect the devastation. The blaze spread rapidly across fields and railway embankments, affecting roughly 500 acres. Local residents described an apocalyptic scene and praised farmers, neighbors and emergency crews whose efforts helped prevent further destruction. Network Rail workers also examined fire-damaged tracks, while some surviving homes suffered damage to gardens, gates and outbuildings.

West Midlands Police are appealing for information and mobile-phone footage to help determine how fires in Stourbridge started. The cause remains unknown, while police and West Midlands Fire Service continue supporting the local community, managing road closures and maintaining cordons. The public has been asked to avoid the area, refrain from speculation and submit information through the police or Major Incident Public Portal.

Stourbridge Golf Club said its course and clubhouse will remain closed while it assesses the damage caused by a major fire that spread through fields and homes in Stourbridge. The club thanked emergency services, staff, members, neighbours and nearby golf clubs for their assistance, and said it would support the wider community during the recovery and safety assessment.

Six people—five men and one woman aged 20 to 49—were arrested after West Midlands Police raided a shop on Smethwick High Street and later searched a property off St Paul's Road. Officers reportedly found equipment used to produce Class A drugs, and four people were initially detained on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.

Film crews and several trailers were spotted outside The Shed café on Stourport Road, prompting speculation about a television or film production. Drone Media shared photographs of the site, while some observers linked the activity to Father Brown or planned filming at Harvington Hall. The report notes recent production activity around Wyre Forest, including at the Severn Valley Railway and in Kidderminster, but no official confirmation has identified what is being filmed outside The Shed.

Five-year-old Jaxon Canavan of Dudley called 999 and calmly provided his address after his mother, Stacey, was knocked unconscious falling down the stairs. Special Constable Adam Russell reached the house, gave first aid and helped ensure Stacey received urgent medical attention. Jaxon received West Midlands Police’s Chief Constable’s Young Person’s Award for his bravery, and officers later surprised him with a new bike and a visit to the police museum.

Fire crews from Dudley, Tipton and Wolverhampton extinguished a grassland fire near Cotwall End Valley Nature Reserve, arriving within five minutes of being mobilised and fully resolving the incident by late afternoon.

A 20-year-old man, Kristian Danielov, died nine days after a dangerous driving crash in Oldbury caused by Corey Brown, who drove a stolen Ford Fiesta at excessive speed and collided with multiple objects. Danielov’s family paid tribute to him as a beloved and energetic young man. Brown, who fled the scene and left two injured passengers behind, received a 10-year jail sentence after admitting multiple offences, including causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

A 20‑year‑old man from Lye, Corey Brown, received a 10‑year prison sentence for causing the death of his friend Kristian Danielov through dangerous driving in Oldbury. Brown drove at high speed, clipped a central bollard, and crashed into parked vehicles and a lamppost before fleeing the scene, leaving his injured passengers behind. Danielov later died from his injuries, while another passenger was seriously hurt. Police determined the vehicle was stolen and that Brown was disqualified from driving. Brown admitted the offences and was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Danielov’s family issued a tribute, and investigators stressed the consequences of reckless driving.

A motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries following a collision on Halesowen Road in Cradley Heath. West Midlands Ambulance Service responded with multiple emergency units, providing advanced trauma care before transporting the man to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.

A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital with life‑threatening injuries after a stabbing on Market Street in Oldbury. West Midlands Police are in the early stages of the investigation, with officers conducting inquiries and urging witnesses or concerned residents to come forward. Information can be reported to police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Bishop David Oakley, born in Stourbridge, has been charged with two counts of raping a girl under 16 following a Staffordshire Police investigation into historical allegations. Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Richard Moth as temporary Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Northampton while Oakley remains withdrawn from public ministry. Moth will continue his duties from Westminster while overseeing diocesan governance. Oakley, age 70, is scheduled to appear before magistrates in Cannock on August 14.