Matthew O’Hara

West Midlands Police released CCTV footage of a man they want to question about a burglary at a home on Boscobel Avenue in Tipton. A purse was reportedly stolen around 9:30 p.m. on June 29, and a bank card from it was later used at a nearby store. Police are asking anyone with information to contact them, quoting reference 20/310079/26.

A 46-year-old man, Thomas Stanford, has been charged with 21 counts of shop theft linked to incidents at four stores in Tipton between July 2 and July 9. He appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court and is scheduled to return in August. West Midlands Police’s Sandwell North retail crime team continues to target repeat offenders in partnership with local retailers.

Nathan Sutton received a 12‑year prison sentence with a two‑year extended licence for carrying out more than a dozen violent burglaries across Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton. Police identified him after multiple break‑ins in which victims were threatened with weapons, with some injured. He was convicted of 22 offences, including burglary, robbery and attempted escape from custody. Authorities believe he acted with accomplices and continue to seek information.

A new mural featuring Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers has been painted on the Classic Fryer in Quinton, celebrating the local footballers as they compete for England in the 2026 World Cup. Created by artist Dion Kitson, the artwork shows the pair eating orange chips and has been warmly received by locals who view it as a tribute to regional pride. Bellingham has scored four goals in the tournament, while Rogers has made four appearances as England prepares for its quarter-final against Norway.

A man in his 40s was taken to hospital with non–life-threatening injuries after a stabbing in Clancey Way, Cradley. Police charged 37-year-old Lance Dunn with wounding, and he was remanded to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court. Three other men were detained and later bailed as investigations continue.

A man suffered potentially serious injuries in a reported stabbing on Clancey Way in Halesowen, prompting local councillors Simon Phipps and Daniel Bevan to call the incident worrying and urge residents with information to contact police or Crimestoppers. They highlighted longstanding concerns about a property previously reported for criminal activity and called for transparency from authorities to reassure the community. Emergency services treated the victim on scene before transporting him to hospital, and police have been asked for further comment.

Three teenagers, including 18‑year‑old Soleh Uzair from Halesowen and two 17‑year‑olds from Smethwick, have been charged with attempted murder following the stabbing of a 19‑year‑old man on Market Street in Oldbury. The victim remains in serious but stable condition in hospital. All three suspects have been remanded to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court, and West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses.

A late-night fire at Dudley Council’s Blowers Green Waste Depot triggered emergency protocols and a full evacuation after a blaze broke out in the cardboard storage area. Five crews from West Midlands Fire Service brought the incident under control, and no injuries were reported. The council is working with police and fire services on investigations while maintaining scheduled waste and recycling operations and assessing broader impacts.

A woman was taken to Worcester Royal Hospital with non‑serious injuries after a collision between a car and a pedestrian at the junction of High Street and Bridge Street in Stourport. Emergency crews, including an ambulance and a critical care car, responded and found the pedestrian already being assisted by an off‑duty technician. Police managed a road closure while attending the scene.

A visit by Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith to the Black Country Skills Shop highlighted the centre’s role in improving employability through CV support, interview preparation and training. Operated by Dudley College of Technology, the centre partners with national employment services and has supported more than 2,300 learners in five years. The visit aligned with government efforts to expand youth employment opportunities, including 300,000 new training and work experience placements. It also followed a report showing high NEET levels among 16- and 17‑year‑olds in Dudley, underscoring the need for expanded skills and career support.

Emergency services responded to a collision between a car and a pedestrian on High Street in Stourport around 5:30pm, with police managing a road closure while assessing the scene. West Mercia Police confirmed the circumstances of the incident, and the West Midlands Ambulance Service has been contacted for further information.

Arrow Valley Visitor Centre and Lake urged visitors and dog owners to stay out of the water after a fishing line became caught on a powerline, prompting the suspension of all water activities and fishing until further notice. A spokesperson apologized for the disruption and said updates will follow.

A woman in her twenties suffered potentially serious injuries after her BMW struck the central reservation on the M5 between Junctions 1 and 2 around 2:20 a.m. Emergency services treated her at the scene before transporting her to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. The motorway was closed for three hours before reopening at 6 a.m., and police are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage.

British Transport Police released a CCTV image of a woman sought after allegedly shouting at a man and spitting in his face on a train leaving Birmingham New Street. The incident occurred on the morning of April 8, and investigators believe the woman shown may have information relevant to the case, with enquiries ongoing.

A serious collision closed the southbound M5 between Junctions 1 and 2 early in the morning, causing delays of around 20 minutes and two miles of congestion. Emergency services attended, traffic was temporarily released via the hard shoulder, and all lanes reopened at 5:48 a.m., though residual delays persisted.

West Midlands Police are seeking help to identify a man linked to multiple shop thefts involving electrical goods, food and cleaning products across the Black Country. Thefts occurred at locations in Coseley and Tipton on June 4, and a CCTV image has been released as part of the investigation. Police ask anyone with information to come forward quoting the relevant crime number.

A new historical novel, 27 Church Street: The Gathering Storm, by A J Hobart explores Kidderminster’s Edwardian-era social tensions through the story of the Stretton medical family. Launching at Kidderminster Town Hall, the book draws on local archives and heritage, featuring themes of industrial unrest and class dynamics. The event will include a reading, Q&A, and a historical talk by Stretton family descendant Chris Stretton.

A Kidderminster woman continues to receive threatening debt collection letters over a disputed parking fine at Weavers Wharf despite providing proof of payment. She reports ongoing stress and health effects due to repeated demands from Euro Car Parks and DCBL, who warn of potential legal action and a County Court judgment. The parking operator has been contacted for comment.