Nick Horner

A one-bedroom leasehold apartment on the 19th floor of Metropolitan House on Hagley Road, Birmingham, is being offered at a guide price starting at £9,000 through Bond Wolfe. The flat is currently tenanted and generates £800 per month, or £9,600 annually, so the buyer cannot initially move in. The property has nearly 99 years remaining on its lease and benefits from nearby tram, train and bus links, as well as access to Broad Street and local amenities. It will be included in Bond Wolfe’s auction beginning on September 10, 2026, with remote bidding available.

Three boys who damaged a floral display in Sutton Coldfield after being filmed kicking flowers returned with their families, neighbourhood police officers and town council partners to replant the flowers. West Midlands Police said the restorative response was intended to ensure they understood the consequences of their actions without relying solely on punishment or criminalisation. The town council welcomed the approach, while police said the boys spent more than 90 minutes helping restore the flower beds.

VV Living has submitted planning application 2026/00444/PA to infill and extend the base of Knights House in Sutton Coldfield, creating two commercial units, including a restaurant with a mezzanine and a second retail or office space. The proposal would add 335 square metres of floorspace and is expected to create 20 jobs. The currently boarded and overgrown site has been described by residents and local councillor David Pears as an eyesore associated with alleged drug-taking and anti-social behaviour. The application is undergoing public consultation, with restaurant opening hours anticipated to be similar to the previously approved 8am to 11.30pm schedule.

Parking charges at Sutton Coldfield Railway Station will fall back from £3 to £1.30 per day from 2 September, only two weeks after the increase took effect. ANPR cameras and round-the-clock charging will remain, while Transport for West Midlands works on restoring free parking for rail season-ticket holders. The increase prompted opposition from local Conservative and Labour representatives, businesses and residents, with documents indicating that it had been approved in principle in 2023 under the previous Conservative administration. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the decision predated his tenure but ordered the reversal after raising concerns about its impact on public transport use and passengers.

A serious disorder incident at Birmingham nightclub Glamorous on 16 August reportedly followed racial abuse and the ejection of two people. Door staff were allegedly assaulted, further violence occurred outside, and one man was knocked unconscious; another man was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. West Midlands Police requested an immediate suspension of the venue’s premises licence and removal of its designated premises supervisor, citing concerns that staff failed to intervene or provide first aid. A licensing sub-committee hearing took place in private, with its decision still unconfirmed while the criminal investigation continues.

A three-year-old girl suffered serious injuries after being hit by a car on Pelham Road in Alum Rock, Birmingham, shortly after 6pm on 13 August. West Midlands Ambulance Service provided advanced trauma care at the scene before taking her to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The driver remained at the scene and is assisting West Midlands Police, who are appealing for witnesses and footage.

A fire that began at Daisy Farm Recreation Ground in Highters Heath spread along a fence line and damaged a block of six homes on Gorleston Road, destroying two and leaving others unsafe. Andrew Reynolds said his mother lost nearly all her possessions, while the family dog was rescued. A fundraiser organized by Ringz N Tiingz had raised more than £7,500 for affected families. West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police are investigating the cause, including speculation that the blaze may have been deliberate, but no arrests had been made.

West Midlands Police is asking the public to identify two young females captured on CCTV in connection with the alleged theft of two mobile phones from a shop in Cape Hill, Smethwick, at about 12:30 p.m. on July 17. Information can be provided via 101 or the police website using crime reference 20/326573/26.

Two masked and gloved men robbed the Boots store in Armitage, Staffordshire, shortly after 4pm on August 8, locking staff inside and demanding keys to the till. They fled on foot toward Old Road, reportedly joined by a third accomplice waiting outside. Staffordshire Police are seeking information, CCTV, dashcam and doorbell footage to identify the suspects.

A large wildfire that began in grassland near Stourbridge Golf Club spread across roughly 40 acres and reached multiple homes. About 10 people were injured, including a child, three firefighters who were taken to hospital, and six members of the public suffering smoke inhalation. Roads and rail services were affected, residents were evacuated to a rest centre at Stourbridge Town Hall, and emergency services urged people not to tackle the fire themselves.

Residents were evacuated from several roads near the former Brandhall Golf Course in Oldbury after a fire broke out on August 13, following another blaze at the site the previous day. Emergency services also responded to a separate house fire and a reported explosion nearby. Councillor Luke Cotterill said changing wind direction reduced the immediate risk to homes and trees, while police continued to direct residents. The golf course site is earmarked for 190 homes, a replacement primary school and a public park.

A fire spread through at least six gardens on Price Avenue in Tamworth during 36°C heat, destroying sheds and hedges. Six fire appliances attended, while one woman was hospitalized with burns that were not considered life-threatening or life-changing. Witnesses Kirsty Harper and Richard described flames reaching roughly 50 feet and praised the emergency response. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said the cause will be investigated.

West Midlands Fire Service and other emergency services responded to multiple fires across Stourbridge, Oldbury, Castle Vale, Druids Heath, Kings Norton, Highters Heath, Willenhall, Solihull and Pershore on August 13, 2026. Residents were evacuated from some areas and advised to avoid affected locations and keep doors and windows closed because of smoke. Two people were injured in the Castle Vale bungalow fire, while the Pershore blaze left about 200 properties without power and caused a person to suffer smoke inhalation.

Stephen Clarke, 32, died after suffering stab injuries at specialist supported accommodation on Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, in the early hours of August 8. Hyde Housing confirmed that Clarke and Joseph Cargill, 20, who has been charged with murder, were both residents, and expressed condolences to Clarke’s family and friends. West Midlands Police is continuing its investigation, while Cargill remains in custody pending a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court.

A man in his 30s was left in a life-threatening condition after being stabbed on Lozells Road in Birmingham on the morning of August 10, 2026. Emergency crews treated him for serious injuries before taking him to hospital. West Midlands Police arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and said he remained in custody. The road was cordoned off, shops were inaccessible and bus services were diverted while officers appealed for witnesses and mobile phone or dash-cam footage.

Birmingham City Council has warned residents to help prevent wildfires in the city’s parks and green spaces during a prolonged hot and dry spell. Following fires in locations including Sutton Park, Sheldon Country Park, Perry Hall Playing Fields and other sites across the region, residents are being urged not to use barbecues or campfires, to take litter and glass bottles home, to dispose of cigarettes safely and to report fires immediately. The council says dry vegetation and discarded items can allow fires to start easily, threatening wildlife, habitats and communities.

A floral tribute and handwritten card were left on Chester Road in Sutton Coldfield, where a man in his 30s was fatally stabbed shortly after midnight on August 8. West Midlands Police arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of murder and said they were not seeking anyone else. Detectives and a CCTV specialist continued collecting evidence from the property, while neighbours described the residents as quiet. Witness Christine Baker said she held the victim's hand as he pleaded for help before medics were unable to save him.

More than £106,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from an organised drug-dealing operation was seized from properties in Stechford and Alum Rock, Birmingham. The seizures followed raids conducted by the Birmingham East Gangs Team during an ongoing investigation. A court forfeiture request under the Proceeds of Crime Act was uncontested and approved, allowing the money to be recovered and potentially reinvested in community safety initiatives and projects.

A technical problem with Birmingham Airport’s baggage system continued into its third day on August 9, disrupting outbound luggage during the summer holiday period. The airport said most baggage was travelling as planned and that it was working with airlines and third parties to reunite passengers with their bags, but travellers reported arriving in destinations including Turkey without luggage and receiving little information about delivery times or reimbursement. The Civil Aviation Authority said airlines generally must cover reasonable essential expenses for delayed bags, with claims supported by receipts and submitted in writing within 21 days of receiving the luggage.

Parking charges at Sutton Coldfield Railway Station are due to rise from 65p for rail users to £3 on weekdays from 17 August 2026, an increase of more than 350%. Weekend and Bank Holiday parking will cost £2. The car park will move to a pay-on-exit system using automatic number plate recognition, while the payment booth and attendant are expected to be removed. Blue Badge holders will continue to park free, and stays of under 30 minutes will remain permitted. Transport for West Midlands said the increase would align the site with three other charged car parks and help cover rising maintenance, security and lighting costs.

A man in his 30s died after being stabbed on Chester Road in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield, shortly after midnight. A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in custody, while West Midlands Police said they were not seeking anyone else and believed the two men were known to each other. Police and forensic officers investigated the scene, temporarily closing Chester Road and affecting nearby businesses, before the cordon was lifted later that day. Neighbour Christine Baker described hearing a disturbance and comforting the victim in his final moments.

West Midlands Police are seeking public help to locate 37-year-old Karl McCormack, who is wanted on suspicion of an assault in Erdington and for recall to prison. The force released a custody photograph and advised anyone who sees him to call 999, quoting crime reference 20/248678/26.

A man in his 30s died after being stabbed at a house of multiple occupation on Chester Road in Sutton Coldfield shortly after midnight. Neighbour Christine Baker described hearing banging, breaking glass and screaming before finding the injured man and holding his hand as he thanked her. West Midlands Police arrested a man on suspicion of murder, said the suspect and victim were believed to know each other, and confirmed that no one else was being sought. The road remained cordoned off while forensic and investigative work continued.

Tri Capital has abandoned plans for five-storey apartment blocks and ground-floor retail units on Birmingham Road in Sutton Coldfield after concluding that the scheme was not financially viable amid rising construction costs. Instead, it is refurbishing the existing 18-unit shopping parade, retaining current tenants and seeking new occupiers, with full occupancy targeted within six to 12 months. The former proposal for 75 apartments attracted 64 objections over privacy, scale, parking and the town-centre character, although Birmingham’s planning committee had approved it. Local councillor David Pears welcomed the decision, while Tri Capital and its agents said refurbishment should strengthen the parade’s role in Sutton Coldfield’s Restaurant Quarter.

A coroner concluded that Ravinder “Ravi” Lally, a 39-year-old Sutton Coldfield man with longstanding ulcerative colitis, died from metastatic cancer and ulcerative colitis, but could not determine whether delays in removing his rectum contributed to his death. The inquest identified deficiencies in documentation and recommended improvements to multidisciplinary meetings, consultation letters and contingency planning, though the coroner did not issue a formal Prevention of Future Deaths report because University Hospitals Birmingham had already considered the measures. Lally’s family remains dissatisfied, believes treatment options and consequences were not adequately explained, wants the recommendations shared nationally and is exploring legal action.

Mini Me Children’s Role Play World will close its Sutton Coldfield premises on 29 August 2026 after three years at Gracechurch Centre. Owner Helen Tsang said the business had been asked to leave its current unit and decided not to move into a larger replacement because the relocation would require major investment and take her further away from her family. A closing party will be held on 29 August, while Tsang said she may revive Mini Me if a suitable opportunity arises. Gracechurch Centre said the existing lease was temporary, that it had offered a larger unit on a long-term lease, and that the current premises are now being marketed.

Two 16-year-old boys were arrested after a boy was allegedly assaulted and robbed in Victoria Park, Smethwick, on August 3. The victim reportedly suffered a knife wound to the head and had his mobile phone stolen. West Midlands Police said officers detained two boys nearby and recovered a mobile phone, cannabis and nitrous oxide. Both suspects were held for questioning on suspicion of robbery and possession offences as part of Operation Ruby.

A van fire on John Street in Willenhall spread to nearby buildings, trees and foliage, with witnesses reporting massive flames and a possible fire at a former pie factory. Four crews from Willenhall, Bilston, Wednesbury and Walsall attended, and the blaze was still being dealt with nearly two hours after the initial call. The affected site may be the former TC Morris pork pie factory, which moved to Dudley in 2024.

Matthew Marsh, 33, of no fixed address, has been charged with 47 alleged shop thefts and assaulting an emergency worker. West Midlands Police said more than £2,700 worth of items were allegedly stolen from stores in Oldbury and Rowley Regis between February and August, and that an officer was hit in the face while responding to an incident in June. Marsh was remanded in custody to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on August 4.

West Midlands Police are seeking the public’s help to identify a man suspected of breaking into a car on Thorp Street in Birmingham city centre at about 3:30 a.m. on July 8, stealing items and attempting to enter several other vehicles. The man is described as black, clean-shaven and wearing black clothing with a backpack. Information should be provided to police on 101 using reference 20/316724/26.

West Midlands Police are searching for two people who allegedly fled on a white-and-black motorcycle after shots were fired on Old Walsall Road near Rocky Lane in Great Barr on the evening of August 2. No one was injured, but armed officers cordoned off the area. Police say the motorcycle’s registration plate may have been removed and are appealing for witnesses, dash-cam footage and information about the vehicle or suspects. Information can be provided to police via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

West Mercia Police are seeking the public’s help to locate 20-year-old Dylan Barker, who is wanted on suspicion of stalking and has links to Birmingham and Evesham in Worcestershire. Police released an image and asked anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference 22/20791/26, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

A six-year-old girl died after a Volkswagen Tiguan collided with a tractor on the Fosse Way near Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire, at about 5pm on July 31. Emergency crews treated her at the scene and airlifted her to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where she died the following morning. The other children, the woman in the car, both drivers and another passenger were reportedly uninjured or shaken up. Warwickshire Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone with dashcam footage or who travelled along the B4455 at the time.

Sutton Coldfield has experienced two prominent summer problems: bike robberies and antisocial riding in Sutton Park, and vandalism, shoplifting and intimidation by groups of youths in the town centre. The reporter witnesses police responding to a suspected park robbery and later observes planned patrols by Sutton and Erdington officers. West Midlands Police say investigations are ongoing, suspects have been identified in connection with damaged flowerbeds, and further operations and community patrols are planned. The report argues that visible policing provides reassurance but may not be sufficient to catch mobile robbery gangs, while disruptive young people require firm consequences alongside education, support and constructive activities.

A group of boys were filmed laughing as they damaged a flowerbed in Sutton Coldfield town centre after allegedly attacking a bus shelter and throwing mud, stones and plants at buses. West Midlands Police say several suspects have been identified and spoken to. Birmingham Live readers largely called for punishment such as community service, replanting the flowers and making parents pay for repairs, while some argued that boredom and a lack of affordable activities contribute to youth anti-social behaviour.

A 14-year-old boy was reportedly threatened with a knife by a gang of four motorcyclists and forced to hand over his bicycle at Streetly Playing Fields in Sutton Coldfield on July 17, 2026. The stolen bike was later found dumped in Sutton Park, apparently to check whether it had a tracker. West Midlands Police is investigating, while the boy’s mother says he has become more cautious after a previous bike theft. The incident follows several other reported armed bicycle robberies in and around Sutton Park.

Four school-age youths were filmed laughing and kicking flowers apart in a Sutton Coldfield town-centre display on July 24. Witnesses said a larger group had also damaged or attempted to damage bus shelters and thrown mud, stones and plants near passing buses. West Midlands Police said several suspects had been identified and spoken to, while officers were considering restorative justice requiring those involved to help replant the flowerbed. The display is maintained by Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council using local taxpayers' money, and councillor David Pears called for visible accountability amid broader concerns about antisocial behaviour in the town.

Staffordshire Police are appealing for help identifying a white, bearded man wanted in connection with a robbery at a business on Masefield Drive in Leyfields, Tamworth, at about 9:25 p.m. on July 25. CCTV shows the man wearing a grey hooded jacket, grey shorts, a sky-blue T-shirt and carrying a black bag. Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact police, while anonymous reports can be made through Crimestoppers.

Birmingham City Council is recommending that all 21 Green Belt sites proposed for housing or industrial development in its new Local Plan be removed from consideration, including 17 sites in Sutton Coldfield that could have accommodated more than 8,200 homes. The recommendation follows a petition signed by more than 5,500 residents, changes to national planning policy and the removal of Birmingham’s legal duty to offer land to neighboring authorities. Councillor Julien Pritchard said the decision prioritizes brownfield regeneration and protects residents, wildlife, infrastructure and the landscape, while Conservative councillor Richard Parkin welcomed the change but urged continued vigilance. The council is also proposing additional nature-conservation protections for sites across Birmingham. Cabinet is due to consider the recommendations on July 28, followed by a six-week consultation and submission of the revised plan to the Planning Inspectorate by December 31, 2026.

Investigators from Locate International and Staffordshire Police have received a promising lead in identifying a man found dead in Coronation Wood near Lichfield in 1987. A member of the public reported that the man resembled someone who regularly visited the Friary School swimming pool in the mid‑1980s and spoke English with a strong Eastern European, possibly Russian, accent. Investigators are exploring whether a key with a number 6 fob found on the body could be linked to the pool’s locker system. The public is being asked for information about anyone matching the man’s description, photographs from the facility, or knowledge of betting shop patrons in the area, as items found with the man suggest he may have visited them. Police and investigators remain committed to uncovering the man’s identity after nearly four decades.

Neighbourhood policing numbers in the West Midlands increased by 309 officers and PCSOs, marking a 49% rise and the largest percentage increase in England outside London. Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster credited efficient use of the Neighbourhood Policing Grant but criticised the national funding formula, warning that the force remains 520 officers below 2010 levels and that future budgets are uncertain. New vehicles, equipment and body-worn cameras accompany the growth in frontline staff, which police leaders say has contributed to falling neighbourhood crime rates. The force urges the government to guarantee sustained funding to maintain recent gains.

Police detained a man wanted for multiple burglaries after he was spotted acting suspiciously on Soho Road in Handsworth. A search led to the seizure of an axe, and the man was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and questioned about the burglaries. The action was part of Operation Fearless, which targets high‑crime areas across Birmingham. Police emphasised ongoing enforcement alongside cooperation with local leaders and businesses to address community concerns.

Authorities in Sutton Coldfield approved a major CCTV upgrade after rising concerns over crime and anti-social behaviour, following years of lobbying from the Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID and local residents. The Pride in Place Board designated community safety as the first priority for investment from a £20 million fund, working with West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council to install new high‑definition digital cameras. Local leaders and the town’s MP welcomed the project as a key step toward improving public safety, supporting police efforts, and attracting further investment in the town centre.

A family fun day event in Streetly caused severe traffic congestion, with cars abandoned on verges and roundabouts, leading to delays of more than 90 minutes for motorists and bus passengers. Attendees reported long queues entering and exiting the venue, with some waiting up to two hours to leave due to a single entry and exit point. National Express West Midlands confirmed major delays to several services. Organisers acknowledged increased crowds on Sunday but had not yet provided a formal response.

Police and immigration officers raided New Tasty Restaurant in Birmingham city centre, arresting three people working illegally and discovering they were living in makeshift bedrooms in a former brothel beneath the premises. Air weapons were also seized, and fire services issued a prohibition order due to unsafe conditions. Authorities have requested a review of the premises licence as part of wider enforcement activity targeting multiple local restaurants employing illegal workers.

Police and Home Office immigration officers found six illegal workers during coordinated raids on three Birmingham restaurants—Asia Asia Food Hall, Vietnam City Restaurant and New Tasty Restaurant—triggering reviews of their operating licences. Authorities raised concerns about management standards and public safety, with one venue also discovered to have housed workers in a former brothel where air weapons were seized. Birmingham City Council’s licensing committee will assess each case in the coming weeks.

A new waste collection pilot in Birmingham has prompted criticism after bins overflowed in parts of Sutton Coldfield when fortnightly collections began. Councillor Richard Parkin condemned the rollout, saying flats were wrongly included in the scheme and that incorrect collection dates had been issued to residents. The council acknowledged errors, including 50,000 letters with wrong information, and said issues would be addressed during the pilot. Councillor Harris Khaliq defended the initiative as essential for improving recycling rates and meeting national requirements but apologised for problems during implementation. The pilot’s outcomes will inform a potential citywide rollout.

A Birmingham man, Garfield Wilson, was convicted of five fraud offenses after using a bank card belonging to a man who died of a drug overdose at his home. Wilson made purchases totaling £220.09 at several shops on the day of the death. Prosecutors emphasized the impact on the victim’s family, while the defense highlighted Wilson’s efforts to stop using illegal drugs and his family support. Magistrates imposed an 18‑month community order, fines, compensation, and costs.

A black Nissan Navarra was stolen from Anchorage Road car park in Sutton Coldfield near the town’s police station while its owner attended an event at Town Hall. The vehicle’s plates were reportedly changed soon after the theft. Police have since recovered the truck and begun an investigation, urging anyone with information to contact them using the provided crime reference number.

A new branch of Poms Brunch is opening in Sutton Coldfield’s Gracechurch Shopping Centre, expanding the café’s presence beyond Lichfield, Barton Marina and Ashbourne. The venue will offer its signature brunch dishes, sandwiches, sweet options, soft-serve ice cream and cocktails, along with gluten-free, vegan, kids’ and dog menus. The shopping centre welcomed the opening, highlighting the café’s atmosphere and locally sourced ingredients. Online customer reviews are largely positive, though one critical review led the business to revise its menu and remove its cured meat platter.

Police and Home Office immigration officers discovered two illegal workers at Vietnam City Restaurant in Birmingham’s Chinatown, prompting the premises to receive a civil penalty. One worker attempted to leave and another was found hiding, while both later denied employment during interviews. The restaurant manager gave several explanations for their presence. West Midlands Police expressed concerns about the venue’s operation and applied for a licence review, which is now under consideration by Birmingham City Council.

Firearms officers arrested a man in his 20s on George Street in Balsall Heath after reports of a gun being seen. A search uncovered a live handgun and ammunition in a bag, and the suspect remains in custody on suspicion of firearms possession. Police highlighted ongoing proactive operations under Operation Target and encouraged the public to report suspicious activity.

Police issued a CCTV appeal after a woman was threatened during an attempted robbery at a cashpoint on Castle Street in Dudley. The suspect claimed to have a knife before leaving empty-handed when a passer-by intervened. Officers released an image of a woman they want to speak to and asked the public for information quoting reference 20/306596/26.

Fire crews extinguished a 2,000‑square‑metre blaze at Perry Common Meadows in Birmingham after smoke filled nearby gardens during hot weather. Four fire appliances responded and brought the incident under control in about two hours. An eyewitness reported thick smoke and praised firefighters for their response.

A woman suffered a puncture wound to the head during an assault at a Poundland store in Newcastle-under-Lyme, prompting a police response that included detaining a man in his 20s with PAVA spray. The victim received hospital treatment and was later discharged. Staffordshire Police thanked staff and customers for assisting and securing the store, and increased local patrols while appealing for witnesses to provide information about the incident.

Police arrested David Walton after a series of thefts in Birmingham’s Fox and Goose area, charging him with 13 shoplifting offences. He admitted the crimes at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court and received a 26‑week jail sentence. West Midlands Police highlighted ongoing patrols and enforcement efforts to improve safety in local shopping areas.

A worker died after falling from a construction site at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, prompting an investigation involving police and the Health and Safety Executive. BSN Group Construction and the hospital trust expressed condolences and confirmed cooperation with authorities. The incident occurred a day after a visit by Prince Harry and remains under active inquiry.

A Birmingham supermarket on Green Lane in Small Heath suffered an early morning arson attack when two masked individuals poured and ignited a flammable liquid outside the premises. The fire caused thousands of pounds in damage and endangered residents living above the shop. Mohammed Usman, whose family owns the business, said the incident could have been far worse due to a nearby gas line. West Midlands Police are treating the fire as arson and have launched an investigation, appealing for information from the public.

A woman suffered potentially serious injuries after being struck by a white car on Witton Road in Aston, Birmingham. CCTV footage shows the vehicle veering into her before crashing into parked cars, with two occupants fleeing the scene on foot. Bystanders attempted to assist the victim and pursued one of the men. West Midlands Ambulance Service treated the woman at the scene before transporting her to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. Police have been contacted for further information.

A car containing the La’Pelle Academy of Dance’s World Cup kit was stolen overnight in Stourbridge, jeopardizing the team’s preparations before flying to Dublin for the Dance World Cup. Principal Nicole Paskin reported the theft of the vehicle and essential outfits needed for 27 competing dancers and offered a £500 reward for the kit’s return. Parents are preparing alternatives as police appeal for information on the stolen car and items.

A 15-year-old boy suffered a neck injury in Great Barr after being attacked with a glass bottle, collapsing on Thornbridge Avenue during the Friday afternoon school rush. Witness Chris Walker provided first aid until emergency services arrived. West Midlands Ambulance Service treated the boy for injuries not considered serious, and he was taken to hospital. West Midlands Police arrested another 15-year-old on suspicion of violent disorder as investigations continue.

Police recovered a pistol in overgrowth near a Saltley skatepark believed to be linked to the shooting of a 16‑year‑old boy in Alum Rock. The victim, initially treated for life‑threatening injuries, has been discharged. One 17‑year‑old has been charged with attempted murder and firearms offences, while another has been arrested and released on bail. The firearm will undergo forensic examination as investigators continue to seek information and footage from the public.

Two men, Paul Grant of Birmingham and Mark Hughes of Worcester, were charged with grievous bodily harm with intent after a 60-year-old man was beaten at Worcester Foregate Street Station. The victim was repeatedly punched and stamped on before being taken to hospital in critical but stable condition. Both suspects were remanded to appear in magistrates’ courts, and the British Transport Police confirmed the details of the attack and charges.

A Birmingham NHS worker, Paul Gaynor, collapsed from a catastrophic brain aneurysm shortly after landing in Spain to finalise plans for retirement. Despite multiple surgeries and surviving against expectations, he has been left with severe disabilities and remains in a Spanish rehabilitation unit facing imminent discharge. His family is urgently fundraising £15,000 toward the cost of an air ambulance to return him to the UK for English‑language care and family support. Relatives describe the emotional strain, his long NHS service, and the critical need to bring him home during a key rehabilitation window.

Police issued a CCTV appeal to identify two men sought over a robbery on Soho Road in Handsworth, where a victim had a gold chain snatched from his neck before the suspects escaped in a car. Images of the men were released, and the public is urged to provide information quoting the relevant crime reference number.

Several pubs and venues across Sutton Coldfield will open late to show England's World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico, with options ranging from free entry locations to ticketed events offering food and drink deals. England enters the match after a comeback win over DR Congo, and the article also highlights the historical significance of Mexico City's Azteca Stadium ahead of the game.

Two shops in Sandwell were closed following an eight‑month investigation that uncovered illicit products including counterfeit tobacco and illegal vapes. Sandwell Council, working with West Midlands Police, secured three‑month closure orders and signaled support for extending maximum closure periods to 12 months under proposed government changes. Council leaders emphasized efforts to strengthen enforcement, disrupt criminal activity and protect local high streets, while police encouraged public reporting of concerns. Further updates are expected after legal proceedings.

Two men were charged in connection with more than 30 shop thefts in Wolverhampton, involving goods worth about £25,000. Craig Bird faces 19 charges and was remanded into custody, while Mark Curtis faces 11 charges and was released on bail pending court appearance. West Midlands Police highlighted ongoing efforts to target repeat offenders and introduced a new Retail Crime Operational Group to address the root causes of retail crime.

A fire involving a large pile of rubbish behind shops on Villa Road in Lozells spread to the roof of a nearby supermarket, prompting an increased response from West Midlands Fire Service and traffic control by West Midlands Police. Three fire engines attended and extinguished the blaze, which affected commercial and residential properties. Crews left the scene shortly after 4pm.

Police uncovered around 200 cannabis plants worth approximately £200,000 in a property on Salop Road in Oldbury after executing a warrant. Officers found multiple rooms converted for cultivation and evidence of an illegally bypassed electricity supply. No suspects were present, and enquiries are ongoing. Authorities highlighted the fire and safety risks posed by such operations and urged residents to report suspicious activity through police or Crimestoppers.

A large grassland fire in the Stone Cross area of West Bromwich burned roughly 145,000 square meters, prompting West Midlands Fire Service to deploy ten crews and over 40 firefighters. Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area as crews worked for hours to control the blaze and dampen hotspots. The fire began shortly before 2:30 p.m. near Hateley Heath Public Open Space behind local schools.

A man in his 40s was found with stab wounds on Glebe Farm Road in Stechford shortly before 4:30 p.m. and taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life‑threatening. Police cordoned off the area and launched an investigation, appealing for information through official channels and Crimestoppers.

A jack-knifed heavy goods vehicle on the M5 northbound between Junctions 5 and 4A caused a large diesel spill and forced a full carriageway closure, resulting in up to ten miles of tailbacks and delays of up to 90 minutes. Emergency services and National Highways teams responded and initiated a diversion via the A38 while specialist cleaning and recovery crews were called in. The closure is expected to last several hours as trapped traffic is gradually released past the scene in a single lane.

A fire at Five Ways Pharmacy on St Vincent Street West in Birmingham forced the premises to close for more than a week after industrial equipment caught alight. West Midlands Fire Service crews from Ladywood and Handsworth responded within minutes and ensured the fire was fully extinguished. The pharmacy expects to reopen on July 13 and has advised patients to contact NHS 111 for emergency prescriptions. A recorded phone message apologises for the disruption and provides guidance for those needing urgent assistance.

Police are seeking help identifying several men involved in an early-morning assault on Broad Street in Birmingham, during which an officer was allegedly punched. A 20-year-old man was arrested and charged, while investigators review social media footage and continue efforts to identify others involved. Witnesses are urged to contact West Midlands Police with information ahead of the charged man’s scheduled court appearance on July 23.

A man sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries after being stabbed during disorder near shops on Jiggins Lane in Bartley Green. Emergency services responded shortly after 5:30pm, providing trauma care before transporting the victim to hospital. Police arrested an 18-year-old on suspicion of violent disorder and have launched an investigation, urging witnesses or anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage to come forward.

Three teenage boys were injured, one seriously, when part of a tree fell in the playground at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys in Birmingham. Emergency crews provided advanced trauma care and transported all three to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The school and the King Edward VI Academy Trust stated that the area was quickly secured, families informed, and support provided to pupils. A full investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.

A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 16-year-old boy was shot and critically injured on Bowyer Road in Birmingham. Emergency services provided advanced trauma care before transporting the victim to hospital. Police continue to investigate, with officers appealing for witnesses and footage while maintaining community reassurance. Authorities stated the incident was not connected to a nearby mosque.

A late-night fight at The Old Crown pub in Bartley Green left several people injured, including a woman who suffered actual bodily harm, prompting West Midlands Police to request an urgent licence review. Birmingham City Council’s licensing sub-committee viewed CCTV footage in a closed session before suspending the pub’s licence pending a full review within 28 days. A 38-year-old man was arrested and later released on bail as police continue to investigate and appeal for witnesses.

A new Sevenoaks Sound and Vision store will open in Sutton Coldfield’s Gracechurch Centre on July 4, offering free giveaways to early customers and a prize draw with nearly £4,000 worth of audio equipment. The shop, relocating from Solihull, will sell TVs, home cinema systems, and hi‑fi products, with demonstrations from major audio brands and exclusive opening‑day promotions.