Rob Smith

A 48-year-old man, Shazad Malik, has been charged with three counts of sexual assault on a child in Alum Rock, Birmingham. He was arrested on August 7 after concerns were raised about a video circulating on social media and remains in police custody pending an appearance at Birmingham Magistrates Court on August 10. West Midlands Police thanked the community for assisting with the investigation.

Four West Midlands Fire Service crews attended a grass fire on Allens Lane in Pelsall, Walsall, on August 9, 2026. The public was asked to avoid the area where possible.

Two juvenile males were arrested in connection with suspected deliberate fires across the Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley areas of Staffordshire. One was bailed and the other remained in custody for questioning. Police, working with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, are seeking photographs, video, CCTV, doorbell-camera or dashcam footage and other information about suspicious activity, while urging residents to remain vigilant and call emergency services if there is an immediate risk.

Hundreds of passengers departing from Birmingham Airport travelled without their luggage because of an unspecified baggage-systems problem. Bags were reportedly sent to other airports, leaving holidaymakers abroad without essential belongings. Birmingham Airport apologised, said engineers were addressing the fault, and later reported that the vast majority of baggage was again travelling with passengers while efforts continued to reunite remaining luggage with its owners.

West Midlands Police seized £96,000 from an address in Stechford and £10,000 from another in Alum Rock during an investigation into an organized crime group’s alleged drug line. A court hearing on August 3 approved the uncontested forfeiture of the money under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The recovered funds are expected to be reinvested in safety initiatives and community projects through the Government, Crown Prosecution Service and West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.

West Midlands Police is appealing for public help to locate Tyler, a 12-year-old from Brockmoor in Brierley Hill who was last seen at 11:30 a.m. on August 8. He was reportedly wearing a grey T-shirt, grey bottoms, a black hat and blue Nike Air Max shoes. Anyone who sees him is urged to call 999 and quote log number 5202-080826.

Cecil Dillon, 60, has been charged with murder after the body of a man in his 40s was found in South Road, Smethwick, on August 6. Dillon appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Wolverhampton Crown Court on August 11.

West Midlands Fire Service received more than 4,600 calls and attended over 1,000 incidents during a week of prolonged hot, dry weather. Crews tackled wildfires and fires affecting homes and businesses in places including Rowley Regis, Halesowen and Willenhall, with some blazes suspected to have been started deliberately. The service urged the public to avoid barbecues and waste burning, dispose of cigarettes safely, take litter home and never deliberately start fires.

Firefighters from Willenhall, Wednesbury, Walsall and Bilston extinguished a van fire on John Street, Willenhall, after flames spread to adjacent buildings and trees. Crews used breathing apparatus, one main jet and three hose-reel jets, then checked for hotspots with thermal imaging equipment before leaving at about 10:30pm.

Services between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton were disrupted on 5 August 2026 by a signalling fault at Wellington. West Midlands Railway reduced the route to a maximum of three trains per hour, while National Rail arranged accessible replacement coaches stopping at intermediate stations from 7:30am until at least noon. Passengers were advised to check journeys, allow extra time and retain tickets for potential compensation claims.

A police incident on the morning of August 4 closed roads around the junction of the A457 Tollhouse Way, Telford Way and Fenton Street in Smethwick. The closures affected access to Smethwick Galton Bridge railway station and caused expected delays to National Express West Midlands bus services 80 and 87. Passengers were advised to allow extra travel time, while West Midlands Police had not yet provided further information.

A fire that began at a property on Bridge Field Walk in Rowley Regis spread through a three-storey row of eight terraced homes, displacing residents and causing significant damage to multiple floors and the roof space. Eight fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended, with police maintaining a cordon and gas and electricity supplies isolated. Two people were treated at the scene for a medical condition and smoke inhalation. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause.

A large grassland fire near Cocksheds Lane in Halesowen was believed to have been deliberately started, prompting a response from 11 West Midlands Fire Service engines. Crews worked to prevent the blaze from reaching nearby homes, advised residents to keep doors and windows closed, and continued overnight efforts to dampen hot spots. Fire investigators contacted West Midlands Police, while resources were later reduced to four engines.

West Midlands Police are asking the public to help identify a woman believed to have information about the theft of a parcel during a burglary at an address on Church Road in Netherton on April 20. CCTV enquiries have so far been unsuccessful, and anyone who recognises the woman or has information is urged to contact police using crime number 20/222883/26.

Staffordshire Police stopped a northbound vehicle at Stafford services on the M6 after Thames Valley Police raised concerns about the safety of a female passenger. The woman was safeguarded, and a man was arrested on suspicion of making domestic-related threats to kill.

Chase Road through Cannock Chase Country Park will remain closed after a disposable barbecue caused a wildfire in Sherbrook Valley on July 30. The blaze destroyed heathland and killed protected wildlife, including adders and toads. Staffordshire County Council will review the closure daily and reopen the route when the wildfire risk falls, while urging visitors not to use barbecues or open flames and to dispose of cigarettes and rubbish responsibly.

Chase Road through Cannock Chase Country Park was closed after a fire in Sherbrook Valley, Brocton, was believed to have been started by a banned disposable barbecue. The blaze scorched roughly a football-pitch-sized area of protected heathland and moorland, killed reptiles and amphibians including adders and toads, and destroyed habitat. Firefighters dampened hotspots while Staffordshire County Council closed the road until at least Monday to prevent reignition. Authorities urged people to observe the barbecue ban, avoid open flames and dispose of litter safely amid drought conditions.

A fire damaged around 1,000 square metres of grassland near Blackbrook Road in Netherton, with large areas of vegetation destroyed and the ground left blackened. Four fire engines attended after reports of multiple fires, and crews remained until Thursday morning to check for hotspots. Five Exmoor ponies living in the area were confirmed safe. West Midlands Fire Service urged the public to avoid barbecues and outdoor fires and to dispose of cigarettes safely during the warm, dry conditions.

James Connors, 32, has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance after a collision in Shannon Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham. A nine-year-old boy remains critically ill in hospital, while a woman in her 60s was also injured. Connors was due to appear before magistrates in Birmingham, and West Midlands Police is seeking witnesses and dash-cam footage.

West Midlands Police are seeking a woman suspected of stealing clothing from a Next store in Dudley on July 6, 2026. Police say she later returned to attempt to return the items, but took them back and assaulted an employee who confronted her. Officers have released a photograph and are asking witnesses or anyone who recognises her to contact police, quoting crime number 20/314763/26.

Crimestoppers is offering up to £10,000 for anonymous information leading to the identification and conviction of a man suspected of more than 50 violent jewellery robberies in Solihull over the past year. Women and older people were reportedly attacked from behind, with some victims knocked down, struck or strangled. West Midlands Police has increased both uniformed and plain-clothes patrols, reviewed CCTV and urged residents to remain alert. The reward is available only for information provided directly to Crimestoppers using a requested reward code.

Matthew and Courtney Shuker, farmers from Westwood Hall Farm near Leek, received suspended custodial sentences after pleading guilty to multiple animal welfare offences. A 2023 inspection found calves in poor conditions, resulting in 243 animals being removed, while dogs were also found neglected and one had starved to death. The couple were banned from keeping livestock for 12 years and companion animals for 10 years, ordered to perform unpaid work and required to pay more than £30,000 in combined legal costs. Staffordshire County Council and the RSPCA said the case demonstrated the need for firm enforcement after repeated failures to improve animal care.

Comet, a young mastiff cross, was found in Bilston in December 2024 after being stabbed three times and tied to a lamppost overnight in freezing temperatures. RSPCA officer Baljit Dhamia rescued him and took him to the RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital, where his deep wounds were treated. After further recovery and rehabilitation at Cotswold Dogs & Cats Home, Comet was adopted by a couple and now enjoys a secure home, walks, toys and affection, although he still sometimes flinches when touched. A man was prosecuted and permanently banned from owning animals. The RSPCA is sharing Comet’s recovery as part of its Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues fundraising campaign.

A large fire near The Moor in Fradley, near Lichfield, destroyed hundreds of metres of woodland and standing crops on July 26, 2026. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed seven engines, a water carrier and a ranger to tackle the blaze, which covered approximately 500 by 600 metres and threatened nearby farms, homes and kennels. Investigators concluded that the fire was likely started deliberately. Station manager Russ Brown thanked local residents and farmers for assisting firefighters and urged parents to warn children about the dangers of setting fires.

The RSPCA is investigating after a decapitated bay horse, found in three pieces, and a dead foal were discovered covered by a tarpaulin near a bridleway off High Street in Claverley, near Bridgnorth. The animals may have died before they were dumped on July 25 or 26; the horse appeared underweight and had long hooves, but no microchip could be located. West Mercia Police is conducting enquiries, while Shropshire Council has been contacted about removal. The RSPCA is appealing for first-hand information.

Matthew Westwood, 28, was sentenced after admitting to harassing his former partner following the end of their five-year relationship. He made 33 unanswered calls, contacted her father while irate, ordered sex toys to her home, called her friends and entered her back garden without warning. The woman and her daughter moved in with her father and she told the court that, although the harassment had stopped, she remained afraid. Westwood said he contacted her to check on their daughter and explained that he had gone to the property to retrieve bipolar disorder medication. Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court imposed an 18-month community order, a cognitive behavioural programme, a £120 fine, £114 victim surcharge, £400 in court costs and a two-year restraining order.

Michael Moss, 45, of Wolverhampton, harassed his former partner after their relationship ended, sending her about 500 emails, making threats to kill and attending her home numerous times. He also posted an intimate photograph of her as his Facebook profile picture. Moss pleaded guilty to sharing an intimate image intending to cause alarm, distress or humiliation, threatening to do so, and stalking involving fear of violence. Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court imposed concurrent 13-week prison sentences suspended for two years, along with an accredited 26-day programme, rehabilitation activity requirements and alcohol treatment.

Gurinder Singh, 29, pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court to eight shop thefts committed in West Bromwich between June 25 and July 21, including seven thefts of confectionery from Co-op Food worth £1,376.85 and one £85 theft from Tesco. The court heard that Singh, who has 20 previous shoplifting convictions, committed the offences with other people shortly after being released from custody. He was granted bail so a probation officer could prepare a pre-sentence report, but left the court before the meeting took place. Magistrates subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest.

Police arrested Taulant Domi after seizing about a kilogram of cocaine during an investigation into drug supply in Tamworth. He faces multiple charges including possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, involvement in supplying cocaine, possession of criminal property, counterfeit currency, fraud-related offences and breaching a deportation order. He was set to appear at Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates Court, and police encouraged the public to report drug-related concerns.

Police are investigating three thefts of delivered groceries from a family home on Roland Road in Lozells, Birmingham, and have released photos of a man they want to identify. Officers are appealing for information through Live Chat, citing crime reference number 20/300916/26.

West Midlands Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with an assault on a 15-year-old boy in High Holborn, Sedgley, on May 31 at around 7:30 p.m. The teenager was reportedly thrown to the floor. Police are asking anyone who recognises the man to contact them via Live Chat or by calling 101, quoting reference 20/269057/26.

Powis Castle and Garden near Welshpool in Powys is presented as an attractive summer day-trip destination close to Shropshire. The National Trust-managed site features a medieval castle, dramatic Italianate terraces, clipped yews, formal gardens, sculptures, historic interiors and the Clive Collection of South Asian objects. The article highlights the property’s long history and includes photographs showcasing its gardens, views and architecture.

Seven young offenders at HMYOI Werrington were sentenced to a combined 36 years of additional imprisonment after attacking two inmates and prison officers with weapons in June 2024. The group then climbed onto a prison roof, damaged barbed wire and, in some cases, threw objects and punched officers during their detention. Rhys Griffiths received the longest sentence of seven years and nine months, while the others received terms ranging from one year and three months to five years and eight months.

A series of defendants from across the West Midlands and Newcastle received prison terms or suspended sentences for offences including firearm possession, burglary, indecent assault, drug dealing, dangerous driving, sexual offences and computer-related conspiracies, with sentences ranging from several months to more than a decade.

The family of Patrick McGahan, a 75-year-old former bricklayer and fisherman from Rugeley, is crowdfunding for his funeral after he died following a decade-long struggle with dementia. His care needs increased after he suffered a urinary infection, stroke and heart attack, while his wife Sadie spent almost a year in hospital and intensive care following complications from major surgery. The family says Sadie’s health-related loss of employment and rising living costs have made the funeral difficult to afford, and hopes donations will provide Patrick with a dignified farewell.

Julian Thomas, 39, pleaded guilty at Telford Magistrates Court to causing serious injury to Robson Fraser by dangerous driving during a crash on the A49 at Church Stretton on September 26, 2025. The basis of his plea will be considered at a later hearing before sentencing at Shrewsbury Crown Court. He was granted unconditional bail, disqualified from driving pending the next hearing, and ordered to cooperate with pre-sentence reports. The judge warned him to prepare for the possibility of prison. Five people were injured in the crash, including one man taken to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital with serious injuries.

Police found nine dead dogs buried at an unlicensed kennels near Shifnal after concerns were raised about vulnerable owners and poor care. Owner Billy Woodhouse admitted multiple offences involving animal welfare failures, fraud and operating without a licence. Previous incidents included dogs returned emaciated or injured, and others dying after their stay. The court heard he was overwhelmed and dealing with mental health issues. Magistrates imposed a suspended 12‑month sentence, a 10‑year animal ownership ban, and ordered payment of court costs and a surcharge.

A crash on the northbound M42 near Solihull caused a major fuel spill, prompting closure of the motorway between Junctions 3A and 4. Emergency services, including Warwickshire Police and National Highways officers, attended the scene, with a hydro blaster requested to clear the spillage. Drivers were advised to expect delays and follow diversion routes via the M40 and A3400 while recovery operations continued.

Farmers helped Shropshire firefighters contain a rapidly spreading wildfire near Kings Nordley, close to Bridgnorth, by creating fire breaks through standing crops. The blaze affected approximately 40 acres across three fields and was driven by strong winds. Eight appliances, five four-wheel-drive vehicles, support vehicles and officers attended, with assistance from Hereford & Worcester and West Midlands fire services. Crews remained into the evening to damp down the area and inspect hot spots, while the public was asked to avoid the site.

England defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup round of 32, advancing to a Round of 16 match against Mexico. The coverage follows supporters watching the game at Bar Sport in Cannock and recaps England’s group-stage results, including wins over Croatia and Panama and a draw with Ghana. Injuries had created selection concerns for coach Thomas Tuchel, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were highlighted for their goals during the tournament.

Four teenage boys were arrested after reports of shots fired in Great Barr, where police recovered a non-viable firearm from a discarded bag. Two boys aged 16 and 17 were detained at the scene, followed by two more aged 17. All were arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm and remained in custody for questioning as police increased patrols and appealed for information.

Terrence Harding was found guilty in his absence of illegally killing and removing a deer at night and failing to ensure the welfare of two dogs. The court heard that Harding and an associate livestreamed the butchering of the deer from his Telford garden, while footage showed dogs attacking the animal. Police found blood, deer remains, knives and injured dogs at the property. Magistrates issued a warrant for Harding’s arrest after he failed to attend court.

Southbound traffic on the M6 between junctions 10a and 10 in the West Midlands was stopped after a collision and vehicle fire on June 28. Emergency services attended, causing delays of more than 30 minutes. One lane remained closed at around 2pm, but all lanes reopened by approximately 2:45pm.

A 55-year-old woman died after entering Swan Pool at Sandwell Valley Country Park near West Bromwich. Specialist firefighters and emergency services attempted to rescue her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. West Midlands Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and would be referred to the coroner. The incident occurred during a heatwave in which at least five other people had died after entering water across the UK.

A roundup of recent sentences handed down at Wolverhampton Crown Court and other local justice centres includes prison terms for defendants convicted of violence, robbery, theft, sexual offences, drug supply, money laundering, firearm possession and vehicle-related conspiracy. Sentences range from a £60 compensation order to eight years in prison, with one defendant receiving youth detention.

Errol Grant, 25, was sentenced to six and a half years at Wolverhampton Crown Court after being found guilty of possessing a sawn-off shotgun. The weapon, which had blood traces matching Grant’s DNA, was discovered in an alleyway near Grove Vale Avenue in Great Barr the day after a shooting in West Bromwich that injured one person. A bag containing a machete and shotgun cartridges was also recovered. West Midlands Police linked the case to Operation Target, its initiative against serious and organised crime.

WV Active Bilston – Bert Williams is introducing temporary weekend measures after exceptional demand during the heatwave. Lane swimming will be restricted at peak times, general swimming sessions will last 60 minutes from 8am, and swimmers must check in to receive a wristband. The pool will open from 8am to 6pm on June 27 and 28, while a UK Health Security Agency amber heat-health alert remains in effect across the West Midlands until Sunday morning.

Jasveer Singh, 29, pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court to stealing £60 worth of washing detergent from Home Bargains in Walsall on March 6 and failing to attend a subsequent Dudley Magistrates Court hearing. The court heard that Singh had lost his job, home and other means of stability. He was ordered to pay Home Bargains £60 compensation at £20 per month, with no separate penalty for missing the hearing.

National Trust sites across the West Midlands are making temporary changes during a period of extreme heat. Birmingham Back to Backs will close on June 24, while parts of Wightwick Manor and Gardens and Moseley Old Hall will be inaccessible on specified days. Blists Hill Victorian Town in Telford will close early on June 24 and 25. The Met Office has issued amber heat warnings for the region and advised people to stay hydrated, avoid the strongest sun, and take precautions when outdoors.

England fans gathered at The Midland pub in Smethwick to watch England’s second match of the 2026 World Cup against Ghana. The team entered the game after a 4–2 win over Croatia, with Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane among the scorers. Kane had also matched Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals for England, fueling hopes that the team could win its first World Cup since 1966.

Blists Hill Victorian Town in Telford will close at 4pm on Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25, during an ongoing heatwave, with final entry at 3pm and exhibits closing at 3.30pm. The Met Office has issued amber extreme-heat warnings across the West Midlands and other parts of England and Wales, where temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C. The National Trust has also announced partial or full closures at Wightwick Manor and Gardens, Moseley Old Hall and Birmingham Back to Backs, advising visitors to check property websites before travelling.

Saphos Trains has cancelled the Welsh Marches Express excursion carrying the 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley to Shrewsbury on June 24 because of extreme heat and elevated fire-risk restrictions issued by Network Rail. The locomotive was due to pass through Leominster, Craven Arms and Dorrington before reaching Shrewsbury, but will remain at Crewe until restrictions ease. The Met Office issued amber warnings for much of the West Midlands as temperatures were expected to exceed 30°C. The locomotive set a post-war UK steam speed record of 112 mph in 1959.

Residents in Bridgnorth offered mixed reactions to Keir Starmer’s resignation as Prime Minister, ranging from measured praise for his character and assessment of his tenure to open jubilation and strong personal dislike. Some also discussed Andy Burnham as a possible successor.

Leekes will close its Great Bridge Road furniture store in Bilston on August 2, following more than 15 years of ownership after acquiring Coles of Bilston in 2009. A closing-down sale begins on June 18, while existing customer orders will be fulfilled and Leekes says its other stores and online operation will remain open.

England are due to begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas at 9 p.m. UK time on Wednesday, June 17. The late midweek kickoff prompts questions about whether Wolverhampton supporters will stay up to watch and how far they would travel to follow the Three Lions.

Petrol station worker Sultan Arif, from Rowley Regis, was sentenced to six years in prison after admitting possession of a loaded revolver and ammunition. West Midlands Police found the revolver hidden at a Gulf petrol station in Saltley, along with a stun gun, shotgun cartridges and a sawn-off shotgun in a nearby Vauxhall Vectra. Arif had previously been convicted of possessing a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition, and police said he posed a significant risk to the community.

Mohamed Mahamad, 37, was sentenced to 17 years in prison after being convicted of wounding, attempted robbery and possession of a bladed article. He punched, kicked and stabbed a man in his 20s during an attempted robbery in Handsworth, Birmingham, on July 26 the previous year, leaving the victim with initially life-threatening injuries. West Midlands Police identified Mahamad through witness accounts and CCTV, while Detective Sergeant Jeanette Roberts said the attack could have been fatal and praised bystanders who intervened.

A stretch of scaffolding and plastic sheeting outside the disused former Woodman Corner bar in West Bromwich toppled onto the pavement during high winds at about 3:30 p.m. on June 4. Two fire crews, West Midlands Police and Sandwell Council attended, and no injuries were reported. The scene was declared safe and handed over to a building contractor at about 5 p.m.

The Flying Bulls aerobatics team will not perform at the RAF Cosford Air Show on June 14, 2026, because it could not secure UK Display Authority approval from the Civil Aviation Authority in time. Organisers described the withdrawal as disappointing but said the event would still feature an exciting and diverse programme, including a performance by the Red Arrows.

Billy Woodhouse, who ran Hatton Boarding Kennels near Shifnal, pleaded guilty at Telford Magistrates Court to failing to ensure the welfare of a dog named Stewie, operating boarding kennels without a valid licence and fraudulent activity. The offences occurred in July and August 2024, when he continued trading after his licence had been suspended or surrendered and took about £2,500 in business turnover. The kennel, which had 20 spaces, has since closed. Magistrates ordered probation reports before sentencing on July 13.