Shehnaz Khan

Farmers and residents used tractors, cultivators and other equipment to create firebreaks and help contain a major blaze in Stourbridge, West Midlands. The fire affected more than 500 acres, destroyed 19 homes and damaged more than a dozen others during a period of extreme heat. Local campaigners praised the farmers as heroes and raised more than £4,000 to help nine of them replace fencing and provide emergency feed and water for livestock. The West Midlands Fire Service continues to investigate the cause of the fire.

Farmers and local residents were praised for using tractors, cultivators and hosepipes to create firebreaks and help prevent a major Stourbridge wildfire from spreading to more homes. The blaze destroyed 19 houses, damaged more than a dozen others and affected over 500 acres during the UK’s hottest day of the year. A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than £4,000 to help nine farmers rebuild fencing and provide emergency feed and water for animals, while investigations into the fire’s cause continue.

West Midlands Police has renewed its appeal for information about Sarjit Kaur Mann, a Birmingham woman who disappeared in Antibes, France, in September 1976. Mann, then 20, stayed behind after her family returned to the UK, and an unidentified caller later claimed she had drowned. She has never been found, and police say they remain open-minded about what happened while seeking answers for her family.

A suspected unexploded World War Two bomb found at a quarry near Barton-under-Needwood in Staffordshire was safely detonated in a controlled explosion. Residents were temporarily evacuated and a 900-metre cordon was imposed before being reduced and removed. Railway services between Tamworth and Burton-on-Trent, as well as the A38 and other roads, were disrupted but were expected to reopen after the detonation.

Further evidence concerning the 2017 stabbing death of Ryan Passey has been submitted by West Midlands Police to the Crown Prosecution Service and is under review. Passey's family is seeking renewed criminal proceedings after Kobe Murray was acquitted of murder and manslaughter in 2018, although a later civil case found that Passey had been unlawfully killed. The family is also challenging the earlier decision not to allow a retrial based on evidence submitted in 2025, while the CPS says it will pursue proceedings when the legal tests are met.

Fifteen fire crews are tackling a large wildfire at Sherbrook Valley on Cannock Chase, significantly bigger than a blaze in the same area the previous week that damaged protected heathland and killed animals. Roads have been closed, police have established a cordon, and residents have been told to avoid the area and keep windows and doors shut. Authorities are urging the public not to start fires or use barbecues, which are banned at Cannock Chase.

Fifteen fire crews are tackling a large wildfire at Sherbrook Valley on Cannock Chase, which officials say is significantly larger than a blaze in the same area the previous week. Residents have been told to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed, while Chase Road has been closed and police have established a cordon. The earlier fire, believed to have been caused by a disposable barbecue, damaged protected heathland and killed animals including adders and toads.

A large grassland wildfire at Barr Beacon near Walsall caused extensive damage to trees and the nature reserve. Eight fire crews responded, firefighters remained overnight to tackle hotspots, and no injuries were reported. Several roads stayed closed while residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut and the public was asked to avoid the area.

TikTok removed Wellington Town Council’s newly created account after identifying it as a potential fake because it lacked the platform’s required government, political party or politician accreditation. The council had intended to use the account to reach younger residents and had posted two videos, including one of the mayor leading a summer fayre parade. After councillors raised the issue and sought an explanation, TikTok reactivated the account with the required government-account label.

Coventry's Impact Steel Band has been selected to perform at the Southbank Centre's Steel Scenes festival in London, marking 75 years of steel pan music in the UK. The 10-to-12-member band is one of only three groups from outside London among 15 participating acts. Manager and musical director Fareed Siddiqui said the invitation was a major honour, and the band will perform a new piece composed by his 13-year-old son to commemorate the UK's first steel band performance and celebrate the music's continuity across generations.

A teenage boy sustained burns to his arms and legs after an aerosol can exploded when thrown into a fire started by a group of children near a golf course in Atherstone. Emergency services treated him at the scene before discharge. Police urged parents to speak with their children about fire dangers amid extremely dry weather conditions and appealed for information about the incident.

Local leaders in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to review funding arrangements for rural bus services, citing budget cuts and rising operator costs that have created a significant financial shortfall. They argue that rural communities rely heavily on public transport and need a fairer funding settlement and revised distribution of support. Burnham’s previous investment in public transport in Greater Manchester and regional plans for bringing services under public control frame hopes that the new government will expand local authority powers and improve rural provision.

An artist who began painting daily sunrises to cope with the deaths of her mother and aunt now sells the artworks to raise funds for Myton Hospice in Warwickshire, where she also volunteers. The year-long project helped her regain stability and create a meaningful routine, and the proceeds from her paintings support hospice care services.

Coventry Food Bank reports one of its most severe shortages since opening 15 years ago, with only six tonnes of food donated in May despite 11 tonnes being distributed, creating a five‑tonne deficit. Founder Gavin Kibble warns supplies are down to 20 pallets and may force reduced support to residents if donations do not increase. The charity urges Coventry residents to contribute non‑perishable items to help meet rising demand across the community.

Engineer Stephen Wallis set a new world record for the fastest remote-controlled car, reaching 256.74mph with his modified model, the Mach Reaper. The Rugby-based builder surpassed his earlier record of 234.71mph set with a previous model. Wallis credits aerodynamic improvements, larger drone motors and tire modifications for the increased speed and continues to develop new enhancements, including the idea of adding a rocket booster. He builds the cars from scratch at home, using custom designs and 3D printing, and tests them at speed events such as the Yes Mate Speed event in Llanbedr, North Wales.

A 14th-century gold ring discovered by a metal detectorist in Bourton and Draycote, Warwickshire, is now displayed at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum. Rugby Borough Council highlighted the significance of acquiring the piece, which features a dark red cabochon stone and was officially classified as treasure under the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Local councillors praised the find as an important link to the area’s early history.

Blind students at the Royal National College for the Blind took up ballroom dancing following Chris McCausland’s Strictly Come Dancing win, supported by a growing programme created by Rashmi Becker. Lessons provided by Translucent Dance Studio helped students build confidence, spatial awareness and wellbeing, and the college hopes to continue the programme permanently if enough volunteers can be found.

Police released CCTV images of two men sought for information after a serious assault outside Worcester Foregate Street railway station in which a man was punched, stamped on, and critically injured. Emergency services took the victim to hospital, and investigators urged anyone with information to contact British Transport Police or provide tips anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Two Hereford shops were closed after trading standards officers and West Mercia Police seized 1,740 illicit cigarettes and 542 nicotine pouches valued at more than £39,000 in evaded duty. Magistrates issued a three‑month closure order for Sweet Surprise, while Hereford International was shut pending a court hearing. Officials highlighted ongoing joint operations targeting illegal tobacco, with detection dogs assisting. Local authorities and police stressed the need to protect the public, support legitimate businesses and disrupt criminal groups linked to illicit goods.

Town councillors backed efforts by the Save MSJ group to prevent the closure of Malvern St James School, which is set to shut at the end of the summer term due to financial challenges reported by its owner, Galaxy Global Education. Malvern Town Council established a working group to engage with stakeholders after parents voiced concerns about the impact on pupils. Save MSJ said an investor had been secured for a potential takeover, while Galaxy Global Education stated it would consider proposals but confirmed the closure and emphasised pupil welfare and transition to new schools.

A lorry jackknifed on the M5 near Droitwich, spilling around 300 litres of diesel across the northbound carriageway and causing significant delays. Emergency services treated one man at the scene and confirmed no one was trapped. Lane closures are expected for several hours during recovery and clean-up, with delays of up to 60 minutes. Drivers have been advised to follow diversions or delay their journeys as police and highway crews continue work at the scene.

Major repairs are underway on the 180‑year‑old Diglis Small Lock in Worcester as part of a £355,000 upgrade. The lock has been drained for an eight‑week programme to refurbish its heavy oak gates and restore the Victorian brick chamber, with new ladders added for safety. The Canal & River Trust is carrying out the work, and construction manager Mark Abraham highlighted both the complexity of the operation and the historic craftsmanship of the site.

Herefordshire Council has scaled back redevelopment plans for Hereford’s museum and art gallery after projected costs rose £14m above the initial budget. A new upper floor and roof terraces will be removed, with the focus shifting to restoring the existing Grade II* listed building. Jeremy Milln of the Hereford Civic Society said the decision supports earlier concerns about financial viability. Plans for a new city library at Shire Hall are also being reduced due to cost pressures, delaying both projects until at least next summer. The council says the adjustments reflect economic realities while maintaining commitment to preserving historic buildings.

A bin lorry fire in Hereford was traced to a lithium battery improperly disposed of in household waste, prompting officials to warn residents about the dangers of placing batteries and vapes in regular bins. Herefordshire Council said such items can be crushed during collection and cause fires, and advised residents to recycle batteries separately in clear bags. A local councillor stressed the importance of proper disposal to protect waste crews and reduce fire risks.

A University of Worcester project aims to help migrant entrepreneurs in Evesham overcome barriers to business growth, with a focus on the local Polish community. Researchers plan to identify obstacles such as navigating support systems and building trust, developing solutions with entrepreneurs themselves. Local leaders note that complex funding and support frameworks hinder business development, making targeted assistance important for new arrivals.

Becky Hill returned to Worcester’s Marrs Bar for an intimate performance for 250 fans as part of the UK-wide grassroots festival Everywhere At Once. She reflected on her early career beginnings at the venue and highlighted the importance of small music spaces for emerging artists. The event, supported by The National Lottery and Music Venue Trust, underscored continued investment in local music venues, which supporters say play a critical role in the wider creative economy.

Signalling failures between Worcester Shrub Hill, Worcester Foregate Street, Great Malvern and Hereford caused major delays and cancellations, affecting Great Western Railway and West Midlands Railway services. National Rail warned of disruption lasting until the end of the day and allowed ticket acceptance on replacement transport, with buses running until early evening.

Construction of a £10m transport hub at Hereford railway station is about three‑quarters complete and scheduled to open at the end of October. Funded through government Levelling Up support alongside council and active travel contributions, the project will provide new pedestrian areas, cycle parking, bus facilities, green space and a café. Access roads and bus parking have been surfaced, and the bus area is expected to support rail replacement services in July.