Police appealing for information on the theft of a mobile phone from a woman during a seizure have released CCTV images today, in an attempt to identify a woman who they believe may have information relating to the incident. 

British Transport Police want to speak to the woman in the images in relation to the theft, which took place outside Selly Oak station on Sunday 17th February.

At around 12 midday, a woman in her 20s suffered a seizure outside the station. Another woman went over to help, appearing to be a Good Samaritan.

It is believed the woman took the mobile phone from the victim’s pocket and put it into her own pocket.

The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Officers believe the woman in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise the woman, or have any information which could help investigating officers, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 1900013194. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

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The Unite union has announced that they are suspended tomorrow’s strike action (Friday 8th March) as a possible deal tabled today is mulled over by Birmingham City Council’s cabinet.

The action has been suspended to allow the cabinet to consider the ‘heads of settlement agreement’ which has been drawn up between union and council representatives to be considered by cabinet.

If cabinet members agree to the deal – the first agreement during this action that meets the union’s expectations to be put on the table – the industrial action over ‘blacklisting’ and ‘secret payments’ will be over.

Unite assistant general secretary Howard Beckett said: “The heads of settlement is a real breakthrough in negotiations.

“For the first time there is a deal on the table which meets Unite’s members expectations, it is now imperative that Birmingham council’s cabinet signs up to the deal.

“I am sure that Birmingham residents will be keeping their fingers crossed that the cabinet does the right thing and this long running dispute is finally brought to a close.”

Since the dispute started there have been three days of strike action. An overtime ban and a work to rule have been in place since the end of December 2018.

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West Midlands Police have confirmed that they are investigating an armed robbery at a store in Northfield after an armed robbery this morning(Friday 8th March).

A group of men – armed with knives and a gun – entered the Tesco Express store on Frankley Beeches Road just before 11.30am.

Staff were threatened before the men made off with an amount of cash.

No-one was reported to have been hurt in the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org Please quote log number 927 of 8 March. 

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A boy – aged just 13 – has been jailed by Birmingham Crown Court today (Friday 8th March) after admitting he stabbed three boys outside a Selly Oak school.

Machete in trousers

Following the attack, the teenager was arrested from an address in Northfield. He was found to have an 18 inch machete and a combat knife down his trousers.

The boy attacked the trio on Monday 10th December as they left the University of Birmingham School in Weoley Park Road at the end of the school day.

Quick response

Staff responded quickly to call the emergency services, getting two of the injured boys inside to safety. The third, most seriously injured, boy was given first aid at the scene by staff, police officers and paramedics.

Two of the victims – a 14 year old with stomach wounds and a 15 year old with arm wounds – were treated in hospital overnight while another 14 year old also suffered a knife wound.

All three teenagers have thankfully made a full physical recovery.

Jailed

Having admitted one count of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of malicious wounding, the 13 year old today received a custodial sentence of two and a half years.

‘Four very young lives damaged’

DC Simon Kershaw said: “The rise in violence and knife crime has been well-publicised in the media over the last few weeks.

“This case clearly highlights the shocking reality of young people carrying knives into violent situations. A boy, aged just 13, felt the need to arm himself with a deadly weapon and used it to harm not one, but three other teenagers.

“It is only by a stroke of luck that all three victims made a full recovery and did not become yet another knife murder statistic.

“Nevertheless although no-one in this case died, it doesn’t make it any less tragic. Four very young lives have been damaged irreparably. The three victims carry the physical and psychological scars of their attack and the defendant has been jailed for more than two years, considering his youth. There are no winners here.”

Tackling knife crime in Birmingham

The sentencing comes following a two-week period of intense, robust action directed at tackling knife violence in the city of Birmingham.

The force lead for knife crime lead Ian Parnell said: “Extra patrols and extensive stop and search powers are currently being utilised in response to recent violent incidents in the city, and officers have and will deal robustly with anyone seeking to inflict harm in our communities.

“In the long-term there is always more work to do and we will continue to build on the ongoing deterrent work, alongside other agencies, charities and the community, which is a crucial part of our long-term plan to tackle violent crime.”

POWERS: We’re using Section 60 powers again in parts of Birmingham again until 3am tomorrow. They give us the ability to stop and search people without the need to show reasonable grounds. Read more on stop and search here: https://t.co/ga3yBaOsm6 pic.twitter.com/TceejEtcOh

— West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) 8 March 2019

If you have any information about knife crime in your area please contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Be fearless…

Fearless is a site where teenagers and young people can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime. It also provides a safe place to give information about crime – 100% anonymously. Tell them what you know, not who you are.

The post Boy, 13, jailed for stabbing of 3 schoolboys in Selly Oak had 18 inch machete down trousers appeared first on B31 Voices.

West Midlands Police are this morning investigating a triple stabbing at a night club in Northfield in the early hours of this morning (Saturday 9th March).

During a disorder at around 2.20am at the Medley’s club – in the Northfield Shopping Centre building – in Bristol Road South, three men in their 20s received stab injuries.

None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening at this time.

Officers remain at the scene this morning as specialist forensic examinations take place.

Jenny Birch from force CID said: “We are working hard to establish the circumstances of what took place during the early hours of this morning.

“I need anyone who has any information about what happened to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“This is a shocking incident where weapons were sadly used again causing injuries to three people, we need to determine what happened and who is responsible.

“Officers are addressing the rising surge in violence and knife crime. We continue our extra patrols and are still utilising our extensive powers to search people without the need to suspect they are carrying weapons.

“We are committed to tackling the rise in violence in the city and will robustly deal with those intent on causing harm within our communities.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Please quote log number 284 of 9 March. 

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The former head teacher of a Druids Heath school has been banned from teaching by the profession’s regulatory body. 

A Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel report advised that Thomas Marshall, 50, should be prohibited from teaching as some of his actions – particularly in hiring his mother’s company as an educational consultant and failing to follow recruitment procedures – could be considered “unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute”.

Mr Marshall was appointed as head at Baverstock Foundation School in Bells Lane in 2010, overseeing the school’s conversion to academy in 2013.

Baverstock Academy, headed by Mr Marshall, was featured in a BBC Panorama documentary in June 2014. The programme examined the school’s efforts to give disruptive pupils their best chance in education, going above and beyond to keep them in mainstream school, with a pledge that they would achieve five GCSEs.

However, the academy was placed in special measures just a few months after the documentary was aired.

Mr Marshall remained headteacher until 2015. Baverstock Academy eventually closed in 2017, despite a very active campaign by local residents to keep it open.

‘SAVE OUR SCHOOL!’ Communities need local schools. Save Baverstock! @SaveBaver #Birmingham pic.twitter.com/Fl4KXhiwp7

— Momentum South Bham (@MomentumSBham) 30 January 2017

An investigation by West Midlands Police into accusations of fraud at the school was concluded in October 2017, with no charges being brought.

A TRA hearing had been called to consider Mr Marshall’s actions while head teacher at Baverstock. This included employing his mother’s company, Stone Educational Consultants to improve Mathematics at the school.

The panel found that Marshall had employed the company without following the tendering process. He also failed to declare his connection to the company, despite having plenty of opportunity to do so, and there was no service level agreement or contract on file at the school.

He also secured and paid for the services of another company, Noel Baker Print and IT Services, without a tendering process and with no service level agreement or contract.

The hearing panel also found that: “Mr Marshall’s personal involvement in the recruitment process of his brother into a salaried role within the school was sufficiently serious to amount to unacceptable professional conduct.”

Considering the findings, the panel report said that Mr Marshall’s “overall lack of insight and remorse” was taken into consideration when reaching a decision.

Finding him guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute, the panel recommended Marshall be banned from teaching indefinitely.

On the decision, Cllr Mike Leddy (Lab, Brandwood & Kings Heath) said: “The man contributed not only to the failure of Baverstock School, but also ruined the ambitions of many of his pupils, by his actions”.

The ban was endorsed by a representative of the Secretary of State for Education on 22 February 2019. Mr Marshall has 28 days in which to appeal the decision and will be eligible to have his case reviewed in March 2021.

Read the hearing report in full

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West Midlands Police are appealing for help in tracing David Montana who has gone missing from Selly Oak.

The 50-year-old is considered vulnerable and was last seen at around 10am this morning (Sunday 10 March).

He is described as Asian, 6ft tall, of slim build with long black hair.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call 101.

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West Midlands Police are seeking the public’s help to find 81-year-old Walter Kenny who is missing from Highters Heath.

Walter has been missing since yesterday (Sunday 10 March) afternoon and police are concerned for his well-being.

He is described as white, 5ft 2ins tall, with grey hair and has an Irish accent.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call police on 101.

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A terminus for two bus routes is to be moved after a large number of complaints were made that parked buses were adding to traffic chaos on Longbridge Lane.

Other planned service changes will mean better connections to Selly Oak Retail Park, Bartley Green and Frankley.

Longbridge Lane: Service 45 & 47

Many locals raised concerns about number 45 and 47 buses pausing at the routes’ last stop by Sainsbury’s when new bus routes came into operation in July of last year.

Road users complained that buses parked at the stop, close to the junction with High Street and Devon Way, were adding to congestion as one lane was unusable as vehicles approached the traffic lights.

National Express West Midlands (NXWM) asked drivers to not use the stop as a terminus, instead using the stop on the opposite side of Longbridge Lane, outside The Factory Young People’s Centre.

However, a build up of buses at the location would often back up to the traffic lights, causing issues, especially at peak times.

Now, National Express WM have announced that, from Sunday 24th March, the routes will extend slightly to terminate at the stop on Bristol Road South, by Bournville College.

Journeys to Birmingham will continue to start opposite Bournville College on Longbridge Lane.

The change will not affect the timetables of these services.

Frankley – Service 61 & 63

The 61 route is to run between Holly Hill Road and Arden Road via New Street, Boleyn Road and Ormond Road in both directions. NXWM say this is: “to give quicker journeys to and from Northfield”.

Timetables for the 61 and 63 routes were altered while the Birmingham Cycle Revolution roadworks were ongoing. Now these works are complete, both routes have been revised.  View the new 61/63 timetable.

Selly Oak Retail Park – Service X20 & X21

Links to the new retail park at Selly Oak (Battery Park) will be improved, with the X20 (Birmingham to Cofton Hackett) and X21 (Birmingham to Woodcock Hill, Bartley Green) both now set to call at the Harborne lane / Gibbons Lane bus stop on both sides.

Timetables for these services will not be affected.

Bartley Green – Service 23 

The Number 23 route will be extended from Newman University via Cromwell Lane and Moors Lane, and will terminate at the junction of Genners Lane. Towards Birmingham this service will run along Genners Lane.

Subsequently the timetable for this service has been revised. View the new 23 timetable

Please note: All the above changes commence from Sunday 24th March 2019

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A brave PCSO suffered minor injuries after he and a colleague were involved in a struggle with a teenage boy – as they disarmed him of a large knife in a Frankley street yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 13th March).

Local officers PC Paul Perry and his colleague PCSO Jon Fox rushed to Lysander Road after police received reports of a teenager being seen in the street with a knife.

The officers struggled with the 15 year old, managing to secure the 18 inch (45cm) long blade. In the struggle, PCSO Fox received minor injuries including a cut to his finger and bruising.

Bravery

In a tweet on the Longbridge neighbourhood police team’s Twitter account, PC Perry said: “How many people come to work and expect to fight someone carrying this. Fantastic work by PCSO Fox. Without his bravery I could be in a very different place.”

Longbridge Sgt Chris Thomas also tweeted on the account, saying: “Two of our officers PC Perry & PCSO Fox have arrested the youth carrying this [knife] and taken a determined criminal and a seriously dangerous weapon of the street.”

Arrest

A West Midlands Police spokesman confirmed yesterday that: “A 15-year-old boy was arrested in Lysander Road, Frankley, on suspicion of possessing a bladed article and is currently in police custody.”

The boy remains in police custody today (Thursday 14th March).

Speak out and help tackle knife crime

If you know someone who carries a knife or have any information about knife crime in our communities please speak out.

You can contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Be fearless…

Fearless is a site where teenagers and young people can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime. It also provides a safe place to give information about crime – 100% anonymously. Tell them what you know, not who you are, at www.fearless.org

—

How many people come to work and expect to fight someone carrying this. Fantastic work by PCSO Fox. Without his bravery I could be in a very different place. One in custody! #opforecast #OPSCEPTRE . Thanks for support @ResponseWMP @firearmsWMP @BrandwoodWMP pic.twitter.com/1iLDLFUZvr

— LongbridgePolice NHT (@LongbridgeWMP) 13 March 2019

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A Frankley school is set to become the third comprehensive to be accepted as part of the King Edward VI family of schools in Birmingham.

Balaam Wood School will be the ninth to become part of the King Edward VI Academy Trust Birmingham. The Academy Trust currently consists of eight schools: six selective grammar schools and two comprehensive academies.

With some due diligence processes still to complete, it is anticipated that King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy will become part of the Trust in September 2019.

A spokeswoman for King Edward VI Academy Trust said: “We are delighted to announce that King Edward VI Academy Trust Birmingham has been designated as the appropriate sponsor for Balaam Wood School. Balaam Wood will remain a comprehensive school and keep their current admissions policy. The only visible change from the outset will be the name of the school […].

“As part of the Academy Trust there will be opportunities for staff and pupils to engage in activities. This will include joint approaches and sharing of expertise in Teaching and Learning, cultural experiences, trips and bespoke support for all pupils.”

Staff at Balaam Wood have already been working with counterparts at King Edward VI Five Ways School in Bartley Green.

Balaam Wood head teacher Damian McGarvey said: “Great news and a great achievement.  We have been liaising with King Edward Academy Trust for some time to ensure this outcome. 

“We are already working collaboratively on a number of fronts and are excited to see where this can take the experiences for our pupils, families and staff.”

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West Midlands Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Matt Ward has released a statement following the terror attacks at two mosques in New Zealand.

“We are shocked by the tragic news of the New Zealand terror attack and our sympathies are with those affected at this time.

“We appreciate that our local communities may have concerns however I would like to reassure you that there is no increased threat to the people of the West Midlands.

“If any families are directly affected by the attack, West Midlands Police is ready to support in any way we can.

“Officers will be engaging with key religious buildings today to reassure local people. We will continue to work closely together and unite against those who seek, through violence and extremism, to intimidate or cause fear.

“For us the focus now is the protection of those we serve in the West Midlands. As we are all very aware we face a sustained and determined threat to our security.

“As always we ask our communities to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Anti-Terror Hotline on 0800 789 321, in an emergency dial 999.”

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The Birmingham bins dispute over alleged ‘secret payments’ and ‘blacklisting’ of workers involved in the 2017 bin strike is over. Birmingham City Council cabinet today (Friday 15th March) approved a deal agreed by Unite union and council officials last week.

Unite have released details of part of the agreement reached:

• All Unite members who were balloted for industrial action in 2017 will receive £3,500.
• All workers who claimed they were blacklisted by having holiday request refused during the current dispute will receive £500
• Unite’s high court case concerning the council’s breach of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) which ended the 2017 dispute, will be terminated
• The council will cease utilising mop up crews without a qualified waste reduction collections officer on board
• The council is committed to holding a recruitment day so that agency staff can apply for permanent positions
• All other outstanding legal issues have been resolved.

Independent review on service delivery

In addition, Birmingham City Council have said that there will be an independent review on “the future options for delivery of the waste service […] as part of the joint commitment to providing the best standard of service possible for Birmingham’s citizens, businesses and visitors.”

‘End to injustice’

Unite assistant general secretary Howard Beckett said: “Unite is pleased that it has been able to reach agreement with the council to finally bring an end to this lengthy dispute.

“By standing together our members have secured an excellent settlement and ended the injustice that they had been subject to. Their success demonstrates what can be achieved when workers are united.

“Unite has been consistent from the beginning of the dispute that our members were simply seeking parity, with the payments that workers who did not take part in the 2017 dispute, subsequently received. Once that principle was understood the dispute could be resolved.

“Unite is firmly committed to developing strong industrial relations with Birmingham council in the future and hopes that the recent industrial disputes can be put behind us.”

‘Determination’

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Since the start of this dispute we’ve said that a negotiated settlement was what everyone needed.

“There’s been a determination this week on all sides to bring this dispute to an end and we now have a platform from which to collectively move forward.

“Everyone involved has always had the same aim – to deliver the best possible service for citizens, as clean streets have consistently been named as the number one priority for the people of Birmingham.”

‘Foundations for improvement’

Cllr Ward continued: “We all know the service needs to be better than it has been. This settlement will enable us to lay the foundations for improvement.

“The independent review will take a long, hard look at the service and come forward with recommendations that help us collectively achieve this.”

Return to normal service

Now that the industrial action is over, weekly household waste, and fortnightly recycling collections will recommence on Monday 18 March. Check your collection day

The council advises:

• present your household waste and recycling before 5:30am on your collection day, or no earlier than 3:30pm the day before,
• continue to separate your waste: household rubbish in the grey lid bin and recycling in the blue lid bin.  Check what waste can go in your bins
• A reasonable amount of side waste (2-3 sacks) will be taken if presented alongside your bins.

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Traffic officers from West Midlands Police have this morning appealed to find a man walking a dog who was involved in a near miss with a stolen car during a pursuit in Northfield yesterday (Saturday 16th March). 

The stolen Kia Sportage was pursued around Northfield before crashing into a fence in Barron Road – off Norman Road. The three occupants of the car made off on foot but officers – including a dog unit – gave chase.

Two were apprehended by officers on foot with the third outstanding offender being tracked down by PD Olaf. All three are now in police custody.

Officers are concerned for the welfare of the man and his dog who were walking in Church Hill when they were in a near miss with the stolen Kia.

In an appeal to locate them, officers said: “We just want to know that the Gentleman and his dog are okay.”

The man is asked to get in touch with West Midlands Police by calling 101 and quoting log number 1518 of 16th March.

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Longbridge Dining Club is returning to the town centre for 2019 with double the number of dates to try some of Britain’s tastiest street food.

This year’s mouth-watering series of dining clubs will kick off on Saturday 30 March, with award-winning traders including Baked in Brick, English Indian, Low ‘N’ Slow, Victoria Creperie and Platinum Pancakes. Visitors can also enjoy craft beers, drinks and entertainment throughout the day from 11am-6pm with free entry.

As a taste of what’s on offer, Baked in Brick will serve its renowned wood-fired pizzas cooked in the hood of a converted Mini; English Indian fuses English and Indian dishes for an innovative take on classics like fish and chips; and Low ‘N’ Slow will offer Texan-style BBQ dishes including ribs, sausage and barbacoa.

St. Modwen established a relationship with Digbeth Dining Club, the founders of Longbridge Dining Club (LDC), in 2016. Due to demand, LDC is doubling its presence in the town centre this year, delivering two dining clubs a month from April through to August, and reaffirming Longbridge as a thriving destination to work, live and enjoy.

LDC is also teaming up with one of Britain’s top chefs on Saturday 13 July, bringing even more entertainment and inspiration for local foodies. The chef’s identity will be revealed nearer the time.

Jonathan Green, Director of Asset Management at St. Modwen, said: “Longbridge Dining Club is a big hit in the town centre and we’re pleased to welcome back a terrific line-up of street food traders. With twice as many events and a number of great cafés and eateries already in Longbridge, there will be something to suit all tastes. I can’t wait to try some of the brilliant cuisine we’ll have on offer.”

Jack Brabant, Co-Founder of Digbeth Dining Club, said: “Our residency in Longbridge in 2018 was a huge success and we’re pleased to announce that we’ll be making an appearance twice a month from April to August. We can’t wait to serve up nationally-acclaimed street food to people in Longbridge again and look forward to introducing new traders, flavours and more entertainment.”

Paul Haynes, Centre Manager of Longbridge Shopping Park added: “Longbridge Dining Club is a great addition to the town centre’s shopping and dining scene and is another great reason for residents and people from further afield to come and enjoy a day out here. We’re very excited to be able to offer even more choice and hope people who live and work in Longbridge will come out and support these fantastic traders.”

The full list of traders at the season’s opening LDC event are:

• Baked in Brick
• English Indian
• Fancy Fries
• Greidy’s Wings & Strips
• Grill Brazil
• Low ‘N’ Slow
• Paneer Wrap Co
• Platinum Pancakes
• Street Chef
• Victoria Creperie

For more information and updates on events and activities at Longbridge, go to www.longbridgelife.co.uk and follow @LongbridgeLife on Facebook and Twitter.

Dates for your diary! Longbridge Dining Club for 2019:

• March 30
• April 13 & 27
• May 11& 25
• June 8 & 29
• July 13 (plus special guest) & 27
• August 17 & 31
• September 14

The post Double delight as Longbridge Dining Club returns for 2019 appeared first on B31 Voices.

People across the UK are today being urged to unite in making a personal pledge to help tackle child sexual exploitation (Monday 18th March).

National CSE Awareness Day – organised by the charity NWG Network – aims to encourage everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse, and is being supported by councils and organisations across the West Midlands, as well as West Midlands Police.

People are asked to write a personal pledge on their hands and then post a photo of it on social media using #HelpingHands and #CSEDay19.

The pledge can be anything, from speaking out, to educating others.

It aims to increase people’s understanding of child sexual exploitation and how to spot the warning signs in a child or young person’s behaviour that may indicate something is wrong.

Our pledge

B31 Voices recognises that CSE is the responsibility of all of us. We pledge to help our communities tackle the abuse by helping to raise awareness and understanding of the issue.

So here we have gathered some useful information and links to further support. 

SEE the BIG picture

CSE is when a child or young person is manipulated, coerced or forced into sexual activity – in person or via technology eg mobile phones and the internet – in return for some kind of payment. This could be material things, such as drugs, money and gifts, but could also be simply an offer of affection or protection.

It can happen to girls AND boys and abusers can be men, women or even other young people.

CSE is a hidden crime which can take place in all kinds of communities to all kinds of children, regardless of age, gender, religion, race or home situation.

KNOW the signs

The warning signs of CSE may include:

• having friends who are older
• a change in physical appearance, poor self image, weight changes
• persistently ‘running away’ or staying out for long periods
• secretive relationships with unknown adults
• truancy from school
• becoming withdrawn and secretive
• chronic fatigue
• constant phone communications
• possession of money or new items
• self harm, depression or other mental health issues
• drug or alcohol abuse
• volatile, disruptive – even criminal – behaviour

Of course, these signs are not exclusive to victims of CSE, but if you know a young person exhibiting these signs, try to give them time to talk or give them information for confidential services they could speak to, such as Childline.

LISTEN 

There are many reasons why a young person may be worried to speak about what’s happening to them or a friend.

For example:

• The grooming and manipulation they have been subjected to may mean that they don’t realise they are a victim
• Abuser/s often make threats of physical harm or violence
• They may be worried that no-one will believe them or not know how to start a conversation about it
• The young person may feel a sense of guilt or shame that they themselves are somehow responsible. Abusers may use this shame to further manipulate their victims.

It’s crucial that young people feel they have someone they trust to talk to, to enable them to break the silence about what is happening to them or a friend.

Could you be that person for young people you know?

SPEAK out and REPORT

You could help be the voice for a young person who feels they can’t speak out, or encourage and support them to make contact with someone who can help.

• Police

If you, or someone you know, is a victim of CSE, please consider calling the police. West Midlands Police can be contacted by phoning 101 OR you can speak to them on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time.

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 999

• Crimestoppers

You can contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information by calling 0800 555 111 or you can report directly on the Crimestoppers website.

• see me, hear me

The see me, hear me campaign is a joint effort between Dudley, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Solihull and Coventry councils along with West Midlands Police and partner organisations – all working together to raise the profile of CSE in the region.

The campaign website has lots of useful information about CSE and how to get support and report it.

• Childline

Childline have counsellors available on their website or you can call free of charge on 0800 1111 – the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

• #SaySomething

“It is NOT OK for someone to expect you or your friends to do things you don’t want to do sexually. Listen to your instinct; if it doesn’t feel right #SaySomething”

You can call or text ‘stop CSE’ on 116000 – it’s free, anonymous and available 24 hours a day, every day.

Or visit the FACE #SaySomething website

Make a pledge of your own

Could you make a pledge of your own to help combat CSE?

If you’re a young person concerned a friend may be affected by CSE, pledge to speak to someone you trust, in confidence, and ask for help?

Pledge to spend some time looking at resources on the links above and talk to your children about CSE?

Nick Page, chief executive of Solihull Council and regional CSE lead, said:“This national day provides an opportunity for us to further increase awareness of CSE and how people can spot the warning signs.

“Please get involved. Make a personal pledge, post a photo on social media and then act on what you’ve decided to do.

“We all have our part to play in keeping our children and young people safe and being aware of the warning signs and acting on them early can prevent abuse happening or escalating.“

Find out more about National CSE Awareness Day 2019

The post Our pledge to help stop abuse on National CSE Awareness Day appeared first on B31 Voices.

A schoolgirl was injured this morning in an accident involving a ride-on lawnmower on a busy commuter route through Northfield this morning (Wednesday 20th March).

The teenager was in collision with the vehicle at just before 8am on Bristol Road South, close to the junction with Frankley Beeches Road.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said that two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a BASICS doctor treated the girl at the scene, before she was transferred to hospital.

The service confirmed that her injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

We wish her a full and speedy recovery.

The post Schoolgirl struck by ride-on lawnmower on busy Northfield commuter route appeared first on B31 Voices.

A teenage boy is set to appear before Birmingham Magistrates tomorrow (Thursday 21st March) after a man was injured with a meat cleaver in an incident in Northfield on Monday (18th March).

Emergency services received a 999 call just after 7pm on Monday when a 30 year old man sustained injuries after being attacked with a meat cleaver on the Balaam Wood estate.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service ambulance and paramedic officer attended and treated the man for for hand injuries before taking him to hospital for further assessment.

A 15 year old boy was arrested by West Midlands Police and has today been charged with wounding and possession of a knife.

The boy has been remanded in police custody and will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court tomorrow morning.

If you have any information about knife crime and other violent crime in our communities, please contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

Young people can access non-judgmental advice and information on crime – as well as report criminality 100% anonymously – at fearless.org

Cover image by Jamboo998 on Flickr

The post Teenager charged after man ‘attacked with meat cleaver’ in Northfield incident appeared first on B31 Voices.

West Midlands Police have released CCTV footage which reveals the shocking moment a stolen car crashed into a Kwik Fit store in January last year, narrowly missing a man standing at a nearby cash point.

The innocent bystander was using an ATM in Pershore Road, Cotteridge, in the early hours of Thursday 4th January 2018 when the Ford Fiesta ST careered past him at around 80mph, smashing into the Kwik Fit building.

The occupants of the car were all seriously injured. Driver Louis Moore, now 21, from Northfield suffered life-threatening injuries in the high speed collision. The three passengers – then aged 17, 18 and 19 – were also taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The post [Video] Lucky escape for cashpoint user revealed as man jailed for Cotteridge Kwik Fit crash appeared first on B31 Voices.

A 45 year old woman has been sadly killed in an accident on the M5 near Quinton in the early hours of this morning (Thursday 21st March).

The accident – involving a van and a lorry – happened at around 5.15am on the northbound carriageway at Junction 3 (Quinton).

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said an ambulance and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene, along with a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic but unfortunately the woman – a passenger in the van – was confirmed dead at the scene.

She said: “The driver of the van, a man, was assessed and found to have suffered minor injuries. He was taken to hospital for further check. The lorry driver didn’t require treatment.”

Inspector Sion Hathaway, from the Central Motorway Police Group, said: “Due to the severity of this crash we need to carry out a full examination of the scene and the road will be closed for a considerable period of time.

“We have a short diversion in place between the two slip roads on the northbound carriageway at junction three. I appreciate this will cause an inconvenience for motorists, and I apologise for any delays faced.

“However, a family has lost of a loved-one and we owe it to them to establish the circumstances behind this collision. Our thoughts are with them at this time.”

Anyone who saw happened or may have dash cam footage is asked to contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk from 8am – midnight, or call 101 anytime.

Traffic delays

The accident happened between the two slip roads at J3. Highways England have closed the motorway at J4 Lydiate Ash to prevent traffic becoming trapped.

The closure is also causing long delays on local roads as diverted traffic is using alternative routes.

Updates will appear here:

The post Woman sadly killed in Quinton motorway collision appeared first on B31 Voices.