A partially sighted 90 year old woman was left distraught yesterday (Tuesday 20th September) after being the victim of a distraction burglary in her Rednal home. 

Two men called at her door in Loynells Road at around 8pm with a small child. Due to her poor eyesight, the woman believed them to be family members but began to scream when she realised they were rummaging through her living room.

The two made off with the woman’s purse, which contained just £5.

A neighbour, who had witnessed the men enter the woman’s home, told us that she quickly tended to her and called the police. The victim was unhurt but obviously very distressed.

Investigating officer, Sergeant Dave Bebb, said: “It’s difficult to imagine how anyone could stoop so low as to target a defenceless old woman – and also while carrying a small child who we suspect was being used as a potential distraction technique. It’s truly despicable.

“People will know who is responsible for this awful burglary…they do not deserve protecting. We need to catch these men quickly before any other elderly resident suffers at their hands.”

The two men, who had Irish accents, are both said to be around 40 years of age, about 5ft 9ins tall and of slim build. It was said that they were very similar in appearance and could have been brothers or otherwise related. One of the men was carrying a child, believed to be a girl and around 18 months old, wearing a purple print puffa jacket.

There have been five further incidents recorded in Rubery and Northfield over the last few weeks. See below for full details

Anyone with any information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously, or visit their website

Advice

• Don’t answer the door to people you don’t know if you don’t feel safe – use a spy hole if you have one, or check through a front window. Never feel embarrassed to refuse to answer the door or let strangers in.
• Use a door chain if you do open the door.
• Don’t feel embarrassed to call the police to report any concerns or suspicious behaviour.
• If you don’t know the caller, ask to see their identity card. Check it carefully, and keep the chain on while you do this. Genuine callers won’t mind if you close the door while you check. If in doubt, telephone the organisation to verify they are genuine by using a number from the telephone directory and not a number given to you by the caller.
• If you’re still unsure of a caller, ask them to come back at a pre-arranged time, then have someone with you. If they’re genuine, they won’t mind.
• Beware of being distracted by one person while another steals your property – make sure other doors into your home (side, back) are locked while you are at the front door.
• If in doubt, keep them out. Phone the police on 101 if you are worried and in an emergency dial 999.
• Please share this advice with elderly or vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives and check on them regularly.

Other recent incidents

• Tuesday 23 August
  Time: 6-6.30pm
  Where: New Inns Lane, Rubery.
  Victim: Female, 80s
  Offender/s: White male, around 5’7″, slim, short dark hair, dark clothing, nervous
  Means of entry: Asked for piece of paper to leave message for family member
  Stole:Purse with cards and money
  Force: West Mercia Police
• Sunday 28 August
  Time: 6-7.30pm
  Where: Rednal Hill Lane, Rubery.
  Victim: Female, 80s
  Offender/s: Man and woman. Woman: white, 40s, fair-coloured wavy hair, round face. Man: approximately 5’8″, 40s, short hair, ‘damaged skin’ on his right arm.
  Means of entry: Asked for help to leave note for a neighbour who was out. Entered the home while the householder wrote a note. The man then went upstairs and came back down. When the victim threatened to call the police the woman cried and begged him not to. The pair then left.
  Stole: Not known
  Force: West Mercia Police and begged the victim not to.
• Wednesday 31st August
  Time: 6-6.10pm
  Where: Callowbrook Lane, Rubery.
  Victim: Female, 80s
  Offender/s: Man: white, 23 – 24 years old, 5’8″, average build, brown curly hair, stubble, dark trousers, dark jacket with writing on the back. Woman: white, early 20s, dark shoulder-length hair, dark trousers, dark short-sleeved top.Child: white, 2 or 3 years old, light or pink top.
  Means of entry: The man went to the door with the young child. Asked for piece of paper to leave message for next door neighbour. He wrote note outside and then asked for a drink of water for the child. While the victim fetched the drink, the man entered the property with the child without permission and took a purse. The victim told him to leave and he did so and headed towards Deelands Road with the child and a woman with a pram who was waiting in the street.
  Stole: Black leather purse
  Force: West Mercia Police
• Monday 5 September
  Where: Bristol Road South, Northfield
  Victim: Female
  Offender/s: Two
  Means of entry: Said ball had gone in garden. One engaged victim in conversation. Other entered living room
  Stole: Bank cards and £10
  Force: West Midlands Police
• Tuesday 6 September
  Where: Woodland Road, Northfield
  Victim: Female
  Offender/s: Man and woman with toddler
  Means of entry: Victim agreed to have repointing of roof tiles. The man took her into the garden to discuss. The woman and child remained inside.
  Stole: Later, the victim discovered3£40 had gone from her purse
  Force: West Midlands Police

A 21 year old woman has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving after an accident in Longbridge last night (Wednesday 21st September). 

The accident happened at around 10pm on Bristol Road South, just before the junction with Longbridge Lane. The car the woman was driving came to rest on its roof in the turning space in the centre of the dual carriageway.

The woman managed to get out of the car herself and was tended by West Midlands Ambulance Service staff for a wrist injury and conveyed to hospital for treatment. Luckily, no other vehicles were involved.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and remained in West Midlands Police custody this morning.

Don’t all Rush! at once, but a widely anticipated trampoline park has announced its opening date and is already taking bookings for children’s parties!

Rush Birmingham will open its doors on 26th November.

Rush UK have posted the first images INSIDE the huge leisure facility which is based on the Avery Dell Industrial Estate in Kings Norton.

Alongside wall-to-wall trampolines (whoop!), the park features a ninja warrior assault course, foam pits, battle beams, rock climbing wall, a trapeze, extreme dodgeball courts, Total Wipeout and more!

If you book a children’s party before 31st October you’ll get a 10% discount – email jump@rushuk.com and quote ‘Birmingham Party’ for details.

For more information you can follow Rush UK on Facebook or Twitter

View the trampoline park in 360 degrees!

West Midlands Police are seeking to identify two men who burgled the home of a couple in their 80s in Northfield yesterday.

The pair broke into the house in Frankley Beeches Road through the front door at around 4pm while the man was out. His wife, who suffers from dementia was at home alone at the time.

The pair went upstairs and stole money and jewellery. After, going through rooms downstairs, the pair entered the room where the woman was and told her that she had been burgled and that they were friends of her husband.

As they were leaving the house, the homeowner returned and the pair approached him to tell him that he had been burgled. They then left the scene.

The couple’s family have released CCTV video footage (see below) of the offenders talking to the homeowner in the hope that someone will recognise the pair and come forward.

Anyone with any information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report to them online.

Please warn vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours to be vigilant and keep an eye on them.

Advice

• Don’t answer the door to people you don’t know if you don’t feel safe – use a spy hole if you have one, or check through a front window. Never feel embarrassed to refuse to answer the door or let strangers in.
• Use a door chain if you do open the door.
• Don’t feel embarrassed to call the police to report any concerns or suspicious behaviour.
• If you don’t know the caller, ask to see their identity card. Check it carefully, and keep the chain on while you do this. Genuine callers won’t mind if you close the door while you check. If in doubt, telephone the organisation to verify they are genuine by using a number from the telephone directory and not a number given to you by the caller.
• If you’re still unsure of a caller, ask them to come back at a pre-arranged time, then have someone with you. If they’re genuine, they won’t mind.
• Beware of being distracted by one person while another steals your property – make sure other doors into your home (side, back) are locked while you are at the front door.
• If in doubt, keep them out. Phone the police on 101 if you are worried and in an emergency dial 999.
• Please share this advice with elderly or vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives and check on them regularly.

A day after stating that August sales were up 130% on the same month last year, MG Motor UK has announced that it will finally end all vehicle assembly at Longbridge.

When MG Rover closed in April 2005, 6500 people lost their jobs and local businesses and the local community were devastated. In recent years, a greatly reduced production staff have completed vehicles partially constructed in China at the Longbridge plant.

However, today (Friday 23rd September) MG Motor UK has said that, as part of a strategic UK business review, vehicles will now arrive fully built ready for distribution in the UK.

The company says that centralising production will help to create a leaner business model, and ensure global market competitiveness and support long-term investment into new product lines.

400 skilled design engineers and other staff will still be employed at the SAIC Motor Technical Centre (SMTC) at Longbridge. Sales, marketing and aftersales operations in the UK will also remain at Longbridge, as will the MG parts warehouse.

A new vehicle logistics team will be created and operated from Longbridge, with responsibility for the management of all UK vehicle movements and customs quality checks.

A statement from MG Motor said: “Where possible, production staff will be moved into new roles; however, there will be a nominal number of redundancies.”   

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, commented: “With efficiency and flexibility both key to long-term market success, off-shoring vehicle production is a necessary business decision.

“Relocating to state-of-the-art overseas production facilities will allow faster access to product and help to meet ever-increasing customer demand, all while maintaining the highest levels of production quality.

“In addition, improving production scale efficiencies will support ongoing sales growth in the UK market – a key priority.”

He added: “We have been in discussion with government representatives on a local and national level to explore alternative solutions moving forward. We will continue to do so during this period of consultation and will work with all parties to find the best outcomes for those people likely to be affected within the company.”

Northfield MP Richard Burden reacted to the news with disappointment this morning, saying he understood the concerns that MG had, but that more should have been done to discuss options with the government, local politicians and others. He said: “MG’s decision to close its assembly line at Longbridge is hugely disappointing and I believe it is premature. Having spoken to the Government, I know they are willing to meet MG to discuss and explore options and help that may be available and I am sure the same will be true for the local authority and the Local Enterprise Partnership. That is why I have appealed to MG to delay this decision pending such detailed meetings.

“I’m therefore disappointed that this announcement has been made in advance of those further meetings taking place. I’m pleased that MG want to continue their operation in the UK, including the successful Shanghai Automotive Technical Centre at Longbridge which is associated with MG. We can build on that and that is another reason why I think this announcement is premature. It is vital that MG get around the table with myself, government, LEP and Birmingham City Council to try to find a solution. The voice of employees through their trade unions also needs to be heard. We need to do this in the interests of my constituents, local business and the broader automotive industry.”

A woman in her 70s was victim to a burglary when two men entered her Frankley home uninvited late last night (Thursday 22nd September) and claimed they were police officers. 

The 76 year old woman, who suffers from dementia, was asleep in the living room of her home in Holly Hill Road. At around 11.45pm, she woke to find two men in the room, having broken through a back gate and entered her home through an unlocked rear door.

Claimed to be police officers

The men said that they were police officers and that they needed to take her bank cards, along with her PIN numbers, as there was a problem.

When the woman could not remember the PIN numbers, the offenders even telephoned her son in an attempt to get them. He realised something was not right and called the police.

The men had left the scene, with the lady’s purse and contents, when police arrived.

The burglary followed an earlier incident in Longbridge Lane: an elderly couple called the police when two men were knocking urgently on their door to be let in, saying that they were police officers and that they were being burgled. When the householders offered to call the police the men ran off.

Other incidents

There have been a number of similar incidents in the area this week. In each incident, two men claimed to be police officers.

On Tuesday, a 90 year old woman was targeted by two men, who also were carrying a toddler. They made off with just £5 after entering her home in Loynells Road, Rednal.

On Wednesday, a couple in their 80s were victims when two men entered their home in Frankley Beeches Road, Northfield, making off with jewellery and money. The couple’s family released CCTV footage of the men in this incident.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Dave Cockbill from Birmingham Police’s specialist burglary team, said: “The latest offence was particularly brazen: the men gained entry via an insecure rear door and told the woman they needed to seize her bank cards.

“These are truly despicable offences. It seems elderly, vulnerable people are being deliberately targeted. We cannot say definitively that these offences are linked but we are not ruling out the possibility.

“We’ve secured some good quality CCTV footage showing the men responsible for the Northfield burglary. Someone will know who these men are; they are cruel thieves and do not deserve protection.

“I would urge anyone who suspects they know these men, have seen them, or have information about these offences to call me as soon as possible before any other elderly people suffer at their hands.”

Anyone with any information on any of the incidents is asked to call DC Cockbill at West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contact them online

CCTV Footage from Frankley Beeches Road burglary:

Advice

Please remain vigilant and check on vulnerable and elderly family members, friends and neighbours. Make sure they know how to keep safe and get help if needed.

• Don’t answer the door to people you don’t know if you don’t feel safe – use a spy hole if you have one, or check through a front window. Never feel embarrassed to refuse to answer the door or let strangers in.
• Use a door chain if you do open the door.
• Don’t feel embarrassed to call the police to report any concerns or suspicious behaviour.
• If you don’t know the caller, ask to see their identity card. Check it carefully, and keep the chain on while you do this. Genuine callers won’t mind if you close the door while you check. If in doubt, telephone the organisation to verify they are genuine by using a number from the telephone directory and not a number given to you by the caller.
• If you’re still unsure of a caller, ask them to come back at a pre-arranged time, then have someone with you. If they’re genuine, they won’t mind.
• Beware of being distracted by one person while another steals your property – make sure other doors into your home (side, back) are locked while you are at the front door.
• If in doubt, keep them out. Phone the police on 101 if you are worried and in an emergency dial 999.
• Please share this advice with elderly or vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives and check on them regularly.

28/9/16 Missing man Luke English has been FOUND safe& well! Thank to everyone for all the shares over the last couple of weeks :) 

—

West Midlands Police are seeking a Birmingham man who has been missing for two weeks.

Luke English, 40, was last seen in Quinton on 13th September, having recently received medical treatment, and his family are very worried for his safety.

Luke is white, 5ft 7ins tall with a stocky build, bald and clean shaven. He was last seen wearing black jeans and a blue t-shirt.

It is possible that he could have travelled to Sussex, Hampshire or Devon and Cornwall.

Anyone who has seen Luke is asked to call police urgently on 101 or contact the Missing People charity anonymously on 116 000

A man is in a stable condition following a stabbing in Weoley Castle last night.

The slip road exiting Asda in Barnes Hill, Weoley Castle was cordoned off by police just after 8pm yesterday (Thursday 29th September) while they investigated a serious incident.

This morning, West Midlands Police have confirmed that a 25 year old man was stabbed in the stomach by a man when he got out of his car. The man then fled the scene with an accomplice.

The police investigation is in its early stages but officers believe the incident was a “targeted attack with no risk to the wider public”.

The area was cordoned off overnight for forensic examination and detectives are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Inspector Richard Marsh, from Force CID, said: “This a fast moving investigation and we have a number of lines of enquiry which we are following up, but I would still like to hear from anyone who has information and has not yet spoken to an officer.

“Fortunately the young man’s injuries are not life threatening, but this could have been a very different outcome.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Image by @Snappersk 

View gallery – Northfield Manor : in pictures

We were sent some images of Northfield Manor House last week by local MP Richard Burden, and we know many of you would love to see them.

The photographs of the house and gardens were taken back in the early 1970s by a then resident of the building, Keith (Phil) Mawer (Above photo: front row, 2nd from right).

Originally from Hull, Mr Mawer came to Birmingham in 1969 to do a BSc (Hons) in Geography at the University of Birmingham.

He moved into the hall of residence in January 1970 – at the time it was still male only (“well, in theory!”).

Mr Mawer told us that he felt fortunate to get a place in the Manor, where a full English breakfast was served every morning. A formal evening dinner was served by waitresses.

Mr Mawer moved into a large shared room above the President’s Suite in his second year. This room offered a balcony with stunning views and honeysuckle growing beneath the window.

Mr Mawer said: “I greatly enjoyed living at Manor – it was an idyllic place, not least the views down to the lake and park – midnight tipsy trips to the swings!

“The azaleas and rhododendrons in the grounds were an absolute delight, and the upper hidden gardens towards the estate.

“Not to mention games of croquet, water-fights in summer and sliding down the slopes on trays in winter.”

After studying for 4 years at the University of Birmingham, Mr Mawer went on to teach at St Philip’s Roman Catholic Boys’ Grammar School, next to the Oratory. In the eighties, he studied to become a Chartered Librarian before returning to Yorkshire, and eventually, home to Hull where he is now enjoying retirement.

Thanks to Mr Mawer for sharing his memories of his time at the Manor!

View gallery – Northfield Manor : in pictures

The history of Northfield Manor

Northfield Manor House was built in 1820 (although there was a manor house on the site since the early 1700s) and was the home of George and Elizabeth Cadbury between 1894 and 1922, when George passed away. Elizabeth Cadbury remained there until her death in 1951.

During the summer months, the family accommodated hundreds of disadvantaged children from around the city there, to give them a taste of the countryside. During World War II, the grounds were used as a training centre for the Friends’ Ambulance Unit.

It was gifted to the University of Birmingham in 1952 and converted to be used as halls of residence for the University of Birmingham between 1958 and 2007.

The Grade A locally listed building then stood empty for several years and it was deemed by English Heritage that it did not fulfil the criteria for becoming a fully listed building.

Banner Homes submitted a planning application to Birmingham City Council, seeking to renovate the existing Manor House and convert it into apartments. View Northfield Manor : in pictures

Arson

Video by onenarrowdoor on YouTube

Sadly, however, the building was destroyed by fire in July 2014, following an arson attack. 

The University had engineers try to save parts of the building but, following the fire, it was mostly demolished.

Plans have been submitted by Crest Nicholson Homes to demolish the remains of the building but, with the University of Birmingham keen to keep a link to the site’s heritage, the proposals include a new apartment building to reflect the original house.

The external appearance of the reinstatement will be that of the Manor House as it was.

Inside there will be 26 modern apartments and it will be surrounded by new build apartment buildings and houses.

Northfield Manor: in pictures

Click any image to view gallery larger

Travellers have today vacated parkland on the corner of Long Nuke Road and Genners Lane, Bartley Green and moved onto land in Longbridge.

They arrived in Longbridge this afternoon (Tuesday 4th October) and gained access to a hardstanding area off Bristol Road South (between McDonalds and Longbridge island).

The land is private land, managed by Longbridge developers St Modwen and the relevant authorities are aware.

Image: Travellers leave Long Nuke Road, by @snappersk

West Midlands Police are investigating after a teenager was stabbed in Longbridge this afternoon (Wednesday 5th October). 

A spokeswoman confirmed that police were called at around 2:50pm to a report of a stabbing.

An 18 year old man, a student of Bournville College, was injured and taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

A police cordon was in place for some time outside the entrance to Bournville College in Longbridge Town Centre but has now been removed.

A spokeswoman for Bournville College said: “Bournville College is aware of an incident that took place outside of the building this afternoon which has resulted in a student being treated in hospital.

“We take the safety of our students very seriously and can confirm that the College has followed security procedures and is working closely with the Police in this matter.”

She also confirmed that the college will be open as normal tomorrow.

Police have not made any arrests at present and the investigation is ongoing. 

Longbridge Councillor, Ian Cruise said: “”I urge anyone who witnessed or has information about the attack to contact the police or Bournville College staff. We must all play our part in reducing knife crime so please come forward in confidence.”

Northfield MP Richard Burden said: “I have been in touch with the College about today’s events. Any incident involving the use of knives is very serious and thank goodness the injuries here are not believed to be life-threatening. Often that is not the outcome of events like this. There is no excuse for carrying a blade.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that may help the investigation is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

West Midlands Police have arrested a man and a woman in Weoley Castle in relation to a series of distraction burglaries across South West Birmingham.

Police have also released a new image in an attempt to trace a third suspect.

A man aged 46 and a 29-year-old woman were picked up yesterday from a flat in Weoley Castle and are now being questioned over up to 10 offences where thieves have tricked their way into pensioners’ homes.

One such offence on 25 September saw a man and woman team up to distract a 101-year-old woman on the doorstep of her home in Chatham Road, Northfield, before sneaking inside to swipe her purse.

They will also be questioned in connection with a theft in Winney Road, Selly Oak, on 6 September where several thousand pounds in cash was stolen from an 81-year-old man as he returned to his car from a bank trip.

And the man will also be questioned over a sneak-in burglary in Frankley Beeches Road, Northfield, on 21 September when two men – who claimed to be plain clothes police officers – pocketed valuables before being disturbed.

Detectives have released an image of another man they would like to speak to over the burglaries, plus a series of ‘purse dipping’ offences on elderly women.

Francis Maughan, aged 31, is suspected of involvement in the Frankley Beeches Road break-in and other distraction burglaries in Rubery, Northfield and Frankley.

And it’s believed during one cruel con in Loynells Road, Rubery, on 20 September Maughan carried a toddler in his arms to help convince a 90-year-old woman he was a friendly house visitor.

Investigating officer, DC Dave Cockbil, said: “We have seen a spate of truly despicable offences where elderly people have been deliberately targeted.

“Offenders have preyed on the victims’ vulnerabilities – some are dementia sufferers, partially blind or simply very old – and tricked them with an array of ruses to get inside their homes and steal from them.

“We strongly believe Francis Maughan is connected to these offences. If anyone knows where he is or believes they have seen him, I would urge them to contact me on the 101 number or call Crimestoppers anonymously.

“I would ask anyone with information to ask themselves how they would feel if someone had stolen from an elderly loved one of theirs. They would want them caught and brought to justice. So if anyone has information please get in touch so we can help protect our elderly residents.”

The independent charity Crimestoppers can be called on 0800 555111, or to speak to DC Dave Cockbill call West Midlands Police on 101.

A man and a woman have been remanded in to prison custody after appearing in court in Birmingham this morning (7th October) on charges relating to 9 burglaries and 1 theft.

Joseph Fannin, 46, and Jolene Mahon, 29, were arrested on Wednesday from a flat in Abdon Avenue in Weoley Castle. They have been charged with conspiracy to commit burglary at nine addresses across South West Birmingham.

It is alleged that the two stole cash and jewellery from the homes of elderly and vulnerable residents – including women of 101 and 90 years of age.

They are also accused of stealing thousands of pounds from the boot of an elderly man’s car in Selly Oak after watching him withdraw money from a Post Office.

The pair will appear at Birmingham Crown Court on 4th November.

Wanted: Third suspect

A third suspect, Francis Maughan, 31, (pictured) is also wanted by police in connection with thefts from homes in Rubery/Rednal, Northfield and Frankley. Detectives also want to question him in relation to as many as 9 ‘purse-dippings’ from elderly women.

The crimes alleged to have been committed by the trio terrorised vulnerable residents across South West Birmingham in recent weeks – including those with dementia and poor eyesight. On several occasions, the culprits claimed to be police officers and on one occasion two men enter a vulnerable lady’s home carrying a small child.

Investigating officer, DC Dave Cockbill, said: “We strongly believe Francis Maughan is connected to these offences. If anyone knows where he is or believes they have seen him, I would urge them to contact me on the 101 number or call Crimestoppers anonymously.

“I would ask anyone with information to ask themselves how they would feel if someone had stolen from an elderly loved one of theirs. They would want them caught and brought to justice. So if anyone has information please get in touch so we can help protect our elderly residents.”

The independent charity Crimestoppers can be called on 0800 555111, or to speak to DC Dave Cockbill call West Midlands Police on 101.

A plaque bearing information on the history of a 450 million year old boulder which has stood at the heart of old Northfield for around 400,000 years was unveiled this lunchtime (8th October).

The ‘Great Stone’ currently sits in the (probably!) 17th century Village Pound, adjacent to its custodians at the Great Stone Inn, after being moved there in the latter half of the 20th century from its original resting place at the corner of Church Hill and Church Road.

Formed in a volcanic eruption hundreds of millions of years ago, the boulder was one of many, from Snowdonia in Wales, carried to Northfield on a glacier.

Today, local residents joined geologist Dr Rob Ixer who dated the rock, Rea Valley Conservation Group chairman Roland Kedge, local councillors and others who have supported the project in unveiling the plaque.

Northfield district Heritage Champion Cllr Andy Cartwright said: “Great celebration today – I was proud to support the unveiling of the permanent place for The Great Stone in Northfield. Fantastic turn out to listen to Dr Ixer explaining the history. Well done to Roland for making this happen.”

Thanks to David Fisher for images – click to enlarge

Two men have been jailed today (11th October) after an impromptu street race led to a collision on Bristol Road South, leaving a woman in her 50s with serious injuries last November.

The collision happened between Bournville Lane and Northfield on November 13th last year and the woman had to be cut free from her Peugeot and anaesthetised at the scene due to the severity of her injuries.

The two men, Bashir Ahmadzai (22) from Edgbaston and Lee Round (26) from Kings Heath both received custodial sentences and driving bans in court today.

Before the accident, Ahmadzai, driving a red Golf Gti, and Round, in a blue Audi A3 Turbo, were seen weaving in and out of traffic in Selly Oak before speeding off down Bristol Road South towards Northfield, at speeds up to 80mph.

The woman was pulling out of Cob Lane, just past Bournville Lane, when her Peugeot estate was hit by Ahmadzai’s VW. Round’s Audi then crashed into the back of the Golf, causing catastrophic damage to all three vehicles.

The woman sustained multiple injuries and was in a coma for three weeks, spending a total of five months in hospital recovering from the accident.

Self employed Ahmadzai and Round, a mechanic, both pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Ahmadzai also admitted driving without insurance.

In Birmingham Crown Court today, Ahmadzai was sentenced to two years in prison and disqualified from driving for three years. Round was jailed for 20 months and received a driving ban for two years and ten months. Both men will also have to take an extended driving test before they allowed back on the roads.

Sergeant Chris Ridge from the force’s collision investigation unit, said: “Not only has this collision changed the life of the driver and her family, but also the lives of Ahmadzai and Round who are facing a considerable time behind bars. The ripple effect of their actions will also affect the lives of their own families. They have lost their liberty and employment and therefore their families will face financial hardship.

The court heard in a victim impact statement that the driver of the Peugeot sustained serious life changing injuries, from which she is making slow but steady progress.

Original article:

[UPDATED] Seriously injured woman anaesthetised at scene of Bristol Road accident

Following an appeal from West Midlands Police, a third suspect – wanted in connection with a string of crimes against elderly and vulnerable people across south Birmingham – has been arrested and remanded in jail by a magistrate this morning.

Francis Maughan, 31 and from London, appeared before magistrates in Birmingham this morning charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and six counts of theft from a person.

It is alleged that Maughan tricked his way into homes in south Birmingham − including those of women aged 90 and 101 − stealing cash and valuables.

He also faces one count of theft from a motor vehicle after several thousand pounds was stolen from an 81-year-old man’s car in Winney Road, Selly Oak, on 6 September.

CCTV images from some of the incidents was released in a bid to identify the trio, who preyed on the vulnerable across South West Birmingham. Two other suspects, Joseph Fannin, 46, and Jolene Mahon, 29, were arrested on Wednesday (5th October) from a flat in Abdon Avenue in Weoley Castle. They have been charged with conspiracy to commit burglary at nine addresses across South West Birmingham and were also remanded in custody, to appear before Birmingham Crown Court in November.

Father’s Barn Market & Signpost Cafe in Rubery CLOSED until further notice following a serious fire in the early hours of this morning. It is thought the fire started from an electrical fault in the main building.

Four appliances from Hereford and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue attended the fire which began in the early hours of this morning and was spotted by West Mercia  police officers. The main building was devastated by fire while the adjacent florist shop and cafe avoided major damage.

The market houses stalls held by small traders, a children’s play area, a florists and a cafe. The current owner, Ian Robinson, took over late last year and the market is now a bustling part of the Rubery community.

Call for help

Any tradespeople who can offer any assistance or anyone who can provide Portakabins, trailers or other structures that the businesses could trade from while repairs are being made are asked to get in touch with B31 Voices or call Ian on 07779301879

Our thoughts are with all the businesses & families affected today x

An application to Birmingham City Council to demolish the remains of the Northfield Manor house – destroyed by fire in 2014 – and replace it with a replica apartment building as part of a new housing development has today been APPROVED by the planning committee. 

The former home of George and Elizabeth Cadbury, Northfield Manor House was built in 1820 (although there was a manor house on the site since the early 1700s).

It was bought by the University of Birmingham in 1952 and converted to be used as halls of residence for the University of Birmingham between 1958 and 2007.

The Grade A locally listed building then stood empty for several years and it was deemed by English Heritage that it did not fulfil the criteria for becoming a fully listed building.

Banner Homes submitted a planning application to Birmingham City Council, seeking to renovate the existing Manor House and convert it into apartments. View Northfield Manor : in pictures

Arson

Video by onenarrowdoor on YouTube

Sadly, however, the building was destroyed by fire in July 2014, following an arson attack. 

The University had engineers try to save parts of the building but, following the fire, it was mostly demolished.

The approved plans by Crest Nicholson Homes will see the remains of the building demolished but, with the University of Birmingham keen to keep a link to the site’s heritage, the proposals include a new apartment building to reflect the original house.

The external appearance of the reinstatement will be that of the Manor House as it was.

Inside the ‘new manor’ there will be 26 modern apartments. It will be surrounded by new build apartment buildings with 56 dwellings and 53 two, three, four and five bedroom houses. Developers say that design of the homes will be influenced by the “arts and crafts” style of the original manor.

Read all posts on Northfield Manor

Part of New Road in Rubery was cordoned off yesterday afternoon (13th October) after police were called to reports of a possible robbery at around 1pm.

West Mercia Police attended the incident at the Post Office in New Road and said that there were no reports of any injuries and no violence was used.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting 319s of 13 October 2016. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

On Saturday afternoon (8th October), Jenni and her children (aged 18-26) lost everything when the contents of their home in Frankley was destroyed in a fire started by a tumble dryer.

Two of her children needed hospital treatment for smoke inhalation and they sadly lost their pet gecko, but everyone else – including all their other pets – survived.

At the moment, the family are in temporary accommodation across the city and their pets are being cared for by a friend in Weoley Castle.

Jenni contacted us as she was worried that no-one had managed to collect her cat Alfie and she was concerned that she may lose him.

We just want to say a massive THANK YOU to The Animal House Rescue who responded to our call for help and managed to catch the elusive Alfie and deliver him safely to Jenni’s friend to be cared for.

That’s one less thing for Jenni – who works at Sainsbury’s in Longbridge – and her family to worry about and they are so grateful!

The Animal House is one of the local rescues that we know we can always turn to for help, always going above and beyond to help animals.

THANK YOU Lin and all at The Animal House Rescue! 

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Ways you can support The Animal House Rescue

Donate to support Jenni & her family