birminghammail--2020-10-11--Panic as man struck on head with hammer during fight at The Range

A man has been taken to hospital after being struck with a hammer 'in front of children ' during a fight at a popular home retailer in Willenhall .
Medics and police darted to The Range at Longacres Industrial Estate after the victim - who is in his 30s - was hit just before 2pm on Sunday , October 11 .
The extent of his injuries are not known but he was transferred to hospital for further treatment .
A hammer has been recovered for forensic examination and CCTV enquires continue , a spokesman for the force said .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was evacuated following the drama , which sparked panic .
`` It was horrific , '' they said .
`` They man was stuck across the head in front of children .
`` They whole place was evacuated and police and ambulance staff ran in to help him .
`` I hope he is ok. '' A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` We were called to The Range , at Longacres , Willenhall shortly before 2pm today ( October 11 ) following reports a man was hit with a hammer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his 30s suffered a head injury and has been taken to hospital .
The extent of his injuries are unclear at this stage .
`` A hammer has been recovered for forensic examination and CCTV enquiries are ongoing .
`` Anyone with information can contact us via live chat on our website or by calling 101 .
Please quote log number 1972 of 11/10 . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jordan Coussins, Charlotte Regen)

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A man has been taken to hospital after being struck with a hammer 'in front of children' during a fight at a popular home retailer in Willenhall.
Medics and police darted to The Range at Longacres Industrial Estate after the victim - who is in his 30s - was hit just before 2pm on Sunday, October 11.
The extent of his injuries are not known but he was transferred to hospital for further treatment.
A hammer has been recovered for forensic examination and CCTV enquires continue, a spokesman for the force said.
An eyewitness told BlackCountryLive that the busy store was evacuated following the drama, which sparked panic.
"It was horrific," they said. "They man was stuck across the head in front of children.
"They whole place was evacuated and police and ambulance staff ran in to help him.
"I hope he is ok."
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We were called to The Range, at Longacres, Willenhall shortly before 2pm today (October 11) following reports a man was hit with a hammer during a fight.
"A man in his 30s suffered a head injury and has been taken to hospital. The extent of his injuries are unclear at this stage.
"A hammer has been recovered for forensic examination and CCTV enquiries are ongoing.
"Anyone with information can contact us via live chat on our website or by calling 101. Please quote log number 1972 of 11/10."


birminghammail--2020-10-11--£13m bid for Villa target Josh King creates 'furious' situation

West Ham United have had a bid rejected for Bournemouth striker Josh King , according to reports .
King , 28 , is expected to leave Bournemouth ahead of Friday 's domestic transfer deadline as he eyes a return to the Premier League after the Cherries ' relegation .
He has made only one Championship appearance so far this season amid speculation linking him with a host of top-flight clubs including Aston Villa .
Villa splashed a club-record fee on Ollie Watkins this summer but continue to be touted as a potential destination for King , who has scored 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Ham are keen on both King and Brentford 's Said Benrahma ahead of the October 16 deadline but have reportedly been knocked back in their pursuit of the former .
The Daily Mail says David Moyes ' side have had a bid of £13million turned down by Bournemouth with the south coast club holding out for a higher offer of around £17.5million .
King is in the final year of his contract and has already spoken to West Ham about a potential move , something that has left Bournemouth 'furious ' because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cherrries manager Jason Tindall previously told the Daily Echo : “ I think there is always speculation with players and certainly there has been with players since my time here at the football club .
“ That ’ s no different and I think that can only be a good thing because that means you ’ ve got good players that other teams want .
“ But whilst the players are still contracted to this football club , they are expected by myself and by everybody to go out there , give their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ ve got no doubts that , if selected to start or to come on , Josh will do that .
”

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West Ham United have had a bid rejected for Bournemouth striker Josh King, according to reports.
King, 28, is expected to leave Bournemouth ahead of Friday's domestic transfer deadline as he eyes a return to the Premier League after the Cherries' relegation.
He has made only one Championship appearance so far this season amid speculation linking him with a host of top-flight clubs including Aston Villa.
Villa splashed a club-record fee on Ollie Watkins this summer but continue to be touted as a potential destination for King, who has scored 50 goals in 168 games for Bournemouth.
West Ham are keen on both King and Brentford's Said Benrahma ahead of the October 16 deadline but have reportedly been knocked back in their pursuit of the former.
The Daily Mail says David Moyes' side have had a bid of £13million turned down by Bournemouth with the south coast club holding out for a higher offer of around £17.5million.
King is in the final year of his contract and has already spoken to West Ham about a potential move, something that has left Bournemouth 'furious' because no fee has been agreed yet.
Cherrries manager Jason Tindall previously told the Daily Echo: “I think there is always speculation with players and certainly there has been with players since my time here at the football club.
“That’s no different and I think that can only be a good thing because that means you’ve got good players that other teams want.
“But whilst the players are still contracted to this football club, they are expected by myself and by everybody to go out there, give their all and deliver their best performance.
“I’ve got no doubts that, if selected to start or to come on, Josh will do that.”


birminghammail--2020-10-11--Five more people died from coronavirus in Midlands hospitals - latest figures

Five more people have died from Covid-19 in Midlands hospitals according to the latest figures from NHS England .
That 's the same number of deaths as in London and in the North East and Yorkshire .
In statistics released on Sunday , October 11 , NHS chiefs said a further 32 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died , bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 30,471 .
Patients were aged between 54 and 100 years old .
All but one ( aged 65 ) had known underlying health conditions .
Their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of death ranges from March 28 to October 10 , 2020 , with the majority on or after October 8 .
The number of deaths of patients with Covid-19 by region are as follows : NHS England also reports the number of patient deaths where there has been no positive test result , but where Covid-19 is documented as a direct or underlying cause of death on the death certificate Today , seven deaths have been reported with no positive Covid-19 test result .
The number of people in hospital with coronavirus had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday - rising to 1,167 in the north west from 725 previous week .
A further 15,166 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK were reported on Saturday , and 81 more deaths were confirmed of people who died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 .
Separate figures published by the UK 's statistics agencies show there have now been 58,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate .
Under a proposed three-tier system expected to be announced by Boris Johnson on Monday , different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in different categories , with areas in the highest level expected to face the toughest restrictions .
Meanwhile , England 's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the country is at a tipping point similar to the first wave of coronavirus , but can prevent history repeating itself .
He said the best way to keep transmission low and stop the NHS being overwhelmed was for people to follow self-isolation guidance , wash their hands , wear face coverings and social distance .
He added : `` Earlier in the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , about which we had little knowledge , and it seeded in the community at great speed .
`` Now we know where it is and how to tackle it - let 's grasp this opportunity and prevent history from repeating itself . ''
In North Wales , new coronavirus restrictions were introduced in Bangor at 6pm on Saturday , meaning people will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a `` reasonable excuse '' and can only meet people they do not live with outdoors , it said .

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Five more people have died from Covid-19 in Midlands hospitals according to the latest figures from NHS England.
That's the same number of deaths as in London and in the North East and Yorkshire.
In statistics released on Sunday, October 11, NHS chiefs said a further 32 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 30,471.
Patients were aged between 54 and 100 years old. All but one (aged 65) had known underlying health conditions. Their families have been informed.
(Image: PA)
The date of death ranges from March 28 to October 10, 2020, with the majority on or after October 8.
The number of deaths of patients with Covid-19 by region are as follows:
East of England - 1
London - 5
Midlands - 5
North East & Yorkshire - 5
North West - 14
South East - 1
South West - 1
TOTAL - 32
NHS England also reports the number of patient deaths where there has been no positive test result, but where Covid-19 is documented as a direct or underlying cause of death on the death certificate
Today, seven deaths have been reported with no positive Covid-19 test result.
The number of people in hospital with coronavirus had increased across every part of England on Saturday - rising to 1,167 in the north west from 725 previous week.
A further 15,166 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK were reported on Saturday, and 81 more deaths were confirmed of people who died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19.
Separate figures published by the UK's statistics agencies show there have now been 58,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
Under a proposed three-tier system expected to be announced by Boris Johnson on Monday, different parts of the country would be placed in different categories, with areas in the highest level expected to face the toughest restrictions.
Meanwhile, England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the country is at a tipping point similar to the first wave of coronavirus, but can prevent history repeating itself.
He said the best way to keep transmission low and stop the NHS being overwhelmed was for people to follow self-isolation guidance, wash their hands, wear face coverings and social distance.
He added: "Earlier in the year, we were fighting a semi-invisible disease, about which we had little knowledge, and it seeded in the community at great speed.
"Now we know where it is and how to tackle it - let's grasp this opportunity and prevent history from repeating itself."
In North Wales, new coronavirus restrictions were introduced in Bangor at 6pm on Saturday, meaning people will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a "reasonable excuse" and can only meet people they do not live with outdoors, it said.


birminghammail--2020-10-11--What football's radical Premier League plans mean for Blues

English football has today been shaken to its very core with the revelation by The Telegraph of a plan put forward by Manchester United and Liverpool to either devastate or save the crisis-ridden pyramid .
Depending on your view it ’ s either a naked land grab at a time of unprecedented difficulty or a revolutionary proposal to preserve this country ’ s footballing heritage .
As ever the truth is probably somewhere in between both extremes , or perhaps both extremes are true .
What EFL chief Rick Parry is in no doubt of , is that the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inaction is not an option .
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and App Store In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph the chief executive gives credence to both the land grab conspiracy theorists and the help-at-any-cost proponents .
He sad : “ What do we do ?
Leave it exactly as it is and allow the smaller clubs to wither ?
Recognise we have an enormous gap , recognise we have a structure that depends [ in the EFL ] on owner funding ?
Or do we do something about it ?
“ And you can ’ t do something about it without something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clubs is if the [ big ] six get some benefits but the 72 also do , then we are up for it.
” The document , penned by Liverpool ’ s Boston-based owners Fenway Sports Group , is already on its 17th draft so the arguing has only just started .
But what does it all mean for Birmingham City and other 71 EFL clubs ?
Blues reporter Brian Dick tries to answer .
£250 million immediately to the EFL to compensate its clubs for lost matchday revenue , deducted from future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EFL club Blues are further out of pocket with every behind-closed-doors match .
The club have expressed their dismay at the decision to delay the return of fans and supported a petition to get the Government to reverse that move .
Taking their share of the £250million solidarity payment early is in fitting with what they have done with Australian bankers MacQuarie when they cashed in their £18m transfer fees owed for Jude Bellingham and Che Adams .
That move has been described as a ‘ glorified pay day loan ’ – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotive description .
Taking tomorrow ’ s money to see the club through today .
But without getting through today , there is no tomorrow .
Special status for the nine longest serving clubs – and the vote of only six of those 'long-term shareholders ' required to make major changes , including amending rules and regulations and a veto including on club ownership BD : That might seem like a rarefied discussion from Birmingham City ’ s current vantage point , in the Championship and desperate to reach the top table .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they reach the Premier League and find themselves with less voting rights than the ‘ Big Six ’ .
Not an issue today – maybe one further down the line - and potentially the biggest issue on the table .
The top clubs can position themselves on the moral highground all they want - but increased voting powers will give them a vice-like grip on the sport , particularly if their veto extends down into the EFL - as it has been suggested it will .
How comfortable can we be with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Championship and League One .
Premier League to go to 18 clubs from 20 BD : It might be of concern to West Brom and the likes of Fulham but at the moment Blues just want to get there – the access is a bigger issue than the composition .
The proposal is for the three EFL divisions to remain at 24 each and 72 in total , although two fewer Premier League clubs will squeeze two out through the League Two trapdoor , with only 90 professional clubs instead of the traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides automatically relegated from the Premier League every season and the top two Championship teams promoted .
Now it starts to get sticky , the Championship ’ s third , fourth and fifth placed teams will be joined in the play-offs not by the sixth placed club – but by the 16th place Premier League team – in a tournament .
So the top six becomes the top five – and even then Blues would have to negotiate their way past a Premier League side .
The abolition of the League Cup and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only West Midlands team to win a major trophy this millennium , this leaps off the page for Blues supporters , none of whom will ever forget neither February 27 , 2011 nor who put the ball in Arsenal ’ s net .
There ’ s still the FA Cup but despite being seen as a meritocracy it ’ s worth noting that 23 of the last 25 FA Cup winners have come from the ‘ Big Six ’ clubs .
Wigan and Portsmouth are the only others to have tasted glory .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t quite as pronounced .
Yes it ’ s become Manchester City ’ s property in the last three years – but Blues , Swansea , Middlesbrough , Leicester and Blackburn have won it since 2000 .
Hardly an open door but nowhere near as shut as the FA Cup .
If it goes that ’ s another route to the experience of a lifetime , both at Wembley and the Europa League , closed off .
Future finances – 8.5 per cent of annual net Premier League revenue to go on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 per cent of all combined Premier League and Football League revenues to go to the EFL clubs , six per cent of Premier League gross revenues to pay for stadium improvements across the top four divisions BD : In theory this sees a greater proportion of the Premier League revenue drip down into the EFL and Parry would contend that is more fair .
However , far more detail is required before the scepticism built up since the Premier League retreated into itself in 1992 can be assuaged .
Money always comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving more power to the top clubs it has to be a case of proceed with caution .
But in theory , a better pipeline from the top of the Premier League to the foot of League Two is a laudable aim .
Financial fair play regulations in line with UEFA - full access for Premier League executive to club accounts There ’ s a whole debate to be had about whether FFP saves clubs from their irresponsible owners or ties the hands of ambitious owners behind their backs .
Don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – unless you ’ re going to make sure every club in the land gets the same scrutiny .
A fan charter including capping of away tickets at £20 , away travel subsidised , a focus on a return to safe standing , a minimum away allocation of eight per cent capacity BD : Twenty is already plenty in the Premier League , about time it was in the Championship too .
Subsidised away travel is , I suspect , a relatively cheap public relations exercise .
As regards safe standing Blues have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within St Andrew ’ s but any effort to improve the atmosphere and cost should be closely considered .
Later Premier League start in August to give greater scope for pre-season friendlies , and requirement for all clubs to compete once every five years in a summer Premier League tournament BD : Pre-season friendlies with whom ?
Each other ?
EFL clubs ?
That would be handy .
European clubs ?
Sound like another step towards a European Super League ?
Maybe .
Changes to loan system allowing clubs to have 15 players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and up to four at a single club in England .
BD : Why does this sound like Premier League clubs hoovering up talent and sending them back to the teams that discovered them ?
For a fee .
There have been murmurings about Premier League academies wanting greater access to the best young talent .
Proceed with caution on this front , particularly in the light of how important the Jude Bellingham transfer has been to Blues this summer .

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English football has today been shaken to its very core with the revelation by The Telegraph of a plan put forward by Manchester United and Liverpool to either devastate or save the crisis-ridden pyramid.
Depending on your view it’s either a naked land grab at a time of unprecedented difficulty or a revolutionary proposal to preserve this country’s footballing heritage.
As ever the truth is probably somewhere in between both extremes, or perhaps both extremes are true.
What EFL chief Rick Parry is in no doubt of, is that the current structure is on the brink and that inaction is not an option.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph the chief executive gives credence to both the land grab conspiracy theorists and the help-at-any-cost proponents.
He sad: “What do we do? Leave it exactly as it is and allow the smaller clubs to wither? Recognise we have an enormous gap, recognise we have a structure that depends [in the EFL] on owner funding? Or do we do something about it?
“And you can’t do something about it without something changing. And the view of our clubs is if the [big] six get some benefits but the 72 also do, then we are up for it.”
The document, penned by Liverpool’s Boston-based owners Fenway Sports Group, is already on its 17th draft so the arguing has only just started.
But what does it all mean for Birmingham City and other 71 EFL clubs? Blues reporter Brian Dick tries to answer.
The proposals include:
£250 million immediately to the EFL to compensate its clubs for lost matchday revenue, deducted from future television revenue earnings
BD: Like every EFL club Blues are further out of pocket with every behind-closed-doors match. The club have expressed their dismay at the decision to delay the return of fans and supported a petition to get the Government to reverse that move.
Taking their share of the £250million solidarity payment early is in fitting with what they have done with Australian bankers MacQuarie when they cashed in their £18m transfer fees owed for Jude Bellingham and Che Adams.
That move has been described as a ‘glorified pay day loan’ – and this would be consistent with that rather emotive description. Taking tomorrow’s money to see the club through today.
But without getting through today, there is no tomorrow.
Special status for the nine longest serving clubs – and the vote of only six of those 'long-term shareholders' required to make major changes, including amending rules and regulations and a veto including on club ownership
BD: That might seem like a rarefied discussion from Birmingham City’s current vantage point, in the Championship and desperate to reach the top table.
It will only become an issue when/if they reach the Premier League and find themselves with less voting rights than the ‘Big Six’. Not an issue today – maybe one further down the line - and potentially the biggest issue on the table.
The top clubs can position themselves on the moral highground all they want - but increased voting powers will give them a vice-like grip on the sport, particularly if their veto extends down into the EFL - as it has been suggested it will.
How comfortable can we be with the 'Big Six' dictating issues in the Championship and League One.
Premier League to go to 18 clubs from 20
BD: It might be of concern to West Brom and the likes of Fulham but at the moment Blues just want to get there – the access is a bigger issue than the composition.
The proposal is for the three EFL divisions to remain at 24 each and 72 in total, although two fewer Premier League clubs will squeeze two out through the League Two trapdoor, with only 90 professional clubs instead of the traditional 92.
The plan will see two sides automatically relegated from the Premier League every season and the top two Championship teams promoted.
Now it starts to get sticky, the Championship’s third, fourth and fifth placed teams will be joined in the play-offs not by the sixth placed club – but by the 16th place Premier League team – in a tournament.
So the top six becomes the top five – and even then Blues would have to negotiate their way past a Premier League side.
That’s one step nearer a closed shop.
The abolition of the League Cup and the Community Shield
BD: As the only West Midlands team to win a major trophy this millennium, this leaps off the page for Blues supporters, none of whom will ever forget neither February 27, 2011 nor who put the ball in Arsenal’s net.
There’s still the FA Cup but despite being seen as a meritocracy it’s worth noting that 23 of the last 25 FA Cup winners have come from the ‘Big Six’ clubs. Wigan and Portsmouth are the only others to have tasted glory.
The situation in the League Cup isn’t quite as pronounced. Yes it’s become Manchester City’s property in the last three years – but Blues, Swansea, Middlesbrough, Leicester and Blackburn have won it since 2000. Hardly an open door but nowhere near as shut as the FA Cup.
If it goes that’s another route to the experience of a lifetime, both at Wembley and the Europa League, closed off.
Future finances – 8.5 per cent of annual net Premier League revenue to go on operating costs and 'good causes', 25 per cent of all combined Premier League and Football League revenues to go to the EFL clubs, six per cent of Premier League gross revenues to pay for stadium improvements across the top four divisions
BD: In theory this sees a greater proportion of the Premier League revenue drip down into the EFL and Parry would contend that is more fair. However, far more detail is required before the scepticism built up since the Premier League retreated into itself in 1992 can be assuaged.
Money always comes with strings attached and with the proposals giving more power to the top clubs it has to be a case of proceed with caution. But in theory, a better pipeline from the top of the Premier League to the foot of League Two is a laudable aim.
Financial fair play regulations in line with UEFA - full access for Premier League executive to club accounts
BD: Greater scrutiny of a flawed system that perpetuates inequality, erm yippee.
There’s a whole debate to be had about whether FFP saves clubs from their irresponsible owners or ties the hands of ambitious owners behind their backs.
Don’t mention FFP down St Andrew’s – unless you’re going to make sure every club in the land gets the same scrutiny.
A fan charter including capping of away tickets at £20, away travel subsidised, a focus on a return to safe standing, a minimum away allocation of eight per cent capacity
BD: Twenty is already plenty in the Premier League, about time it was in the Championship too. Subsidised away travel is, I suspect, a relatively cheap public relations exercise.
As regards safe standing Blues have traditionally had their doubts about the viability within St Andrew’s but any effort to improve the atmosphere and cost should be closely considered.
Later Premier League start in August to give greater scope for pre-season friendlies, and requirement for all clubs to compete once every five years in a summer Premier League tournament
BD: Pre-season friendlies with whom? Each other? EFL clubs? That would be handy. European clubs? Sound like another step towards a European Super League? Maybe.
Changes to loan system allowing clubs to have 15 players out on loan domestically at any one time and up to four at a single club in England.
BD: Why does this sound like Premier League clubs hoovering up talent and sending them back to the teams that discovered them? For a fee. There have been murmurings about Premier League academies wanting greater access to the best young talent.
Proceed with caution on this front, particularly in the light of how important the Jude Bellingham transfer has been to Blues this summer.


birminghammail--2020-10-11--The top 10 coronavirus hotspots in the Black Country - check your area

A coronavirus map released by the government shows hotspot areas where rising coronavirus cases are emerging across the Black Country .
According to figures from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) , parts of Walsall , Dudley , Wolverhampton and Sandwell are seeing a rise in the number of people with the virus .
BlackCountryLive reported both a rise in cases and also infection rate across the region - bar Wolverhampton - in the last seven days .
An interactive map shows the number of positive Covid test results in each neighbourhood across the area .
It shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases at 37 confirmed in the week up to October 6 .
Great Bridge and Dudley Port came second on the list with 35 confirmed cases and third was Blakenhall South with 26 .
The top Covid-19 hotspots in the Black Country : The statistics comes as millions of people could be banned from mixing indoors and outdoors and thousands of pubs forced to close under new coronavirus restrictions due to be announced on Monday , October 12 .
Boris Johnson is set to unveil a three-tier 'traffic light ' system with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face the toughest measures .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday the Government has been `` designing '' restrictions for hotspots `` in conjunction with people who know those places best '' .
It is suggested that local authority areas with fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 would fall into Tier 1 , the lowest level for restrictions .
In the West Midlands , that would apply to Wolverhampton and Dudley .
These areas may only have to follow the national guidance on the rule of six , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curfew on the hospitality sector .
Parts of the region with more than 100,000 cases include Birmingham , Walsall , Solihull and Sandwell .
They are expected to fall into Tier 2 and would be subject to a new lockdown banning people from meeting anyone they do n't live with in any location .
It 's thought pubs and restaurants would remain open .
Tier 3 would then be the areas where coronavirus is soaring , such as Nottingham , Liverpool and Manchester .

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A coronavirus map released by the government shows hotspot areas where rising coronavirus cases are emerging across the Black Country.
According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), parts of Walsall, Dudley, Wolverhampton and Sandwell are seeing a rise in the number of people with the virus.
BlackCountryLive reported both a rise in cases and also infection rate across the region - bar Wolverhampton - in the last seven days.
An interactive map shows the number of positive Covid test results in each neighbourhood across the area.
It shows that Smethwick East has the highest number of cases at 37 confirmed in the week up to October 6.
Great Bridge and Dudley Port came second on the list with 35 confirmed cases and third was Blakenhall South with 26.
The top Covid-19 hotspots in the Black Country:
Smethwick East – 37
Great Bridge & Dudley Port – 35
Blakenhall South – 26
Smethwick North and West – 25
Wednesfield Town – 23
Palfrey – 22
Wood Green and Old Park – 21
Shell Corner & Hurst Green – 19
Langley Green – 17
Pleck – 16
The statistics comes as millions of people could be banned from mixing indoors and outdoors and thousands of pubs forced to close under new coronavirus restrictions due to be announced on Monday, October 12.
Boris Johnson is set to unveil a three-tier 'traffic light' system with areas in the highest level expected to face the toughest measures.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday the Government has been "designing" restrictions for hotspots "in conjunction with people who know those places best".
It is suggested that local authority areas with fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 would fall into Tier 1, the lowest level for restrictions.
In the West Midlands, that would apply to Wolverhampton and Dudley. These areas may only have to follow the national guidance on the rule of six, wearing face coverings and observing the 10pm curfew on the hospitality sector.
Parts of the region with more than 100,000 cases include Birmingham, Walsall, Solihull and Sandwell.
They are expected to fall into Tier 2 and would be subject to a new lockdown banning people from meeting anyone they don't live with in any location. It's thought pubs and restaurants would remain open.
Tier 3 would then be the areas where coronavirus is soaring, such as Nottingham, Liverpool and Manchester.


birminghammail--2020-10-11--Birmingham's worst coronavirus hotspots revealed - check how your area is doing

Public Health England figures for coronavirus infection rates in all the local authority areas show how Birmingham compares to the rest of the country as a whole .
But there 's also a more detailed picture with some alarming hotspots in and near the city .
Other neighbourhoods in Birmingham have so far escaped the worst of the disease .
And while Boris Johnson 's new three-tier system will almost certainly be based on overall R rates for each local authority , it 's important to know where the more localised hotspots are .
Birmingham was recorded as having 167.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the seven days to October 6 , based on the results of testing .
That 's the highest in the West Midlands but nowhere near as high as Nottingham , which is now England 's worst-affected area with a whopping 760.6 cases per 100,000 .
Within Birmingham itself , there are several areas of concern .
Public Health England 's map for the period September 30 to October 6 shows the hotspots in Birmingham as : These are all the Birmingham neighbourhoods with 40 cases or more , the darkest shading of blue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives a clear indication that Birmingham 's rising coronavirus cases are largely being driven by areas with a large influx of university students .
This is also the case just outside the city , where many of the hotspots are in university areas : Check how your area is doing on the PHE map here The areas of Birmingham with the lowest coronavirus cases include Sutton Coldfield , Shard End , Tyseley , Yardley , Northfield , Bournville and Longbridge .
See the Black Country 's worst areas for coronavirus cases here Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks , the universities minister said students ' education must not suffer if they are forced to stay in their rooms and switch to online learning .
Michelle Donelan said students should be assured that `` certain standards '' are met if universities halt in-person teaching amid a rise in coronavirus cases , adding that the regulator could take action .
Her comments come as England 's higher education watchdog , the Office for Students ( OfS ) , has said it is `` actively monitoring '' teaching standards in universities shifting all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases for your postcode by typing it in the box below : The University of Liverpool has become the latest institution to temporarily halt the majority of its in-person classes after nearly 100 students and staff tested positive for coronavirus last week .
Liverpool Hope University and Liverpool John Moores University reduced the number of face-to-face lessons a fortnight ago amid Covid-19 concerns .
Other universities teaching the majority of classes online include Northumbria , Newcastle , Sheffield , Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan .
But a number of institutions across the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 254 students and three staff have tested positive - are continuing a blended approach of face-to-face and online lessons .
Bristol University has told hundreds of students in The Courtrooms accommodation to self-isolate after 40 tested people positive in the halls .
More than 60 universities have confirmed cases of Covid-19 as thousands of students return to campus , a survey from PA suggests .
Addressing the universities which have switched lessons online , Nicola Dandridge , chief executive of the OfS , said : `` It is vital that they honour the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied and that the quality of what is on offer online remains high .
`` We are actively monitoring the situation - and engaging with a number of universities to ensure that they are delivering good quality teaching for all students . ''
She warned that the regulator could take action against universities if the quality of their online courses fall below `` minimum requirements . ''
Universities Minister Ms Donelan said : `` Both the Government and the Office for Students expect universities to be as open and transparent as possible with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I can see no reason why students should see a reduction in contact hours .
`` If there are concerns , the OfS has the powers to take action . ''

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Public Health England figures for coronavirus infection rates in all the local authority areas show how Birmingham compares to the rest of the country as a whole.
But there's also a more detailed picture with some alarming hotspots in and near the city.
Other neighbourhoods in Birmingham have so far escaped the worst of the disease.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
And while Boris Johnson's new three-tier system will almost certainly be based on overall R rates for each local authority, it's important to know where the more localised hotspots are.
Birmingham was recorded as having 167.2 cases per 100,000 in PHE data for the seven days to October 6, based on the results of testing.
That's the highest in the West Midlands but nowhere near as high as Nottingham, which is now England's worst-affected area with a whopping 760.6 cases per 100,000.
(Image: Public Health England)
Within Birmingham itself, there are several areas of concern.
Public Health England's map for the period September 30 to October 6 shows the hotspots in Birmingham as:
Selly Oak - 131 cases
Edgbaston South & University - 114 cases
Greet & Sparkhill South - 52 cases
North Central & Dartmouth Circus - 42 cases
These are all the Birmingham neighbourhoods with 40 cases or more, the darkest shading of blue used on the map.
And it gives a clear indication that Birmingham's rising coronavirus cases are largely being driven by areas with a big influx of university students.
This is also the case just outside the city, where many of the hotspots are in university areas:
Cannon Park & University (Coventry) - 94 cases
Oadby North & East (Leicestershire) - 60 cases
Loughborough University - 45 cases
Stafford North East - 41 cases
Check how your area is doing on the PHE map here
The areas of Birmingham with the lowest coronavirus cases include Sutton Coldfield, Shard End, Tyseley, Yardley, Northfield, Bournville and Longbridge.
See the Black Country's worst areas for coronavirus cases here
Despite the soaring coronavirus cases linked to campus outbreaks, the universities minister said students' education must not suffer if they are forced to stay in their rooms and switch to online learning.
Michelle Donelan said students should be assured that "certain standards" are met if universities halt in-person teaching amid a rise in coronavirus cases, adding that the regulator could take action.
Her comments come as England's higher education watchdog, the Office for Students (OfS), has said it is "actively monitoring" teaching standards in universities shifting all their courses online amid Covid-19.
Check coronavirus cases for your postcode by typing it in the box below:
The University of Liverpool has become the latest institution to temporarily halt the majority of its in-person classes after nearly 100 students and staff tested positive for coronavirus last week.
Liverpool Hope University and Liverpool John Moores University reduced the number of face-to-face lessons a fortnight ago amid Covid-19 concerns.
Other universities teaching the majority of classes online include Northumbria, Newcastle, Sheffield, Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan.
But a number of institutions across the UK - including the University of Bristol where 254 students and three staff have tested positive - are continuing a blended approach of face-to-face and online lessons.
Bristol University has told hundreds of students in The Courtrooms accommodation to self-isolate after 40 tested people positive in the halls.
More than 60 universities have confirmed cases of Covid-19 as thousands of students return to campus, a survey from PA suggests.
Addressing the universities which have switched lessons online, Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of the OfS, said: "It is vital that they honour the promises they made to students when they applied and that the quality of what is on offer online remains high.
"We are actively monitoring the situation - and engaging with a number of universities to ensure that they are delivering good quality teaching for all students."
She warned that the regulator could take action against universities if the quality of their online courses fall below "minimum requirements."
Universities Minister Ms Donelan said: "Both the Government and the Office for Students expect universities to be as open and transparent as possible with students regarding their lectures and classes, and I can see no reason why students should see a reduction in contact hours.
"If there are concerns, the OfS has the powers to take action."


birminghammail--2020-10-11--Mystery of floating white shape - and mum convinced it's nan's spirit

This is the moment a mysterious white shape was caught floating on camera - with a mum convinced it 's the spirit of her late nan .
Katie Lynch Rose , 31 , says she was trying to record her dog as she got her six-year-old son Jaiden ready for school when she spotted the strange sight earlier this week .
The mum-of-one , from Kings Heath , was shocked to see the curved shape 'flying ' from one corner of the screen to another as she looked back at the mobile phone recording .
She believes the short clip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florence Doherty , who sadly died in April this year following a six-month battle with cancer .
`` I was getting ready with my son and my dog , and I was trying to take a video because my dog sings when you ask her to go for a walk , '' she told BirminghamLive .
`` I put the phone on the side and left it on record , then when I looked back I could see a white shape , it shocked me a bit . ''
After trimming down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites - and was told the shape could not be explained .
Others commented that the shape was likely an 'orb ' , she said .
`` I put it on a few of the paranormal sites because [ my mum ] is into that kind of thing , '' she explained .
`` They said it ca n't be explained and it 's definitely not dust as no windows were open .
And how the shape moves , it kind of goes to one side then stops and flies back down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's an orb , which is like a spirit .
`` It 's not just a bit of dust , you can really see it .
I did a little experiment after , I put some dust and hair and it 's just totally different , it just goes in different directions , it goes slow then fast . ''
Either way , Katie said she felt reassured and comforted by the idea the movement may have been her grandmother 's spirit - as they had a particularly close relationship .
She added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to my nan , I 've been having a lot of dreams of her and stuff like that , it was reassuring when I saw it , I was n't scared or anything .
It was really comforting and nice .
`` I 've just got a feeling it is her .
My dad is a bit of a sceptic but he said he 'd love it to be [ her ] . ''
Have you had a similar experience ?
You can contact us at newsdesk @ birminghamlive.co.uk .

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This is the moment a mysterious white shape was caught floating on camera - with a mum convinced it's the spirit of her late nan.
Katie Lynch Rose, 31, says she was trying to record her dog as she got her six-year-old son Jaiden ready for school when she spotted the strange sight earlier this week.
The mum-of-one, from Kings Heath, was shocked to see the curved shape 'flying' from one corner of the screen to another as she looked back at the mobile phone recording.
She believes the short clip captures the spirit of her grandmother, Florence Doherty, who sadly died in April this year following a six-month battle with cancer.
"I was getting ready with my son and my dog, and I was trying to take a video because my dog sings when you ask her to go for a walk," she told BirminghamLive.
"I put the phone on the side and left it on record, then when I looked back I could see a white shape, it shocked me a bit."
After trimming down the footage, she posted it to paranormal sites - and was told the shape could not be explained.
Others commented that the shape was likely an 'orb', she said.
"I put it on a few of the paranormal sites because [my mum] is into that kind of thing," she explained.
"They said it can't be explained and it's definitely not dust as no windows were open. And how the shape moves, it kind of goes to one side then stops and flies back down.
"A lot commented to say it's an orb, which is like a spirit.
"It's not just a bit of dust, you can really see it. I did a little experiment after, I put some dust and hair and it's just totally different, it just goes in different directions, it goes slow then fast."
Either way, Katie said she felt reassured and comforted by the idea the movement may have been her grandmother's spirit - as they had a particularly close relationship.
She added: "I was very, very close to my nan, I've been having a lot of dreams of her and stuff like that, it was reassuring when I saw it, I wasn't scared or anything. It was really comforting and nice.
"I've just got a feeling it is her. My dad is a bit of a sceptic but he said he'd love it to be [her]."
Have you had a similar experience? You can contact us at newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk.


birminghammail--2020-10-11--Aston Villa fans react to big Premier League reduction plan

The Premier League could be reduced to 18 teams in a radical shake-up , according to a report .
The Telegraph claim Liverpool and Manchester United are behind a set of proposals called ‘ Project Big Picture ’ – designed to revitalise English football .
The plans , which will of course affect Aston Villa , Wolves and newly promoted West Brom , will reshape the finances of the game and would see the Premier League hand out a £250m rescue package to the EFL to help see them through the coronavirus crisis .
Alongside this , the League Cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , parachute payments ended and the controlling power of the Premier League handed to the division ’ s biggest clubs .
This is what Villa fans make of it .
@ GarySmithJnr : Football fans from all clubs , including the “ big 6 ” , should all stand together against this .
Absolutely disgusted .
Trev Spurrell : As long as they get rid of Liverpool and Man City then , happy days Kristian Pisano : I ’ ve thought similar for a while .
The football calendar is in desperate need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but across Europe .
Simon Gardner : Disgraceful .
One thing it shows is how the top six are out for themselves .
Two clubs automatically relegated .
Last weekend showed how much the premier league can change with different results .
The excitement that the 7-2 result brings filters down .
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for updates ahead of the transfer deadline Why should you sign up ?
Villa have made a promising start to the season after signing Ollie Watkins , Betrand Traore , Matty Cash , Emi Martinez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still time to reshape the squad before the window closes at 6pm on Firday .
You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin .
We 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Store and App Store Tony Saint : Been on about this for years , if I remember correctly they wanted it cut to 12 clubs then making lower divisions 18 teams each meaning 5 divisions Adam Rickus : Disgrace but to be fair that will never get the majority votes to action it Alex Dandy : Just get rid of the league cup .
The FA cup should be the only domestic cup competition .
Shaiby Ahmed : Who ’ s been in there the longest ?
We were only absent for 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its true .
Might just stop watching football , already becoming a joke , £14.95 to watch from home , and they wonder why so many people turn to illegal streaming sites .
All about the money and not about the fans .
I do understand the concept of not allowing smaller clubs to wither but surely there ’ s a more sensible way .
Nobody cares about fans anymore .
That ’ s the biggest problem

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The Premier League could be reduced to 18 teams in a radical shake-up, according to a report.
The Telegraph claim Liverpool and Manchester United are behind a set of proposals called‘Project Big Picture’ – designed to revitalise English football.
The plans, which will of course affect Aston Villa, Wolves and newly promoted West Brom, will reshape the finances of the game and would see the Premier League hand out a £250m rescue package to the EFL to help see them through the coronavirus crisis.
Alongside this, the League Cup and Community Shield would both be scrapped, parachute payments ended and the controlling power of the Premier League handed to the division’s biggest clubs.
This is what Villa fans make of it.
@GarySmithJnr: Football fans from all clubs, including the “big 6”, should all stand together against this. Absolutely disgusted.
Trev Spurrell: As long as they get rid of Liverpool and Man City then, happy days
Kristian Pisano: I’ve thought similar for a while. The football calendar is in desperate need of reform, not just in England but across Europe.
Simon Gardner: Disgraceful. One thing it shows is how the top six are out for themselves. Two clubs automatically relegated. Last weekend showed how much the premier league can change with different results. The excitement that the 7-2 result brings filters down.
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for updates ahead of the transfer deadline Why should you sign up? Villa have enjoyed a fine season so far after signing Ollie Watkins, Betrand Traore, Matty Cash, Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley in the summer. Morgan Sanson is the only January addition so far but there is still time to reshape the squad before the January window closes at 11pm on February 1. You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin. We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up . If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Tony Saint: Been on about this for years, if I remember correctly they wanted it cut to 12 clubs then making lower divisions 18 teams each meaning 5 divisions
Adam Rickus: Disgrace but to be fair that will never get the majority votes to action it
Alex Dandy: Just get rid of the league cup. The FA cup should be the only domestic cup competition.
Shaiby Ahmed: Who’s been in there the longest? We were only absent for 3 years! Absolutely shocking that is if its true. Might just stop watching football, already becoming a joke, £14.95 to watch from home, and they wonder why so many people turn to illegal streaming sites.
All about the money and not about the fans. I do understand the concept of not allowing smaller clubs to wither but surely there’s a more sensible way. Nobody cares about fans anymore. That’s the biggest problem


birminghammail--2020-10-11--Second national lockdown possible says Government advisor in stark warning

A second national lockdown is a possibility and stringent measures are needed to avoid it at all costs , a leading expert warned today .
Professor Peter Horby , of the University of Oxford , told the BBC 's The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that the country was in a `` precarious position '' with rising coronavirus case numbers , hospital admissions and deaths .
Prof Horby , who is also chairman of the Government advisory group for new and emerging respiratory virus threats advisory group ( Nervtag ) , said that hospitals in parts of northern England were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said that stringent measures were needed to halt the spread of the virus and added : `` We are already seeing in some parts of the North that some hospitals are starting to see the pressure .
`` We have a doubling time of about eight to 15 days so it is not long before those ICU ( intensive care unit ) beds could be full and we could be in a really difficult situation .
`` So I am afraid we are going to have to make some very difficult choices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked if the country faced a second national lockdown , he said : `` I think that 's a possibility and we have to do what we can to avoid that at all costs . ''
His comments come as the Prime Minister is set to detail a new three-tier system of restrictions with measures expected to force pubs and restaurants to shut across the North of England and see millions of people banned from mixing indoors and outdoors When asked why case numbers were much higher in the North , Prof Horby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons .
`` One is that in the North the numbers never really got down as low as they did in the rest of the country .
`` Those parts of the country were at a higher starting point .
`` Second , we saw that over the summer that the surveys were showing that the number of contacts that people were having with each other were not as low in those parts of the country as elsewhere .
`` The underlying reasons for those two things are complex and may well be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ density , deprivation , et cetera . ''
But Prof Horby said that the risk of death for Covid-19 patients in hospitals was falling and treatments were improving .
He added : `` It appears the risk of death in hospitalised patients is coming down .
`` It was pretty high at about 25 % to 30 % in the last wave .
It looks like it 's coming down to below 20 % .
`` We have learned a lot of things , one is that anti-inflammatories work .
We now know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now have got two ways of attacking this disease . ''

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A second national lockdown is a possibility and stringent measures are needed to avoid it at all costs, a leading expert warned today.
Professor Peter Horby, of the University of Oxford, told the BBC's The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that the country was in a "precarious position" with rising coronavirus case numbers, hospital admissions and deaths.
Prof Horby, who is also chairman of the Government advisory group for new and emerging respiratory virus threats advisory group (Nervtag), said that hospitals in parts of northern England were already starting to come under pressure.
(Image: PA)
He said that stringent measures were needed to halt the spread of the virus and added: "We are already seeing in some parts of the North that some hospitals are starting to see the pressure.
"We have a doubling time of about eight to 15 days so it is not long before those ICU (intensive care unit) beds could be full and we could be in a really difficult situation.
"So I am afraid we are going to have to make some very difficult choices and act very quickly."
When asked if the country faced a second national lockdown, he said: "I think that's a possibility and we have to do what we can to avoid that at all costs."
His comments come as the Prime Minister is set to detail a new three-tier system of restrictions with measures expected to force pubs and restaurants to shut across the North of England and see millions of people banned from mixing indoors and outdoors
When asked why case numbers were much higher in the North, Prof Horby said: "There's two primary reasons.
"One is that in the North the numbers never really got down as low as they did in the rest of the country.
"Those parts of the country were at a higher starting point.
"Second, we saw that over the summer that the surveys were showing that the number of contacts that people were having with each other were not as low in those parts of the country as elsewhere.
"The underlying reasons for those two things are complex and may well be related to different labour markets, housing density, deprivation, et cetera."
But Prof Horby said that the risk of death for Covid-19 patients in hospitals was falling and treatments were improving.
He added: "It appears the risk of death in hospitalised patients is coming down.
"It was pretty high at about 25% to 30% in the last wave. It looks like it's coming down to below 20%.
"We have learned a lot of things, one is that anti-inflammatories work. We now know antiviral drugs can work. So we now have got two ways of attacking this disease."


birminghammail--2020-10-11--'Weapons brandished' by teens as fight breaks out at Bullring

A teenage boy was found injured after reports of a fight involving 'weapons ' at a landmark city shopping centre .
Police believe trouble erupted between a group of teenagers at the Bullring on Saturday afternoon , October 10 .
It is understood weapons were seen as violence flared in the busy complex in the heart of Birmingham city centre .
Officers attended following reports of an assault at 5.30pm before finding one boy , aged 17 , with cuts to his face nearby .
A knife was recovered from the scene and taken for forensic examination .
An investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area was being reviewed today ( Oct 11 ) .
Anyone who witnessed the attack is urged to come forward as enquiries continue .
A statement from West Midlands Police read : `` We are investigating reports of an assault at the Bullring Shopping Centre at 5.30pm yesterday ( 10 October ) .
`` We understand there was a fight between a group of teenagers and weapons were seen .
`` A 17-year-old boy was found nearby with cuts to his face .
He was taken to hospital as a precaution and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was recovered from the scene for forensic examination and CCTV is being reviewed .
`` Anyone with information can contact us via live chat on our website or by calling 101 .
Please quote crime reference number 20BW/246641V/20 . ''

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A teenage boy was found injured after reports of a fight involving 'weapons' at a landmark city shopping centre.
Police believe trouble erupted between a group of teenagers at the Bullring on Saturday afternoon, October 10.
It is understood weapons were seen as violence flared in the busy complex in the heart of Birmingham city centre.
Officers attended following reports of an assault at 5.30pm before finding one boy, aged 17, with cuts to his face nearby.
A knife was recovered from the scene and taken for forensic examination.
An investigation has been launched and CCTV from the area was being reviewed today (Oct 11).
Anyone who witnessed the attack is urged to come forward as enquiries continue.
A statement from West Midlands Police read: "We are investigating reports of an assault at the Bullring Shopping Centre at 5.30pm yesterday (10 October).
"We understand there was a fight between a group of teenagers and weapons were seen.
"A 17-year-old boy was found nearby with cuts to his face. He was taken to hospital as a precaution and has since been discharged.
"A knife was recovered from the scene for forensic examination and CCTV is being reviewed.
"Anyone with information can contact us via live chat on our website or by calling 101. Please quote crime reference number 20BW/246641V/20."


birminghammail--2020-10-11--Police threaten to release man's image after escaping

Officers said they will release a man 's image to the public in a bid to identify him after he @ @ @ @ @ a chase in Walsall .
The driver of the Vauxhall Corsa VXR managed to slip @ @ @ @ @ officers after dumping the red hatch in Hollyhedge Lane on Friday , October 9 But @ @ @ @ @ get a shot of his face on a helmet cam - which will be released @ @ @ @ @ .
The car was said to have been spotted on Dalkeith Street on cloned plates @ @ @ @ @ A spokesman for the force said : `` The driver of this cloned Vauxhall Corsa @ @ @ @ @ foot chase in Walsall .
`` Fortunately we 've got a shot of his face @ @ @ @ @ Enquiries are ongoing to ID him but if not we ’ ll release his image @ @ @ @ @ him . ''
If anyone has any information on the incident - or the man @ @ @ @ @ , quoting log number Log 3020 of October 9 .

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Officers said they will release a man's image to the public in a bid to identify him after he ran off from cops during a chase in Walsall.
The driver of the Vauxhall Corsa VXR managed to slip away on foot from pursuing officers after dumping the red hatch in Hollyhedge Lane on Friday, October 9
But cops say they managed to get a shot of his face on a helmet cam - which will be released if no ID is made.
The car was said to have been spotted on Dalkeith Street on cloned plates and enquiries are continuing.
A spokesman for the force said: "The driver of this cloned Vauxhall Corsa VXR was lost following a foot chase in Walsall.
"Fortunately we've got a shot of his face on helmet cam.
"Enquiries are ongoing to ID him but if not we’ll release his image for public help to name him."
If anyone has any information on the incident - or the man involved - should contact 101, quoting log number Log 3020 of October 9.


birminghammail--2020-10-11--Birmingham City and the EFL learn radical Premier League plan

EFL chairman Rick Parry has given his backing to radical plans that would affect Birmingham City , shake-up English football and see the Premier League shrink to 18 teams .
The plans are being driven by Liverpool and Manchester United , with parachute payments to the Championship being scrapped in favour of more money being given to clubs across the EFL .
Just three Championship teams would compete in the end-of-season play-offs , with the 16th-placed Premier League side also taking place .
Both Liverpool and Manchester United are said to be the driving force behind what The Telegraph report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a proposal to revitalise English football .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest transfer news and comment Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Birmingham City bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Play Store and App Store The plans will reshape the finances of the game and would see the Premier League hand out a £250m rescue package to the EFL to help see them through the coronavirus crisis .
Alongside this , the League Cup and Community Shield would both be scrapped , with the controlling power of the Premier League handed to the division ’ s biggest clubs .
There is a chance that the League Cup could survive the shake-up , provided that clubs in Europe would no longer take part .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the working document for the plans and have support from their Old Trafford rivals , with both clubs expecting the rest of the big six to back the proposals .
Twenty-five per cent of the Premier League ’ s annual revenue would go to EFL clubs in the proposals , alongside the proposed rescue package .
The FA would also be gifted £100m to see them through the coronavirus crisis .
Yet the one-club , one-vote principle , which sees every Premier League side get an equal say in proceedings , would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes to pass regulation changes .
The nine clubs who have been in the Premier League the longest would then dictate how the competition is run .
These nine clubs are currently the big six alongside Everton , Southampton and West Ham .
Just six of them would be required to vote in favour in order to make changes to Premier League regulation The Premier League would also shrink to 18 teams , with two being automatically relegated to the Championship .
Teams finishing in 16th place would enter the Championship play-offs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other proposals include a later start to the Premier League season to allow greater scope for pre-season friendlies , changes to the loan system that would allow clubs to send 15 players out on loan domestically , and a women ’ s professional league independent of the Premier League and the FA .
The plans are supported by EFL chairman Rick Parry , who has held talks with both Liverpool and Manchester United ’ s owners .
Parry believes that many of the EFL ’ s 72 members would also back the plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do ?
Leave it exactly as it is and allow the smaller clubs to wither ?
Or do we do something about it ?
“ And you can ’ t do something about it without something changing .
And the view of our clubs is if the big six get some benefits but the 72 also do , we are up for it.
” Relegated clubs from the Premier League would no longer receive parachute payments , with Premier League revenue now being shared more equally among EFL clubs .
Alongside this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of distribution for TV revenue in the Premier League , although FSG argue that there would be no greater share for the top six and the main aim is to eliminate the huge gap in earnings between the Premier League and the EFL .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (David Byrom, Brian Dick)

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EFL chairman Rick Parry has given his backing to radical plans that would affect Birmingham City, shake-up English football and see the Premier League shrink to 18 teams.
The plans are being driven by Liverpool and Manchester United, with parachute payments to the Championship being scrapped in favour of more money being given to clubs across the EFL.
Just three Championship teams would compete in the end-of-season play-offs, with the 16th-placed Premier League side also taking place.
Both Liverpool and Manchester United are said to be the driving force behind what The Telegraph report is called ‘Project Big Picture’ - a proposal to revitalise English football.
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The plans will reshape the finances of the game and would see the Premier League hand out a £250m rescue package to the EFL to help see them through the coronavirus crisis.
Alongside this, the League Cup and Community Shield would both be scrapped, with the controlling power of the Premier League handed to the division’s biggest clubs.
There is a chance that the League Cup could survive the shake-up, provided that clubs in Europe would no longer take part.
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have written the working document for the plans and have support from their Old Trafford rivals, with both clubs expecting the rest of the big six to back the proposals.
Twenty-five per cent of the Premier League’s annual revenue would go to EFL clubs in the proposals, alongside the proposed rescue package.
The FA would also be gifted £100m to see them through the coronavirus crisis.
Yet the one-club, one-vote principle, which sees every Premier League side get an equal say in proceedings, would be scrapped alongside the minimum threshold of 14 votes to pass regulation changes.
The nine clubs who have been in the Premier League the longest would then dictate how the competition is run.
These nine clubs are currently the big six alongside Everton, Southampton and West Ham.
Just six of them would be required to vote in favour in order to make changes to Premier League regulation
The Premier League would also shrink to 18 teams, with two being automatically relegated to the Championship.
Teams finishing in 16th place would enter the Championship play-offs in order to fight for their survival.
Other proposals include a later start to the Premier League season to allow greater scope for pre-season friendlies, changes to the loan system that would allow clubs to send 15 players out on loan domestically, and a women’s professional league independent of the Premier League and the FA.
The plans are supported by EFL chairman Rick Parry, who has held talks with both Liverpool and Manchester United’s owners.
Parry believes that many of the EFL’s 72 members would also back the plans.
He said: “What do we do? Leave it exactly as it is and allow the smaller clubs to wither? Or do we do something about it?
“And you can’t do something about it without something changing. And the view of our clubs is if the big six get some benefits but the 72 also do, we are up for it.”
Relegated clubs from the Premier League would no longer receive parachute payments, with Premier League revenue now being shared more equally among EFL clubs.
Alongside this, there would be a new model of distribution for TV revenue in the Premier League, although FSG argue that there would be no greater share for the top six and the main aim is to eliminate the huge gap in earnings between the Premier League and the EFL.


birminghammail--2020-10-12--'Nightmare' tenant slapped with ban on visitors to his council home

A 'nightmare neighbour ' has been slapped with a ban on household visitors after wreaking havoc for months on end .
Council tenant Andrew Thompson of Kinfare Rise , Upper Gornal , had complaints of anti-social behaviour and suspected criminal activity made against him .
Resulting in him receiving a partial closure order for three months .
The order - imposed at Dudley Magistrates Court in the 62-year-old ’ s absence - bans anyone from entering the property except the defendant , his daughter , Dudley Council officers and emergency services .
The court hearing on Wednesday , October 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order on the grounds of “ disorderly , offensive and criminal behaviour ” at the premises , causing “ serious nuisance ” to members of the public .
Councillor Laura Taylor , cabinet member for housing and community services , said : `` We are pleased with the ruling from the court .
`` We have received numerous complaints over a period of many months about activities and comings and goings at the property , and it became clear that the tenant was acting in breach of his tenancy agreement .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the tenant does not comply with the order we will not hesitate to take further action . ''

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A 'nightmare neighbour' has been slapped with a ban on household visitors after wreaking havoc for months on end.
Council tenant Andrew Thompson of Kinfare Rise, Upper Gornal, had complaints of anti-social behaviour and suspected criminal activity made against him.
Resulting in him receiving a partial closure order for three months.
The order - imposed at Dudley Magistrates Court in the 62-year-old’s absence - bans anyone from entering the property except the defendant, his daughter, Dudley Council officers and emergency services.
The court hearing on Wednesday, October 7, heard the council was seeking the order on the grounds of “disorderly, offensive and criminal behaviour” at the premises, causing “serious nuisance” to members of the public.
Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing and community services, said: "We are pleased with the ruling from the court.
"We have received numerous complaints over a period of many months about activities and comings and goings at the property, and it became clear that the tenant was acting in breach of his tenancy agreement.
"This is an important first step, and if the tenant does not comply with the order we will not hesitate to take further action."


birminghammail--2020-10-12--Coronavirus map shows Covid-19 hotspots set to be under tier three

A new map shows how coronavirus is spreading across UK and where cases are spiking , ahead of the Prime Minister 's coronavirus press briefing later today .
Boris Johnson will deliver a coronavirus press conference from No 10 Downing Street alongside the likes of England 's Chief Medical Officer Dr Chris Whitty .
The PM will announce a three tier system for the country , with the worst-hit areas - represented in the map below - under the strictest measures .
This will mean pubs close and gyms shut , amid tough measures aimed at curbing the worrying spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other areas - depending on their case rate - will be included under either tier one or tier two lockdowns , as we approach the winter and festive season .
Dr Jonathan Van Tam led a press briefing at Downing Street this morning , where they spoke out amid a worrying rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalisations .
He said the map showing the rate change was of greater concern , adding : `` Dark brown areas indicate where things are heating up . ''
Professor Van Tam said : `` I received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very similar data to MPs and the House of Lords on Friday and the brown chart had not extended that far south .
`` It has changed in a matter of just a few days and that is clearly of concern to me . ''
He said : `` There are now very dark areas in the North West , the North East and really a confluent dark purple colour across the northern part of the UK extending down into the West Midlands and the East Midlands .
`` There is the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 plus age group in the North West and the North East , and there are rates of change in the same places but also extending a little further south .
`` And this is again of significant concern ... because of course the elderly suffer a much worse course with Covid-19 , they are admitted to hospital for longer periods , and they are more difficult to save . ''
Van-Tam said the rise in coronavirus cases was now being seen `` nationwide '' and was not solely a problem for northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the briefing about rates increasing in the South of England , he said : `` You have worried me now that I might have presented a bi-polar picture that Covid-19 is a problem in the North and not a problem in the South .
`` On the contrary , the epidemic this time has clearly picked up pace in the North of England earlier than it did in the first wave and that almost certainly relates to the fact the disease levels in the North , and certainly in the North West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer as they did in the South .
`` But pretty much all areas of the UK are now seeing growths in the infection rate and that extending brown map that I showed you , which is sourced from the Joint Biosecurity Centre , absolutely makes that point .
`` This is a nationwide phenomenon now that rates are changing upwards across the UK . ''
Professor Stephen Powis said the increased testing of asymptomatic NHS staff would go beyond just frontline employees .
He said : `` As capacity for testing increases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technologies in testing emerging which we are beginning to implement in the NHS , we are now at the point where we will more systematically test asymptomatic staff on a regular basis .
`` And we are going to do that first , on the advice of the chief medical officer ( Professor Chris Whitty ) , in those areas of the country with high infection rates , such as the North West .
`` As far as staff , yes of course we wish to test frontline staff in hospitals but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know from virology studies where we looked at antibodies that it can be porters , it can be the receptionists and other workers in hospitals who can catch the virus so it is not just the doctors and nurses .
`` And yes , we want to extend this out of hospital into our primary care settings , such as general practice . ''

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A new map shows how coronavirus is spreading across UK and where cases are spiking, ahead of the Prime Minister's coronavirus press briefing later today.
Boris Johnson will deliver a coronavirus press conference from No 10 Downing Street alongside the likes of England's Chief Medical Officer Dr Chris Whitty.
The PM will announce a three tier system for the country, with the worst-hit areas - represented in the map below - under the strictest measures.
This will mean pubs close and gyms shut, amid tough measures aimed at curbing the worrying spread of Covid-19 across the entire country.
Other areas - depending on their case rate - will be included under either tier one or tier two lockdowns, as we approach the winter and festive season.
Dr Jonathan Van Tam led a press briefing at Downing Street this morning, where they spoke out amid a worrying rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalisations.
He said the map showing the rate change was of greater concern, adding: "Dark brown areas indicate where things are heating up."
Professor Van Tam said: "I received these slides this morning. I showed very similar data to MPs and the House of Lords on Friday and the brown chart had not extended that far south.
"It has changed in a matter of just a few days and that is clearly of concern to me."
He said: "There are now very dark areas in the North West, the North East and really a confluent dark purple colour across the northern part of the UK extending down into the West Midlands and the East Midlands.
"There is the spread from those younger age groups into the 60 plus age group in the North West and the North East, and there are rates of change in the same places but also extending a little further south.
"And this is again of significant concern... because of course the elderly suffer a much worse course with Covid-19, they are admitted to hospital for longer periods, and they are more difficult to save."
Van-Tam said the rise in coronavirus cases was now being seen "nationwide" and was not solely a problem for northern England.
Addressing a slide shown earlier in the briefing about rates increasing in the South of England, he said: "You have worried me now that I might have presented a bi-polar picture that Covid-19 is a problem in the North and not a problem in the South.
"On the contrary, the epidemic this time has clearly picked up pace in the North of England earlier than it did in the first wave and that almost certainly relates to the fact the disease levels in the North, and certainly in the North West, never dropped as far in the summer as they did in the South.
"But pretty much all areas of the UK are now seeing growths in the infection rate and that extending brown map that I showed you, which is sourced from the Joint Biosecurity Centre, absolutely makes that point.
"This is a nationwide phenomenon now that rates are changing upwards across the UK."
Professor Stephen Powis said the increased testing of asymptomatic NHS staff would go beyond just frontline employees.
He said: "As capacity for testing increases and we are beginning to see new technologies in testing emerging which we are beginning to implement in the NHS, we are now at the point where we will more systematically test asymptomatic staff on a regular basis.
"And we are going to do that first, on the advice of the chief medical officer (Professor Chris Whitty), in those areas of the country with high infection rates, such as the North West.
"As far as staff, yes of course we wish to test frontline staff in hospitals but it is not just frontline staff.
"We know from virology studies where we looked at antibodies that it can be porters, it can be the receptionists and other workers in hospitals who can catch the virus so it is not just the doctors and nurses.
"And yes, we want to extend this out of hospital into our primary care settings, such as general practice."


birminghammail--2020-10-12--NHS staff to receive regular coronavirus tests under tier lockdown system

The temporary Nightingale hospitals in Manchester , Sunderland and Harrogate could be brought back into use to help with the spike in Covid-19 cases .
NHS England 's Professor Stephen Powis told a Downing Street briefing there would also be increased testing of health staff in hotspot areas .
He said : `` To protect our staff and our patients we will be introducing - with tests provided by the Test and Trace service - regular testing for staff in these high-risk areas , even when they do n't have symptoms .
`` This will help us keep staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
`` Secondly , we have asked the Nightingale hospitals in Manchester , Sunderland and Harrogate to prepare for this next phase .
`` They are being asked to mobilise over the next few weeks to be ready to accept patients if necessary . ''
It will be for local clinicians to decide whether they are used for Covid patients or to provide extra capacity to maintain services for people without coronavirus .
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of an announcement on further restrictions from Prime Minister Boris Johnson , Prof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North West of England pattern where the virus moved through the age bands , having started spiking among young people at first .
Sunday 's update of the rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 for every local authority area in England showed Nottingham continues to have the highest rate in England , with 2,763 new cases recorded in the seven days to October 8 - the equivalent of 830.0 cases per 100,000 people .
This is a huge jump from 314.5 per 100,000 in the seven days to October 1 @

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The temporary Nightingale hospitals in Manchester, Sunderland and Harrogate could be brought back into use to help with the spike in Covid-19 cases.
NHS England's Professor Stephen Powis told a Downing Street briefing there would also be increased testing of health staff in hotspot areas.
He said: "To protect our staff and our patients we will be introducing - with tests provided by the Test and Trace service - regular testing for staff in these high-risk areas, even when they don't have symptoms.
"This will help us keep staff and patients in those hospitals as safe as possible.
"Secondly, we have asked the Nightingale hospitals in Manchester, Sunderland and Harrogate to prepare for this next phase.
"They are being asked to mobilise over the next few weeks to be ready to accept patients if necessary."
It will be for local clinicians to decide whether they are used for Covid patients or to provide extra capacity to maintain services for people without coronavirus.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of an announcement on further restrictions from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Prof Van-Tam said other regions are now following the North West of England pattern where the virus moved through the age bands, having started spiking among young people at first.
Sunday's update of the rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 for every local authority area in England showed Nottingham continues to have the highest rate in England, with 2,763 new cases recorded in the seven days to October 8 - the equivalent of 830.0 cases per 100,000 people.
This is a huge jump from 314.5 per 100,000 in the seven days to October 1.