birminghammail--2020-05-06--Birmingham Prison self-harm crisis amid 700-plus alerts

Self-harm at Birmingham Prison hit the highest number since comparable records began in 2019 , figures have revealed .
Statistics from the Ministry of Justice showed 721 cases of self-harm were recorded at the Winson Green jail last year .
That was 16 per cent higher than the 620 incidents in 2018 .
And it was the highest number since 2004 , when comparable records began , when there were 197 incidents .
Of the cases recorded in 2019 , 51 were so serious the prisoner needed hospital treatment .
Security firm G4S was stripped of its role managing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of prisons said it was in `` crisis '' in 2018 .
G4S said HMP Birmingham faced `` exceptional challenges '' , including `` high levels of prisoner violence towards staff and fellow prisoners '' .
Across all prisons in England and Wales , incidents of self-harm were also at a record high .
There were 63,328 cases recorded in 2019 - up from 55,615 in 2018 , and 19,702 in 2004 .
Frances Crook , chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform , said : “ The government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown began , reveal the sheer scale of human misery behind bars across England and Wales .
“ Assaults may be falling but the restricted regimes imposed have caused further surges in the numbers of self-injury incidents .
`` Since then prison regimes have tightened even further .
But these figures show that keeping prisoners safe during the pandemic involves so much more than seeking to reduce rates of infection .
“ The need to reduce the prison population could not be clearer .
It is intolerable that prisoners should be spending 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cells , either in overcrowded conditions or prolonged solitary confinement , with nothing to do.
” An increasing number of incidents are leading to prisoners needing hospital treatment .
Of cases recorded in 2019 , 3,481 led to a visit to hospital , and the highest number on record , up from 3,215 in 2018 .
Not only are the number of incidents rising , but the number of prisoners harming themselves is also at its highest levels since figures began in 2009 - up from 12,573 in 2018 to 12,977 in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frazer QC MP , said : “ I am incredibly grateful to prison staff who have worked so hard to reduce violence on the wings and are now ensuring our jails remain places of safety during these unprecedented times .
“ Self-harm remains a huge concern .
This is why we must continue to make jails safer and ensure prisoners can access the support they need – which we are doing by extending telephone access and providing dedicated support to each individual .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Debora Aru, Jordan Coussins)

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Self-harm at Birmingham Prison hit the highest number since comparable records began in 2019, figures have revealed.
Statistics from the Ministry of Justice showed 721 cases of self-harm were recorded at the Winson Green jail last year.
That was 16 per cent higher than the 620 incidents in 2018.
And it was the highest number since 2004, when comparable records began, when there were 197 incidents.
Of the cases recorded in 2019, 51 were so serious the prisoner needed hospital treatment.
Security firm G4S was stripped of its role managing the category B jail after the chief inspector of prisons said it was in "crisis" in 2018. G4S said HMP Birmingham faced "exceptional challenges", including "high levels of prisoner violence towards staff and fellow prisoners".
Across all prisons in England and Wales, incidents of self-harm were also at a record high.
There were 63,328 cases recorded in 2019 - up from 55,615 in 2018, and 19,702 in 2004.
Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “The government’s own figures, from before the coronavirus lockdown began, reveal the sheer scale of human misery behind bars across England and Wales.
“Assaults may be falling but the restricted regimes imposed have caused further surges in the numbers of self-injury incidents.
"Since then prison regimes have tightened even further. But these figures show that keeping prisoners safe during the pandemic involves so much more than seeking to reduce rates of infection.
“The need to reduce the prison population could not be clearer. It is intolerable that prisoners should be spending 23 hours or more each day locked in cells, either in overcrowded conditions or prolonged solitary confinement, with nothing to do.”
An increasing number of incidents are leading to prisoners needing hospital treatment.
Of cases recorded in 2019, 3,481 led to a visit to hospital, and the highest number on record, up from 3,215 in 2018.
Not only are the number of incidents rising, but the number of prisoners harming themselves is also at its highest levels since figures began in 2009 - up from 12,573 in 2018 to 12,977 in 2019.
Prisons and Probation Minister, Lucy Frazer QC MP, said: “I am incredibly grateful to prison staff who have worked so hard to reduce violence on the wings and are now ensuring our jails remain places of safety during these unprecedented times.
“Self-harm remains a huge concern. This is why we must continue to make jails safer and ensure prisoners can access the support they need – which we are doing by extending telephone access and providing dedicated support to each individual.”


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Police lockdown raid at city pub found 'worse for wear' drinkers

Police raided an Edgbaston pub and found drinkers boozing inside during the lockdown - after they had allegedly been let in through a back door .
The Bricklayers Arms could now have its licence suspended after being accused of flouting the coronavirus shutdown rules .
A city council licensing sub-committee heard evidence the Icknield Port Road pub was found to be serving alcohol on May 2 .
West Midlands Police stated the pub had been associated with “ serious crime and disorder ” and had put the safety of customers , families and the wider community at risk .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated officers arrived at the pub on May 2 after being told people were being let in through a back entrance since 3pm that day .
The pub smelled of “ fresh smoke ” and cans of alcohol had been decanted into pint glasses , the letter states .
An officer said during the hearing there were around three people in the pub , and a 64-year-old man who was “ worse for wear ” was ushered out of the pub and questioned outside .
The meeting heard there was body-worn camera footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pub showing individuals inside .
The force said it had received several other reports since March 30 that the pub was open and letting people in .
The Government told all pubs to close on March 20 along with other venues such as nightclubs , theatres , cinemas , gyms and leisure centres .
This was outlined in law in the Health Protection ( Coronavirus Restrictions ) ( England ) Regulations 2020 , which came into force on March 26 .
Under this new legislation local authorities and the police can close premises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The licence holder for the pub is Admiral Taverns , who own around 1,000 pubs around the UK .
A statement provided to the committee by Superintendent Gareth Morris stated : “ Officers have attended the premises and as they arrive they see people leaving the premises .
“ The officers found a door open at the rear of the premises and entered the pub .
“ As they entered they witnessed that the lights were on , the gambling machines were on , TV was on , tills were switched on and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh smoke and it was clear that alcohol had been consumed on the premises , with cans of alcohol that had partly been decanted into pint glasses .
“ Officers have spoken to one of the group that had left the premises as they arrived .
The person they spoke to indicated that they had been inside the premises drinking with a friend and had drunk three cans of beer .
“ Officers also spoke to a male in the premises , who claimed to be the licensee .
The details given do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premises supervisor ( DPS ) that is currently named on the premise licence.
” PC Abdool Rohomon said during the hearing : “ That is a massive , serious concern for us .
This is a public nuisance .
“ The initial report from officers said there were about three people in there .
“ We are asking for a suspension of the premises ’ licence.
” Malcolm Ireland , a solicitor representing Admiral Taverns , said : “ My clients let the premises to the operator .
They are not directly involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In relation to this matter , we had very limited exchanges with our tenant last night .
“ Given the allegations that have been made , we don ’ t object to the police taking action .
We do appreciate the seriousness of proceedings .
“ We have had a very limited amount of time to be able to investigate and properly establish the facts .
“ I can confirm the premises licence holder doesn ’ t object to a suspension being imposed as an interim step as that would allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establish the facts .
“ If it transpires that the allegations the police are making are accurate , we would work with the police to respond in an appropriate way.
” Committee chair Cllr Mike Leddy ( Lab ) adjourned the meeting to deliberate with other members and a decision will be announced at a later date .

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Police raided an Edgbaston pub and found drinkers boozing inside during the lockdown - after they had allegedly been let in through a back door.
The Bricklayers Arms could now have its licence suspended after being accused of flouting the coronavirus shutdown rules.
A city council licensing sub-committee heard evidence the Icknield Port Road pub was found to be serving alcohol on May 2.
West Midlands Police stated the pub had been associated with “serious crime and disorder” and had put the safety of customers, families and the wider community at risk.
A letter from the police to the committee stated officers arrived at the pub on May 2 after being told people were being let in through a back entrance since 3pm that day.
The pub smelled of “fresh smoke” and cans of alcohol had been decanted into pint glasses, the letter states.
An officer said during the hearing there were around three people in the pub, and a 64-year-old man who was “worse for wear” was ushered out of the pub and questioned outside.
The meeting heard there was body-worn camera footage from the officers’ visit to the pub showing individuals inside.
The force said it had received several other reports since March 30 that the pub was open and letting people in.
The Government told all pubs to close on March 20 along with other venues such as nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres.
This was outlined in law in the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, which came into force on March 26.
Under this new legislation local authorities and the police can close premises that are flouting the closure ban.
The licence holder for the pub is Admiral Taverns, who own around 1,000 pubs around the UK.
A statement provided to the committee by Superintendent Gareth Morris stated: “Officers have attended the premises and as they arrive they see people leaving the premises.
“The officers found a door open at the rear of the premises and entered the pub.
“As they entered they witnessed that the lights were on, the gambling machines were on, TV was on, tills were switched on and operational.
“The premises smelt of fresh smoke and it was clear that alcohol had been consumed on the premises, with cans of alcohol that had partly been decanted into pint glasses.
“Officers have spoken to one of the group that had left the premises as they arrived. The person they spoke to indicated that they had been inside the premises drinking with a friend and had drunk three cans of beer.
“Officers also spoke to a male in the premises, who claimed to be the licensee. The details given do not match the name of the designated premises supervisor (DPS) that is currently named on the premise licence.”
PC Abdool Rohomon said during the hearing: “That is a massive, serious concern for us. This is a public nuisance.
“The initial report from officers said there were about three people in there.
“We are asking for a suspension of the premises’ licence.”
Malcolm Ireland, a solicitor representing Admiral Taverns, said: “My clients let the premises to the operator. They are not directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the premises.
“In relation to this matter, we had very limited exchanges with our tenant last night.
“Given the allegations that have been made, we don’t object to the police taking action. We do appreciate the seriousness of proceedings.
“We have had a very limited amount of time to be able to investigate and properly establish the facts.
“I can confirm the premises licence holder doesn’t object to a suspension being imposed as an interim step as that would allow us to liaise further with police and establish the facts.
“If it transpires that the allegations the police are making are accurate, we would work with the police to respond in an appropriate way.”
Committee chair Cllr Mike Leddy (Lab) adjourned the meeting to deliberate with other members and a decision will be announced at a later date.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Mick McCarthy stopped George Elokobi from 'smacking' Wolves player

Mick McCarthy once stopped George Elokobi from 'smacking ' Roger Johnson during a heated training ground exchange .
Popular left-back Elokobi spent six years at Wolverhampton Wanderers after joining from Colchester in 2008 .
He played his part in the club 's promotion to the Premier League in 2009 before helping them stay there until 2012 .
While Elokobi remains popular with Wolves supporters to this very day , the club 's former captain Johnson is pretty much public enemy number one .
And , during Wolves ' re-run of the 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion earlier this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground bust-up with Johnson .
McCarthy : “ George , I can not remember who you were going to punch one day , somebody had insulted you and I had to get in between you to stop you .
It was like trying to stop a snow plough.
” McCarthy : “ Oh no , I should have let you hit him.
” Elokobi : “ Yeah , it was Roger .
I ’ ve never lost my cool so much on the day .
I wanted to smack him so hard.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apologise for stopping you , I really do .
I should have let it go.
” Elokobi : “ To be honest gaffer , in the changing rooms we knew how that affected us , we knew how we wanted to go about our business - and that was the perfect opportunity for me to smack the life out of Roger .
But you didn ’ t let me .
I hold you accountable for not letting me smack him gaffer .
”

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Mick McCarthy once stopped George Elokobi from 'smacking' Roger Johnson during a heated training ground exchange.
Popular left-back Elokobi spent six years at Wolverhampton Wanderers after joining from Colchester in 2008. He played his part in the club's promotion to the Premier League in 2009 before helping them stay there until 2012.
While Elokobi remains popular with Wolves supporters to this very day, the club's former captain Johnson is pretty much public enemy number one.
And, during Wolves' re-run of the 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion earlier this week, Elokobi and McCarthy detailed a training ground bust-up with Johnson.
McCarthy: “George, I cannot remember who you were going to punch one day, somebody had insulted you and I had to get in between you to stop you. It was like trying to stop a snow plough.”
Elokobi: “Gaffer, it was Roger Johnson.”
McCarthy: “Oh no, I should have let you hit him.”
Elokobi: “Yeah, it was Roger. I’ve never lost my cool so much on the day. I wanted to smack him so hard.”
McCarthy: “Well George, I apologise for stopping you, I really do. I should have let it go.”
Elokobi: “To be honest gaffer, in the changing rooms we knew how that affected us, we knew how we wanted to go about our business - and that was the perfect opportunity for me to smack the life out of Roger. But you didn’t let me. I hold you accountable for not letting me smack him gaffer.”


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Liverpool eyeing shock move for Villa transfer target - reports

Liverpool have emerged as shock rivals for Aston Villa transfer target , Domagoj Vida , according to reports .
Villa have been extensively linked with a move for Vida and in the January window it was said Besiktas rejected a transfer bid from Dean Smith 's side .
Then earlier this month , Villa were again linked with the Croatian international , with suggestions they see him as a transfer priority .
The Turkish club are keen to offload Vida when the window opens , with his current €3m salary , the highest at the club .
Villa ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also been linked amid claims that Slaven Bilic is interested in bringing his compatriot to England , should they win promotion .
However , it has now been reported in Turkey , that Liverpool see Vida as the ideal , experienced compliment to their central defensive ranks .
According to Yeni Asir , Jurgen Klopp is keen to bring in another player to provide cover behind Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez – and Vida fits the bill .
The Croatian is believed to be valued at around €6m , with another two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish giants .

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Liverpool have emerged as shock rivals for Aston Villa transfer target, Domagoj Vida, according to reports.
Villa have been extensively linked with a move for Vida and in the January window it was said Besiktas rejected a transfer bid from Dean Smith's side.
Then earlier this month, Villa were again linked with the Croatian international, with suggestions they see him as a transfer priority.
(Image: Quality Sport Images/Getty Image)
The Turkish club are keen to offload Vida when the window opens, with his current €3m salary, the highest at the club.
Villa’s Midlands rivals, West Brom, have also been linked amid claims that Slaven Bilic is interested in bringing his compatriot to England, should they win promotion.
However, it has now been reported in Turkey, that Liverpool see Vida as the ideal, experienced compliment to their central defensive ranks.
According to Yeni Asir, Jurgen Klopp is keen to bring in another player to provide cover behind Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez – and Vida fits the bill.
The Croatian is believed to be valued at around €6m, with another two years remaining on his deal with the Turkish giants.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--May Bank Holiday opening times at B&Q, Wilko, Wickes, Homebase, The Range

The Early May Bank Holiday provides an extended weekend that often sees people deciding to tackle work that needs doing in their homes and gardens .
Lockdown means things are bit more limited but many stores are now starting to reopen with strict social distancing in place .
This includes DIY stores which have opened their doors to allow people to purchase products needed for essential repairs and maintenance .
This year , the May Day ( or Early May ) Bank Holiday has been moved to Friday , May 8 , to coincide with VE Day commemorating the 75th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ II .
So which stores are open and what times ?
Here 's a round-up to help you decide where to go .
All stores have the following opening hours : Argos stores remain closed during lockdown , except those housed within Sainsbury 's supermarkets .
You can also get your Argos website orders sent to a Sainsbury 's branch near you for collection .
Shop at the Argos website here Dunelm stores are currently closed in the lockdown .
However , the home furnishings retailer is offering free delivery to customers throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning of longer delivery times due to demand .
Find out more by visiting the Dunelm website here

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The Early May Bank Holiday provides an extended weekend that often sees people tackling work that needs doing in their homes and gardens.
Lockdown means things are bit more limited but many stores are now starting to reopen with strict social distancing in place.
This includes DIY stores which have opened their doors to allow people to purchase products needed for essential repairs and maintenance.
This year, the May Day (or Early May) Bank Holiday has been moved to Friday, May 8, to coincide with VE Day commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.
So which stores are open and what times? Here's a round-up to help you decide where to go.
(Image: PA)
B&Q
B&Q has now reopened all of its stores across the UK with the exception of those in the Republic of Ireland and in Guernsey.
But there are strict rules in place on the number of people who can shop together and even a minimum age.
Most stores are generally open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, while opening times on Sundays vary.
Here are the May Bank Holiday opening times of these stores in the Midlands:
Erdington B35 7RD, Halesowen B62 8EP, Solihull Retail Park B90 4RB, Wednesbury WS10 9QY, Springvale Business Park, Wolverhampton WV14 0QL, Cardinal Point Retail Park, Tamworth, B78 3HL
All the above stores have the following opening hours this weekend:
Fri May 8 - 8am-6pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-6pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Find your nearest store here
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Argos
Argos stores remain closed during lockdown, except those housed within Sainsbury's supermarkets.
You can also get your Argos website orders sent to a Sainsbury's branch near you for collection.
Shop at the Argos website here
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Wilko
One Stop Shopping Centre, Walsall Road, Perry Barr, B42 1AA; Selly Oak Shopping Park, Birmingham, B29 6SN;
Fri May 8 - 9am-5pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-5pm
Sun May 10 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Fort Shopping Park, Birmingham, B24 9FP
Fri May 8 - 9am-5pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-5pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7LG
Fri May 8 - 9am-5pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-5pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6BH; Grosvenor Centre, Northfield, B31 2JU; Oldbury Road, Rowley Regis, B65 0N; Chelmsley Wood Shopping CentreSolihull, B37 5UH
Fri May 8 - 8am-5pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-5pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Red Rose Centre, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1XX
Fri May 8 - 8.30am-5pm
Sat May 9 - 8.30am-5pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Find your nearest Wilko store here
Wickes
Tameside Business Park, Perry Barr, B42 2ET; Holyhead Road, Handsworth, B21 0LL; Ash Tree Road, Stirchley, B30 2BJ; Walmley Ash Road, Minworth, Sutton Coldfield, B76 1FG; Prospect Road, Halesowen, B62 8DU; Oak Park, Dudley Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 1HR
Fri May 8 - 7am-4pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-4pm
Sun May 10 - Closed
Stratford Road, Hall Green, B28 8BX; Tame Valley Industrial Estate, Tamworth, B77 5BY; Hollies Park Road, Cannock, WS11 1DB
Fri May 8 - 7.30am-4pm
Sat May 9 - 7.30am-4pm
Sun May 10 - Closed
Find your nearest Wickes store here
The Range
Ravenside Retail Park, Erdington, B24 9QB; Holyhead Road, West Bromwich, B21 0AP; Longacres Industrial Estate, Willenhall, WV13 2JX; Austin Drive, Coventry, CV6 7NS; Redditch Ringway, Redditch, B98 8DU; West Street, Wolverhampton, WV10 6HT
Fri May 8 - 9am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Merry Hill Centre, Brierley Hill, DY5 1SY
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
Tame Valley Industrial Estate, Tamworth, B77 5DQ; Walsall Road, Cannock, WS11 0JJ
Fri May 8 - 9am-6pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-6pm
Sun May 10 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Crossley Retail Park, Kidderminster, DY11 6DY
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Find your nearest Range store here
Homebase
High Street, Kings Heath, B14 7SN
Fri May 8 - 9am-6pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-6pm
Sun May 10 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5BA
Fri May 8 - 10am-6pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-6pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Harborne Lane, Selly Oak, B29 6TL; St Johns Retail Park,
Wolverhampton, WV2 4SJ
Fri May 8 - 9am-6pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-6pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Find your nearest Homebase store here
Dunelm
Dunelm stores are currently closed in the lockdown.
However, you can still shop online and the home furnishings retailer is offering free delivery to customers.
But it is warning of longer delivery times due to demand.
Find out more by visiting the Dunelm website here


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Man charged after weapon found hidden in sports bag on grassland

A man has appeared in court after a gun was discovered hidden in a sports bag on grassland in Erdington .
Abdul Ali , aged 23 and from Goosemoor Lane , Erdington , was charged in connection with possession of a firearm .
He appeared at Birmingham Magistrates ' Court today , Wednesday , May 6 , and was remanded in custody until a later date .
Officers acting on a tip-off discovered the weapon hidden in a sports bag as they searched Kirkwood Avenue last November .
West Midlands Police issued a warning to those involved in firearms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unturned in our determination to take guns off the streets and trace anyone linked to firearms . '
In an unconnected incident , a 31-year-old man was jailed for two years after he fired an imitation gun five times outside a takeaway in Birmingham during lockdown .
Members of the public feared it was a real gun after Akeel Mughal took a taxi to Stratford Road , Sparkhill , before discharging the imitation handgun in a terrifying incident .
Mughal , who was on licence after being previously jailed for another firearms incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why he had done it other than 'being drunk ' , Birmingham Crown Court heard .
Mughal , 31 , of Fosbrooke Road , Small Heath , who pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent , was jailed for two years .

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A man has appeared in court after a gun was discovered hidden in a sports bag on grassland in Erdington.
Abdul Ali, aged 23 and from Goosemoor Lane, Erdington, was charged in connection with possession of a firearm.
He appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court today, Wednesday, May 6, and was remanded in custody until a later date.
Officers acting on a tip-off discovered the weapon hidden in a sports bag as they searched Kirkwood Avenue last November.
West Midlands Police issued a warning to those involved in firearms, saying: 'We will leave no stone unturned in our determination to take guns off the streets and trace anyone linked to firearms.'
In an unconnected incident, a 31-year-old man was jailed for two years after he fired an imitation gun five times outside a takeaway in Birmingham during lockdown.
Members of the public feared it was a real gun after Akeel Mughal took a taxi to Stratford Road, Sparkhill, before discharging the imitation handgun in a terrifying incident.
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Mughal, who was on licence after being previously jailed for another firearms incident, could give no explanation as to why he had done it other than 'being drunk', Birmingham Crown Court heard.
Mughal, 31, of Fosbrooke Road, Small Heath, who pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent, was jailed for two years.
Read more here.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Jack Grealish sends 'lovely message' to twin after losing her brother

Aston Villa stars have come together via video to send a 'lovely message ' to a Birmingham twin celebrating her 21st birthday just months after losing her brother .
When Chloe Rigby , from Great Barr , turned 21 on Monday May 4 , she would have expected to spend the day with her twin brother Tom .
But , tragically , Tom died from an Sudep ( Sudden Unexpected Death in Eliepsy ) just before Christmas 2019 .
Their older brothers Michael and Stephen decided they wanted to try to make Chloe 's first birthday without her twin as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unable to go out due to the lockdown , so they asked footballers and grime stars if they could send video messages to their sister .
Villa midfielders Jack Grealish and Henri Lansbury were happy to get involved , as was Villa legend Paul McGrath .
Birmingham grime artists Bowzer and Vader also sent messages wishing Tom ' a heavenly 21st . '
Grealish said : `` I just want to send you a quick video message to wish you a happy 21st birthday .
I hope you have a wonderful 21st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be tough staying indoors and stuff but try to enjoy it as much as you possibly can .
`` I know you have been going through a tough time of it of late so just want to say we are all here for you , we 're all rooting for you and I 'm sure you will come out the other side much stronger and much healthier .
Lots of love . ''
Chloe 's brother Michael , 26 , edited the videos together and posted it on Facebook to mark her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and told her to look on Facebook and Mum said she started crying , '' said Michael , who is isolating in Castle Bromwich with his pregnant girlfriend .
`` It 's a lovely message .
`` May 4 was such a difficult day for us all .
Tom had autism and he looked up to me as a role model .
He liked grime music because I do .
Chloe calls him her other half , they had a very close bond .
`` We knew he had epilepsy but he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ten years .
He used to play on his Playstation late at night so everyone just thought he was sleeping in until finding him in his bedroom on December 13 , 2019 .
The doctors said we could n't have done anything for him . ''
He added : `` He always used to take the limelight because of his autism so it was really hard for Chloe to celebrate her first birthday without him , especially as it was her 21st . ''
Michael , who works in asbestos removal , tied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a convoy of 15 cars , all decorated with balloons and beeping their horns , past his sister 's home on the morning of her birthday .
`` My friend behind me was playing the Happy Birthday music and everyone was beeping their horns , '' he said , `` Mum said to Chloe 'you 'd better come outside !
`` She was shocked because she had no idea it was happening .
She could n't believe 15 cars were coming up the road with balloons beeping their horns . ''
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the street waving , some were clapping too .
It was lovely .
I got someone to film it then I added it to the start of the video .
I spent all day editing it because I wanted it to be special for her .
`` That evening , I went round to Mum 's with a mask and gloves on and we set off fireworks and tied messages to the balloons and let them off into the sky .
`` Chloe wrote quite a lot on her message .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would be in this position , hope you 're looking down on me . ''

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Aston Villa stars have come together via video to send a 'lovely message' to a Birmingham twin celebrating her 21st birthday just months after losing her brother.
When Chloe Rigby, from Great Barr, turned 21 on Monday May 4, she would have expected to spend the day with her twin brother Tom.
But, tragically, Tom died from an Sudep (Sudden Unexpected Death in Eliepsy) just before Christmas 2019.
Their older brothers Michael and Stephen decided they wanted to try to make Chloe's first birthday without her twin as special as possible, particularly as she was unable to go out due to the lockdown, so they asked footballers and grime stars if they could send video messages to their sister.
Villa midfielders Jack Grealish and Henri Lansbury were happy to get involved, as was Villa legend Paul McGrath. Birmingham grime artists Bowzer and Vader also sent messages wishing Tom 'a heavenly 21st.'
Grealish said: "I just want to send you a quick video message to wish you a happy 21st birthday. I hope you have a wonderful 21st birthday. I know it's going to be tough staying indoors and stuff but try to enjoy it as much as you possibly can.
"I know you have been going through a tough time of it of late so just want to say we are all here for you, we're all rooting for you and I'm sure you will come out the other side much stronger and much healthier. Lots of love."
Chloe's brother Michael, 26, edited the videos together and posted it on Facebook to mark her special day.
"I called Chloe and told her to look on Facebook and Mum said she started crying," said Michael, who is isolating in Castle Bromwich with his pregnant girlfriend. "It's a lovely message.
(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
"May 4 was such a difficult day for us all. Tom had autism and he looked up to me as a role model. He liked grime music because I do. Chloe calls him her other half, they had a very close bond.
"We knew he had epilepsy but he hadn't had a fit in more than ten years. He used to play on his Playstation late at night so everyone just thought he was sleeping in until finding him in his bedroom on December 13, 2019. The doctors said we couldn't have done anything for him."
He added: "He always used to take the limelight because of his autism so it was really hard for Chloe to celebrate her first birthday without him, especially as it was her 21st."
Michael, who works in asbestos removal, tied helium balloons to his van and led a convoy of 15 cars, all decorated with balloons and beeping their horns, past his sister's home on the morning of her birthday.
"My friend behind me was playing the Happy Birthday music and everyone was beeping their horns," he said, "Mum said to Chloe 'you'd better come outside!
"She was shocked because she had no idea it was happening. She couldn't believe 15 cars were coming up the road with balloons beeping their horns."
He added: "All the neighbours were out in the street waving, some were clapping too. It was lovely. I got someone to film it then I added it to the start of the video. I spent all day editing it because I wanted it to be special for her.
"That evening, I went round to Mum's with a mask and gloves on and we set off fireworks and tied messages to the balloons and let them off into the sky.
"Chloe wrote quite a lot on her message. I wrote 'Miss you Tom, never thought I would be in this position, hope you're looking down on me."


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Aston Villa pundit wades into West Brom and Leeds United debate

Stephen Warnock insists relegation from the Premier League must not be suspended – even if it means his former club Aston Villa goes down .
The defender turned pundit , who also played for Liverpool and Leeds claims promotion and relegation are crucial to the integrity of the leagues .
He told the of Football Ramble Daily podcast demotion should not be taken off the table , as it could also deny clubs the opportunity for promotion – something Leeds and West Brom are so close to securing .
“ I don ’ t actually agree with that with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being honest , ” the 38-year-old told hosts Andy Brassell and Jules Breach .
“ Because if you look at the teams in the Championship , and you ’ re thinking of Leeds , West Brom , Fulham , the teams in and around the play-off places .
The financial gains for them to go up are incredible .
“ These teams have worked so tirelessly , so hard throughout not just this season now , it ’ s work that ’ s been going on for a number of seasons , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You think about how they ’ ve gone about their business over the last couple of years trying to get out of the Championship .
“ And for someone to turn round and just say , ‘ Thanks for all your efforts this year , but it ’ s not been quite good enough… we ’ ll give you compensation of x amount of money , but you ’ ve got to try and get out of that league again ’ .
“ It ’ s not as simple as that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to the size of the club and the manager who ’ s in charge .
“ The Championship is a ferocious league and it ’ s very difficult to get out of , as Leeds have found out since they ’ ve been in there .
So when you ’ re talking about the integrity and the honesty of the leagues , we need relegation and we need promotion as well .
“ We have to finish this season .
If we null and void it , it will never have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ‘ that was the wrong decision , we should have waited , why did we have to do things so quick ’ .
“ I think that ’ s what it all comes down to again – why are we in such a rush to get this sorted ?
“ If I was a Leeds player , I ’ d be furious , because they , as well as West Brom and Fulham , have all worked so , so hard and you want to pick a trophy up at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promoted .
“ You want that final day feeling of getting promoted , that sensation .
That could be taken away from them .
There ’ s so many things that could potentially happen in football that we just don ’ t know.
” As part of Football Ramble Daily ’ s format of six shows a week , ‘ Jules & Andy ’ airs every Tuesday .
More can he found here .

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Stephen Warnock insists relegation from the Premier League must not be suspended – even if it means his former club Aston Villa goes down.
The defender turned pundit, who also played for Liverpool and Leeds claims promotion and relegation are crucial to the integrity of the leagues.
He told the of Football Ramble Daily podcast demotion should not be taken off the table, as it could also deny clubs the opportunity for promotion – something Leeds and West Brom are so close to securing.
“I don’t actually agree with that with the no relegation, if I’m being honest,” the 38-year-old told hosts Andy Brassell and Jules Breach.
“Because if you look at the teams in the Championship, and you’re thinking of Leeds, West Brom, Fulham, the teams in and around the play-off places. The financial gains for them to go up are incredible.
“These teams have worked so tirelessly, so hard throughout not just this season now, it’s work that’s been going on for a number of seasons, especially when you’re looking at Leeds.
“You think about how they’ve gone about their business over the last couple of years trying to get out of the Championship.
“And for someone to turn round and just say, ‘Thanks for all your efforts this year, but it’s not been quite good enough… we’ll give you compensation of x amount of money, but you’ve got to try and get out of that league again’.
“ It’s not as simple as that, it doesn’t just come down to the size of the club and the manager who’s in charge.
“The Championship is a ferocious league and it’s very difficult to get out of, as Leeds have found out since they’ve been in there. So when you’re talking about the integrity and the honesty of the leagues, we need relegation and we need promotion as well.
“We have to finish this season. If we null and void it, it will never have been the correct way, it will always be ‘that was the wrong decision, we should have waited, why did we have to do things so quick’.
“I think that’s what it all comes down to again – why are we in such a rush to get this sorted?
“If I was a Leeds player, I’d be furious, because they, as well as West Brom and Fulham, have all worked so, so hard and you want to pick a trophy up at the end of it or you want to be promoted.
“You want that final day feeling of getting promoted, that sensation. That could be taken away from them. There’s so many things that could potentially happen in football that we just don’t know.”
As part of Football Ramble Daily’s format of six shows a week, ‘Jules & Andy’ airs every Tuesday. More can he found here.


birminghammail--2020-05-07--The best virtual events to enjoy this May Bank Holiday weekend

This year 's May Day Bank Holiday has been switched to Friday to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day - celebrating the end of the Second World War .
And there 's lots going on to keep the family entertained .
As well as a bumper list of VE Day coverage , enjoy movies , food and drink , gaming and fantastic music .
There will be a series of events marking the end of World War Two on the continent .
One Friday highlight is at 9pm when The Queen will commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation .
The Monarch 's pre-recorded address will be broadcast on the BBC at the exact moment her father , King George VI , gave a radio address 75 years ago .
The government is also encouraging people to watch the events on the BBC and to hold 1940s-style afternoon tea parties within their households .
At 8pm , Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins , actor Adrian Lester and singer Beverley Knight will be performing some well-known songs from the 1930s and 40s .
The programme will culminate in the nation being invited to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classic We 'll Meet Again .
The song is synonymous with World War Two and extra poignant in these lockdown times .
Fromage fans rejoice !
A three-day festival celebrating all things cheese is coming this weekend .
There will be tours , tastings and a fondue cook-along !
The virtual British Cheese Weekender , has been organised by the Academy of Cheese and Specialist Cheesemakers Association , takes place on May Bank Holiday weekend .
Events also include a wine and cheese matching class and a tasting session especially for kids - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class live on Instagram .
For more details go to the festival website .
Join valiant adventurers Sue Perkins , Ed Gamble , Nish Kumar and Sara Pascoe as they join Dungeon Master Paul Foxcroft on a quest like no other .
The Comic Relief stars are playing Dungeons & Dragons live , guided by Dungeon Master and host of Questing Time , Paul Foxcroft .
Be sure to vote in the polls to determine the narrative of their quest .
All money raised will go towards charities in the UK and around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to the devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic .
Stay Live Connect has organised a Global Coronavirus Relief Fundraiser which will see stars from sport and music team up for a charity fundraiser livestream event .
The Global Livestream Event kicks off at 6pm UK time with FIFA20 Egaming tournaments .
Then from 9pm-5am , there will be sets from renowned DJs from around the world .
Organisers are expecting 120 million viewers across all social media platforms thanks to the `` world known artists , athletes and musicians , taking part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Cole , Chad Johnson , Glenn Hoddle , Shaun Wright-Philips , Jayzinho , Fernando Fiore , Matias Pelegrini , ZwebackHD , Joleon Lescott , Tubes .
Celebrity DJs include Mashd N Kutcher from Australia , Guz Zanotto from Brazil , Mr. Pauer from the US , JudgE Jules , DJ Luck & MC Neat , Fat Tony , The Lallas from the UK .
9pm-5am Music : DJs from Around the World .
For more details go here .
A virtual music festival weekender with artists performing live streamed sets from their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The line-up includes APRE , Born Ruffians , Circa Waves , Drug Store Romeos , Flawes , HANYA , Honey Lung , Lauran Hibberd , Phoebe Green , Pizzagirl , The Xcerts and Tim Burgess .
There 'll also be singalong indie hits from We Are Scientists and Ash .
More names to be announced .
Running from Friday to Sunday , you 'll be able to watch all the action on a dedicated , specially built website , homeschoolfest.com , with various extra 'stuff ' happening across the weekend on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being hosted by Dork magazine .
Get more info here .
Film studio Lionsgate has launched a series of Saturday cinema nights to bring the nation together during lockdown .
This Saturday , Lionsgate Live !
A Night at The Movies will stream Eddie the Eagle - the hit 2016 movie starring Taron Egerton as Michael Edwards , a British skier who in 1988 became the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping since 1928 .
Viewers will be encouraged to donate to an NHS fundraising appeal .

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This year's May Day Bank Holiday has been switched to Friday to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day - celebrating the end of the Second World War.
And there's lots going on to keep the family entertained. As well as a bumper list of VE Day coverage, enjoy movies, food and drink, gaming and fantastic music.
Have a great weekend!
The VE Day 75th anniversary celebrations
Friday, 11am onwards
There will be a series of events marking the end of World War Two on the continent.
One Friday highlight is at 9pm when The Queen will commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day with a televised address to the nation.
The Monarch's pre-recorded address will be broadcast on the BBC at the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address 75 years ago.
The government is also encouraging people to watch the events on the BBC and to hold 1940s-style afternoon tea parties within their households.
At 8pm, Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins, actor Adrian Lester and singer Beverley Knight will be performing some well-known songs from the 1930s and 40s.
The programme will culminate in the nation being invited to sing along to a rendition of wartime classic We'll Meet Again. The song is synonymous with World War Two and extra poignant in these lockdown times.
Watch on BBC iPlayer here.
The British Cheese Weekender Festival
Friday to Sunday
Fromage fans rejoice! A three-day festival celebrating all things cheese is coming this weekend. There will be tours, tastings and a fondue cook-along!
The virtual British Cheese Weekender, has been organised by the Academy of Cheese and Specialist Cheesemakers Association, takes place on May Bank Holiday weekend.
Events also include a wine and cheese matching class and a tasting session especially for kids - with a soft drinks and cheese pairing class live on Instagram.
For more details go to the festival website.
Comic Relief Dungeons and Dragons gaming event
Friday, 7pm
Join valiant adventurers Sue Perkins, Ed Gamble, Nish Kumar and Sara Pascoe as they join Dungeon Master Paul Foxcroft on a quest like no other.
The Comic Relief stars are playing Dungeons & Dragons live, guided by Dungeon Master and host of Questing Time, Paul Foxcroft. Be sure to vote in the polls to determine the narrative of their quest.
All money raised will go towards charities in the UK and around the world that urgently need support to respond to the devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tune in here.
Stay Live Connect - 11 Hour Global Livestream Event
Friday, 6pm onwards
Stay Live Connect has organised a Global Coronavirus Relief Fundraiser which will see stars from sport and music team up for a charity fundraiser livestream event. The Global Livestream Event kicks off at 6pm UK time with FIFA20 Egaming tournaments.
Then from 9pm-5am, there will be sets from renowned DJs from around the world .
Organisers are expecting 120 million viewers across all social media platforms thanks to the "world known artists, athletes and musicians, taking part".
Names include Romero Britto, Joe Cole, Chad Johnson, Glenn Hoddle, Shaun Wright-Philips, Jayzinho, Fernando Fiore, Matias Pelegrini, ZwebackHD, Joleon Lescott, Tubes. Celebrity DJs include Mashd N Kutcher from Australia, Guz Zanotto from Brazil, Mr. Pauer from the US, JudgE Jules, DJ Luck & MC Neat, Fat Tony, The Lallas from the UK.
6pm-9pm Gaming: FIFA20 Egaming Tournaments.
9pm-5am Music: DJs from Around the World.
For more details go here.
Homeschool Music Festival
Friday to Sunday
A virtual music festival weekender with artists performing live streamed sets from their homes to raise money for NHS charities. The line-up includes APRE, Born Ruffians, Circa Waves, Drug Store Romeos, Flawes, HANYA, Honey Lung, Lauran Hibberd, Phoebe Green, Pizzagirl, The Xcerts and Tim Burgess.
There'll also be singalong indie hits from We Are Scientists and Ash. More names to be announced.
Running from Friday to Sunday, you'll be able to watch all the action on a dedicated, specially built website, homeschoolfest.com, with various extra 'stuff' happening across the weekend on social media and beyond.
The event is being hosted by Dork magazine.
Get more info here.
Lionsgate Live! A Night at the Movies
Saturday, 6pm
Film studio Lionsgate has launched a series of Saturday cinema nights to bring the nation together during lockdown.
This Saturday, Lionsgate Live! A Night at The Movies will stream Eddie the Eagle - the hit 2016 movie starring Taron Egerton as Michael Edwards, a British skier who in 1988 became the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping since 1928.
Viewers will be encouraged to donate to an NHS fundraising appeal.
Watch here.


birminghammail--2020-05-07--Watch as Brummies queue outside tips - for HOURS before they even open

There were huge queues forming at tips across Birmingham as they reopened following weeks of Government lockdown .
Birmingham City Council has taken the decision to reopen the majority of its recycling centres following closures across the city on March 24 .
Four of the five sites are open from today ( Thursday ) .
The tips did n't open until 11am but huge queues were forming as early as 8.30am as motorists were eager to get rid of weeks of unwanted rubbish .
Massive queues were forming outside the Lifford Lane tip in Kings Norton and there was queueing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sutton Coldfield .
All of the sites are operated by Veolia which released a statement today saying the tips had been opened for essential use only .
A statement from Veolia said : `` To ensure the safety of the public and our staff , we are opening for essential use only .
This is for residents who have a problem with storing too much waste or have oils or other hazardous waste at home .
`` Please think carefully before you decide to visit the site .
Non-essential use puts yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our staff at risk from spreading the infection .
`` Anyone in self-isolation or with COVID-19 symptoms must NOT visit under any circumstances .
`` The number of vehicles on-site will be restricted and cars should be driver-only where possible .
`` Extra guidelines in place will cause delays and we ask you to be patient .
Our staff are working hard in difficult circumstances to keep this site operating .
Please treat our staff with respect at all times .
`` We take our responsibility to your health and safety and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will be cleaning handrails regularly and closing the site at certain times to allow for thorough cleaning .
Our operatives are following Government and industry guidance on personal hygiene . ''
Vans and trailers will not be permitted at any site and only one person should be in each vehicle going to any of the tips .
As usual , those going to the sites need to produce ID to prove they live in the city , which they will be asked to show against closed car windows .
Social distancing will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which means staff will not be able to assist the public with their waste disposal .
As proof of ID , the following will be accepted : • If you do not have Photo ID then a valid paper driving licence with your current Birmingham address will be accepted The council says opening hours will be limited until further notice to : The following household recycling centres have to the public .
The council says the other site , at Tameside Drive , Castle Bromwich , B35 7AG , will remain closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the entrance .

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There were huge queues forming at tips across Birmingham as they reopened following weeks of Government lockdown.
Birmingham City Council has taken the decision to reopen the majority of its recycling centres following closures across the city on March 24.
Four of the five sites are open from today (Thursday). The tips didn't open until 11am but huge queues were forming as early as 8.30am as motorists were eager to get rid of weeks of unwanted rubbish.
Massive queues were forming outside the Lifford Lane tip in Kings Norton and there was queueing vehicles on the Norris Way recycling centre in Sutton Coldfield.
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All of the sites are operated by Veolia which released a statement today saying the tips had been opened for essential use only.
A statement from Veolia said: "To ensure the safety of the public and our staff, we are opening for essential use only. This is for residents who have a problem with storing too much waste or have oils or other hazardous waste at home.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
"Please think carefully before you decide to visit the site. Non-essential use puts yourself, other members of the public and our staff at risk from spreading the infection.
"Anyone in self-isolation or with COVID-19 symptoms must NOT visit under any circumstances.
"The number of vehicles on-site will be restricted and cars should be driver-only where possible.
"Extra guidelines in place will cause delays and we ask you to be patient. Our staff are working hard in difficult circumstances to keep this site operating. Please treat our staff with respect at all times.
"We take our responsibility to your health and safety and that of our staff very seriously.
"We will be cleaning handrails regularly and closing the site at certain times to allow for thorough cleaning. Our operatives are following Government and industry guidance on personal hygiene."
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Vans and trailers will not be permitted at any site and only one person should be in each vehicle going to any of the tips.
As usual, those going to the sites need to produce ID to prove they live in the city, which they will be asked to show against closed car windows.
Social distancing will be maintained on sites at all times, which means staff will not be able to assist the public with their waste disposal.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
As proof of ID, the following will be accepted:
Photo ID and council tax bill
Photo ID and a utility bill
Photo travelcard and council tax or utility bill
Student ID identifying you as a Birmingham student
If you do not have Photo ID then a valid paper driving licence with your current Birmingham address will be accepted
The sites opened at 11am today.
The council says opening hours will be limited until further notice to:
Monday to Friday: 11am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 2.30pm
The following household recycling centres have to the public.
Lifford Lane, Kings Norton, B30 3JJ
Holford Drive, Perry Barr, B42 2TU
Norris Way, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7BB
James Road, Tyseley, B11 2BA
The council says the other site, at Tameside Drive, Castle Bromwich, B35 7AG, will remain closed until further notice due to roadworks outside the entrance.


birminghammail--2020-05-07--Stacey Solomon addresses Joe Swash split fears

Stacey Solomon has hit back at suggestions she had split from boyfriend Joe Swash after she worried fans by saying she had `` lots going on at home '' .
The Loose Women panelist and mum-of-three said her ealier message was not a `` code for divorce '' - even though the pair are not married .
The 30-year-old said on Tuesday she was taking the day away from social media for `` personal reasons '' in a post alongside a picture showing her three kids but not Swash , 38 , the Mirror reported .
It followed an earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told fans she had `` lots going on at home '' .
Addressing the concerns , she returned to Instagram with a picture of the couple 's intertwined hands and wrote : `` 'Personal reasons ' is n't code for divorce ( we are n't married but you know what I mean ) it just means some things are happening in our lives personally at the moment .
`` And some things are n't mine to share .
`` We love you all & hope you 're all OK .
These are really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's not easy for anyone . ''
She laughed , adding : `` P.S me and Joe laughed so much trying to take this picture because our hands are so awkward .
`` He wanted me to hide his nails too which was impossible . ''
Stacey is regularly praised for her open approach to social media .
But she 's had to deal with trolls too .
She recently hit back at a nasty troll who called her `` ugly '' .
Stacey shared a screenshot of a reply to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Your so ugly '' .
The same person also branded her a `` mad freak '' .
Stacey hit back : `` Whenever I hear the word ugly it always reminds me of this song ... '' She burst into a rendition of Ugly by the Sugababes , ading : `` But the sugar babes got it right all those years ago ...
Ugly is a characteristic not a look .
Never let anyone make you feel anything less than what you are .
BEAUTIFUL . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Vicki Newman, James Cartledge)

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Stacey Solomon has hit back at suggestions she had split from boyfriend Joe Swash after she worried fans by saying she had "lots going on at home".
The Loose Women panelist and mum-of-three said her ealier message was not a "code for divorce" - even though the pair are not married.
The 30-year-old said on Tuesday she was taking the day away from social media for "personal reasons" in a post alongside a picture showing her three kids but not Swash, 38, the Mirror reported.
It followed an earlier post on Monday, in which she told fans she had "lots going on at home".
(Image: ITV)
Addressing the concerns, she returned to Instagram with a picture of the couple's intertwined hands and wrote: "'Personal reasons' isn't code for divorce (we aren't married but you know what I mean) it just means some things are happening in our lives personally at the moment.
"And some things aren't mine to share.
"We love you all & hope you're all OK. These are really strange, scary and emotional times and it's not easy for anyone."
(Image: ITV)
She laughed, adding: "P.S me and Joe laughed so much trying to take this picture because our hands are so awkward.
"He wanted me to hide his nails too which was impossible."
Stacey is regularly praised for her open approach to social media.
But she's had to deal with trolls too.
She recently hit back at a nasty troll who called her "ugly".
Stacey shared a screenshot of a reply to one of her Instagram stories that said "Your so ugly".
The same person also branded her a "mad freak".
Stacey hit back: "Whenever I hear the word ugly it always reminds me of this song..."
She burst into a rendition of Ugly by the Sugababes, ading: "But the sugar babes got it right all those years ago... Ugly is a characteristic not a look. Never let anyone make you feel anything less than what you are. BEAUTIFUL."


birminghammail--2020-05-07--Aldi launches Ultimate Burger at a bargain price - and it sounds amazing

Looking to treat yourself during the coronavirus crisis ?
Sometimes all those carefully prepared frozen meals many of us are making during lockdown just do n't do the trick .
And with McDonald 's starting to reopen - none of them in the Midlands so far - your thoughts might be turning to tucking into some fast food .
Bring on the burgers !
Aldi has come to the rescue with a tasty-looking treat you can put together yourself at home .
The budget supermarket says it has launched its best burger ever – the brand-new Specially Selected Ultimate Burger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British beef expertly blended with bone marrow for a superior flavour '' , the meaty feast is priced at £2,69 for a two-pack .
Aldi said : `` This perfectly seasoned burger promises a full , rich taste sensation in every bite .
`` For best results , grill on the barbecue or fry on the stove until sizzling and juicy . ''
The supermarket suggests putting the burger between a Specially Selected Sesame Seeded Brioche Burger Bun ( 89p , pack of 4 ) layered with shredded romaine lettuce and sliced beef @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you could add Specially Selected Streaky Bacon and lashings of Aldi 's Chunky Burger Sauce ( 75p , 250ml ) for a show-stopping creation .
The burger is available in Aldi stores now .

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Looking to treat yourself during the coronavirus crisis?
Sometimes all those carefully prepared frozen meals many of us are making during lockdown just don't do the trick.
And with McDonald's starting to reopen - none of them in the Midlands so far - your thoughts might be turning to tucking into some fast food. Bring on the burgers!
(Image: Aldi)
Aldi has come to the rescue with a tasty-looking treat you can put together yourself at home.
The budget supermarket says it has launched its best burger ever – the brand-new Specially Selected Ultimate Burger.
Made using "prime cuts of British beef expertly blended with bone marrow for a superior flavour", the meaty feast is priced at £2,69 for a two-pack.
(Image: Aldi)
Aldi said: "This perfectly seasoned burger promises a full, rich taste sensation in every bite.
"For best results, grill on the barbecue or fry on the stove until sizzling and juicy."
The supermarket suggests putting the burger between a Specially Selected Sesame Seeded Brioche Burger Bun (89p, pack of 4) layered with shredded romaine lettuce and sliced beef tomatoes.
And to be really indulgent, you could add Specially Selected Streaky Bacon and lashings of Aldi's Chunky Burger Sauce (75p, 250ml) for a show-stopping creation.
The burger is available in Aldi stores now.


birminghammail--2020-05-07--Call to turn doomed Debenhams Bullring branch into a cinema

Birmingham 's doomed Debenhams store - one of the city 's most recognisable shops - should be turned into a cinema .
That was the view of a BirminghamLive reader as news broke that the chain 's giant Bullring branch would not reopen after lockdown amid a rent wrangle with the mall 's owner .
The closure leaves a gaping hole at one end of the shopping centre , with the other end dominated by the huge Selfridges store .
But , responding to the closure on BirminghamLive 's Facebook page , one reader said Bullring bosses should seize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chain to fill the void .
And another suggested at least some workers had not been told of the closure before it was made public , with our report the first indication she had received that her husband had lost his job Conor Delaney wrote : `` Perfect time to turn it into a cinema , something the centre should have always had . ''
And Lisa AkaBessant Sheldon said : `` Just want to say thanks , this is how my husband has found out he has no job . ''
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Too expensive for low-wage people and too cheap for mega wages , loved the shop years ago when catered for us all so surprised its lasted the last ten years . ''
Carl Cook said : `` Debenham 's problem was they had sales too often , nobody going to pay full price when you knew there would be another Blue Cross Sale along in a minute . ''
Karen Watts said : `` I ’ m not surprised !
Poor customer service , run down store , the lifts never work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s only used as a cut through , to get to the other stores .
People want an experience , when they shop , Debenhams haven ’ t offered a positive experience for years ! ''

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Birmingham's doomed Debenhams store - one of the city's most recognisable shops - should be turned into a cinema.
That was the view of a BirminghamLive reader as news broke that the chain's giant Bullring branch would not reopen after lockdown amid a rent wrangle with the mall's owner.
The closure leaves a gaping hole at one end of the shopping centre, with the other end dominated by the huge Selfridges store.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
But, responding to the closure on BirminghamLive's Facebook page, one reader said Bullring bosses should seize the initiative and try to lure a cinema chain to fill the void.
And another suggested at least some workers had not been told of the closure before it was made public, with our report the first indication she had received that her husband had lost his job
Conor Delaney wrote: "Perfect time to turn it into a cinema, something the centre should have always had."
And Lisa AkaBessant Sheldon said: "Just want to say thanks, this is how my husband has found out he has no job."
In other reactions, Georgina Wharton said: "Too expensive for low-wage people and too cheap for mega wages, loved the shop years ago when catered for us all so surprised its lasted the last ten years."
Carl Cook said: "Debenham's problem was they had sales too often, nobody going to pay full price when you knew there would be another Blue Cross Sale along in a minute."
Karen Watts said: "I’m not surprised! Poor customer service, run down store, the lifts never work, the toilets are always closed.
It’s only used as a cut through, to get to the other stores. People want an experience, when they shop, Debenhams haven’t offered a positive experience for years!"


birminghammail--2020-05-07--Moseley pizza shop bids to open till 2am, but residents not happy

A Moseley pizza shop is facing a battle from residents after bidding to open to 2am at weekends .
Mars Pizza , on Alcester Road in Moseley , is also applying to extend its operating hours until 1am on weekdays .
But the licencing bid has been met by objections by local residents - with some accusing the business of contributing to litter in the area .
But the shop , which serves takeaway pizzas and other hot food , has denied the claims - insisting that their bins are locked up every night and that the fault lies with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until 11pm .
However residents believe that , if the hours are extended further , then the local community will suffer as a result .
`` The current application would increase noise and disturbance to the many residents trying to sleep in the vicinity of 130 Alcester Road , and we therefore hope the application will be refused in order to prevent public nuisance , '' wrote one .
`` Mars Pizza ’ s bins have been overflowing for months and their waste has been strewn across the path and drive to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have attached photographic evidence that details the clear and consistent nature of this issue .
`` I have repeatedly advised Mars Pizza that they need an extra bin to cope with the mess but they have been uncooperative .
`` Mars Pizza do not currently possess the bin capacity to manage the extra waste that arises with additional operating hours and this will create a nuisance to Moseley Central . ''
Such accusations have been strongly rejected by the owners of the shop .
They state they have never had a complaint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area .
The owner of the business also insisted that the only issue they have had with refuse collection is from one missed collection - which was the fault of the council , not themselves .
`` Our shop in Moseley is not a new shop and has been a takeaway shop for more than 10 years - and we 've never had any complaints before , '' said owner Masoumeh Aghaei .
`` The other problem related to rubbish , we had just one time a missed collection of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it doesn ’ t make sense that I would make a fire in my property to burn our waste .
`` In all our time in this area we never had a conflict with anybody and I will be very happy to sit with these people and listen to them and sort out everything that they have concern about .
I have all document which can prove my honesty .
`` I recorded a video today from all the rubbish in the back road next to our shop , which shows that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The residents don ’ t mind to throw their rubbish to the ground and our bin is locked . ''
Objections have been received from The Moseley Society , the Chantry Road and Park Hill Residents Association and several local residents .
A decision on the licensing application will be made next week ( Monday , May 11 ) .

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A Moseley pizza shop is facing a battle from residents after bidding to open to 2am at weekends.
Mars Pizza, on Alcester Road in Moseley, is also applying to extend its operating hours until 1am on weekdays.
But the licencing bid has been met by objections by local residents - with some accusing the business of contributing to litter in the area.
But the shop, which serves takeaway pizzas and other hot food, has denied the claims - insisting that their bins are locked up every night and that the fault lies with local residents.
Mars Pizza currently trades until 11pm. However residents believe that, if the hours are extended further, then the local community will suffer as a result.
"The current application would increase noise and disturbance to the many residents trying to sleep in the vicinity of 130 Alcester Road, and we therefore hope the application will be refused in order to prevent public nuisance," wrote one.
"Mars Pizza’s bins have been overflowing for months and their waste has been strewn across the path and drive to my flats," adds another.
"I have attached photographic evidence that details the clear and consistent nature of this issue.
"I have repeatedly advised Mars Pizza that they need an extra bin to cope with the mess but they have been uncooperative.
"Mars Pizza do not currently possess the bin capacity to manage the extra waste that arises with additional operating hours and this will create a nuisance to Moseley Central."
Such accusations have been strongly rejected by the owners of the shop.
They state they have never had a complaint in the ten years they have operated in the area.
The owner of the business also insisted that the only issue they have had with refuse collection is from one missed collection - which was the fault of the council, not themselves.
"Our shop in Moseley is not a new shop and has been a takeaway shop for more than 10 years - and we've never had any complaints before," said owner Masoumeh Aghaei.
"The other problem related to rubbish , we had just one time a missed collection of our waste. It just happened once, and it doesn’t make sense that I would make a fire in my property to burn our waste.
"In all our time in this area we never had a conflict with anybody and I will be very happy to sit with these people and listen to them and sort out everything that they have concern about. I have all document which can prove my honesty.
"I recorded a video today from all the rubbish in the back road next to our shop, which shows that none of it is our rubbish. The residents don’t mind to throw their rubbish to the ground and our bin is locked."
Objections have been received from The Moseley Society, the Chantry Road and Park Hill Residents Association and several local residents.
A decision on the licensing application will be made next week (Monday, May 11).


birminghammail--2020-05-07--Man found dead in 'Benefits Street' named by police

A man found dead in his Birmingham home has been named by police as Amarjit Arora .
The 48-year-old was found unresponsive at the property in James Turner Street in the early hours of Sunday morning ( May 3 ) and pronounced dead at the scene .
West Midlands Police said further forensic tests are required to establish the cause of death as a post mortem examination was carried out on Wednesday ( May 6 ) but it was 'inconclusive ' .
The force arrested a 44-year-old woman , who is known to Mr Arora , on suspicion of murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more enquiries and the results of the forensic post mortem examination , officers said .
Detective Inspector Stuart Mobberley , from the Homicide Unit , said : “ This is a tragic case in which a family man has been found dead in his own home .
“ Initially Mr Arora ’ s death was not deemed suspicious and there are no clear signs of injury .
“ However , a new line of enquiry emerged suggesting his death may not have been natural causes or an accident .
We will do all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened .
“ If anyone has information they believe could assist our investigation I would urge them to contact my team as soon as possible . ''
The homicide team can be contacted via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or by calling 101 anytime .
Information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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A man found dead in his Birmingham home has been named by police as Amarjit Arora.
The 48-year-old was found unresponsive at the property in James Turner Street in the early hours of Sunday morning (May 3) and pronounced dead at the scene.
West Midlands Police said further forensic tests are required to establish the cause of death as a post mortem examination was carried out on Wednesday (May 6) but it was 'inconclusive'.
The force arrested a 44-year-old woman, who is known to Mr Arora, on suspicion of murder.
She has now been bailed pending more enquiries and the results of the forensic post mortem examination, officers said.
Detective Inspector Stuart Mobberley, from the Homicide Unit, said: “This is a tragic case in which a family man has been found dead in his own home.
“Initially Mr Arora’s death was not deemed suspicious and there are no clear signs of injury.
“However, a new line of enquiry emerged suggesting his death may not have been natural causes or an accident. We will do all we can to find out exactly what happened.
“If anyone has information they believe could assist our investigation I would urge them to contact my team as soon as possible."
The homicide team can be contacted via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or by calling 101 anytime. Information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-05-07--Aston Villa must act quickly to beat rivals to Milot Rashica

Aston Villa continue to be linked with Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica .
The 23-year-old was on Villa 's radar in the January transfer window but no club was willing to meet Bremen ’ s £33million asking price .
After a blistering start to the season Rashica 's form has dipped since the turn of the year but Villa and Liverpool reportedly hold an interest .
Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann told German media outlet Deichstube : “ It is not certain he will go in the summer .
To do this , something must be found first which suits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dreamers either .
“ We know it is quite possible that Milot will be sold .
I don ’ t think the coronavirus crisis will affect his value.
” According to Bild , Rashica has a relegation release clause of just €15million ( £13m ) in his contract that can be exercised until mid-June .
The Bundesliga is set to resume after the German government gave to go-ahead for fixtures to be played behind closed doors and while Bremen are four points from safety , nine rounds of fixtures are still to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release clause of €38m ( £33m ) but that also reportedly expires on June 15 meaning suitors will have to act quickly .
The player ’ s agent , Altin Lala , recently fuelled the transfer fire by claiming that he anticipates a move in the near future for his client .
“ Before the coronavirus crisis , we were in contact with some clubs - including those from the Bundesliga , ” he told Sport1 .
“ At the moment , everything is standing still .
I am sure that soon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there will be movement on the topic and something will definitely happen .
“ It is clear that until the end of the season Milot will concentrate entirely on staying up with Werder Bremen .
”

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Aston Villa continue to be linked with Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica.
The 23-year-old was on Villa's radar in the January transfer window but no club was willing to meet Bremen’s £33million asking price.
After a blistering start to the season Rashica's form has dipped since the turn of the year but Villa and Liverpool reportedly hold an interest.
Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann told German media outlet Deichstube: “It is not certain he will go in the summer. To do this, something must be found first which suits both sides, but we are not dreamers either.
“We know it is quite possible that Milot will be sold. I don’t think the coronavirus crisis will affect his value.”
According to Bild, Rashica has a relegation release clause of just €15million (£13m) in his contract that can be exercised until mid-June.
The Bundesliga is set to resume after the German government gave to go-ahead for fixtures to be played behind closed doors and while Bremen are four points from safety, nine rounds of fixtures are still to be played.
Rashica also has a standard release clause of €38m (£33m) but that also reportedly expires on June 15 meaning suitors will have to act quickly.
The player’s agent, Altin Lala, recently fuelled the transfer fire by claiming that he anticipates a move in the near future for his client.
“Before the coronavirus crisis, we were in contact with some clubs - including those from the Bundesliga,” he told Sport1.
“At the moment, everything is standing still. I am sure that soon, when we are back to normal, there will be movement on the topic and something will definitely happen.
“It is clear that until the end of the season Milot will concentrate entirely on staying up with Werder Bremen.”


birminghammail--2020-05-07--Police probe after man stabbed

Police probe after man stabbed

Police have launched an investigation after a man was stabbed in Kings Norton .
Officers were called to Shannon Road on Wednesday night at 6.41pm following reports a man had been knifed .
The victim was treated at the scene for a single stab wound and transported by ambulance to hospital for further treatment .
West Midlands Police said a Firearms Unit responded to the incident last night which was backed up by the West Midlands Police Dog Unit .
The Force Response took to Twitter to say two men had been arrested and a knife recovered .
West Midlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A unit attended a reported stabbing in Kings Norton tonight .
Decisive action lead to two suspects being quickly located and detained in the vicinity . ''
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman added : “ We were called to reports of a stabbing on Shannon Road in Kings Norton at 6.41pm last night .
`` One ambulance , a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene .
On arrival we discovered one patient , a man , who was treated for a single stab wound .
He was then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have contacted West Midlands Police for more information

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Police have launched an investigation after a man was stabbed in the back in Kings Norton.
Officers were called to Shannon Road last night (Wednesday) at 6.41pm following reports a man in his 50's had been knifed.
The victim was treated at the scene for a single stab wound and transported by ambulance to hospital for further treatment.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We were alerted by ambulance service colleagues to a man being discovered with a stab wound to the back in Shannon Road, Hawkesley, at 6.45pm yesterday (6 May).
"The man in his 50s was taken to hospital although his injuries were not life-threatening.
"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat or by calling 101. Quote crime reference number 20BW/105744P/20."
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman added: “ We were called to reports of a stabbing on Shannon Road in Kings Norton at 6.41pm last night.
"One ambulance, a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene. On arrival we discovered one patient, a man, who was treated for a single stab wound. He was then transported to hospital for further assessment."


birminghammail--2020-05-07--Full list of more than 70 Pret cafes reopening -  including city branch

Pret is planning to reopen another 71 cafes across the UK from Monday , May 11 - including a flagship Birmingham branch .
The high street chain has already reopened 30 stores as it moves to resume service after closing branches at the start of the coronavirus lockdown .
The latest list includes the branch on Colmore Row in Birmingham city centre .
Deliveries will be available through Deliveroo , Just Eat and UberEats , depending on each shop location , Pret said .
For those wanting to take away , shops will operate at reduced hours with customers made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card payments will be allowed , with no cash accepted .
The following cafes will re-open from Monday , May 11 : - London Eldon Street - London St Martin 's Lane - London Regent Street - London Marylebone High Street - London High Holborn , 240 - London Marble Arch - London Turnmill Street - London Canary Wharf , Cabot Place - London Hammersmith , King Street 8-10 - London Kensington Arcade - London Bishopsgate , 192 - London Aldgate - London West One - London Great Portland St , 244 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - London Cheapside , 141 - London City Road , Oliver 's Yard - London Canary Wharf , Jubilee Place - London Cavendish Square - London Canary Wharf , The Mall - London Russell Square - London Finsbury Square - London Tooley Street - London Pentonville Road - London Paternoster Square - London Aldersgate - London Islington High Street - London Berkeley Square - London Gloucester Road - London King William Street - London Lombard Street - London Wigmore Street - London Coleman Street - London Aldermanbury Square - London Bishopsgate , 201 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street , 211 - London Baker Street , 20 - London Horseferry Road - London Stratford Station - London Gracechurch Street - London Old Broad Street , 125 - London Wandsworth - London Cannon Street , The Walbrook - London St Pancras International - London Edgware Road , 26 - London Waterloo Road - London Farringdon Station - London Stratford Station , Petit Pret - London Queensway Station - London Dalston - London Liverpool Street - London Moorgate - London Brompton Road 106-108 - Birmingham , Colmore Row - Brighton , 42 East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bristol , 95 Broadmead - Bristol , Victoria Street - Cambridge , One Station Square - Croydon , George Street - Edinburgh , North Bridge - Glasgow , Bothwell Street - Glasgow , Queen Street - Leeds , Lands Lane - Manchester , Cross Street - Oxford John Radcliffe Hospital - Reading , Thames Tower - St Albans , St Peter 's Street - Tunbridge Wells

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Pret is planning to reopen another 71 cafes across the UK from Monday, May 11 - including a flagship Birmingham branch.
The high street chain has already reopened 30 stores as it moves to resume service after closing branches at the start of the coronavirus lockdown.
The latest list includes the branch on Colmore Row in Birmingham city centre.
Deliveries will be available through Deliveroo, Just Eat and UberEats, depending on each shop location, Pret said.
For those wanting to take away, shops will operate at reduced hours with customers made to queue two metres apart. Only card payments will be allowed, with no cash accepted.
The following cafes will re-open from Monday, May 11:
- London Eldon Street
- London St Martin's Lane
- London Regent Street
- London Marylebone High Street
- London High Holborn, 240
- London Marble Arch
- London Turnmill Street
- London Canary Wharf, Cabot Place
- London Hammersmith, King Street 8-10
- London Kensington Arcade
- London Bishopsgate, 192
- London Aldgate
- London West One
- London Great Portland St, 244
- London Euston Tower
- London Tothill Street
- London Cheapside, 141
- London City Road, Oliver's Yard
- London Canary Wharf, Jubilee Place
- London Cavendish Square
- London Canary Wharf, The Mall
- London Russell Square
- London Finsbury Square
- London Tooley Street
- London Pentonville Road
- London Paternoster Square
- London Aldersgate
- London Islington High Street
- London Berkeley Square
- London Gloucester Road
- London King William Street
- London Lombard Street
- London Wigmore Street
- London Coleman Street
- London Aldermanbury Square
- London Bishopsgate, 201
- London Eastcastle Street
- London Baker Street, 211
- London Baker Street, 20
- London Horseferry Road
- London Stratford Station
- London Gracechurch Street
- London Old Broad Street, 125
- London Wandsworth
- London Cannon Street, The Walbrook
- London St Pancras International
- London Edgware Road, 26
- London Waterloo Road
- London Farringdon Station
- London Stratford Station, Petit Pret
- London Queensway Station
- London Dalston
- London Liverpool Street
- London Moorgate
- London Brompton Road 106-108
- Birmingham, Colmore Row
- Brighton, 42 East Street
- Brighton, North Street
- Bristol, 95 Broadmead
- Bristol, Victoria Street
- Cambridge, One Station Square
- Croydon, George Street
- Edinburgh, North Bridge
- Glasgow, Bothwell Street
- Glasgow, Queen Street
- Leeds, Lands Lane
- Manchester, Cross Street
- Oxford John Radcliffe Hospital
- Reading, Thames Tower
- St Albans, St Peter's Street
- Tunbridge Wells


birminghammail--2020-05-07--Man in critical condition in hospital after street attack

A man has been left fighting for his life after being attacked him in a Redditch street .
Armed police swooped on the street after the incident in Winslow Close left the victim with serious head injuries on Wednesday evening .
Neighbours said four police cars pulled up in the street and “ a man on a stretcher ” was seen being put in an ambulance .
West Mercia Police confirmed on Thursday the victim remained in “ a critical condition ” in hospital with head injuries after the street attack .
The police have not confirmed whether any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or whether the attack involved any weapons .
Three men were later arrested three miles away in Other Road .
A police spokesman said : “ At around 5.40pm on Wednesday , May 6 police were called to Winslow Close to reports that a man had been attacked and suffered serious head injuries .
He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he is currently in a critical condition.
” Police also confirmed armed police were called and three men have now been arrested .
The police spokesman said : “ Firearms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 21-year-old , 32-year-old and 25-year-old , on Other Road.
” One witness said : “ We saw the two ambulances and four police cars , with the man on the stretcher from our kitchen window.
” Anyone with information should call 101 quoting Incident 528S 060520 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 .

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A man has been left fighting for his life after being attacked in a Redditch street.
Armed police swooped on the street after the incident in Winslow Close left the victim with serious head injuries on Wednesday evening. Neighbours said four police cars pulled up in the street and “a man on a stretcher” was seen being put in an ambulance.
West Mercia Police confirmed on Thursday the victim remained in “a critical condition” in hospital with head injuries after the street attack. The police have not confirmed whether any of the man’s possessions were taken or whether the attack involved any weapons. Three men were later arrested three miles away in Other Road.
A police spokesman said: “At around 5.40pm on Wednesday, May 6 police were called to Winslow Close to reports that a man had been attacked and suffered serious head injuries. He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he is currently in a critical condition.”
Police also confirmed armed police were called and three men have now been arrested.
The police spokesman said: “Firearms officers arrested three men from Redditch, a 21-year-old, 32-year-old and 25-year-old, on Other Road.”
One witness said: “We saw the two ambulances and four police cars, with the man on the stretcher from our kitchen window.”
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting Incident 528S 060520 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.


birminghammail--2020-05-07--Why Debenhams is closing giant Bullring store

Debenhams is closing its giant store in the Bullring after failing to resolve a rent wrangle with centre bosses .
The retailer said that despite `` best efforts '' it had been unable to agree terms with shopping centre owner Hammerson to reopen the huge branch , after the chain fell into administration last month .
It has been reported that the closures may result in about 1,400 job losses across five branches .
Four other stores will close in Croydon 's Centrale shopping centre , Silverburn in Glasgow , High Cross in Leicester , and Reading 's Oracle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ We can confirm that despite our best efforts , we have been unable to agree terms with Hammerson on our five stores in its shopping centres , and so they will not be reopening .
`` We continue to engage in constructive talks with our landlords and have agreed terms on the vast majority of our stores , which we look forward to reopening when government restrictions allow .
`` This is no reflection on the commitment of our colleagues in these stores and we are extremely grateful for their support . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ resulting in the loss of 422 jobs , though it said it had agreed terms with landlords to continue trading at 120 of its 142 UK stores .
The retailer entered administration on April 9 , appointing FRP Advisory to oversee the process , casting a shadow over the future of its 22,000 staff .
At the time the majority of its employees in the UK were being paid under the Government 's furlough scheme .
Hammersons did not address the closure of Debenhams in a response and instead focused on plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beauty halls .
Chief executive David Atkins said : “ This is a challenging time for all of us , so it ’ s really encouraging to see strong , innovative brands like NEXT work with us to plan for the future .
`` This is the right decision not only for consumers but for our communities more broadly , as it will create employment prospects and support local economies all over the country .
`` This is another example of how we are repurposing department store space and improving the shopping experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NEXT is a great concept and it ’ s a real vote of confidence in our flagship destinations that NEXT has chosen these locations to launch its new offer .
”

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Debenhams is closing its giant store in the Bullring after failing to resolve a rent wrangle with centre bosses.
The retailer said that despite "best efforts" it had been unable to agree terms with shopping centre owner Hammerson to reopen the huge branch, after the chain fell into administration last month.
It has been reported that the closures may result in about 1,400 job losses across five branches.
Four other stores will close in Croydon's Centrale shopping centre, Silverburn in Glasgow, High Cross in Leicester, and Reading's Oracle.
A spokesman for Debenhams said: "We can confirm that despite our best efforts, we have been unable to agree terms with Hammerson on our five stores in its shopping centres, and so they will not be reopening.
"We continue to engage in constructive talks with our landlords and have agreed terms on the vast majority of our stores, which we look forward to reopening when government restrictions allow.
"This is no reflection on the commitment of our colleagues in these stores and we are extremely grateful for their support."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Last month Debenhams closed seven outlets, resulting in the loss of 422 jobs, though it said it had agreed terms with landlords to continue trading at 120 of its 142 UK stores.
The retailer entered administration on April 9, appointing FRP Advisory to oversee the process, casting a shadow over the future of its 22,000 staff.
At the time the majority of its employees in the UK were being paid under the Government's furlough scheme.
Hammersons did not address the closure of Debenhams in a response and instead focused on plans to open Next concessions at the store's beauty halls.
Chief executive David Atkins said: “This is a challenging time for all of us, so it’s really encouraging to see strong, innovative brands like NEXT work with us to plan for the future.
"This is the right decision not only for consumers but for our communities more broadly, as it will create employment prospects and support local economies all over the country.
"This is another example of how we are repurposing department store space and improving the shopping experience for consumers. The Beauty Hall from NEXT is a great concept and it’s a real vote of confidence in our flagship destinations that NEXT has chosen these locations to launch its new offer.”