birminghammail--2020-08-31--Report: West Brom open talks with Watford striker Troy Deeney

West Brom have opened talks with Watford over a swoop for skipper Troy Deeney , according to reports .
Deeney emerged as a potential target for Slaven Bilic last week , with the Hornets willing to let the striker return to the Premier League after their relegation last term .
Tottenham have also been credited with an interest , but according to Mailsport , the Baggies are leading the chase , with the two clubs now locked in negotiations .
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Google Play Store and App Store Sporting and Technical director Luke Dowling is believed to be leading the talks , with his close relationship with bosses at Vicarage Road an advantage in their pursuit .
Dowling spent four years as Watford 's sporting director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hawthorns , with West Brom in the market for some reinforcements going forward .
Birmingham-born Deeney was spotted playing for Chelmsley Town before going to Walsall and then on to Watford where he has spent the last ten seasons and made 398 appearances .
Meanwhile , Albion are entertaining interest in striker Kenneth Zohore , BirminghamLive understands ; clubs have made approaches regarding the availability of the Dane , who arrived last summer in deal worth around £8m from Cardiff City .
He endured a meagre campaign , however , and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s unclear at this stage whether his impending exit would be on a permanent basis or on loan , though the player is understandably keen to seek regular minutes and knows they 'll be in short supply if he remains .

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West Brom have opened talks with Watford over a swoop for skipper Troy Deeney, according to reports.
Deeney emerged as a potential target for Slaven Bilic last week, with the Hornets willing to let the striker return to the Premier League after their relegation last term.
Tottenham have also been credited with an interest, but according to Mailsport, the Baggies are leading the chase, with the two clubs now locked in negotiations.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Sporting and Technical director Luke Dowling is believed to be leading the talks, with his close relationship with bosses at Vicarage Road an advantage in their pursuit.
Dowling spent four years as Watford's sporting director and is keen to bring Deeney to the Hawthorns, with West Brom in the market for some reinforcements going forward.
Birmingham-born Deeney was spotted playing for Chelmsley Town before going to Walsall and then on to Watford where he has spent the last ten seasons and made 398 appearances.
Meanwhile, Albion are entertaining interest in striker Kenneth Zohore, BirminghamLive understands; clubs have made approaches regarding the availability of the Dane, who arrived last summer in deal worth around £8m from Cardiff City. He endured a meagre campaign, however, and is being permitted a move.
It’s unclear at this stage whether his impending exit would be on a permanent basis or on loan, though the player is understandably keen to seek regular minutes and knows they'll be in short supply if he remains.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--'Gutted' - Marcus Rashford reacts as Jack Grealish earns maiden England call-up

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has been reacting to his withdrawal from the England squad today .
Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has replaced him today , joining up with the England squad for Nations League games against Iceland ( Friday ) and Denmark ( Tuesday ) .
Grealish was omitted from the initial squad , which was announced last week , with Gareth Southgate 's decision met with anger from Villa fans .
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks has also withdrawn from the squad opening the door for Grealish 's inclusion .
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The future of star player Jack Grealish is the biggest talking point of the summer and we will bring you all the news around his future .
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Google Play Store and App Store Rashford , who plays up front for United , has dropped out of the squad because of injury with his campaign only ending 15 days ago because of Europa League involvement .
And he 's sent a message following today 's announcement which has opened the door for Grealish to join up with the Three Lions .
`` Never want to let this team down but these fixtures just came a little too soon for me .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the page or click here '' I tried my best but I have to focus on starting the season at my strongest for club and country .
`` Good luck boys , I ’ ll be cheering you on from home . ''
Rashford scored 22 goals and registered 11 assists last season in 44 matches , against Grealish 's ten goals and eight assists .
He has bagged ten goals in 38 matches for the Three Lions .

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birminghammail--2020-08-31--Fury as thug who kicked woman avoids jail - over fears he could catch Covid

A judge has sparked outrage after he chose NOT to send a thug to prison for kicking an innocent woman in the head - despite admitting it was a 'huge risk ' by not doing so .
Criminology professor Elizabeth Yardley , of Birmingham City University , branded the justice system 'inherently misogynistic ' after Thsharif Ali avoided jail over the violent NYE attack .
Judge Avik Mukherjee handed the 42-year-old father from Moseley a suspended sentence partly over fears he could catch Covid-19 in prison .
He had pleaded guilty for kicking his female victim in the head in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helplessly fearing for her life in the December 31 incident - during which Ali also slapped her sister-in-law in the face and fought with her brother-in-law .
The main victim suffered a swollen lip and injuries to her cheek , forehead , eye as well as pain to her rib cage in an attack which she said took away her 'confidence and self-esteem ' .
In a victim statement read to court by Prosecutor Edward Souslby , she said : `` The rage he was in was the most frightening thing I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would kill me . ''
However , Judge Mukherjee suspended Ali 's 16 month prison sentence for two years , even as he told Ali : `` I think you will breach this order '' .
In deciding to postpone the sentencing until the thug commits another offence , the judge said it was partly down to the heightened risk of catching Covid-19 .
Judge Mukherjee also added he was not immediately sending Ali to prison as there was a 'realistic prospect of rehabilitation ' .
Prof Yardley said : `` Literally spat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judge says not sending him to prison is a 'huge risk ' .
Threat of future violence against women is a risk worth taking then ?
!
!
!
`` Oh and another thing Judge Mukherjee , the lack of remorse here is because he believes he has n't done anything wrong .
He feels he has a right to abuse women . ''
`` The judiciary is the toughest nut to crack , its inherently misogynistic and there ’ s so much ignorance among judges around domestic abuse and violence against women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hundreds who took to social media to blast the 'joke ' sentence .
Simon Edwards wrote : `` The judge admitted they thought it was likely he would re-offend within two years and it ’ s a risk not giving a custodial sentence , why is he on the streets then ?
`` Are they not supposed to be protecting he public from people like him not taking massive risks . ''
Another reacted : `` I don ’ t believe what I ’ m reading !
So that ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and kicking people in the head !
There ’ s no deterrent !
the British justices suck !
I don ’ t know how that judge sleeps at night !
It would soon be different if it happened to a member of his family .
I feel sorry for the victims . ''
Curtis Myrie , defending , had told the court Ali suffered with alcohol problems and was 'very remorseful ' for the incident .
Ali claimed the woman struck him first prompting him to strike back , knock her to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head .
Judge Mukherjee disputed the latter claim by pointing out that he only pleaded guilty at a late stage and also partly blamed the victims for what unfolded .
In sentencing , the judge admitted the offences were 'appalling ' and that he was taking a 'huge risk ' by suspending the prison term .
He said : `` I do n't see a great deal of remorse .
Pleading guilty is n't a sign of remorse but it is some ways towards it .
Nothing else you have done has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big risk , a huge risk .
`` I do n't think you are up to it .
I think you will breach this order .
I am going to give you one chance .
It will be your first and only chance you get from me .
If you put a foot wrong in the next two years we will meet again .
`` These were appalling offences .
This was a disgraceful outburst of drunken violence that thoroughly warrants a custodial sentence . ''
He added : `` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this order by committing criminal offences you wo n't go back to magistrates you will come straight back here to me and I will send you into custody . ''
Only earlier this year , in March , the same judge allowed domestic abuser Samuel Johnson , a thug with a previous conviction for actual bodily harm against a woman , to avoid jail as he 'wished him all the best ' .
After throwing his then girlfriend to the floor , strangling her and booting her dog 'gratuitously ' while her young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a four month prison term suspended for 18 months .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Stephanie Balloo, Carl Jackson)

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A judge has sparked outrage after he chose NOT to send a thug to prison for kicking an innocent woman in the head - despite admitting it was a 'huge risk' by not doing so.
Criminology professor Elizabeth Yardley, of Birmingham City University, branded the justice system 'inherently misogynistic' after Thsharif Ali avoided jail over the violent NYE attack.
Judge Avik Mukherjee handed the 42-year-old father from Moseley a suspended sentence partly over fears he could catch Covid-19 in prison.
He had pleaded guilty for kicking his female victim in the head in a 'drunken rage'.
She lay helplessly fearing for her life in the December 31 incident - during which Ali also slapped her sister in the face and fought with her brother-in-law.
(Image: Professor Elizabeth Yardley)
The main victim suffered a swollen lip and injuries to her cheek, forehead, eye as well as pain to her rib cage in an attack which she said took away her 'confidence and self-esteem'.
In a victim statement read to court by Prosecutor Edward Souslby, she said: "The rage he was in was the most frightening thing I have ever seen. I was sure he would kill me."
However, Judge Mukherjee suspended Ali's 16 month prison sentence for two years, even as he told Ali: "I think you will breach this order".
In deciding to postpone the sentencing until the thug commits another offence, the judge said it was partly down to the heightened risk of catching Covid-19.
Judge Mukherjee also added he was not immediately sending Ali to prison as there was a 'realistic prospect of rehabilitation'.
Prof Yardley said: "Literally spat my coffee out on reading this. Judge says not sending him to prison is a 'huge risk'. Threat of future violence against women is a risk worth taking then?!!!
"Oh and another thing Judge Mukherjee, the lack of remorse here is because he believes he hasn't done anything wrong. He feels he has a right to abuse women."
"The judiciary is the toughest nut to crack, it's inherently misogynistic and there’s so much ignorance among judges around domestic abuse and violence against women."
The professor was just one of hundreds who took to social media to blast the 'joke' sentence.
Simon Edwards wrote: "The judge admitted they thought it was likely he would re-offend within two years and it’s a risk not giving a custodial sentence, why is he on the streets then?
"Are they not supposed to be protecting the public from people like him not taking massive risks."
Another reacted: "I don’t believe what I’m reading! So that’s a green light for everyone getting drunk fighting and kicking people in the head! There’s no deterrent! The British justices suck! I don’t know how that judge sleeps at night! It would soon be different if it happened to a member of his family. I feel sorry for the victims."
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Ali claimed the woman struck him first prompting him to strike back, knock her to the floor where he then booted her in the head.
Judge Mukherjee disputed the latter claim by pointing out that he only pleaded guilty at a late stage and also partly blamed the victims for what unfolded.
Curtis Myrie, defending, had told the court Ali suffered with alcohol problems and was 'very remorseful' for the incident.
In sentencing, the judge admitted the offences were 'appalling' and that he was taking a 'huge risk' by suspending the prison term.
He said: "I don't see a great deal of remorse. Pleading guilty isn't a sign of remorse but it is some ways towards it. Nothing else you have done has indicated any remorse. I am taking a big risk, a huge risk.
"I don't think you are up to it. I think you will breach this order. I am going to give you one chance. It will be your first and only chance you get from me. If you put a foot wrong in the next two years we will meet again.
"These were appalling offences. This was a disgraceful outburst of drunken violence that thoroughly warrants a custodial sentence."
He added: "I'm not going anywhere. If you break this order by committing criminal offences you won't go back to magistrates you will come straight back here to me and I will send you into custody."
Ali, from Wake Green Road, must complete a period of unpaid work as well as 25 days of rehabilitation activity around domestic violence, alcohol, thinking skills and behaviour. He was also ordered to pay £340 in court costs and a victim surcharge.
Why BirminghamLive covers court cases Courts in the West Midlands serve a population of five million - and BirminghamLive brings you coverage from them each and every week. Magistrates Courts deal with offences where the maximum permitted sentence for each offence does not exceed six months imprisonment or one year if two or more offences are to be considered. Crown Courts deal with the more serious cases including murder, rape, robberies, serious assaults. BirminghamLive's team of journalists report on proceedings, but it can regularly surprise people, and sometimes anger them, when details are published. So we have come up with some frequently asked questions and answers to hopefully help people understand our role better.
Five-year restraining orders in relation to the three victims were also imposed.
Only earlier this year, in March, the same judge allowed domestic abuser Samuel Johnson, a thug with a previous conviction for actual bodily harm against a woman, to avoid jail as he 'wished him all the best'.
After throwing his then girlfriend to the floor, strangling her and booting her dog 'gratuitously' while her young son was upstairs, Johnson was handed a four month prison term suspended for 18 months.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Police appeal to trace missing 14 year old girl

Police have appealed for help in tracing a missing teenager with links to the West Midlands .
Lucy Massey , @ @ @ @ @ seen at 2.45pm on Saturday , August 29 .
She is described as 5 ’ @ @ @ @ @ build , with brown hair , and was wearing a black top , black joggers @ @ @ @ @ pink puffa coat , and carrying a dusty pink bag .
Bedfordshire Police put out @ @ @ @ @ and said she had links to Luton and also to Smethwick in the Sandwell borough @ @ @ @ @ Anyone with any information on Lucy 's whereabouts should call 101 ref MPC/2008/20 .

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Police have appealed for help in tracing a missing teenager with links to the West Midlands.
Lucy Massey, aged 14, was last seen at 2.45pm on Saturday, August 29.
She is described as 5’4”, of large build, with brown hair, and was wearing a black top, black joggers, white trainers, dusty pink puffa coat, and carrying a dusty pink bag.
Bedfordshire Police put out an appeal to find Lucy and said she had links to Luton and also to Smethwick in the Sandwell borough of the Black Country.
Anyone with any information on Lucy's whereabouts should call 101 ref MPC/2008/20.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Aston Villa 'agree personal terms' ahead of Matty Cash transfer

Aston Villa are reportedly confident of completing a deal to sign right-back Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest .
The 23-year-old enjoyed a stunning season in the Championship under Sabri Lamouchi , scooping awards as the Reds narrowly missed out on the play-offs .
Dean Smith and new sporting director Johan Lange , are believed to have earmarked Cash as a transfer priority in the summer window .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Smith alternated between Frederic Guilbert and Ahmed Elmohamady last season , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an undoubted starter at the position .
The Independent report that Villa have already agreed personal terms with the player and are close to agreeing a £15m deal with Forest .
It was claimed Villa had a £10m bid turned down by Forest last week , while Sheffield United have already had an offer for Cash rejected and Fulham have been linked with a potential move .
But Villa look set to win the race and should he sign , he would be the first acquisition in the close season .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain in the hunt for Brentford striker Ollie Watkins and Arsenal keeper Emi Martinez , despite reports of the latter closing in on a new deal with the Gunners .
Smith recently admitted that he had held talks with Lange and that the ‘ wheels were in motion ’ to bring players to the club .

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Aston Villa are reportedly confident of completing a deal to sign right-back Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a stunning season in the Championship under Sabri Lamouchi, scooping awards as the Reds narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
Dean Smith and new sporting director Johan Lange, are believed to have earmarked Cash as a transfer priority in the summer window.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Smith alternated between Frederic Guilbert and Ahmed Elmohamady last season, but in Cash, the Villa boss will have an undoubted starter at the position.
The Independent report that Villa have already agreed personal terms with the player and are close to agreeing a £15m deal with Forest.
It was claimed Villa had a £10m bid turned down by Forest last week, while Sheffield United have already had an offer for Cash rejected and Fulham have been linked with a potential move.
But Villa look set to win the race and should he sign, he would be the first acquisition in the close season.
The report goes on to claim that Villa remain in the hunt for Brentford striker Ollie Watkins and Arsenal keeper Emi Martinez, despite reports of the latter closing in on a new deal with the Gunners.
Smith recently admitted that he had held talks with Lange and that the ‘wheels were in motion’ to bring players to the club.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Paramedics viciously attacked by patient to be 'off work for some time'

Two paramedics will be `` off work for some time '' after they were attacked trying to treat a man .
The crew from West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to reports of a middle-aged man who was unconscious after falling near The Coach Hotel , in High Street , Coleshill , at about 6.10pm on Sunday , August 30 .
But while in attendance the man hit out at the crew and tried to break one of the windows of the ambulance .
The man was taken to Good Hope Hospital but he again became verbally abusive , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dislocated thumb , while the other had chest and arm injuries .
Both had to receive treatment at hospital before they were discharged .
The service said `` they are likely to be off work for some time . ''
“ Our staff come to work to help people in their hour of need , '' said Andrew Proctor , the Assistant Ambulance Chief Officer .
“ It is never acceptable for our staff to be either verbally or physically abused .
We have now lost two members of staff from frontline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inevitable impact on our ability to respond to patients in a timely manner .
“ We will be pushing for the courts to take the toughest possible action in this and every such case so that people know that it is not acceptable .
“ We know from the feedback we receive from the public that they find such actions abhorrent , so we hope the courts will reflect the strength of that feeling.
” The crew had activated the CCTV in the ambulance and were also wearing body cameras as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Two paramedics will be "off work for some time" after they were attacked trying to treat a man.
The crew from West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to reports of a middle-aged man who was unconscious after falling near The Coach Hotel, in High Street, Coleshill, at about 6.10pm on Sunday, August 30.
But while in attendance the man hit out at the crew and tried to break one of the windows of the ambulance. The man was taken to Good Hope Hospital but he again became verbally abusive, the service said.
One crew member suffered a dislocated thumb, while the other had chest and arm injuries. Both had to receive treatment at hospital before they were discharged.
The service said "they are likely to be off work for some time."
“Our staff come to work to help people in their hour of need," said Andrew Proctor, the Assistant Ambulance Chief Officer.
“It is never acceptable for our staff to be either verbally or physically abused. We have now lost two members of staff from frontline operations while they recover which will have an inevitable impact on our ability to respond to patients in a timely manner.
“We will be pushing for the courts to take the toughest possible action in this and every such case so that people know that it is not acceptable.
“We know from the feedback we receive from the public that they find such actions abhorrent, so we hope the courts will reflect the strength of that feeling.”
The crew had activated the CCTV in the ambulance and were also wearing body cameras as part of a trial during the incident.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Man United sent blunt transfer message after Jack Grealish decision

Jack Grealish has finally earned his first England call-up , with Gareth Southgate completing a dramatic U-turn .
After initially omitting the Aston Villa skipper from the squad for games vs Iceland and Denmark , withdrawals have now given him his chance .
On Monday , Marcus Rashford and Harry Winks ’ withdrawal from England duty , left Southgate no choice but to finally call up the Villa talisman .
The 24-year-old established himself as an authentic top-flight play-maker last season with eight goals and six assists to inspire Villa to an unlikely escape .
Southgate initially defended his decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of heart , with Grealish set to join Tyrone Mings and his England teammates .
And in the context of his Villa future , fans on social media think his inclusion can only be good news .
Manchester United have been extensively linked with Grealish , with suggestions Villa will demand around £80m for his services .
But after his England nod , many supporters think his price-tag is only going one way .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up just added another £20m onto his transfer value .
@ MarkReading25 : An England cap to his name , that ’ ll take his value over 100 million !
@ Jguest86 : Cough up man united if you want another England international @ stoneageman1 : So you add 20mill once they are an England player , so he ’ s worth 100mill now for sure !
@ PhilContractT : hat 's just put a few more £millions on his price tag !
Congratulations @ bourneyavfc : Grealish is worth £90m now he @ @ @ @ @ @

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Jack Grealish has finally earned his first England call-up, with Gareth Southgate completing a dramatic U-turn.
After initially omitting the Aston Villa skipper from the squad for games vs Iceland and Denmark, withdrawals have now given him his chance.
On Monday, Marcus Rashford and Harry Winks’ withdrawal from England duty, left Southgate no choice but to finally call up the Villa talisman.
The 24-year-old established himself as an authentic top-flight play-maker last season with eight goals and six assists to inspire Villa to an unlikely escape.
Southgate initially defended his decision, but has now had a change of heart, with Grealish set to join Tyrone Mings and his England teammates.
And in the context of his Villa future, fans on social media think his inclusion can only be good news.
Manchester United have been extensively linked with Grealish, with suggestions Villa will demand around £80m for his services. But after his England nod, many supporters think his price-tag is only going one way.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
@avfccharlie: That call up just added another £20m onto his transfer value.
@MarkReading25: An England cap to his name, that’ll take his value over 100 million!
@Jguest86: Cough up man united if you want another England international
@stoneageman1: So you add 20mill once they are an England player, so he’s worth 100mill now for sure!
@PhilContractT: hat's just put a few more £millions on his price tag! Congratulations
@bourneyavfc: Grealish is worth £90m now he’s an England international.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Stan Collymore reacts as Jack Grealish receives England call-up

Jack Grealish has been called up to the England squad for the first time this afternoon .
The Aston Villa captain has been added to the Three Lions ' contingent for Nations League matches against Denmark and Iceland next month .
Gareth Southgate 's side will play their first game in Reykjavik on Friday night before travelling to Copenhagen a week on Tuesday .
Grealish has joined up with England following the removal of Marcus Rashford ( Manchester United ) and Harry Winks ( Tottenham Hotspur ) from the squad .
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The future of star player Jack Grealish is the biggest talking point of the summer and we will bring you all the news around his future .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're all set .
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It is always up-to-date with the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Play Store and App Store When Southgate released his initial squad for the two games last week there was much surprise at yet another omission for Grealish , who scored ten goals and registered eight assists last season .
Indeed Grealish 's last-day heroics at West Ham United , where he scored in a 1-1 draw that secured survival for Villa in the Premier League further demonstrated why he should have already been in contention for Southgate 's side .
And Stan Collymore has reacted to today 's big news .
`` Congratulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole damn thing , '' the Villa fan wrote on Twitter .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here '' England 's 75th representative from Aston Villa , only Spurs ( 77 ) have had more Lions . ''
Arsenal legend Ian Wright , who was upset for Grealish last weekend , is also pleased to see the boyhood Villan in the England fold finally .
`` Delighted for every single player that gets the call but ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the very least in this squad , '' he wrote last week .
And Wright has followed that up with a brilliant reaction , posting a GIF of the character Michael Scott from the hit comedy 'The Office ' banging a table and shouting 'thank you ' .

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Jack Grealish has been called up to the England squad for the first time this afternoon.
The Aston Villa captain has been added to the Three Lions' contingent for Nations League matches against Denmark and Iceland next month.
Gareth Southgate's side will play their first game in Reykjavik on Friday night before travelling to Copenhagen a week on Tuesday.
Grealish has joined up with England following the removal of Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) and Harry Winks (Tottenham Hotspur) from the squad.
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When Southgate released his initial squad for the two games last week there was much surprise at yet another omission for Grealish, who scored ten goals and registered eight assists last season.
Indeed Grealish's last-day heroics at West Ham United, where he scored in a 1-1 draw that secured survival for Villa in the Premier League further demonstrated why he should have already been in contention for Southgate's side.
And Stan Collymore has reacted to today's big news.
"Congratulations Jack Grealish, now go and boss the whole damn thing," the Villa fan wrote on Twitter.
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"England's 75th representative from Aston Villa, only Spurs (77) have had more Lions."
Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who was upset for Grealish last weekend, is also pleased to see the boyhood Villan in the England fold finally.
"Delighted for every single player that gets the call but can't help feel like Jack should be at the very least in this squad," he wrote last week.
And Wright has followed that up with a brilliant reaction, posting a GIF of the character Michael Scott from the hit comedy 'The Office' banging a table and shouting 'thank you'.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Plastic bag charge to double and will apply in all shops as exemptions scrapped

The fee for plastic carrier bags is set to double from April next year , with the charge being extended to all shops in England , the Government has announced .
Small retailers - defined as those employing 250 people or fewer - will no longer be exempt from the levy , the Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs ( Defra ) said .
Following a public consultation last year , in which the `` vast majority '' of respondents welcomed the changes , the minimum charge for single use carrier bags will increase to 10p .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both changes from April 2021 .
Environment Secretary George Eustice said : `` The UK is already a world-leader in this global effort , and our carrier bag charge has been hugely successful in taking billions of harmful plastic bags out of circulation .
`` But we want to go further by extending this to all retailers so we can continue to cut unnecessary waste and build back greener .
`` I hope our pioneering track record on single-use plastics will inspire many more countries to follow suit , so we can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change . ''
The 5p levy on plastic bags was introduced in England in 2015 , with the most recent figures showing that the number of single-use bags distributed by large supermarkets has fallen more than 95 per cent .
The average person in England now buys just four single-use bags a year , compared to around 140 in 2014 .
While the move to extend the charge was welcomed by campaigners , Greenpeace said that carriers bag were only `` one part of the problem '' .
Sam Chetan-Welsh , political campaigner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising the price of plastic bags again the Government is taking a small step in the right direction , but by now they should be taking great strides .
`` Reinstating the previous price of carrier bags , but not taking action on bags for life , is only looking at one part of the problem .
`` And it could be construed as tokenism when there are so many ways ministers know they could be driving fast and substantial reductions on plastic pollution .
`` If they 're increasing costs for shoppers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase costs for the companies that are responsible for the escalating volumes of single-use plastic packaging in the first place . ''
Find out what 's up and running in your area by typing your postcode into the interactive tool below : CPRE , the countryside charity , called for action to be taken on all single-use items , such as takeaway cups and forks .
Tom Fyans , deputy chief executive , said : `` To truly step up and face the war on plastic , Government should bring in charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from takeaway cups to wooden forks .
`` Incentivising reuse systems and finally committing to an all-in Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers are the only ways the Government can achieve a litter-free countryside and win the war on waste . ''

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The fee for plastic carrier bags is set to double from April next year, with the charge being extended to all shops in England, the Government has announced.
Small retailers - defined as those employing 250 people or fewer - will no longer be exempt from the levy, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.
Following a public consultation last year, in which the "vast majority" of respondents welcomed the changes, the minimum charge for single use carrier bags will increase to 10p.
The department said it has committed to implementing both changes from April 2021.
(Image: PA)
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: "The UK is already a world-leader in this global effort, and our carrier bag charge has been hugely successful in taking billions of harmful plastic bags out of circulation.
"But we want to go further by extending this to all retailers so we can continue to cut unnecessary waste and build back greener.
"I hope our pioneering track record on single-use plastics will inspire many more countries to follow suit, so we can take on plastic waste together and implement lasting change."
The 5p levy on plastic bags was introduced in England in 2015, with the most recent figures showing that the number of single-use bags distributed by large supermarkets has fallen more than 95 per cent.
The average person in England now buys just four single-use bags a year, compared to around 140 in 2014.
While the move to extend the charge was welcomed by campaigners, Greenpeace said that carriers bag were only "one part of the problem".
Sam Chetan-Welsh, political campaigner at Greenpeace, said: "By raising the price of plastic bags again the Government is taking a small step in the right direction, but by now they should be taking great strides.
"Reinstating the previous price of carrier bags, but not taking action on bags for life, is only looking at one part of the problem.
"And it could be construed as tokenism when there are so many ways ministers know they could be driving fast and substantial reductions on plastic pollution.
"If they're increasing costs for shoppers, ministers really have no excuse not to increase costs for the companies that are responsible for the escalating volumes of single-use plastic packaging in the first place."
Find out what's up and running in your area by typing your postcode into the interactive tool below:
CPRE, the countryside charity, called for action to be taken on all single-use items, such as takeaway cups and forks.
Tom Fyans, deputy chief executive, said: "To truly step up and face the war on plastic, Government should bring in charges on all single-use, throwaway items - from takeaway cups to wooden forks.
"Incentivising reuse systems and finally committing to an all-in Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers are the only ways the Government can achieve a litter-free countryside and win the war on waste."


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Five Birmingham hotels named among top 'Covid-safe stays' in UK

Five Birmingham hotels have been named in a safety standard list of 175 `` Covid-safe stays '' in the country .
A newly launched Safe to Trade Scheme helps holidaymakers identify which hotels , bars , restaurants and cinemas are going the extra mile to ensure the safety of their staff and guests by implementing measures that go above and beyond the Government ’ s guidelines for trading during the pandemic .
The city hotels have been independently audited by the Safe to Trade scheme ’ s team of expert environmental health practitioners and have had to pass a strict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance .
The praised city hotels are Hotel Indigo in The Cube , Hotel du Vin on Church Street and on Hagley Road , New Hall Hotel and Spa in Sutton Coldfield , and Malmaison at the Mailbox .
A total of 21 Midlands hotels are named within the full list .
The establishments feature on a national register which is regularly updated following honest feedback – both good and bad – from staff and customers .
The scheme was launched by hospitality safety experts , including the former CEO of the Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the ex-Head of Local Delivery at Food Standards Agency .
A spokeswoman for the scheme told BirminghamLive : `` Each venue has to perform a self-assessment , including use of the scheme ’ s Covid-19 risk assessment template , that is then independently verified by the auditor , who then works with each business to interpret and implement Covid-19 legal and best practice requirements .
`` An independent auditor works with them on a one-to-one basis to ensure that they are doing everything possible to keep their customers safe . ''
Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trade Scheme governance board , said : “ We are delighted to announce the first 175 UK hotels to meet our stringent standards and be deemed as Safe to Trade .
`` For those customers looking to make the most of what ’ s left of the summer with a UK staycation but who want to do so as safely as possible , the Safe to Trade Scheme provides peace of mind .
`` Customers who consult our register of approved venues at safetotrade.org.uk can search for a hotel by name or location @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that features on the list complies fully with the law.
” Mr Flanagan added : “ If a customer sees something concerning at a venue or wants to share a positive experience , then they can simply scan the QR code on the venue ’ s Safe to Trade window sticker , or visit the Safe to Trade Scheme website , search for the business to feedback anonymously as well as rate the business .
`` This is then fed back to the hotel , and outlet managers and owners are encouraged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that their business stays Covid compliant and safe .
”

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Five Birmingham hotels have been named in a safety standard list of 175 "Covid-safe stays" in the country.
A newly launched Safe to Trade Scheme helps holidaymakers identify which hotels, bars, restaurants and cinemas are going the extra mile to ensure the safety of their staff and guests by implementing measures that go above and beyond the Government’s guidelines for trading during the pandemic.
The city hotels have been independently audited by the Safe to Trade scheme’s team of expert environmental health practitioners and have had to pass a strict approval process and stringent health and safety guidance.
The praised city hotels are Hotel Indigo in The Cube, Hotel du Vin on Church Street and on Hagley Road, New Hall Hotel and Spa in Sutton Coldfield, and Malmaison at the Mailbox. A total of 21 Midlands hotels are named within the full list.
The establishments feature on a national register which is regularly updated following honest feedback – both good and bad – from staff and customers.
The scheme was launched by hospitality safety experts, including the former CEO of the Health and Safety Executive and Food Standards Agency and the ex-Head of Local Delivery at Food Standards Agency.
A spokeswoman for the scheme told BirminghamLive: "Each venue has to perform a self-assessment, including use of the scheme’s Covid-19 risk assessment template, that is then independently verified by the auditor, who then works with each business to interpret and implement Covid-19 legal and best practice requirements.
"An independent auditor works with them on a one-to-one basis to ensure that they are doing everything possible to keep their customers safe."
Mark Flanagan, who chairs the Safe to Trade Scheme governance board, said: “We are delighted to announce the first 175 UK hotels to meet our stringent standards and be deemed as Safe to Trade.
"For those customers looking to make the most of what’s left of the summer with a UK staycation but who want to do so as safely as possible, the Safe to Trade Scheme provides peace of mind.
"Customers who consult our register of approved venues at safetotrade.org.uk can search for a hotel by name or location and be confident that every approved hotel that features on the list complies fully with the law.”
Mr Flanagan added: “If a customer sees something concerning at a venue or wants to share a positive experience, then they can simply scan the QR code on the venue’s Safe to Trade window sticker, or visit the Safe to Trade Scheme website, search for the business to feedback anonymously as well as rate the business.
"This is then fed back to the hotel, and outlet managers and owners are encouraged to adjust and adapt their practices to ensure that their business stays Covid compliant and safe.”


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Aston Villa fans go nuts at Jack Grealish's England call-up

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birminghammail--2020-08-31--Man cleared of raping student at city centre hotel

A man has been cleared of raping a student he met while on a night out in Birmingham .
Jamie Seaton was found not guilty of rape after telling a jury he had consensual sex and that he had not come to the city `` on the prowl '' .
The city 's Crown Court was told that he had travelled to Birmingham on February 23 this year and booked a room at the Britannia Hotel for two people .
He went out drinking and met the woman at the Shakespeare pub and they later went to the hotel room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a population of five million - and BirminghamLive brings you coverage from them each and every week .
Magistrates Courts deal with offences where the maximum permitted sentence for each offence does not exceed six months imprisonment or one year if two or more offences are to be considered .
Crown Courts deal with the more serious cases including murder , rape , robberies , serious assaults .
BirminghamLive 's team of journalists report on proceedings , but it can regularly surprise people , and sometimes anger them , when details are published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some frequently asked questions and answers to hopefully help people understand our role better .
The woman claimed that after initially having consensual sex she had told Mr Seaton to stop and that she wanted to go home .
She said that he told her she was `` his , '' that she had no choice and carried on having sex with her .
Mr Seaton , aged 31 of Wilson Street Barnsley , told the court he had come to Birmingham to see a woman he had met on a dating app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between him and the alleged victim in the hotel room had been consensual .
She had asked him , he said , whether she could add him as a friend on Facebook and that he said he was not on Facebook and then revealed that he had a previous conviction for rape .
Mr Seaton said the woman had then left the room .

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A man has been cleared of raping a student he met while on a night out in Birmingham.
Jamie Seaton was found not guilty of rape after telling a jury he had consensual sex and that he had not come to the city "on the prowl".
The city's Crown Court was told that he had travelled to Birmingham on February 23 this year and booked a room at the Britannia Hotel for two people.
He went out drinking and met the woman at the Shakespeare pub and they later went to the hotel room.
Why BirminghamLive covers court cases Courts in the West Midlands serve a population of five million - and BirminghamLive brings you coverage from them each and every week. Magistrates Courts deal with offences where the maximum permitted sentence for each offence does not exceed six months imprisonment or one year if two or more offences are to be considered. Crown Courts deal with the more serious cases including murder, rape, robberies, serious assaults. BirminghamLive's team of journalists report on proceedings, but it can regularly surprise people, and sometimes anger them, when details are published. So we have come up with some frequently asked questions and answers to hopefully help people understand our role better.
The woman claimed that after initially having consensual sex she had told Mr Seaton to stop and that she wanted to go home.
She said that he told her she was "his," that she had no choice and carried on having sex with her.
Mr Seaton, aged 31 of Wilson Street Barnsley, told the court he had come to Birmingham to see a woman he had met on a dating app.
He said that everything which happened between him and the alleged victim in the hotel room had been consensual.
She had asked him, he said, whether she could add him as a friend on Facebook and that he said he was not on Facebook and then revealed that he had a previous conviction for rape.
Mr Seaton said the woman had then left the room.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Albion target Gallagher 'completes medical' ahead of transfer

West Bromwich Albion are set to miss out on Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher , according to reports .
Gallagher has @ @ @ @ @ of Premier League clubs this summer after an excellent season in the Championship last term @ @ @ @ @ is believed to be among Gallagher 's admirers but , according to the Evening Standard @ @ @ @ @ the verge of joining Crystal Palace on a season-long loan .
It 's claimed Gallagher @ @ @ @ @ yesterday and will become their third signing of the window after Nathan Ferguson joined from @ @ @ @ @ QPR .
Aston Villa , Leeds United and Newcastle United were also reportedly keen to @ @ @ @ @ showings in the Championship last season .
The midfielder spent last year on loan in @ @ @ @ @ with Charlton Athletic before moving to Swansea City and helping them reach the play-offs .
@ @ @ @ @ eight assists in 47 appearances to attract Premier League admirers .

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West Bromwich Albion are set to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, according to reports.
Gallagher has been targeted by a number of Premier League clubs this summer after an excellent season in the Championship last term.
Albion boss Slaven Bilic is believed to be among Gallagher's admirers and, according to our sister title The Mirror (print edition), the 20-year-old is close to joining the Baggies on a season-long loan.
It's claimed Gallagher is excited by the prospect of working under Bilic in the Premier League, with the playmaker poised to shun interest from a host of other top flight clubs.
Aston Villa, Leeds United and Newcastle United were also reportedly keen to land Gallagher after his impressive showings in the Championship last season.
The midfielder spent last year on loan in the second tier, firstly with Charlton Athletic before moving to Swansea City and helping them reach the play-offs. Gallagher managed six goals and eight assists in 47 appearances to attract Premier League admirers.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
He's a player who is highly thought of at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea legend Claude Makelele - who is now back coaching with the west Londoners - has raved about him in the past.
Speaking about Gallagher last season, Makelele said: “We check his whole game on video. He has a lot of qualities.
“Physically, technical, you can see a lot of progress in just six months. He is becoming a leader in the starting team.”


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Pavement parking to be banned with councils getting new powers to fine motorists

Councils are set to get tough new powers to crack down on pavement parking and fine drivers who flout the rules .
Under plans to make roads and footpaths safer for families and people with disabilities , local authorities would be able to stamp out the menace of motorists mounting kerbs to park on paths and verges .
A new consultation has been launched to ban antisocial parking and give councils more power over pavement parking pests .
It comes as 95 per cent of wheelchair users and people with visual impairments said they have experienced mobility issues due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new rules being proposed , councils will be able to prohibit pavement parking in certain areas and fine drivers who cause a nuisance to pedestrians by going up on the kerb , the Mirror reports .
It could see the introduction of a London-style parking ban , which already prohibits pavement parking in 32 boroughs .
The Department for Transport said that fines of £70 could be imposed , similar to the current charge for parking on double yellow lines .
Another option would be to create a civil offence of `` unnecessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to penalise the worst kinds of parking , including drivers who blocked footpaths completely , without issuing an all-out ban .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said : `` Parking on pavements means wheelchair users , visually impaired people and parents with pushchairs can be forced into the road , which is not only dangerous but discourages people from making journeys .
`` A key part of our green , post-COVID recovery will be encouraging more people to choose active travel , such as walking , so it is vital that we make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Stephen Edwards , director of policy and communications at Living Streets , said : `` We ’ re regularly contacted by disabled and older people who feel trapped in their homes because there is not enough room on the pavement for wheelchairs or mobility scooters .
`` This has impacted more people during the pandemic with blocked pavements affecting everyone ’ s ability to physically distance . ''
Find out what 's going on in your area by putting your postcode into the box below : Blanche Shackleton , head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guide Dogs , said : `` For many people with sight loss , cars and vans parked on the pavement make our streets stressful and dangerous to navigate .
`` At any time , you might be forced out into the road with traffic that you can not see .
`` When every journey is an ordeal , simply going out independently can become daunting . ''
Justine Roberts , founder of Mumsnet , added : `` Lots of us have occasionally parked a couple of wheels up on the pavement to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how it might inconvenience people .
`` It ’ s a topic that comes up regularly on Mumsnet , where wheelchair users and people with buggies share stories about being forced into the road or having to double back long distances . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Emma Munbodh, David Bentley)

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Councils are set to get tough new powers to crack down on pavement parking and fine drivers who flout the rules.
Under plans to make roads and footpaths safer for families and people with disabilities, local authorities would be able to stamp out the menace of motorists mounting kerbs to park on paths and verges.
A new consultation has been launched to ban antisocial parking and give councils more power over pavement parking pests.
It comes as 95 per cent of wheelchair users and people with visual impairments said they have experienced mobility issues due to blocked footpaths in the past.
Under new rules being proposed, councils will be able to prohibit pavement parking in certain areas and fine drivers who cause a nuisance to pedestrians by going up on the kerb, the Mirror reports.
It could see the introduction of a London-style parking ban, which already prohibits pavement parking in 32 boroughs.
The Department for Transport said that fines of £70 could be imposed, similar to the current charge for parking on double yellow lines.
Another option would be to create a civil offence of "unnecessary obstruction", which would allow councils to penalise the worst kinds of parking, including drivers who blocked footpaths completely, without issuing an all-out ban.
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Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Parking on pavements means wheelchair users, visually impaired people and parents with pushchairs can be forced into the road, which is not only dangerous but discourages people from making journeys.
"A key part of our green, post-COVID recovery will be encouraging more people to choose active travel, such as walking, so it is vital that we make the nation’s pavements accessible for everyone."
(Image: Handsworth and Soho Neighbourhood Watch)
Stephen Edwards, director of policy and communications at Living Streets, said: "We’re regularly contacted by disabled and older people who feel trapped in their homes because there is not enough room on the pavement for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
"This has impacted more people during the pandemic with blocked pavements affecting everyone’s ability to physically distance."
Find out what's going on in your area by putting your postcode into the box below:
Blanche Shackleton, head of policy, public affairs and campaigns at Guide Dogs, said: "For many people with sight loss, cars and vans parked on the pavement make our streets stressful and dangerous to navigate.
"At any time, you might be forced out into the road with traffic that you cannot see.
"When every journey is an ordeal, simply going out independently can become daunting."
Justine Roberts, founder of Mumsnet, added: "Lots of us have occasionally parked a couple of wheels up on the pavement to leave space on the road without really thinking about how it might inconvenience people.
"It’s a topic that comes up regularly on Mumsnet, where wheelchair users and people with buggies share stories about being forced into the road or having to double back long distances."


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Villa target Conor Gallagher reportedly set for loan transfer

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is reportedly set to join Crystal Palace on loan .
Gallagher , 20 , has been @ @ @ @ @ Premier League clubs this summer after an excellent season in the Championship last term .
@ @ @ @ @ , Aston Villa were interested in bringing Gallagher to the Second City .
Dean Smith @ @ @ @ @ which includes Chelsea icon John Terry , enjoy a good relationship with the top brass @ @ @ @ @ wanted Gallagher on a season-long loan .
The midfielder spent last season on loan in @ @ @ @ @ with Charlton Athletic before moving to Swansea City and helping them reach the play-offs .
@ @ @ @ @ eight assists in 47 appearances to attract Premier League admirers .
But it 's Crystal @ @ @ @ @ race , with the Evening Standard reporting that Gallagher will pen a season-long loan agreement @ @ @ @ @ a medical on Sunday .

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Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is reportedly set to join Premier League new boys West Bromwich Albion on loan.
Gallagher, 20, has been targeted by a number of Premier League clubs this summer after an excellent season in the Championship last term.
According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa were interested in bringing Gallagher to the Second City.
Dean Smith and his coaching team, which includes Chelsea icon John Terry, enjoy a good relationship with the top brass at Stamford Bridge and reportedly wanted Gallagher on a season-long loan.
The midfielder spent last season on loan in the second tier, firstly with Charlton Athletic before moving to Swansea City and helping them reach the play-offs. Gallagher managed six goals and eight assists in 47 appearances to attract Premier League admirers.
But it's Albion who now hold the advantage in the race, with our sister title The Mirror (print edition) reporting that Gallagher is close to penning a season-long loan agreement at The Hawthorns.
Crystal Palace were initially thought to be front-runners for Gallagher's signature but their loan signing of Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi means any move for the England under-21 international must be abandoned due to the Premier League's loan rules.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Police statement after 'suspicious device' alert on Ryanair flight

A Ryanair flight had to be escorted to safety by Royal Air Force fighter jets after a false alarm over a 'suspicious device ' in the toilets , police have confirmed .
Typhoon jets intercepted the Laudamotion plane after reports of an object in the bathroom as it returned to London Stansted Airport from Vienna on Sunday , August 30 .
The jets were seen refuelling over Solihull , Birmingham as they returned to base at RAF Coningsby after helping to bring passengers and the crew safely down in the capital .
As the plane landed in a remote area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed counter terrorism officers surrounded the aircraft to detain two men under the Terrorism Act .
Fortunately , an examination by specialist officers found the object was nothing of concern .
Neither of the men were found to have committed any offences , police added .
A spokesman for Eastern Region Special Operations Unit Officers confirmed the force had concluded their enquiries .
The statement read : `` Following reports of a suspicious device in the bathroom of a plane arriving from Vienna , Austria , shortly after 7pm , Counter Terrorism Policing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unit ( ERSOU ) detained two men under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act ( 2000 ) .
`` After examination by specialist investigators , the object was found not to be of concern .
Officers spoke with the two men and neither were considered to have committed any offences . ''
Detective Superintendent Andy Waldie , head of ERSOU ’ s Counter Terrorism Policing unit , added : “ We understandably take any reports of suspicious objects or behaviour on flights very seriously and thankfully on this occasion there was no cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to thank those on the flight for their cooperation and understanding while officers conducted their enquiries.
” The captain had informed the police following what was treated as a potential security threat on board the plane .
The RAF planes escorted the plane until it landed safely at London Stansted Airport - where passengers disembarked .
Those waiting to depart to Vienna were transferred to a spare aircraft to help reduce delays , Ryanair said .
A statement from the airline read : “ The crew of a Ryanair flight from Vienna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aug ) alerted of a potential security threat on board .
`` In line with procedures , the captain informed UK authorities and continued to London Stansted , where the aircraft landed normally and taxied to a remote stand where passengers disembarked safely .
`` Passengers in London Stansted waiting to depart to Vienna were transferred to a spare aircraft to minimise the delay to their flight .
`` This is now a matter for the local police . ''

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A Ryanair flight had to be escorted to safety by Royal Air Force fighter jets after a false alarm over a 'suspicious device' in the toilets, police have confirmed.
Typhoon jets intercepted the Laudamotion plane after reports of an object in the bathroom as it returned to London Stansted Airport from Vienna on Sunday, August 30.
The jets were seen refuelling over Solihull, Birmingham as they returned to base at RAF Coningsby after helping to bring passengers and the crew safely down in the capital.
As the plane landed in a remote area of the airport at around 7.20pm, armed counter terrorism officers surrounded the aircraft to detain two men under the Terrorism Act.
Fortunately, an examination by specialist officers found the object was nothing of concern. Neither of the men were found to have committed any offences, police added.
A spokesman for Eastern Region Special Operations Unit Officers confirmed the force had concluded their enquiries.
The statement read: "Following reports of a suspicious device in the bathroom of a plane arriving from Vienna, Austria, shortly after 7pm, Counter Terrorism Policing officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) detained two men under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act (2000).
"After examination by specialist investigators, the object was found not to be of concern. Officers spoke with the two men and neither were considered to have committed any offences."
Detective Superintendent Andy Waldie, head of ERSOU’s Counter Terrorism Policing unit, added: “We understandably take any reports of suspicious objects or behaviour on flights very seriously and thankfully on this occasion there was no cause for concern.
“I’d like to thank those on the flight for their cooperation and understanding while officers conducted their enquiries.”
The captain had informed the police following what was treated as a potential security threat on board the plane.
The RAF planes escorted the plane until it landed safely at London Stansted Airport - where passengers disembarked.
Those waiting to depart to Vienna were transferred to a spare aircraft to help reduce delays, Ryanair said.
A statement from the airline read: “The crew of a Ryanair flight from Vienna to London Stansted yesterday evening (30 Aug) alerted of a potential security threat on board.
"In line with procedures, the captain informed UK authorities and continued to London Stansted, where the aircraft landed normally and taxied to a remote stand where passengers disembarked safely.
"Passengers in London Stansted waiting to depart to Vienna were transferred to a spare aircraft to minimise the delay to their flight.
"This is now a matter for the local police."


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Grieving mum fails in bid to get daughter's killer sent back to prison

The grieving mother of a woman killed by a pub landlord more than 30 years ago has failed in her bid to get the twisted killer 's release reviewed .
Marie McCourt lost daughter Helen in the North West more than 30 years ago - before killer Ian Simms was pictured on day release in Birmingham last year .
Simms , aged 64 , was released on licence after the Parole Board 's approval , something which Marie has argued should be reviewed .
Two judges ruled against her on Tuesday .
77-year-old Marie begged for the Parole Board to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Simms being found guilty .
He was convicted of Helen 's abduction and murder after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court in March 1989 and given a life sentence , with a minimum term of 16 years .
A Parole Board spokesman said after the ruling : `` The Parole Board notes the decision of the court in the judicial review proceedings brought by Marie McCourt .
`` The Parole Board has immense sympathy for families of victims who have never been found and recognises the pain and anguish they have endured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensuring that victims and their families are treated with the utmost respect and dignity during the parole process and appreciates the distress that a parole review of the offender is likely to cause .
`` The Parole Board is however required by law to focus on whether a prisoner 's continued detention remains necessary for the protection of the public .
`` As a body making judicial decisions , the Parole Board does not ordinarily defend its decisions when they are reviewed by a senior court and took a neutral stance on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review .
`` The court , in this case , found the Parole Board panel 's decision and its approach was legally sound .
The underlying legal issues raised in this case are complex and emotive and the board will keep its guidance under review .
`` It is not for the Parole Board to publicly defend the decisions of its members , who are entirely independent , and it would be inappropriate to get into the rights and wrongs of any particular decision . ''

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The grieving mother of a woman killed by a pub landlord more than 30 years ago has failed in her bid to get the twisted killer's release reviewed.
Marie McCourt lost daughter Helen in the North West more than 30 years ago - before killer Ian Simms was pictured on day release in Birmingham last year.
Simms, aged 64, was released on licence after the Parole Board's approval, something which Marie has argued should be reviewed.
Two judges ruled against her on Tuesday.
77-year-old Marie begged for the Parole Board to change their decision some three decades on from Simms being found guilty.
He was convicted of Helen's abduction and murder after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court in March 1989 and given a life sentence, with a minimum term of 16 years.
A Parole Board spokesman said after the ruling: "The Parole Board notes the decision of the court in the judicial review proceedings brought by Marie McCourt.
"The Parole Board has immense sympathy for families of victims who have never been found and recognises the pain and anguish they have endured. The board remains absolutely committed to ensuring that victims and their families are treated with the utmost respect and dignity during the parole process and appreciates the distress that a parole review of the offender is likely to cause.
"The Parole Board is however required by law to focus on whether a prisoner's continued detention remains necessary for the protection of the public.
"As a body making judicial decisions, the Parole Board does not ordinarily defend its decisions when they are reviewed by a senior court and took a neutral stance on the challenge to its decision in this judicial review.
"The court, in this case, found the Parole Board panel's decision and its approach was legally sound. The underlying legal issues raised in this case are complex and emotive and the board will keep its guidance under review.
"It is not for the Parole Board to publicly defend the decisions of its members, who are entirely independent, and it would be inappropriate to get into the rights and wrongs of any particular decision."


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Hunt for missing teen in Worcestershire after police raise concerns

A teenager has gone missing in Worcestershire with police ‘ very concerned ’ for his welfare .
Police issued an appeal for the public ’ s help in their search to find 16-year-old Theo Murray from Kidderminster .
He went missing after last being seen in the town on Sunday night , August 30 .
West Mercia Police believe the teen may be in Kidderminster town centre or in the Wolverley area , a village to the north of the town .
A spokesman for the force said : “ We are appealing to the public for help locating a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very concerned for Theo Murray who is believed to be in Kidderminster around the town centre .
He may also be in the Wolverley area .
“ Theo is mixed race , medium build , and approximately 5 ’ 7 '' .
He was last seen on Sunday evening in Kidderminster and was wearing blue jogging bottoms and a grey hoodie .
“ If anyone has seen him or knows of his whereabouts , please call West Mercia Police on 101.
” How to report someone is missing : If you believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local police station .
Dial 101 and inform them you would like to make a missing persons report , alternatively you can attend your local police station .
It is a common belief that you have to wait 24 hours before reporting but this is not true , you can make a report to the police as soon as you think a person is missing .
If you are extremely concerned for the welfare of the person then dial 999 and ask for the police .
You can also visit Missing People charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing people and their families , 24 hours a day , 365 days a year .

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A teenager has gone missing in Worcestershire with police ‘very concerned’ for his welfare.
Police issued an appeal for the public’s help in their search to find 16-year-old Theo Murray from Kidderminster. He went missing after last being seen in the town on Sunday night, August 30.
West Mercia Police believe the teen may be in Kidderminster town centre or in the Wolverley area, a village to the north of the town.
A spokesman for the force said: “We are appealing to the public for help locating a missing 16-year-old boy.
“Officers are very concerned for Theo Murray who is believed to be in Kidderminster around the town centre. He may also be in the Wolverley area.
“Theo is mixed race, medium build, and approximately 5’7". He was last seen on Sunday evening in Kidderminster and was wearing blue jogging bottoms and a grey hoodie.
“If anyone has seen him or knows of his whereabouts, please call West Mercia Police on 101.”
How to report someone is missing:
If you believe that someone is missing then please contact your local police station.
Dial 101 and inform them you would like to make a missing persons report, alternatively you can attend your local police station.
It is a common belief that you have to wait 24 hours before reporting but this is not true, you can make a report to the police as soon as you think a person is missing.
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If you are extremely concerned for the welfare of the person then dial 999 and ask for the police.
You can also visit Missing People charity which provides free and confidential support for missing people and their families, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Holly Willoughby rushes to Adele's defence amid 'cultural appropriation' row

Holly Willoughby has defended Adele as Matthew Wright moved to slam the singer over 'cultural appropriation ' on This Morning .
The chart-topping superstar showed off her slimmer figure in a Jamaican flag string bikini .
Adele , 32 , also wore her hair in Bantu knots - small coiled buns typically associated with people of African descent .
The Tottenham-born singer captioned the post : `` Happy what would be Notting Hill Carnival my beloved London . ''
Vanessa Feltz , whose partner is of Nigerian heritage , said : `` Well , my other half says she looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form of flattery .
`` He also said that it 's mostly Americans that have criticised her and they do n't realise a ) she 's a Tottenham girl , b ) it 's the Notting Hill Carnival and c ) on the day of the Grenfell Tower tragedy , there was Adele helping , getting on with it , distributing blankets and water , not drawing attention to herself .
`` It was n't meant to offend anyone at all . ''
But Matthew 's opinion differed , as he said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone but it has offended a significant number of people and I can see why .
`` I was talking to some young teenage girls and I asked them where they thought Bantu knots come from and one of them thought it came from Bjork in the 90s .
`` And that 's the problem with cultural approproation .
People lose sight of the roots of cultural icons such as a haircut .
`` I do n't care what people get up to in the privacy of their back gardens . ''
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very rich white woman at the top of the pop game and she has got richer , one could argue , by appropriating the hairdo of Bantu people in Africa and the Jamaican flag .
`` And I do n't give a monkeys if she comes from Tottenham !
It does n't have anything to do with Tottenham , it 's miles away , the other side of London .
`` David Lammy makes out as though he 's an expert on masquerades all of a sudden , which I did actually study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a problem with folk musicians and dancers going in blackface which is , in itself , a form of masquerade . ''
Holly jumped in and questioned : `` But surely is n't it a question of looking at the intent of the person who 's doing it and her intention of posting that picture was just to celebrate a thing that she 's been a part of for a very long time ?
`` Is n't the Notting Hill Carnival something she 's been to many , many times ? ''

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Holly Willoughby has defended Adele as Matthew Wright moved to slam the singer over 'cultural appropriation' on This Morning.
The chart-topping superstar showed off her slimmer figure in a Jamaican flag string bikini. Adele, 32, also wore her hair in Bantu knots - small coiled buns typically associated with people of African descent.
The Tottenham-born singer captioned the post: "Happy what would be Notting Hill Carnival my beloved London."
Vanessa Feltz, whose partner is of Nigerian heritage, said: "Well, my other half says she looks absolutely fantastic. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
"He also said that it's mostly Americans that have criticised her and they don't realise a) she's a Tottenham girl, b) it's the Notting Hill Carnival and c) on the day of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, there was Adele helping, getting on with it, distributing blankets and water, not drawing attention to herself.
"It wasn't meant to offend anyone at all."
(Image: Adele/Instagram)
But Matthew's opinion differed, as he said: "It was not meant to offend anyone but it has offended a significant number of people and I can see why.
"I was talking to some young teenage girls and I asked them where they thought Bantu knots come from and one of them thought it came from Bjork in the 90s.
"And that's the problem with cultural approproation. People lose sight of the roots of cultural icons such as a haircut.
"I don't care what people get up to in the privacy of their back gardens."
But he added: "Adele is a very rich white woman at the top of the pop game and she has got richer, one could argue, by appropriating the hairdo of Bantu people in Africa and the Jamaican flag.
"And I don't give a monkeys if she comes from Tottenham! It doesn't have anything to do with Tottenham, it's miles away, the other side of London.
"David Lammy makes out as though he's an expert on masquerades all of a sudden, which I did actually study in university, and yet he's got a problem with folk musicians and dancers going in blackface which is, in itself, a form of masquerade."
Holly jumped in and questioned: "But surely isn't it a question of looking at the intent of the person who's doing it and her intention of posting that picture was just to celebrate a thing that she's been a part of for a very long time?
"Isn't the Notting Hill Carnival something she's been to many, many times?"


birminghammail--2020-09-01--'Ugly monstrosity' apartments plans at busy Solihull junction resurface

A fresh battle over plans to build a `` monstrosity '' apartment building on a major road into Solihull is underway .
Updated proposals to pull down two homes at the junction of Old Lode Lane/Hobs Moat Road and build 20 flats in their place have sparked concerns about a `` health and safety nightmare . ''
An earlier version of the scheme was withdrawn in May after a major backlash from locals , who claimed the building would be an eyesore and add to traffic on an already busy island .
Now developers have handed revised plans to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised earlier in the year .
Although critics claim the latest designs , which will have three fewer homes than previously proposed , are still totally out of keeping with the area .
Hundreds have already signed two separate petitions launched by Solihull 's Lib Dems , who represent Elmdon , and Tory activist Yvonne Clements .
Gail Thomas , one of the local objectors , said : `` I don ’ t see how this ugly monstrosity will add any value to the area !
`` The traffic around JLR ( Jaguar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this will just add to the strain of it all . ''
Susan Perkins was among those to voice concerns that the new development would add to danger for pedestrians on one of the key routes to and from the town centre .
`` It ’ s hard to judge the traffic coming off the island now let alone with an added obstruction to their views . ''
The building would include both one and two-bedroom apartments , with 21 car parking spaces to serve the complex .
Ms Clements , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Andy Street , urged people to speak out against the revised plans .
While Solihull 's Lib Dems maintain that the development still did n't fit in to the surrounding area .
The group 's petition said : `` Whilst we welcome additional housing in the Elmdon area , this development is too large for the site and is inappropriate .
This site is more suited to traditional two storey housing . ''
Although developers insist that the project would rejuvenate a `` tired '' location and that the v-shaped building , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was in line with the heights of surrounding properties .
Gary Phillips , writing on behalf of architects Highbury Design , said the proposals would provide `` manageable housing for the elderly , and starter accommodation for the young . ''
He added that there was a precedent for this type of development locally , with a block on the corner of nearby Castle Lane .
Proposals are set to be considered by Solihull Council in the coming months , with the weight of public concern making it inevitable that the application @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a decision .

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A fresh battle over plans to build a "monstrosity" apartment building on a major road into Solihull is underway.
Updated proposals to pull down two homes at the junction of Old Lode Lane/Hobs Moat Road and build 20 flats in their place have sparked concerns about a "health and safety nightmare."
An earlier version of the scheme was withdrawn in May after a major backlash from locals, who claimed the building would be an eyesore and add to traffic on an already busy island.
Now developers have handed revised plans to the council, which they insist address concerns raised earlier in the year.
Although critics claim the latest designs, which will have three fewer homes than previously proposed, are still totally out of keeping with the area.
Hundreds have already signed two separate petitions launched by Solihull's Lib Dems, who represent Elmdon, and Tory activist Yvonne Clements.
Gail Thomas, one of the local objectors, said: "I don’t see how this ugly monstrosity will add any value to the area!
"The traffic around JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) is horrendous at best and this will just add to the strain of it all."
(Image: Planning portal)
Susan Perkins was among those to voice concerns that the new development would add to danger for pedestrians on one of the key routes to and from the town centre.
"It’s hard to judge the traffic coming off the island now let alone with an added obstruction to their views."
The building would include both one and two-bedroom apartments, with 21 car parking spaces to serve the complex.
Ms Clements, whose petition has been promoted by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, urged people to speak out against the revised plans.
While Solihull's Lib Dems maintain that the development still didn't fit in to the surrounding area.
The group's petition said: "Whilst we welcome additional housing in the Elmdon area, this development is too large for the site and is inappropriate. This site is more suited to traditional two storey housing."
Although developers insist that the project would rejuvenate a "tired" location and that the v-shaped building, a mix of two and three storeys, was in line with the heights of surrounding properties.
Gary Phillips, writing on behalf of architects Highbury Design, said the proposals would provide "manageable housing for the elderly, and starter accommodation for the young."
He added that there was a precedent for this type of development locally, with a block on the corner of nearby Castle Lane.
Proposals are set to be considered by Solihull Council in the coming months, with the weight of public concern making it inevitable that the application will be referred to the planning committee for a decision.


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Aston Villa have reportedly signed striker Ruben Shakpoke

Aston Villa have reportedly completed the signing of talented teenage striker Ruben Shakpoke from Norwich City .
The youngster , who made his debut for Norwich 's under-18 side in November , has rejected the chance of a scholarship with the recently relegated Premier League club .
All Nigeria Soccer reports that Villa have beaten off competition from Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven to sign Shakpoke to a scholarship deal .
He is set to feature for the club 's development sides in the forthcoming campaign , initially joining up with the under-18s at Bodymoor Heath .
The England youth international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watford under-15s in the 2018/19 season .
Villa chief executive Christian Purslow has previously outlined his desire to flood the academy with high-potential players .
Do you think you ’ re a hot hand at Fantasy Premier League ?
Do you back yourself to play your chips in the right gameweeks , and nail your captain every single time ?
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Reach Fantasy Football Live ( RFFL ) is a brand-new FPL community , which will bring you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the very best out of your team from the first kick of the season until the last .
By signing up , you will also be given the code for our exclusive , private league , with the winner receiving : To enter , simply sign up here .
You will then receive an invite code to join the Reach Fantasy Football Live league , where you will be pitted against fellow fans , with the person who comes out on top taking home the prizes at the end of the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll receive a weekly bonus newsletter to help you in your quest to lift the RFFL trophy – and win some cash and kit .
He told a recent Supporters Trust AGM : `` The ultimate goal is to populate the under-23 team with 11 outstanding 16 , 17 and 18-year-olds , then I will know it ’ s working .
`` And that will take years , not months .
We need to be higher in recruiting the best eight-year-old , nine-year-old , 10-year-old , 11-year-old , 12-year-old , 14 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and gets a professional contract at 16 . ''
Villa have already signed talented youngsters Ben Chrisene and Sil Swinkels during this transfer window and are reportedly waiting on clearance from The FA before confirming Shakpoke 's arrival .

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Aston Villa have reportedly completed the signing of talented teenage striker Ruben Shakpoke from Norwich City.
The youngster, who made his debut for Norwich's under-18 side in November, has rejected the chance of a scholarship with the recently relegated Premier League club.
All Nigeria Soccer reports that Villa have beaten off competition from Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven to sign Shakpoke to a scholarship deal.
He is set to feature for the club's development sides in the forthcoming campaign, initially joining up with the under-18s at Bodymoor Heath.
The England youth international scored 11 goals in one match against Watford under-15s in the 2018/19 season.
Villa chief executive Christian Purslow has previously outlined his desire to flood the academy with high-potential players.
Join our new fantasy league Do you think you’re a hot hand at Fantasy Premier League? Do you back yourself to play your chips in the right gameweeks, and nail your captain every single time? Now is your chance to prove it – and win some prizes in the process. Reach Fantasy Football Live (RFFL) is a brand-new FPL community, which will bring you weekly tips and hints on how to get the very best out of your team from the first kick of the season until the last. By signing up, you will also be given the code for our exclusive, private league, with the winner receiving: £250 A 2020/21 replica football shirt of your choice The inaugural RFFL winner’s trophy and certificate To enter, simply sign up here. You will then receive an invite code to join the Reach Fantasy Football Live league, where you will be pitted against fellow fans, with the person who comes out on top taking home the prizes at the end of the campaign. What’s more, you’ll receive a weekly bonus newsletter to help you in your quest to lift the RFFL trophy – and win some cash and kit.
He told a recent Supporters Trust AGM: "The ultimate goal is to populate the under-23 team with 11 outstanding 16, 17 and 18-year-olds, then I will know it’s working.
"And that will take years, not months. We need to be higher in recruiting the best eight-year-old, nine-year-old, 10-year-old, 11-year-old, 12-year-old, 14, 16, one a year that makes it and gets a professional contract at 16."
Villa have already signed talented youngsters Ben Chrisene and Sil Swinkels during this transfer window and are reportedly waiting on clearance from The FA before confirming Shakpoke's arrival.