birminghammail--2020-04-26--Eight houses for sale with glorious gardens around Birmingham

Now that we 're all in lockdown - and probably will be for some time - getting outdoors is important .
And with our movements curtailed , gardens have never been more important .
We 've found eight houses for sale in the Birmingham area - all with surprising outside spaces .
They 're for a variety of budgets .
Some gardens are already stunning and all you have to do is pitch your deckchair and enjoy the sunshine .
Others are spacious ( even on a smaller budget ) and are a blank canvas , ready for you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detached 1930s house has four bedrooms with an asking price of £750,000 .
It 's in the sought-after suburb of Cofton Hackett , nestling in the shadows of the Lickey Hills .
The house itself is very stylish - but its main attraction is the rear garden which is more than 200ft long with great countryside views .
The house is a fusion of modern and lovely period features .
The open plan kitchen has views of the gardens , as do the rear rooms .
The back garden is extensive , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the countryside beyond .
It has lawns , decking and hedging providing privacy .
There 's also a fish pond , a small beach hut-style shed , another shed , summer house and greenhouse .
It is a mile from the village of Barnt Green , with a school , pub , restaurants , shops and two churches .
It 's also very close close to Lickey Hills .
For details view the property here .
If your budget is more modest , how about this terraced house in Acocks Green ?
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a surprisingly large garden .
It is within walking distance of Acocks Green village centre and the railway station .
From the outside it looks just like any other terraced house .
It has two reception rooms , a bathroom and kitchen .
But at the back is where you 'll get the biggest surprise .
There 's a very long rear garden which has a big patio area , a lawn and fencing .
At the moment it 's a blank canvas , meaning the new owners can do whatever they like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with green fingers .
To view the property , click here Another house hiding a hidden gem of a garden at the rear .
Harborne is a sought-after area and this four bedroom semi in Pereira Road is on the market for £549,950 .
It is in a popular road and the house itself has a porch , hall , three reception rooms a fitted kitchen , four bedrooms , an en-suite bathroom and garage .
The road is easily accessible to the QE Hospital , Birmingham University and Harborne High Street .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 'll be greeted by a very large garden , with a separate side entry and gate .
There 's a block-paved terraced area with an exterior tap , a retaining wall with wrought iron railings and steps leading to lawned areas .
Here you 'll find an inset bed , low walling , shrubbery and trees .
Also in the garden are two useful metal storage sheds and a further timber shed .
For more details on this property , click here .
For £514,000 you can own this character house in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads .
The four-bedroom semi in Stanley Road has been in the same family for over 40 years .
It has beautiful cottage-style front and rear gardens .
It 's in a road which is full of Kings Heath 's most delightful character properties .
It also benefits from being on a very generous plot and is full of wonderful architecture .
There 's a large hallway , rooms with high ceilings , a dining room , lounge and a kitchen/diner which overlooks the garden .
The lovely surprise is that it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots of love and attention lavished on it over the years .
There is a useful outhouse attached to the house which is currently used as a utility space .
Further into the garden is a wooden children 's house and a double garage space at the very rear .
There 's also a secluded courtyard area .
To get more details on this property , click here .
This large impressive semi in a coveted Moseley road has an equally impressive lawn of huge dimensions .
As you 'd expect of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is enormous and very low maintenance .
You can leave it as it is or regard it as a blank canvas - a delight and challenge for any green-fingered home-hunters out there .
The house itself is three-storey , with lots of Edwardian period features and is a short stroll from the Moseley village .
It has two reception rooms , a farmhouse kitchen with an AGA and a wine cellar .
There are four bedrooms and a home office .
The French doors open from the lounge onto the garden , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is then a very big lawn area with shrubs and fencing , mature trees and a shed .
For more details click here .
On sale for £650,000 , this five-bedroom detached house in Lickey is a rare gem - a house which has n't been on the market for 90 years .
But its best feature is its rear garden - which is enormous .
It features numerous mature trees and shrubs , as well as a summerhouse and greenhouse and are south facing .
The original gardeners loved their outside space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either side of the garden .
This has created a fantastic wide-ranging playground for young and old , animals and pets .
There are also two adjoining outbuildings and parking for multiple cars and a double garage .
The house has three reception rooms , a breakfast kitchen with a pantry .
Upstairs there are four bedrooms - one with a balcony and steps leading to the back garden .
For more details click here This is a stunning house with six bedrooms and an amazing garden - all for £649,000 .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` wow '' factor here .
This stunning Art Deco family home has a superb kitchen diner which opens out onto the impressive grounds .
The front garden is equally amazing - being set back from the road and shielded by fir trees and shrubs , it has an outdoor decking seat area .
There are four reception rooms , six bedrooms and the kitchen diner has bi-folding doors , leading out to the rear garden .
Outside , the owners obviously love entertaining as a large portion of the rear garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entertaining and eating area .
There are stone retaining walls and steps down to a deep lawned garden flanked by mature planting beds with a wealth of mature trees , shrubs and flowering plants .
For more details , click here .
This four bedroom detached house in one of Sutton 's most sought-after roads , on the cusp of the very posh Four Oaks estate , could be yours for £875,000 .
Unsurprisingly , in this area and for that price , you get a magnificent rear garden .
The house itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchen , conservatory and four bedrooms .
But one of this house 's main features is its attractive , large and beautifully-maintained south-facing rear garden .
It has been designed for receiving and entertaining guests over the warmer months .
There 's a lovely patio area , which is perfect for relaxing and also al fresco dining .
For more details , click here .

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Now that we're all in lockdown - and probably will be for some time - getting outdoors is important.
And with our movements curtailed, gardens have never been more important.
We've found eight houses for sale in the Birmingham area - all with surprising outside spaces.
They're for a variety of budgets. Some gardens are already stunning and all you have to do is pitch your deckchair and enjoy the sunshine.
Others are spacious (even on a smaller budget) and are a blank canvas, ready for you to test out your green fingers.
(Image: RightMove)
Barnt Green Road, Cofton Hackett
This detached 1930s house has four bedrooms with an asking price of £750,000.
It's in the sought-after suburb of Cofton Hackett, nestling in the shadows of the Lickey Hills. The house itself is very stylish - but its main attraction is the rear garden which is more than 200ft long with great countryside views.
(Image: RightMove)
The house is a fusion of modern and lovely period features. The open plan kitchen has views of the gardens, as do the rear rooms.
The back garden is extensive, with several decked seating areas and views of the countryside beyond. It has lawns, decking and hedging providing privacy.
There's also a fish pond, a small beach hut-style shed, another shed, summer house and greenhouse.
(Image: RightMove)
It is a mile from the village of Barnt Green, with a school, pub, restaurants, shops and two churches. It's also very close close to Lickey Hills.
For details view the property here.
Francis Road, Acocks Green
If your budget is more modest, how about this terraced house in Acocks Green?
(Image: rightmove)
For £160,000 you'll get three bedrooms and a surprisingly large garden.
It is within walking distance of Acocks Green village centre and the railway station.
From the outside it looks just like any other terraced house. It has two reception rooms, a bathroom and kitchen.
(Image: rightmove)
But at the back is where you'll get the biggest surprise. There's a very long rear garden which has a big patio area, a lawn and fencing.
At the moment it's a blank canvas, meaning the new owners can do whatever they like with it! Perfect for first-time buyers with green fingers.
To view the property, click here
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Pereira Road, Harborne
Another house hiding a hidden gem of a garden at the rear.
Harborne is a sought-after area and this four bedroom semi in Pereira Road is on the market for £549,950.
(Image: rightmove)
It is in a popular road and the house itself has a porch, hall, three reception rooms a fitted kitchen, four bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom and garage.
The road is easily accessible to the QE Hospital, Birmingham University and Harborne High Street.
(Image: RightMove)
But step through the back doors and you'll be greeted by a very large garden, with a separate side entry and gate.
There's a block-paved terraced area with an exterior tap, a retaining wall with wrought iron railings and steps leading to lawned areas. Here you'll find an inset bed, low walling, shrubbery and trees.
Also in the garden are two useful metal storage sheds and a further timber shed.
For more details on this property, click here.
Stanley Road, Kings Heath
For £514,000 you can own this character house in one of Kings Heath's most desirable roads. The four-bedroom semi in Stanley Road has been in the same family for over 40 years.
It has beautiful cottage-style front and rear gardens.
(Image: RightMove)
It's in a road which is full of Kings Heath's most delightful character properties. It also benefits from being on a very generous plot and is full of wonderful architecture.
There's a large hallway, rooms with high ceilings, a dining room, lounge and a kitchen/diner which overlooks the garden.
(Image: RightMove)
The lovely surprise is that it has a well-maintained mature garden which has had lots of love and attention lavished on it over the years.
There is a useful outhouse attached to the house which is currently used as a utility space. Further into the garden is a wooden children's house and a double garage space at the very rear. There's also a secluded courtyard area.
To get more details on this property, click here.
Anderton Park Road, Moseley
This large impressive semi in a coveted Moseley road has an equally impressive lawn of huge dimensions.
As you'd expect of a house this size, the rear garden is enormous and very low maintenance.
You can leave it as it is or regard it as a blank canvas - a delight and challenge for any green-fingered home-hunters out there.
(Image: RightMove)
The house itself is three-storey, with lots of Edwardian period features and is a short stroll from the Moseley village.
It has two reception rooms, a farmhouse kitchen with an AGA and a wine cellar. There are four bedrooms and a home office.
(Image: RightMove)
The French doors open from the lounge onto the garden, which has a paved patio area. There is then a very big lawn area with shrubs and fencing, mature trees and a shed.
For more details click here.
Old Birmingham Road, Lickey
On sale for £650,000, this five-bedroom detached house in Lickey is a rare gem - a house which hasn't been on the market for 90 years.
(Image: RightMove)
But its best feature is its rear garden - which is enormous. It features numerous mature trees and shrubs, as well as a summerhouse and greenhouse and are south facing.
The original gardeners loved their outside space so much they bought additional land to either side of the garden. This has created a fantastic wide-ranging playground for young and old, animals and pets.
(Image: RightMove)
There are also two adjoining outbuildings and parking for multiple cars and a double garage.
The house has three reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen with a pantry. Upstairs there are four bedrooms - one with a balcony and steps leading to the back garden.
For more details click here
Green Road, Moseley
This is a stunning house with six bedrooms and an amazing garden - all for £649,000.
It's not just the gardens which have the "wow" factor here. This stunning Art Deco family home has a superb kitchen diner which opens out onto the impressive grounds.
(Image: RightMove)
The front garden is equally amazing - being set back from the road and shielded by fir trees and shrubs, it has an outdoor decking seat area.
There are four reception rooms, six bedrooms and the kitchen diner has bi-folding doors, leading out to the rear garden.
Outside, the owners obviously love entertaining as a large portion of the rear garden has raised paving with a superb outdoor entertaining and eating area.
(Image: RightMove)
There are stone retaining walls and steps down to a deep lawned garden flanked by mature planting beds with a wealth of mature trees, shrubs and flowering plants.
For more details, click here.
Wyvern Road, Sutton Coldfield
This four bedroom detached house in one of Sutton's most sought-after roads, on the cusp of the very posh Four Oaks estate, could be yours for £875,000.
(Image: RightMove)
Unsurprisingly, in this area and for that price, you get a magnificent rear garden.
The house itself has two reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, conservatory and four bedrooms.
But one of this house's main features is its attractive, large and beautifully-maintained south-facing rear garden. It has been designed for receiving and entertaining guests over the warmer months.
(Image: RightMove)
There's a lovely patio area, which is perfect for relaxing and also al fresco dining.
For more details, click here.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Longest sentences handed down by judges in Brum so far in 2020

Dangerous criminals are still being locked up as Birmingham 's justice system continues to operate amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Despite lockdown , Birmingham Crown Court is still running with several courtrooms dealing with cases .
Three are being used as Skype sentence courts with just a judge , a couple of court clerks and an usher .
No trials are being heard but important sentencing , plea and mention hearings are all taking place .
With a third of the year gone we take a look back at the longest sentences handed down by judges in Birmingham so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a 'calm killer ' after he stabbed his cousin to death in a family property row .
Nadir Ali knifed Hashim Khan 11 times and also stabbed two of his victim 's brothers .
Ali , 32 , of Edward Road , Balsall Heath , was found guilty of murder and three charges of wounding with intent .
He will serve at least 25 years before he will be considered for release by the parole board .
Birmingham Crown Court heard the defendant had been given property by the brothers ' mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and met at a house in Wilton Road , Sparkhill , on August 23 last year .
The property belonged to Taj Murbarik , who was married to Ali 's sister .
Before the meeting , Mr Khan asked one of his brothers to record the meeting on his phone .
At first it was comparatively peaceful and Mr Khan said Ali should return the property .
But tempers flared and the defendant accused Mr Khan of bringing shame before he drew a knife and lunged at him .
Mr Khan tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ali continued to stab him .
The defendant stabbed the victim 11 times and also stabbed Lookman Khan and Zahoor Khan , who had tried to intervene .
To read the whole story click here A terrified grandmother was slashed with a 'zombie ' style knife as she tried to protect her grandson from being attacked by intruders .
Masked raiders James Steele and Justin Mousley-Jones were armed with the `` fearsome '' weapon when they broke into the Acocks Green house in the early hours seeking revenge following the breakdown of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Goosemoor Lane , Erdington and Steele , 21 , of Sefton Road , Edgbaston , both admitted aggravated burglary .
Mousley Jones was sentenced to seven years and four months while Steele was jailed for six years and eight months .
Steele had been in a relationship with an 18-year-old woman since October 2018 and she he had ended it a few weeks before the offence took place .
The court was told the defendants had previously shown animosity towards the teenager 's 20-year-old brother .
On June 3 last year , Steele @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At around 1am , he and Mousley-Jones went to where she lived with her brother and 57-year-old grandmother in Acocks Green .
She woke up to see the defendants , who were both wearing hooded jackets , in her bedroom and asking where he brother was .
Steele then went into her brother 's room and started to punch him .
To read the whole story click here Once-promising footballer Assane Koite was jailed for raping a woman he met outside a Birmingham bar after she recorded the ordeal on her phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , during which the victim was heard saying `` you are raping me . ''
Koite , 22 , of no fixed address , who had previously admitted rape , was sentenced to six years and one month .
On the evening of February 5 2018 , the woman had been out with friends in Birmingham city centre and visited a number of bars .
She parted company with them , joined another group but when she tried to get in Missing Bar was refused entry because she was too drunk just before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arcadian Centre before she `` encountered '' the defendant and another man .
Shortly after that they got into a taxi which went back to an address in Pershore Road , where Koite had rented a flat .
To read the whole story click here Sharn Miles and Ty Blake shot their victim James Teer in the face at point-blank range with a shotgun on the evening of August 8 last year .
The killers were bent on revenge after a nightclub bust-up involving someone the victim knew - even though he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself .
Describing the brutal killing as an ‘ execution ’ Mr Justice Martin Spencer sentenced both defendants to life with a minimum of 32 years at Birmingham Crown Court .
Judge Spencer said : `` James Teer was a 20-year-old man at the start of his independent adult life .
“ He had a big heart and a great sense of humour .
He enjoyed life .
The grief and anguish of his family are made clear from the personal statements .
“ James was going on his first holiday with friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifestyle .
His family and friends are devastated and unable to come to terms with his murder .
“ Four days earlier there was an altercation with a group of youths including Mr Teer .
You ( Miles ) could not let it go .
You recruited Blake .
You ( Blake ) got £550 that is how cheaply you valued the life of James Teer . ''
The pair were convicted of murder after West Midlands Police traced them from a bloodied tissue found in their getaway car .
To read the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ghsemi bit part of a restaurant owner 's ear off at a New Year 's Eve party - as his wife bashed him over the head with her high heels .
Ghsemi carried out the shocking attack because he took offence at the way a DJ apologised for his earlier bad behaviour at the event .
The 34-year-old first hit the DJ over the head with an object , smashed his laptop , pushed him to the floor and bit him on the left side of the chest and knee .
When Ghsemi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant owner he then bit him twice to the chest and nose causing bleeding injuries - before chewing part of his left ear off .
To see what sentence he received and to read the whole story , click here A speeding driver killed a grandmother as she crossed a busy Birmingham road - and then tried to claim he had been the victim of a knife-point carjacking .
Nathaniel Matthews , 37 , appeared to be `` jumping around '' in his heavily-tinted Volkswagen Golf and racing with another vehicle shortly before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The much-loved grandma died from her injuries following the crash in Bristol Road , Edgbaston .
Matthews , of Tile Cross Road , Tile Cross , pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and doing an act intended to pervert the course of justice .
He was jailed for six-and-a-half years and was also banned from the roads for nine years and three months .
To read the whole story click here Drug dealer Haseeb Mirza was found guilty of murdering Malik Hussain inside his Volkswagen Golf .
Mr Hussain , 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the car before being dragged into the road and stamped on in a chilling attack last July .
Drug dealing brothers Haseeb and Adeeb Mirza murdered the 'caring ' dad-of-four after a row erupted over a spilled drink .
Adeeb Mirza fled to Pakistan on the same day as the killing - and is still on the run .
Haseeb Mirza , 26 , of Benedicts Road , Small Heath , was found guilty of Mr Hussain 's murder following a trial and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story , click here A thug who left a man with devastating brain injuries in a revenge attack following a New Year 's Eve party five years ago was jailed for 13 years and eight months .
Adam Taylor was said to have jumped and stamped on Jason Webb 's head and torso `` like a child jumping on a trampoline '' in a road in Kings Heath .
Taylor , 34 , of Baverstock Road , Druids Heath , was found guilty of causing Mr Webb grievous bodily harm with intent following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The court heard during the trial that Taylor and Mr Webb had been at a family party at Kernthorpe Road , Kings Heath , on New Year 's Eve 2014 .
There had been a falling out between their respective girlfriends while Mr Webb also had an argument with the defendant 's sister .
A number of people , including the victim , were asked to leave .
Later , Taylor 's sister returned to the address with a bloodied nose .
Taylor , who believed Mr Webb had caused the injury , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went out looking for the victim .
Witness Aaron Kelly then saw the defendant jumping and stamping on Mr Webb .
The victim was not discovered until around 7.30am on New Year 's Day by passers-by and may have been lying in the street for around seven hours , the court heard .
He had suffered a broken nose and arm as well as a serious brain hemorrhage .
The injury to his brain had left him with a significant cognitive impairment , affecting his personality and behaviour .
The court was told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , could no longer live independently or engage in any social activity and needed two-to-one support .
To read the whole story , click here Deborah Carroll killed her husband by stabbing him with a kitchen knife following a drunken argument over loud music at their home .
She plunged the weapon , which she had taken from a block , into John Carroll 's shoulder as he sat on a sofa at their home in Selly Oak .
The 53-year-old , who had denied murder , was found guilty following a trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jailed for life and must serve a minimum of ten years in jail before being considered for release .
The couple had known each other for six years and had been married for four .
On April 1 last year , the 52-year-old victim , who was in poor health due to alcoholism and smoking , had gone out drinking with a friend to a number of pubs in Harborne .
They returned to his home in Alwold Court , Barnes Hill , where they carried on drinking until the early hours before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife , who had earlier been at a working men 's club .
At one point things calmed down and the victim sat on a chair but his wife then approached him from behind and stabbed him in the left side of the chest in a downward motion , the court heard .
To read the whole story , click here Homeless rapist Farirai Shereni was jailed for 13 years after he dragged a woman from the street and attacked her in Birmingham city centre .
Shereni was described by a judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
He had already pestered other women for sex before he targeted his victim as she walked to work in the early hours of November 6 , 2018 .
The 26-year-old dragged her towards an underpass on Bull Street after spotting her in Dale End after she had been dropped off by her boyfriend .
She tried to walk away after the first attack but he raped her again .
Shereni had previously been found guilty of two charges of rape and another serious sexual offence by a jury at Birmingham Crown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bond told him : `` In my judgement your behaviour was every woman 's worst nightmare , being pulled off the street and raped by a stranger . ''
To read the whole story , click here Perverted Birmingham pensioner Colin Dyke planned to meet underage girls in the Philippines after having explicit sex chats with them .
Dyke also communicated with with the mother of one of the girls who was aged just three and had booked a hotel so he could meet them .
Dyke also paid for victims to perform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show '' for him .
Dyke , 77 , of Berryfields Road , Sheldon , pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and encouraging and facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence .
He also pleaded guilty to attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity , paying for the sexual services of a child , attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act and attempting to pay for the sexual services of a child He was jailed for 22 years .
To read the story , @ @

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Dangerous criminals are still being locked up as Birmingham's justice system continues to operate amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite lockdown, Birmingham Crown Court is still running with several courtrooms dealing with cases.
Three are being used as Skype sentence courts with just a judge, a couple of court clerks and an usher.
No trials are being heard but important sentencing, plea and mention hearings are all taking place.
With a third of the year gone we take a look back at the longest sentences handed down by judges in Birmingham so far in 2020.
Nadir Ali
(Image: WMP)
Nadir Ali was described as a 'calm killer' after he stabbed his cousin to death in a family property row.
Nadir Ali knifed Hashim Khan 11 times and also stabbed two of his victim's brothers.
Ali, 32, of Edward Road, Balsall Heath, was found guilty of murder and three charges of wounding with intent.
He will serve at least 25 years before he will be considered for release by the parole board.
Birmingham Crown Court heard the defendant had been given property by the brothers' mother.
They were unhappy with the decision and met at a house in Wilton Road, Sparkhill, on August 23 last year.
The property belonged to Taj Murbarik, who was married to Ali's sister.
Before the meeting, Mr Khan asked one of his brothers to record the meeting on his phone.
At first it was comparatively peaceful and Mr Khan said Ali should return the property.
But tempers flared and the defendant accused Mr Khan of bringing shame before he drew a knife and lunged at him.
Mr Khan tried to escape but fell at the doorway as Ali continued to stab him.
The defendant stabbed the victim 11 times and also stabbed Lookman Khan and Zahoor Khan, who had tried to intervene.
To read the whole story click here
James Steele and Justin Mousley-Jones
A terrified grandmother was slashed with a 'zombie' style knife as she tried to protect her grandson from being attacked by intruders.
Masked raiders James Steele and Justin Mousley-Jones were armed with the "fearsome" weapon when they broke into the Acocks Green house in the early hours seeking revenge following the breakdown of a relationship.
Mousley-Jones, 20, of Goosemoor Lane, Erdington and Steele, 21, of Sefton Road, Edgbaston, both admitted aggravated burglary.
Mousley Jones was sentenced to seven years and four months while Steele was jailed for six years and eight months.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Steele had been in a relationship with an 18-year-old woman since October 2018 and she he had ended it a few weeks before the offence took place.
The court was told the defendants had previously shown animosity towards the teenager's 20-year-old brother.
On June 3 last year, Steele messaged his ex-partner asking for her address.
At around 1am, he and Mousley-Jones went to where she lived with her brother and 57-year-old grandmother in Acocks Green.
She woke up to see the defendants, who were both wearing hooded jackets, in her bedroom and asking where he brother was.
Steele then went into her brother's room and started to punch him.
To read the whole story click here
Assane Koite
(Image: WMP)
Once-promising footballer Assane Koite was jailed for raping a woman he met outside a Birmingham bar after she recorded the ordeal on her phone.
The recording lasted for 20 minutes, during which the victim was heard saying "you are raping me."
Koite, 22, of no fixed address, who had previously admitted rape, was sentenced to six years and one month.
On the evening of February 5 2018, the woman had been out with friends in Birmingham city centre and visited a number of bars.
She parted company with them, joined another group but when she tried to get in Missing Bar was refused entry because she was too drunk just before 1.30am.
CCTV captured her wandering around the Arcadian Centre before she "encountered" the defendant and another man.
Shortly after that they got into a taxi which went back to an address in Pershore Road, where Koite had rented a flat.
To read the whole story click here
Sharn Miles and Ty Blake
Sharn Miles and Ty Blake shot their victim James Teer in the face at point-blank range with a shotgun on the evening of August 8 last year.
The killers were bent on revenge after a nightclub bust-up involving someone the victim knew - even though he had not been involved in any way himself.
Describing the brutal killing as an ‘execution’ Mr Justice Martin Spencer sentenced both defendants to life with a minimum of 32 years at Birmingham Crown Court.
Judge Spencer said: "James Teer was a 20-year-old man at the start of his independent adult life.
“He had a big heart and a great sense of humour. He enjoyed life. The grief and anguish of his family are made clear from the personal statements.
“James was going on his first holiday with friends and had started to live a healthy lifestyle. His family and friends are devastated and unable to come to terms with his murder.
“Four days earlier there was an altercation with a group of youths including Mr Teer. You (Miles) could not let it go. You recruited Blake. You (Blake) got £550 that is how cheaply you valued the life of James Teer."
The pair were convicted of murder after West Midlands Police traced them from a bloodied tissue found in their getaway car.
To read the whole story click here
Joytar Ghsemi
(Image: WMP)
Drunken reveller Jotyar Ghsemi bit part of a restaurant owner's ear off at a New Year's Eve party - as his wife bashed him over the head with her high heels.
Ghsemi carried out the shocking attack because he took offence at the way a DJ apologised for his earlier bad behaviour at the event.
The 34-year-old first hit the DJ over the head with an object, smashed his laptop, pushed him to the floor and bit him on the left side of the chest and knee.
When Ghsemi was lifted to his feet by the restaurant owner he then bit him twice to the chest and nose causing bleeding injuries - before chewing part of his left ear off.
To see what sentence he received and to read the whole story, click here
Nathaniel Matthews
A speeding driver killed a grandmother as she crossed a busy Birmingham road - and then tried to claim he had been the victim of a knife-point carjacking.
Nathaniel Matthews, 37, appeared to be "jumping around" in his heavily-tinted Volkswagen Golf and racing with another vehicle shortly before he struck Baljit Kaur, 65.
The much-loved grandma died from her injuries following the crash in Bristol Road, Edgbaston.
Matthews, of Tile Cross Road, Tile Cross, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and doing an act intended to pervert the course of justice.
He was jailed for six-and-a-half years and was also banned from the roads for nine years and three months.
To read the whole story click here
Haseeb Mirza
Drug dealer Haseeb Mirza was found guilty of murdering Malik Hussain inside his Volkswagen Golf.
Mr Hussain, 35, was knifed in the heart inside the car before being dragged into the road and stamped on in a chilling attack last July.
Drug dealing brothers Haseeb and Adeeb Mirza murdered the 'caring' dad-of-four after a row erupted over a spilled drink.
Adeeb Mirza fled to Pakistan on the same day as the killing - and is still on the run.
Haseeb Mirza, 26, of Benedicts Road, Small Heath, was found guilty of Mr Hussain's murder following a trial and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
To read the whole story, click here
Adam Taylor
A thug who left a man with devastating brain injuries in a revenge attack following a New Year's Eve party five years ago was jailed for 13 years and eight months.
Adam Taylor was said to have jumped and stamped on Jason Webb's head and torso "like a child jumping on a trampoline" in a road in Kings Heath.
Taylor, 34, of Baverstock Road, Druids Heath, was found guilty of causing Mr Webb grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
The court heard during the trial that Taylor and Mr Webb had been at a family party at Kernthorpe Road, Kings Heath, on New Year's Eve 2014.
There had been a falling out between their respective girlfriends while Mr Webb also had an argument with the defendant's sister.
A number of people, including the victim, were asked to leave.
Later, Taylor's sister returned to the address with a bloodied nose.
Taylor, who believed Mr Webb had caused the injury, wanted revenge, and with others, went out looking for the victim. Witness Aaron Kelly then saw the defendant jumping and stamping on Mr Webb.
The victim was not discovered until around 7.30am on New Year's Day by passers-by and may have been lying in the street for around seven hours, the court heard.
He had suffered a broken nose and arm as well as a serious brain hemorrhage.
The injury to his brain had left him with a significant cognitive impairment, affecting his personality and behaviour.
The court was told he would never be able to work, could no longer live independently or engage in any social activity and needed two-to-one support.
To read the whole story, click here
Deborah Carroll
(Image: WMP)
Deborah Carroll killed her husband by stabbing him with a kitchen knife following a drunken argument over loud music at their home.
She plunged the weapon, which she had taken from a block, into John Carroll's shoulder as he sat on a sofa at their home in Selly Oak.
The 53-year-old, who had denied murder, was found guilty following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court. She was jailed for life and must serve a minimum of ten years in jail before being considered for release.
The couple had known each other for six years and had been married for four.
On April 1 last year, the 52-year-old victim, who was in poor health due to alcoholism and smoking, had gone out drinking with a friend to a number of pubs in Harborne.
They returned to his home in Alwold Court, Barnes Hill, where they carried on drinking until the early hours before an argument started between Mr Carroll and his wife, who had earlier been at a working men's club.
At one point things calmed down and the victim sat on a chair but his wife then approached him from behind and stabbed him in the left side of the chest in a downward motion, the court heard.
To read the whole story, click here
Farirai Shereni
Homeless rapist Farirai Shereni was jailed for 13 years after he dragged a woman from the street and attacked her in Birmingham city centre.
Shereni was described by a judge as "every woman's worst nightmare".
He had already pestered other women for sex before he targeted his victim as she walked to work in the early hours of November 6, 2018.
The 26-year-old dragged her towards an underpass on Bull Street after spotting her in Dale End after she had been dropped off by her boyfriend.
She tried to walk away after the first attack but he raped her again.
Shereni had previously been found guilty of two charges of rape and another serious sexual offence by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court.
Passing sentence, Judge Richard Bond told him: "In my judgement your behaviour was every woman's worst nightmare, being pulled off the street and raped by a stranger."
To read the whole story, click here
Colin Dyke
Perverted Birmingham pensioner Colin Dyke planned to meet underage girls in the Philippines after having explicit sex chats with them.
Dyke also communicated with with the mother of one of the girls who was aged just three and had booked a hotel so he could meet them.
Dyke also paid for victims to perform sexual acts and put on a "show" for him.
Dyke, 77, of Berryfields Road, Sheldon, pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and encouraging and facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence.
He also pleaded guilty to attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity, paying for the sexual services of a child, attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act and attempting to pay for the sexual services of a child He was jailed for 22 years.
To read the story, click here


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Huge surge in domestic abuse reports predicted after lockdown

There will be a huge surge in reports of domestic abuse after the lockdown has ended , a Birmingham councillor has warned .
Cllr Nicky Brennan , who chairs the city 's Violence Against Women and Girls ( VAWG ) group , compared the current situation - where it is feared many victims are being forced to spend more time at home with their abusers - to Christmas and predicted their will be a spike in calls to police and victims ' charities when people return to work and children go back to school .
She said : `` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's going to be really , really difficult to get in touch with a helpline or the police .
It 's like what happens at Christmas time .
When you work on the help lines at Christmas it is really quiet , I always found .
`` Women just get on with it , they are thinking about their kids and managing what is happening .
It 's all safety planning .
When everybody goes back to work and lockdown ends I think there will be a huge surge in reports and women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe to do so .
That 's when the sector will need the most support .
And leaving is also the most dangerous time , they are less likely to do that when they are stuck at home with their abuser being constantly watched . ''
There has already been a 10 per cent increase in domestic abuse reports in the first week of April compared to the same week last year .
That 's according to a report from the Strategic Policing and Crime Board , chaired by West Midlands Police and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is also domestic abuse adviser on Birmingham City Council , stated the police were doing a good job because they were able to take advantage of a reduction in other crime types during the lockdown such as burglaries .
But she warned the force needed to remain vigilant and added : `` What I 'm worried about with Covid-19 is everyone has put the emphasis on domestic abuse now , but when the lockdown is over their attention is going to drop off and it will fall under the radar again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be discussed .
It should always be high on the agenda . ''
The Sparkhill ward Labour councillor , who has also launched the Brum Baby Bank to help mums in need of supplies , also warned against 'skewed ' perceptions of who victims may be .
She said : `` People need to be aware that victims are not just women and children that are locked down in the house with abusers .
You are going to have victims who are key workers , so employers should be aware of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims who are co-parenting with their abusers .
They might not be living with them but they will still have to safety plan and manage .
It could be a really anxious and worrying time for them .
Abusers could use the lockdown as a chance to regain control over their victims . ''

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There will be a huge surge in reports of domestic abuse after the lockdown has ended, a Birmingham councillor has warned.
Cllr Nicky Brennan, who chairs the city's Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) group, compared the current situation - where it is feared many victims are being forced to spend more time at home with their abusers - to Christmas and predicted their will be a spike in calls to police and victims' charities when people return to work and children go back to school.
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She said: "If you are stuck at home, it's going to be really, really difficult to get in touch with a helpline or the police. It's like what happens at Christmas time. When you work on the help lines at Christmas it is really quiet, I always found.
"Women just get on with it, they are thinking about their kids and managing what is happening. It's all safety planning. When everybody goes back to work and lockdown ends I think there will be a huge surge in reports and women contacting helplines as women will finally be safe to do so. That's when the sector will need the most support. And leaving is also the most dangerous time, they are less likely to do that when they are stuck at home with their abuser being constantly watched."
There has already been a 10 per cent increase in domestic abuse reports in the first week of April compared to the same week last year. That's according to a report from the Strategic Policing and Crime Board, chaired by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson.
Cllr Brennan, who is also domestic abuse adviser on Birmingham City Council, stated the police were doing a good job because they were able to take advantage of a reduction in other crime types during the lockdown such as burglaries.
But she warned the force needed to remain vigilant and added: "What I'm worried about with Covid-19 is everyone has put the emphasis on domestic abuse now, but when the lockdown is over their attention is going to drop off and it will fall under the radar again when that's the time it needs to be discussed. It should always be high on the agenda."
The Sparkhill ward Labour councillor, who has also launched the Brum Baby Bank to help mums in need of supplies, also warned against 'skewed' perceptions of who victims may be.
She said: "People need to be aware that victims are not just women and children that are locked down in the house with abusers. You are going to have victims who are key workers, so employers should be aware of that. You are also going to have victims who are co-parenting with their abusers. They might not be living with them but they will still have to safety plan and manage. It could be a really anxious and worrying time for them. Abusers could use the lockdown as a chance to regain control over their victims."


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Life and Birth TV childbirth series reveals its secrets

It 's the TV documentary series filmed in Birmingham that has already gripped the nation after just one episode .
Screening during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic , Life and Birth , showing at 8pm on Tuesdays on BBC1 , is a life-affirming antidote to the doom and gloom that has dominated the news agenda for most of the year .
But where and when was the six-part series shot and how ?
No TV drama - be it fact or fiction - is complete without a sense of place .
And so that 's where the great city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place is so diverse with wonderful characters , great staff and lots of births , '' says Simon , a father-of-two .
`` It seemed like the best place to go .
`` Dragonfly has also done a lot of filming here in the past , from Ambulance to Surgeons . ''
On August 5 , 2019 , BirminghamLive carried a special report saying the BBC was looking for mums-to-be to take part in the series .
How to move on from One Born Every Minute '' That 's a great series , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' says Simon .
`` Life and Birth showcases the amazing work the NHS does before , during and after childbirth .
`` People think giving birth is going to be easy , but it 's not .
`` Hence the extraordinary array of services , from mental health to fetal medicine . ''
Where was it recorded ?
`` We filmed at the Birmingham Women 's Hospital , Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield and Heartlands .
`` All are great hospitals and we enjoyed filming in all of them . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our main shoot was between the first week of August and September . ''
says Simon .
`` We then had a skeleton crew in October covering some of the stories as they developed .
`` We gave couples a 'batphone ' in case anything was happening so that we could respond .
They were all really good at keeping in touch .
`` We had teams on 24/7 , though less at night .
`` By January , all of the editing had been finished . ''
Is every birth included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because we ended up with too many to feature in six episodes , '' says Simon .
`` One of the reasons people took part is that because they might get a DVD of their baby 's birth and that is what has happened for those who are not in the programme .
`` A lot of people forget what happens ( during childbirth ) .
`` When you go back and show the participants any of the footage to see if they are happy with it , they all well up as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the right to drop out at any given point if they wanted to .
`` We give them advice about social media for months before transmission . ''
`` We were doing some test filming when we met Jodie who features in the first programme , '' says Simon .
`` She was told at 20 weeks her baby would need heart surgery .
`` Then she gave birth early at 32 weeks and it would be a while before Phoebe could have her operation .
`` Covering their story was more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came a point where we backed off a lot because we could see they were having a difficult time .
`` But we became good friends and they then began to contact us and we were a bit of a distraction for them . ''
How were the birth scenes filmed ?
`` In the women 's hospital we would have three fixed cameras operated remotely and a self-shooting director , '' Simon explains .
`` At Good Hope and Heartlands there would be two members of the team in the room .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in medical areas and people would forget they were there . ''
Who is the series aimed at ?
`` As well as parents , I hope a lot of young people will watch it , too , '' says Simon .
`` A - because they 're all in ( because of the pandemic ) but also because it 's great family viewing , too .
`` My daughter was 17 when she saw it and said : 'No way am I having a baby ! '
`` But hopefully if younger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to become the next generation of midwives , doctors and nurses . ''
If David Attenborough had narrated this , we would have all been listening to Whispering Dave knowing it was him .
But the narrator of Life and Birth , while well known , is less blindingly obvious .
`` She was great and really enjoyed it , '' says Simon .
`` Her voice adds another level to it . ''
Would filming in a pandemic have been possible ?
`` We are not sure , it 's something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but should we ?
`` We followed all the government guidelines so were not wearing masks in the maternity suites and were dressed differently so we were identifiably not medics .
`` But we were dressed appropriately if we were in theatre for a caesarian . ''
After Ambulance , Surgeons and now Life and Birth ... what next ?
`` I would hope there might be another series , '' says Simon .
`` Birmingham would be a great place to film it .
`` Or we could go somewhere else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

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It's the TV documentary series filmed in Birmingham that has already gripped the nation after just one episode.
Screening during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Life and Birth, showing at 8pm on Tuesdays on BBC1, is a life-affirming antidote to the doom and gloom that has dominated the news agenda for most of the year.
But where and when was the six-part series shot and how?
Dragonfly executive producer Simon Kerfoot reveals its secrets...
(Image: BBC / Dragonfly / Ryan McNamara)
The locations
No TV drama - be it fact or fiction - is complete without a sense of place.
And so that's where the great city of Birmingham comes in.
"The place is so diverse with wonderful characters, great staff and lots of births," says Simon, a father-of-two.
"It seemed like the best place to go.
"Dragonfly has also done a lot of filming here in the past, from Ambulance to Surgeons."
On August 5, 2019, BirminghamLive carried a special report saying the BBC was looking for mums-to-be to take part in the series.
(Image: Trevor Roberts / BirminghamLive)
How to move on from One Born Every Minute
"That's a great series, but always in the past tense," says Simon.
"Life and Birth showcases the amazing work the NHS does before, during and after childbirth.
"People think giving birth is going to be easy, but it's not.
"Hence the extraordinary array of services, from mental health to fetal medicine."
Where was it recorded?
"We filmed at the Birmingham Women's Hospital, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield and Heartlands.
"All are great hospitals and we enjoyed filming in all of them."
(Image: BBC / Dragonfly / Ryan McNamara)
When did you film the births?
"Our main shoot was between the first week of August and September." says Simon.
"We then had a skeleton crew in October covering some of the stories as they developed.
"We gave couples a 'batphone' in case anything was happening so that we could respond. They were all really good at keeping in touch.
"We had teams on 24/7, though less at night.
"By January, all of the editing had been finished."
(Image: BBC / Dragonfly / Ryan McNamara)
Is every birth included in the series?
"No, because we ended up with too many to feature in six episodes," says Simon.
"One of the reasons people took part is that because they might get a DVD of their baby's birth and that is what has happened for those who are not in the programme.
"A lot of people forget what happens (during childbirth).
"When you go back and show the participants any of the footage to see if they are happy with it, they all well up as they relive the moment.
"Everyone had the right to drop out at any given point if they wanted to.
"We give them advice about social media for months before transmission."
(Image: BBC / Dragonfly / Ryan McNamara)
Expecting the unexpected...
"We were doing some test filming when we met Jodie who features in the first programme," says Simon.
"She was told at 20 weeks her baby would need heart surgery.
"Then she gave birth early at 32 weeks and it would be a while before Phoebe could have her operation.
"Covering their story was more by luck than judgement.
"There came a point where we backed off a lot because we could see they were having a difficult time.
"But we became good friends and they then began to contact us and we were a bit of a distraction for them."
(Image: BBC / Dragonfly / Ryan McNamara)
How were the birth scenes filmed?
"In the women's hospital we would have three fixed cameras operated remotely and a self-shooting director," Simon explains.
"At Good Hope and Heartlands there would be two members of the team in the room.
"But they were experienced in working in medical areas and people would forget they were there."
(Image: BBC / Dragonfly / Ryan McNamara)
Who is the series aimed at?
"As well as parents, I hope a lot of young people will watch it, too," says Simon.
"A - because they're all in (because of the pandemic) but also because it's great family viewing, too.
"My daughter was 17 when she saw it and said: 'No way am I having a baby!'
"But hopefully if younger people do watch, it will inspire them to become the next generation of midwives, doctors and nurses."
(Image: Mike Hogan / Mirrorpix)
Choice of narrator
If David Attenborough had narrated this, we would have all been listening to Whispering Dave knowing it was him.
But the narrator of Life and Birth, while well known, is less blindingly obvious.
It's actor Suranne Jones.
"She was great and really enjoyed it," says Simon.
"Her voice adds another level to it."
Would filming in a pandemic have been possible?
"We are not sure, it's something we would like to do if possible, but should we?
"We followed all the government guidelines so were not wearing masks in the maternity suites and were dressed differently so we were identifiably not medics.
"But we were dressed appropriately if we were in theatre for a caesarian."
After Ambulance, Surgeons and now Life and Birth... what next?
"I would hope there might be another series," says Simon.
"Birmingham would be a great place to film it.
"Or we could go somewhere else to film... we're not sure."


birminghammail--2020-04-26--People warned NOT to share video after man stabbed to death

A 20-year-old man has died after he was stabbed at a shopping centre in Smethwick .
West Midlands Police said officers were called at around 4.40pm after the man was found with serious injuries at West Cross Shopping Centre .
The victim had suffered knife injuries and died before he could be taken on board the air ambulance which had been called to the scene .
A murder investigation has been launched and homicide unit detectives are at the scene carrying out inquiries .
Detective Inspector Laura Harrison said : `` Our thoughts go out to the family of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 're working to establish the circumstances around his death .
`` I am aware of mobile footage circulating on social media and would urge people to please not share this and instead to get in touch with my team .
This can be extremely distressing for family and friends .
`` However if you do have any information , mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage , we 'd urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible as this could assist us as our investigations continue . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 , quoting log number 2681 26/4 .

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A 31-year-old man has died after he was stabbed at a shopping centre in Smethwick.
West Midlands Police said officers were called at around 4.40pm after the man was found with serious injuries at West Cross Shopping Centre.
The victim had suffered knife injuries and died before he could be taken on board the air ambulance which had been called to the scene.
A murder investigation has been launched and homicide unit detectives are at the scene carrying out inquiries.
Detective Inspector Laura Harrison said: "Our thoughts go out to the family of the young man who has lost his life and we're working to establish the circumstances around his death.
"I am aware of mobile footage circulating on social media and would urge people to please not share this and instead to get in touch with my team. This can be extremely distressing for family and friends.
"However if you do have any information, mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage, we'd urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible as this could assist us as our investigations continue."
Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting log number 2681 26/4.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Villa and Wolves receive crucial update over Premier League restart

First secretary of state Dominic Raab has explained how increased testing should allow Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers to finish their season .
The Premier League and EFL are suspended for the time being as the country attempts to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
The UK remains under strict lockdown rules , though the daily number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has decreased .
Villa are locked in a relegation battle , while Wolves are pushing for a place in the top four , so both clubs are understandably keen to finish the season .
And while amateur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a comeback for the foreseeable future , Raab has revealed that planning is underway for elite competition to return to our TV screens .
`` It will be very difficult because of the level and scale of interaction , '' said Raab , speaking to The Andrew Marr Show .
`` I think the professional sport may be different because of the scale of testing that they would be able to introduce .
`` We do want to look when it is safe and responsible to allow more outdoors activities to take place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the evidence that it is a sure-footed step that does not allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country . ''
The German Bundesliga are expected to ramp up plans in the coming days to restart their league season as early as may , but that still awaits approval from the government .
The Premier League are rumoured to be considering a similar return in June , but the FA themselves are yet to give word on that .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alex Dicken, Tom Leach)

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First secretary of state Dominic Raab has explained how increased testing should allow Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers to finish their season.
The Premier League and EFL are suspended for the time being as the country attempts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The UK remains under strict lockdown rules, though the daily number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has decreased.
Villa are locked in a relegation battle, while Wolves are pushing for a place in the top four, so both clubs are understandably keen to finish the season.
And while amateur sport isn’t set to make a comeback for the foreseeable future, Raab has revealed that planning is underway for elite competition to return to our TV screens.
"It will be very difficult because of the level and scale of interaction," said Raab, speaking to The Andrew Marr Show.
"I think the professional sport may be different because of the scale of testing that they would be able to introduce.
"We do want to look when it is safe and responsible to allow more outdoors activities to take place.
“But again we have to have the evidence that it is a sure-footed step that does not allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country."
The German Bundesliga are expected to ramp up plans in the coming days to restart their league season as early as may, but that still awaits approval from the government.
The Premier League are rumoured to be considering a similar return in June, but the FA themselves are yet to give word on that.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Murder probe launched after man stabbed in chest outside shopping centre

A murder probe has been launched after a man was knifed to death outside a Smethwick shop .
The 20-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene after being stabbed in the heart outside West Cross Shopping Centre in Mallin Street , Smethwick , at around 4.30pm this afternoon ( April 26 ) .
Detectives from West Midlands Police 's Homicide Unit are currently at the scene carrying out quick-time enquiries in a bid to understand what happened and who is responsible .
A spokesman for the force said : `` We have launched a murder investigation after a 20-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .
`` Officers were called after the man was found with serious injuries at West Cross Shopping Centre at around 4.40pm .
`` He had suffered knife injuries and the air ambulance was called − but unfortunately the victim was pronounced dead before he could be taken on board .
`` Our thoughts go out to the family of the young man who has lost his life and we ’ re working to establish the circumstances around his death .
`` We are aware of mobile footage circulating on social media and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this and instead to get in touch .
`` This can be extremely distressing for family and friends .
However if you do have any information , mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage , we 'd urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible as this could assist us as our investigations continue .
Saeed Shamedami , owner of Formula One Pizza , said the drama unfolded following an altercation outside his store .
`` There were two groups of men arguing just outside the store , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got outside one of them was lying on the ground - he had blood pouring from his chest .
`` I rang the ambulance straight away but it took 20 minutes for them to arrive . ''
Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 , quoting log number 2681 26/4 .

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A murder probe has been launched after a man was knifed to death outside a Smethwick shop.
The 31-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene after being stabbed in the heart outside West Cross Shopping Centre in Mallin Street, Smethwick, at around 4.30pm this afternoon (April 26).
Detectives from West Midlands Police's Homicide Unit are currently at the scene carrying out quick-time enquiries in a bid to understand what happened and who is responsible.
A spokesman for the force said: "We have launched a murder investigation after a 31-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Smethwick earlier today.
"Officers were called after the man was found with serious injuries at West Cross Shopping Centre at around 4.40pm.
"He had suffered knife injuries and the air ambulance was called − but unfortunately the victim was pronounced dead before he could be taken on board.
"Our thoughts go out to the family of the young man who has lost his life and we’re working to establish the circumstances around his death.
"We are aware of mobile footage circulating on social media and would urge people to please not share this and instead to get in touch.
"This can be extremely distressing for family and friends. However if you do have any information, mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage, we'd urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible as this could assist us as our investigations continue.
Saeed Shamedami, owner of Formula One Pizza, said the drama unfolded following an altercation outside his store.
"There were two groups of men arguing just outside the store," he told BlackCountryLive. "And when I got outside one of them was lying on the ground - he had blood pouring from his chest.
"I rang the ambulance straight away but it took 20 minutes for them to arrive."
Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting log number 2681 26/4.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Boris Johnson returns to Downing St after beating coronavirus

Boris Johnson is back in Downing Street ready to take charge of the Government 's response to the coronavirus outbreak .
The Prime Minister arrived back in No 10 on Sunday evening three weeks after he was hospitalised with the disease .
He returned to a growing chorus of calls from senior Tories to begin easing the lockdown amid mounting dismay at the damage it was causing to the economy .
Earlier , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab insisted there could be no immediate relaxation , saying the outbreak was still at a `` delicate and dangerous '' stage .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortnight recuperating at his official country residence at Chequers - is expected to chair the Monday morning meeting of the Government 's Covid-19 `` war cabinet '' .
He prepared for his return with a `` summit '' of Friday with Mr Raab , who has been deputising for him , Chancellor Rishi Sunak and senior aides .
The Foreign Secretary said the Government would proceed `` cautiously '' in order to avoid a second peak in the outbreak .
`` We are at a delicate and dangerous stage , '' he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme .
`` We need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed , which is why we are proceeding very cautiously and we are sticking to the scientific advice . ''
He was backed by the NHS England medical director Professor Stephen Powis , who said while the number of patients in hospital with the disease was continuing to fall , it could easily pick back up if the restrictions were relaxed .
`` My fear is that those curves wo n't continue to be on a downward trend , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend .
We are not at a point where any of us can be absolutely confident that that 's not going to be the case , '' he told the daily No 10 news conference .
`` We need to remind ourselves that this has been a really tough four weeks and we do n't want to lose the benefits that have come from this .
We need to keep going . ''
His warning came at the end of a weekend which saw the coronavirus death toll in hospitals pass the 20,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died in care homes , hospices or in the community .
According the latest official figures , a total of 20,732 patients had died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Saturday , up by 413 from the day before .
Even before he was back in London , Mr Johnson was facing calls from a series of wealthy Tory backers who have donated millions of pounds to the party coffers to begin lifting the lockdown to allow the economy to start up again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the banker Sir Henry Angest , Phones4u founder John Caudwell and restaurateur Richard Caring all told The Sunday Times they wanted to see some re-opening of the economy .
Steve Morgan , the former boss of the housebuilder Redrow , told the paper : `` We 're actually in danger that the medicine - if you want to call the lockdown that - is more harmful than the cure . ''
Mr Raab , however , said that while the Government had been doing its `` homework '' in readiness for the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they would have to remain for `` some time '' to come .
`` We wo n't just have this binary easing up of measures .
We will end up moving to a new normal , '' he told BBC1 's The Andrew Marr Show .
He said it was `` inconceivable '' schools could re-open without measures in place to stop the spread of the disease , but said ministers were looking to ease restrictions on outdoor activities .
`` We do want to look - when it is safe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow more outdoor activities to take place , but again we have got to have the evidence that that is a sure-footed step - does n't allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country . ''
He said officials were also looking at possible sea and airport checks , with passengers arriving in the UK required to quarantine for 14 days .
It is believed that it could form part of the Government 's `` test , track and trace '' policy to isolate new cases of the disease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers come down .

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Boris Johnson is back in Downing Street ready to take charge of the Government's response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Prime Minister arrived back in No 10 on Sunday evening three weeks after he was hospitalised with the disease.
He returned to a growing chorus of calls from senior Tories to begin easing the lockdown amid mounting dismay at the damage it was causing to the economy.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab insisted there could be no immediate relaxation, saying the outbreak was still at a "delicate and dangerous" stage.
Mr Johnson - who has spent the past fortnight recuperating at his official country residence at Chequers - is expected to chair the Monday morning meeting of the Government's Covid-19 "war cabinet".
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He prepared for his return with a "summit" of Friday with Mr Raab, who has been deputising for him, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and senior aides.
The Foreign Secretary said the Government would proceed "cautiously" in order to avoid a second peak in the outbreak.
"We are at a delicate and dangerous stage," he told Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme.
"We need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed, which is why we are proceeding very cautiously and we are sticking to the scientific advice."
He was backed by the NHS England medical director Professor Stephen Powis, who said while the number of patients in hospital with the disease was continuing to fall, it could easily pick back up if the restrictions were relaxed.
"My fear is that those curves won't continue to be on a downward trend, but will start to go on an upward trend. We are not at a point where any of us can be absolutely confident that that's not going to be the case," he told the daily No 10 news conference.
"We need to remind ourselves that this has been a really tough four weeks and we don't want to lose the benefits that have come from this. We need to keep going."
His warning came at the end of a weekend which saw the coronavirus death toll in hospitals pass the 20,000 mark - with fears that many more have died in care homes, hospices or in the community.
According the latest official figures, a total of 20,732 patients had died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Saturday, up by 413 from the day before.
Even before he was back in London, Mr Johnson was facing calls from a series of wealthy Tory backers who have donated millions of pounds to the party coffers to begin lifting the lockdown to allow the economy to start up again.
Financiers Michael Spencer and Peter Hargreaves, the banker Sir Henry Angest, Phones4u founder John Caudwell and restaurateur Richard Caring all told The Sunday Times they wanted to see some re-opening of the economy.
Steve Morgan, the former boss of the housebuilder Redrow, told the paper: "We're actually in danger that the medicine - if you want to call the lockdown that - is more harmful than the cure."
Mr Raab, however, said that while the Government had been doing its "homework" in readiness for the time when restrictions could be eased, he said they would have to remain for "some time" to come.
"We won't just have this binary easing up of measures. We will end up moving to a new normal," he told BBC1's The Andrew Marr Show.
He said it was "inconceivable" schools could re-open without measures in place to stop the spread of the disease, but said ministers were looking to ease restrictions on outdoor activities.
"We do want to look - when it is safe, when it is responsible - at ways to allow more outdoor activities to take place, but again we have got to have the evidence that that is a sure-footed step - doesn't allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country."
He said officials were also looking at possible sea and airport checks, with passengers arriving in the UK required to quarantine for 14 days.
It is believed that it could form part of the Government's "test, track and trace" policy to isolate new cases of the disease, further curbing its spread, as the numbers come down.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Gemma Collins brands herself UK's Marilyn Monroe as new reality show launched

Gemma Collins has compared herself to Marilyn Monroe ahead of the launch of her new TV programme .
Diva On Lockdown , a rebrand of the Only Way Is Essex star ’ s Diva Forever , will capture her life at home using fixed-rig cameras set up around her house .
Comparing herself to the Hollywood actress , she said : “ Like Marilyn Monroe was sent out to entertain the troops in the war times , I realised that the country may need the GC for entertainment and that ’ s what I want to give with this series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ queen and I want people to see the realness .
“ But I ’ m not gon na lie , putting the fixed cameras in my home was like being back on Big Brother again , but without a bunch of annoying people around me.
” She added : “ In TV , you normally have loads of people around you to bounce off and have a laugh with .
“ We ’ d planned the whole series and were meant to be going here , there and everywhere , but we just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it.
” Collins added that being in lockdown is causing her to have a “ whirlwind of emotions ” .
She added : “ One minute I ’ m loving it , then I ’ m not , then I ’ m ringing all my mates and what I ’ ve noticed is that everyone goes through all these different emotions .
“ We ’ re used to freedom and people are missing human interaction.
” She added that she has noticed that when people are having a bad day they do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ People are proud and don ’ t always want to admit it if they are struggling but I ’ m one of these people that want to talk about it .
“ I ’ ve certainly reached out to all my friends to see how they ’ re coping.
” The first episode of the series was filmed prior to when coronavirus restrictions were put in place , although the rest of the series shows Collins stuck at home .
Diva On Lockdown starts on Sunday at 9pm on ITVBe .

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Gemma Collins has compared herself to Marilyn Monroe ahead of the launch of her new TV programme.
Diva On Lockdown, a rebrand of the Only Way Is Essex star’s Diva Forever, will capture her life at home using fixed-rig cameras set up around her house.
Comparing herself to the Hollywood actress, she said: “Like Marilyn Monroe was sent out to entertain the troops in the war times, I realised that the country may need the GC for entertainment and that’s what I want to give with this series.
“I’m a reality queen and I want people to see the realness.
“But I’m not gonna lie, putting the fixed cameras in my home was like being back on Big Brother again, but without a bunch of annoying people around me.”
(Image: Ian West/PA Wire.)
She added: “In TV, you normally have loads of people around you to bounce off and have a laugh with.
“We’d planned the whole series and were meant to be going here, there and everywhere, but we just haven’t been able to do it.”
Collins added that being in lockdown is causing her to have a “whirlwind of emotions”.
She added: “One minute I’m loving it, then I’m not, then I’m ringing all my mates and what I’ve noticed is that everyone goes through all these different emotions.
“We’re used to freedom and people are missing human interaction.”
She added that she has noticed that when people are having a bad day they do not answer her calls.
Collins added: “People are proud and don’t always want to admit it if they are struggling but I’m one of these people that want to talk about it.
“I’ve certainly reached out to all my friends to see how they’re coping.”
(Image: Gemma Collins/ Instagram)
The first episode of the series was filmed prior to when coronavirus restrictions were put in place, although the rest of the series shows Collins stuck at home.
Diva On Lockdown starts on Sunday at 9pm on ITVBe.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--The government issue key update to West Brom and Leeds United

First secretary of state Dominic Raab has explained how ramped up testing will allow West Bromwich Albion to finish their season .
The Premier League and EFL remain suspended for the time being as the country attempts to slow the spread of the virus .
That has left West Brom and Leeds United , who are both on course for automatic promotion from the Championship , in limbo .
The UK remains under strict lockdown rules , though the daily number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has decreased .
And while amateur sport isn ’ t set to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has revealed that planning is underway for elite competition to return to our TV screens .
`` It will be very difficult because of the level and scale of interaction , '' said Raab , speaking on The Andrew Marr Show .
`` I think the professional sport may be different because of the scale of testing that they would be able to introduce .
`` We do want to look when it is safe and responsible to allow more outdoors activities to take place .
“ But again we have to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step that does not allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country . ''
The German Bundesliga are expected to ramp up plans in the coming days to restart their league season as early as May , but that still awaits approval from the government .
The Premier League are rumoured to be considering a similar return in June , but the FA are yet to give word on that .

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First secretary of state Dominic Raab has explained how ramped up testing will allow West Bromwich Albion to finish their season.
The Premier League and EFL remain suspended for the time being as the country attempts to slow the spread of the virus.
That has left West Brom and Leeds United, who are both on course for automatic promotion from the Championship, in limbo.
The UK remains under strict lockdown rules, though the daily number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has decreased.
And while amateur sport isn’t set to make a comeback for the foreseeable future, Raab has revealed that planning is underway for elite competition to return to our TV screens.
"It will be very difficult because of the level and scale of interaction," said Raab, speaking on The Andrew Marr Show.
"I think the professional sport may be different because of the scale of testing that they would be able to introduce.
"We do want to look when it is safe and responsible to allow more outdoors activities to take place.
“But again we have to have the evidence that it is a sure-footed step that does not allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country."
The German Bundesliga are expected to ramp up plans in the coming days to restart their league season as early as May, but that still awaits approval from the government.
The Premier League are rumoured to be considering a similar return in June, but the FA are yet to give word on that.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Club chiefs make transfer embargo demand - and it could affect Villa

Several Championship sides are reportedly demanding clubs who defer players ’ wages are given transfer bans in a move that could affect Aston Villa .
Villa ’ s first team squad have agreed to take a 25 per cent wage deferral for the next four months .
Virtually every football club across the country is feeling the financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic with games suspended indefinitely .
Villa are no different and chief executive Christian Purslow revealed on Saturday that the first team and senior staff members have all agreed to take a 25 per cent reduction for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was overwhelmingly supported by fans as it allows Villa to resist any urge to opt into the government ’ s furlough scheme for non-playing staff .
Villa could return to action behind closed doors in the coming months and fight to seal Premier League safety .
Dean Smith ’ s side are 19th in the table but do have one game in hand on those above them .
However , if Villa are relegated , Championship clubs could push for a transfer ban to be imposed on the club .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fuming that clubs have opted for wage deferrals .
One aggrieved club chief told the newspaper : “ It is just kicking the can down the road .
These clubs should be in for a transfer embargo .
“ Why should those who balance the books and pay their players in full be punished ?
We won ’ t sit back and watch these teams make signings.
” Preston North End manager Alex Neil , whose side are still paying players and staff in full , has publicly backed the idea of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t .
`` If people are taking wage cuts or deferrals then people are putting cases forward that they should n't be allowed to sign any other players , '' Neil told LancsLive .
`` Because if they ca n't currently pay the players they have got then why should they then be allowed to use the money they have deferred from wages to then invest in their squad to bring better or more players in ?
`` I do n't think that clubs who have run their finances in an organised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hamstrung when other teams are maybe slashing wages and then the window opens and we get out-bid for a player that they have brought with money that they have deferred from another player .
`` That can not be fair .
So it will be really interesting to see how that comes out in the wash. '' The summer transfer window is set to open on June 10 as things stand and will run through until August , though there are growing calls for the rules and dates to be changed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed that the transfer window remains open until the end of January and says he has already lobbied his fellow EFL members to support the scheme and believes League chairman Rick Parry is in favour .

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Several Championship sides are reportedly demanding clubs who defer players’ wages are given transfer bans in a move that could affect Aston Villa.
Villa’s first team squad have agreed to take a 25 per cent wage deferral for the next four months.
Virtually every football club across the country is feeling the financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic with games suspended indefinitely.
Villa are no different and chief executive Christian Purslow revealed on Saturday that the first team and senior staff members have all agreed to take a 25 per cent reduction for the time being.
It was a move which was overwhelmingly supported by fans as it allows Villa to resist any urge to opt into the government’s furlough scheme for non-playing staff.
Villa could return to action behind closed doors in the coming months and fight to seal Premier League safety. Dean Smith’s side are 19th in the table but do have one game in hand on those above them.
However, if Villa are relegated, Championship clubs could push for a transfer ban to be imposed on the club.
According to The Sun, certain second tier sides are fuming that clubs have opted for wage deferrals.
One aggrieved club chief told the newspaper: “It is just kicking the can down the road. These clubs should be in for a transfer embargo.
“Why should those who balance the books and pay their players in full be punished? We won’t sit back and watch these teams make signings.”
Preston North End manager Alex Neil, whose side are still paying players and staff in full, has publicly backed the idea of a transfer embargo on those who haven’t.
"If people are taking wage cuts or deferrals then people are putting cases forward that they shouldn't be allowed to sign any other players," Neil told LancsLive.
"Because if they can't currently pay the players they have got then why should they then be allowed to use the money they have deferred from wages to then invest in their squad to bring better or more players in?
"I don't think that clubs who have run their finances in an organised and good manner should then be hampered and hamstrung when other teams are maybe slashing wages and then the window opens and we get out-bid for a player that they have brought with money that they have deferred from another player.
"That cannot be fair. So it will be really interesting to see how that comes out in the wash."
The summer transfer window is set to open on June 10 as things stand and will run through until August, though there are growing calls for the rules and dates to be changed.
Portsmouth chief executive Mark Catlin has already proposed that the transfer window remains open until the end of January and says he has already lobbied his fellow EFL members to support the scheme and believes League chairman Rick Parry is in favour.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Birmingham City legend's hilarious 13-word verdict after epic win

Birmingham City replayed its momentous - and dramatic - play-off final shoot-out victory over Norwich City earlier today .
Bluenoses watched the 2002 final over on the club 's YouTube channel , with the best of the highlights uploaded on Twitter .
It was Delia Smith who was celebrating in the stands at the Millennium Stadium first after substitute Iwan Roberts headed Norwich in front just seconds into extra-time .
Geoff Horsfield grabbed the all-important equaliser just 12 minutes later with the match going to a nervy penalty shoot-out .
Roberts scored the first and Stern John replied .
Phil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blues ' stopper Nico Vaesen .
Up next , of course , was Blues-mad Paul Devlin who re-signed for the club he loved that very week of the play-off final .
Devlin , an aggressive , goal-scoring winger in his time at St Andrew 's , slammed his spot-kick home - and the relief poured out from his face .
It was fellow Bluenose Darren Carter who would go on to score the promotion-sealing penalty but , looking back , Devlin posted with a wry smile .
Writing on Twitter , Devlin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground , worldwide audience , £150 million at stake , no pressure ! ''
It led to a series of replies from Birmingham City supporters .
One wrote : `` The relief on your face . ''
Another said : `` No messing eh Devs none of this stutter crap on the run up love it .
The relief on your face afterwards . ''
While a fan put : `` Bit choked up there at the end . ''

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Birmingham City replayed its momentous - and dramatic - play-off final shoot-out victory over Norwich City earlier today.
Bluenoses watched the 2002 final over on the club's YouTube channel, with the best of the highlights uploaded on Twitter.
It was Delia Smith who was celebrating in the stands at the Millennium Stadium first after substitute Iwan Roberts headed Norwich in front just seconds into extra-time.
Geoff Horsfield grabbed the all-important equaliser just 12 minutes later with the match going to a nervy penalty shoot-out.
Roberts scored the first and Stern John replied. Phil Mulryne had the next penalty saved by Blues' stopper Nico Vaesen.
Up next, of course, was Blues-mad Paul Devlin who re-signed for the club he loved that very week of the play-off final.
Devlin, an aggressive, goal-scoring winger in his time at St Andrew's, slammed his spot-kick home - and the relief poured out from his face.
It was fellow Bluenose Darren Carter who would go on to score the promotion-sealing penalty but, looking back, Devlin posted with a wry smile.
Writing on Twitter, Devlin said of his penalty: "75,000 in the ground, worldwide audience, £150 million at stake, no pressure!"
It led to a series of replies from Birmingham City supporters.
One wrote: "The relief on your face."
Another said: "No messing eh Devs none of this stutter crap on the run up love it. The relief on your face afterwards."
While a fan put: "Bit choked up there at the end."


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Live updates - Emergency services cordon off tower block after incident

Police have cordoned off a city tower block and street amid a serious incident .
Around 11 police cars and four ambulances were seen surrounding Teviot Tower in Lozells from 4pm this afternoon , Sunday ( April 26 ) .
Officers closed off Mosborough Crescent while emergency services dealt with the incident .
An image captured several police cars at the scene .
It is not yet known what has happened but BirminghamLive has contacted West Midlands Police for a statement .
This is a breaking news story .
We will be updating it .
Follow us on Twitter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also on Instagram .
If you are on the go , the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live .
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you .
Breaking news , the latest on your football club , the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you .
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @

The body of a teenager was found outside a tower block after an incident.
Around 11 police cars and four ambulances swarmed Teviot Tower, Newtown from 4pm on Sunday afternoon (April 26).
A 19-year-old man had fallen from the flats and was confirmed dead at the scene.
His death is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.
This is a breaking news story. We will be updating it.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram.
If you are on the go, the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live.
Available on iPhone and Android, the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you.
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.
Download it on iPhone and Android.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Steve Bruce set to rival Villa for summer transfer - reports

Newcastle United have joined Aston Villa in the hunt for Italian forward Fabio Borini , according to reports .
Villa @ @ @ @ @ a move for Borini earlier this week with L'Arena suggesting the 29-year-old is being monitored @ @ @ @ @ ahead of a free transfer in the summer .
Borini , who has enjoyed stints @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool and Sunderland previously , only joined Hellas Verona from AC Milan in January on @ @ @ @ @ 's scored twice in six appearances for Verona , including a crucial goal in their @ @ @ @ @ February .
Newcastle are on the verge of a takeover by a Saudi-backed consortium that @ @ @ @ @ richest clubs in the Premier League .
They 've been linked with a series of @ @ @ @ @ , including Villa pair Jack Grealish and John McGinn .
Like the Premier League , @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus pandemic which means Borini has n't played since the middle of @ @

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Newcastle United have joined Aston Villa in the hunt for Italian forward Fabio Borini, according to reports.
Villa were somewhat surprisingly linked with a move for Borini earlier this week with L'Arena suggesting the 29-year-old is being monitored by Villa and Crystal Palace ahead of a free transfer in the summer.
Borini, who has enjoyed stints with Chelsea, Swansea, Liverpool and Sunderland previously, only joined Hellas Verona from AC Milan in January on a short-term deal.
He's scored twice in six appearances for Verona, including a crucial goal in their surprise victory over Juventus in February.
Newcastle are on the verge of a takeover by a Saudi-backed consortium that would put them amongst the richest clubs in the Premier League. They've been linked with a series of players since the news broke, including Villa pair Jack Grealish and John McGinn.
Like the Premier League, Serie A is currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic which means Borini hasn't played since the middle of February.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Updates – Homicide detectives scour shopping centre after man fatally stabbed

Homicide detectives are currently searching a Smethwick shopping centre after a man was knifed to death .
Crews from West Midlands Police are currently working in Mallin Street after the 20-year-old man was stabbed in the chest at around 4.30pm on Sunday , April 26 .
The Midlands Air Ambulance was called - but the victim was tragically pronounced dead before he could be taken on board , a spokesman for the force said .
A spokesman for the force said : `` We have launched a murder investigation after a 20-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Smethwick earlier today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man was found with serious injuries at West Cross Shopping Centre at around 4.40pm .
`` He had suffered knife injuries and the air ambulance was called − but unfortunately the victim was pronounced dead before he could be taken on board .
`` Our thoughts go out to the family of the young man who has lost his life and we ’ re working to establish the circumstances around his death .
`` We are aware of mobile footage circulating on social media and would urge people to please not share this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This can be extremely distressing for family and friends .
However if you do have any information , mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage , we 'd urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible as this could assist us as our investigations continue . ''
Saeed Shamedami , owner of Formula One Pizza , said the drama unfolded following an altercation outside his store .
`` There were two groups of men arguing just outside the store , '' he told BlackCountryLive .
`` And when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ground - he had blood pouring from his chest .
`` I rang the ambulance straight away but it took 20 minutes for them to arrive . ''
Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 , quoting log number 2681 26/4 .

Homicide detectives are currently searching a Smethwick shopping centre after a man was knifed to death.
Crews from West Midlands Police are currently working in Mallin Street after the 31-year-old man was stabbed in the chest at around 4.30pm on Sunday, April 26.
The Midlands Air Ambulance was called - but the victim was tragically pronounced dead before he could be taken on board, a spokesman for the force said.
A spokesman for the force said: "We have launched a murder investigation after a 31-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Smethwick earlier today.
"Officers were called after the man was found with serious injuries at West Cross Shopping Centre at around 4.40pm.
"He had suffered knife injuries and the air ambulance was called − but unfortunately the victim was pronounced dead before he could be taken on board.
"Our thoughts go out to the family of the young man who has lost his life and we’re working to establish the circumstances around his death.
"We are aware of mobile footage circulating on social media and would urge people to please not share this and instead to get in touch.
"This can be extremely distressing for family and friends. However if you do have any information, mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage, we'd urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible as this could assist us as our investigations continue."
Saeed Shamedami, owner of Formula One Pizza, said the drama unfolded following an altercation outside his store.
"There were two groups of men arguing just outside the store," he told BlackCountryLive. "And when I got outside one of them was lying on the ground - he had blood pouring from his chest.
"I rang the ambulance straight away but it took 20 minutes for them to arrive."
Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting log number 2681 26/4.