birminghammail--2020-02-14--Baby and children involved in head-on Tamworth Road crash as busy Sutton Coldfield road is closed

At least two people were hurt in a head-on crash involving a baby and two children on a busy road @ @ @ @ @ of Tamworth Road in Sutton Coldfield was closed following an accident involving a Volvo and @ @ @ @ @ bridge at around 5.15pm on Friday , February 14 .
The baby , children and @ @ @ @ @ from the Volvo when the emergency services arrived and were all discharged at the scene @ @ @ @ @ who was trapped by her injuries was released and being treated by paramedics and a @ @ @ @ @ of the vehicles around an hour later .
Two people from the BMW were later @ @ @ @ @ Walsall Manor Hospital .
The crash was said to have involved a Volvo and BMW @ @ @ @ @ and Ward End stations were at the scene with paramedics and police officers .
A @ @ @ @ @ a bang and saw the two people trapped in the BMW .
The road was @ @ @ @ @ some time .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Cartledge, Nick Horner)

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At least two people were hurt in a head-on crash involving a baby and two children on a busy road at rush hour.
Part of Tamworth Road in Sutton Coldfield was closed following an accident involving a Volvo and a BMW near a railway bridge at around 5.15pm on Friday, February 14.
The baby, children and a woman had freed themselves from the Volvo when the emergency services arrived and were all discharged at the scene.
(Image: Nick Horner)
But a second woman who was trapped by her injuries was released and being treated by paramedics and a man remained trapped in one of the vehicles around an hour later.
Two people from the BMW were later taken by separate ambulances to Walsall Manor Hospital.
The crash was said to have involved a Volvo and BMW.
Firefighters from Sutton Coldfield and Ward End stations were at the scene with paramedics and police officers.
A nearby resident said he head a bang and saw the two people trapped in the BMW. The road was likely to remain closed for some time.


birminghammail--2020-02-14--'A right stuffing' - Nottingham Forest fans offer West Brom verdict

West Brom host Nottingham Forest at The Hawthorns on Saturday lunch-time for a mouthwatering clash at the top of the Championship .
The Baggies have won their last three , and appear to be back on track after their January struggles .
Forest , meanwhile , have kept pace with the other promotion chasers this season and remain well placed in the league table , despite the disappointment of being beaten by Charlton Athletic at the City Ground on Tuesday night .
They still saw off Leeds last weekend , and Brentford at the end of January too , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be fazed at the prospect of facing rivals for the top two spots .
This is what the Forest supporters are saying ahead of their visit to The Hawthorns this weekend .
This is your round up of all things West Brom ; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond .
Transfers , injuries , match-days and managers , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest on the Baggies throughout the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up ... • Super Slav has his say after Reading win - READ • Why Albion are called 'the Baggies ' ( it 's not what you think ) - READ • The player ratings against the Royals - READ For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our West Brom reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Valspoodle : I ’ ve got an Ideal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I guess I can ’ t lose either way .
I think West Brom , despite some really c*** displays recently , are going to win this .
Captain Sinister : I can ’ t see anything but a right stuffing here .
They brought in some excellent players in January .
We may be without Ameobi , Grabban and Sow .
But when expectation is low , then Forest can produce the rabbit out of the hat !
But I doubt it is on Saturday .
Daz42 : God knows how this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ momentum says it ’ s going to be a tough ask .
Away to the league leaders in this division could easily mean an away win for us .
Fancy a battling point to restore a bit of belief .
Steve Stone ’ s Mullet : Not sure they ’ ll play as naively as Leeds .
Frank Clark ’ s Tash : You ’ d hope they ’ d go out with a point to prove against WBA , but I fear our recurrent mental fragility will once again reappear to bite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel more confident of getting something from the West Brom game than I did against Charlton , we have a mentality issue when it comes to the lower down sides .
OldManRed : The debacle on Tuesday combined with this weeks results have left us with a good chance of being out the play offs if we slip up again Saturday .
A must must win match now Romanis : West Brom are in a very handy position from they were last week .
They can approach this game with patience and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A draw will not hurt them .
Whereas we need a draw minimum .
RealRed85 : When you pay them 40-60k a week you can .
You know , like Charlie Austin , Matt Phillips and Kamil Grosicki are on at WBA .
All on their bench last 2 games .
All earn more than our top earner .
JustNotJase : I honestly think we will do them - when the chips have been down this year , against the better teams , we have come out on top more than not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a free hit at gaining points .
Nobody looks spectacular .
Couldn ’ t pick who is going up with any conviction other than perhaps WBA Dan Berridge : West Brom seem to be the only team that actually want to go up .

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West Brom host Nottingham Forest at The Hawthorns on Saturday lunch-time for a mouthwatering clash at the top of the Championship.
The Baggies have won their last three, and appear to be back on track after their January struggles.
Forest, meanwhile, have kept pace with the other promotion chasers this season and remain well placed in the league table, despite the disappointment of being beaten by Charlton Athletic at the City Ground on Tuesday night.
They still saw off Leeds last weekend, and Brentford at the end of January too, so they’ve proven that they won’t be fazed at the prospect of facing rivals for the top two spots.
This is what the Forest supporters are saying ahead of their visit to The Hawthorns this weekend.
Nottingham Forest fans on Albion
Valspoodle : I’ve got an Ideal boiler in my new house, so I guess I can’t lose either way. I think West Brom, despite some really c*** displays recently, are going to win this.
Captain Sinister : I can’t see anything but a right stuffing here. They brought in some excellent players in January. We may be without Ameobi, Grabban and Sow. But when expectation is low, then Forest can produce the rabbit out of the hat! But I doubt it is on Saturday.
Daz42 : God knows how this one will play out. Loss of momentum says it’s going to be a tough ask. Away to the league leaders in this division could easily mean an away win for us. Fancy a battling point to restore a bit of belief.
Steve Stone’s Mullet: Not sure they’ll play as naively as Leeds.
Ashley : Unfortunately I can’t see past a comfortable West Brom win.
Frank Clark’s Tash: You’d hope they’d go out with a point to prove against WBA, but I fear our recurrent mental fragility will once again reappear to bite us on the a***.
DizzyBala : I feel more confident of getting something from the West Brom game than I did against Charlton, we have a mentality issue when it comes to the lower down sides.
OldManRed : The debacle on Tuesday combined with this weeks results have left us with a good chance of being out the play offs if we slip up again Saturday. A must must win match now
Romanis : West Brom are in a very handy position from they were last week. They can approach this game with patience and lesser pressure after building a significant gap. A draw will not hurt them. Whereas we need a draw minimum.
RealRed85 : When you pay them 40-60k a week you can. You know, like Charlie Austin, Matt Phillips and Kamil Grosicki are on at WBA. All on their bench last 2 games. All earn more than our top earner.
poll loading Where will West Bromwich Albion finish in the 2019-20 season? 25000+ VOTES SO FAR Champions Runners-up Play-offs - promoted Play-offs - not promoted 7-12th 13-21
JustNotJase : I honestly think we will do them - when the chips have been down this year, against the better teams, we have come out on top more than not.
Ash Redfern: West Brom is a free hit at gaining points. Nobody looks spectacular. Couldn’t pick who is going up with any conviction other than perhaps WBA
Dan Berridge: West Brom seem to be the only team that actually want to go up.


birminghammail--2020-02-14--First look inside futuristic new super hospital still being built near Birmingham

It has been years in the making and been beset by problems but the £450 million Midland Met is finally on track to be completed .
And to mark the occasion the 700 bed medical facility ’ s name has been changed to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital to reflect how it will work closely with academics and researchers in the future .
With builders back on site , health chiefs have opened the doors this to show how the five storey building is beginning to take shape in readiness for its opening in 2022 .
Dr Nick Makwana , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and children ’ s health , said he was thrilled the new super hospital was moving forward .
“ For me this is very exciting because this new building has a huge number of benefits for patients and the community .
“ For patients it ’ s going to be world class care delivered in world class settings and there will be a research centre on site so they will benefit from that work and also been involved in that research.
” Funding for the state-of-the-art Smethwick medical centre was originally agreed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government lobbying the original contractor Carillion began work 24 months later .
But it all came to grinding halt when the company went bust in 2018 later leaving the two-thirds completed building standing empty with an uncertain future .
Since then Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust have worked to get the badly needed hospital moving forward again .
Toby Lewis , chief executive of the trust , said there had been disappointments in the past but the partnership of local communities , politicians , GPs and trust staff had lead to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for future .
“ By the time we get to 2022 when we open I really hope we are even delivering more care in peoples ’ homes .
“ Even when people arrive at hospital we , to some extent , know they are going to arrive because we have been working with that person through our GPs and our partners.
” “ What we want to see is the benefit of joined-up care .
Your hospital care will be better but that will be part of a continuity of care that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

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It has been years in the making and been beset by problems but the £450 million Midland Met is finally on track to be completed.
And to mark the occasion the 700 bed medical facility’s name has been changed to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital to reflect how it will work closely with academics and researchers in the future.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
With builders back on site, health chiefs have opened the doors this to show how the five storey building is beginning to take shape in readiness for its opening in 2022.
Dr Nick Makwana, consultant paediatrician and group director for women and children’s health, said he was thrilled the new super hospital was moving forward.
“For me this is very exciting because this new building has a huge number of benefits for patients and the community.
(Image: George Makin)
“For patients it’s going to be world class care delivered in world class settings and there will be a research centre on site so they will benefit from that work and also been involved in that research.”
Funding for the state-of-the-art Smethwick medical centre was originally agreed in 2014 and after years of planning and government lobbying the original contractor Carillion began work 24 months later.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
But it all came to grinding halt when the company went bust in 2018 later leaving the two-thirds completed building standing empty with an uncertain future.
Since then Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust have worked to get the badly needed hospital moving forward again.
Toby Lewis, chief executive of the trust, said there had been disappointments in the past but the partnership of local communities, politicians, GPs and trust staff had lead to the project success and was also the model for future.
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“By the time we get to 2022 when we open I really hope we are even delivering more care in peoples’ homes.
“Even when people arrive at hospital we, to some extent, know they are going to arrive because we have been working with that person through our GPs and our partners.”
“What we want to see is the benefit of joined-up care . Your hospital care will be better but that will be part of a continuity of care that we are not currently able to deliver.”


birminghammail--2020-02-14--Revealed: This is when England will play a friendly at Villa Park

England will be familiar with claret and blue soon enough - and not just because Aston Villa players are likely to feature in upcoming international fixtures .
The Three Lions are set to play at Villa Park as part of their warm-up for Euro 2020 , according to England journalist Simon Peach .
The Sunday 7th June friendly against Romania will be taking place before the Holte End .
It is likely that both Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish will be in contention for the fixture , and while the latter may make his England debut before the Villa Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special occasion if he is picked by Gareth Southgate for the match .
After the completion of the rejuvenated Wembley Stadium , Villa Park and other regional stadiums were left behind - but they did play a large part in the history of the Three Lions .
Villa Park has actually staged international games in three centuries - and is the only ground in England to hold that honour .
The last England game at Villa Park took place in 2005 - a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands .
The Romania fixture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place at Villa Park .
Ideally , it wo n't be the last .

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England will be familiar with claret and blue soon enough - and not just because Aston Villa players are likely to feature in upcoming international fixtures.
The Three Lions are set to play at Villa Park as part of their warm-up for Euro 2020, according to England journalist Simon Peach.
The Sunday 7th June friendly against Romania will be taking place before the Holte End.
It is likely that both Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish will be in contention for the fixture, and while the latter may make his England debut before the Villa Park game, it'll no doubt be a special occasion if he is picked by Gareth Southgate for the match.
After the completion of the rejuvenated Wembley Stadium, Villa Park and other regional stadiums were left behind - but they did play a large part in the history of the Three Lions.
Villa Park has actually staged international games in three centuries - and is the only ground in England to hold that honour.
The last England game at Villa Park took place in 2005 - a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands.
The Romania fixture will be the 17th international match to take place at Villa Park.
Ideally, it won't be the last.


birminghammail--2020-02-14--Driver stopped as police find drugs stuffed in Sainsbury's bag for life

A driver was been stopped with a huge haul of drugs stuffed inside a Sainsbury 's bag for life in @ @ @ @ @ the narcotics , believed to be cannabis , were seized inside the well-known supermarket 's @ @ @ @ @ 14 .
It was not known if the motorist was arrested but the force 's @ @ @ @ @ for more information .
Arresting officers took to Twitter to highlight the 'unusual ' find @ @ @ @ @ Driver stopped in Tamworth police area and found in possession of items not usually carried @ @ @ @ @ ” In the UK , cannabis is categorised as a class B drug which will @ @ @ @ @ found in possession , dealing or producing the substance .
Police officers can issue a @ @ @ @ @ of £90 if you ’ re found with cannabis .
Being found in possession of @ @ @ @ @ in up to five years in prison , an unlimited fine or both .
Those @ @ @ @ @ of class B drugs can face up to 14 years in prison .

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A driver was been stopped with a huge haul of drugs stuffed inside a Sainsbury's bag for life in Tamworth.
Staffordshire Police revealed the narcotics, believed to be cannabis, were seized inside the well-known supermarket's bag on Friday, February 14.
It was not known if the motorist was arrested but the force's press office has been contacted for more information.
Arresting officers took to Twitter to highlight the 'unusual' find.
They said: “Driver stopped in Tamworth police area and found in possession of items not usually carried in a bag for life.”
In the UK, cannabis is categorised as a class B drug which will result in penalties for those found in possession, dealing or producing the substance.
Police officers can issue a warning or an on-the-spot fine of £90 if you’re found with cannabis.
Being found in possession of class B drugs can result in up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
Those convicted for supplying or production of class B drugs can face up to 14 years in prison.


birminghammail--2020-02-14--Kappa launch new Aston Villa shirt as kit manufacturer drops hints

Aston Villa 's kit manufacturers Kappa have teased a new line of gear .
It will feature a limited Villa shirt and sportswear based on Kappa 's past .
As part of their 'Kombat XX ' line , the brand hopes to reflect 20 years of history .
Kombat XX is a celebration of Kappa , a football club - and a football team .
Villa 's involvement in the campaign follows Kappa 's work with AS Monaco and Real Betis .
The clothing features a 'retro ' look and will be sold as one-off original designs .
The gear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and Villa 's is white with Claret accents .
You can see the range here .
Taking a look at the Real Betis marketing , you can see how the philosophy follows a pattern .
The Kombat XX campaign has gained attention in areas where football and fashion crossover - and is based on the history of both a football club - and the iconic 2000 Kappa gear used by the Italian international team .
What that means is a very tight-fit , a turtleneck , visible seams and a classy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principles of the 2000 Italy team shirt in the Villa Kombat XX shirt .
Betis used their Kombat XX shirt in first-team action , but there has been no word on whether Villa will follow up with that due to Premier League rulings .
Kappa are set to follow up in the summer with another kit release for next season .

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Aston Villa's kit manufacturers Kappa have teased a new line of gear.
It will feature a limited Villa shirt and sportswear based on Kappa's past.
As part of their 'Kombat XX' line, the brand hopes to reflect 20 years of history.
Kombat XX is a celebration of Kappa, a football club - and a football team. Villa's involvement in the campaign follows Kappa's work with AS Monaco and Real Betis.
The clothing features a 'retro' look and will be sold as one-off original designs.
The gear so far has featured bold block colours - and Villa's is white with Claret accents.
You can see the range here.
Taking a look at the Real Betis marketing, you can see how the philosophy follows a pattern.
The Kombat XX campaign has gained attention in areas where football and fashion crossover - and is based on the history of both a football club - and the iconic 2000 Kappa gear used by the Italian international team.
What that means is a very tight-fit, a turtleneck, visible seams and a classy, clean finish that follows the same design principles of the 2000 Italy team shirt in the Villa Kombat XX shirt.
Betis used their Kombat XX shirt in first-team action, but there has been no word on whether Villa will follow up with that due to Premier League rulings.
Kappa are set to follow up in the summer with another kit release for next season.


birminghammail--2020-02-14--Michelin chef Aktar Islam announces opening date for new Brindleyplace restaurant Pulperia

Top Brummie chef Aktar Islam is gearing up to open a new restaurant in Brindleyplace .
The newly Michelin starred chef owner of Opheem in Summer Row , will open Argentinian steak restaurant Pulperia on Monday , March 2 .
It will take over the unit previously occupied by CAU which closed in 2018 .
Pulperia will boast a unique Argentinian v-shaped , charcoal and wood-fired grill where the main menu focus - the steak will be cooked .
Pulperia will serve food 'inspired by and adapted from some of the world ’ s finest Argentinian recipes ' , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , grilled chicken and vegetarian options .
Mr Islam said : “ There ’ s a common perception in the UK that Argentina ’ s cuisine is just slabs of steak and Malbec .
We really want to do away with that and show how truly eclectic it is ... .
the cuisine is incredibly varied , from empanadas , to provoleta and some exquisite pastries it ’ s got influences from all its migrant communities , each with a rich culinary tradition.
” Choose from mains dishes such as Carbonada - Patagonian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mushroom , Branzino - sea bass , clam mussel , Tierra del Fuego Chandon sauce .
Beef which will be sourced from Argentinian and UK includes Basque Cider House Steak and Bife de Chorizo sirloin .
The wine list will have a similarly strong South American focus .
Mr Islam was previously chef director of the Lasan group which owns Argentinian restaurant Fiesta del Asado on Hagley Road and in Shirley as well as Lasan restaurant in the Jewellery Quarter and Raja Monkey Cafe in Hall Green .
After leaving the Lasan Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Opheem on Summer Row .
It was awarded a Michelin star in the 2020 Guide published in October .
In January , Aktar announced his other Summer Row restaurant Legna which opened a few months after Opheem , would not re-open after the Christmas break .
In a statement the chef owner said : `` There are no immediate plans for Legna as we utilise this time to focus on the two new venues already scheduled to open this year ( Pulperia Brindley Place & Edgbaston ) '' .
Another Pulperia site will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
Other ventures includes newly rebranded Craft English Gardens at the ICC .
Brindleyplace has seen a number of new bars and restaurants moving in , including The Alchemist .
Most recently BirminghamLive revealed Cosy Club will be taking over the former Smoke Hause restaurant .

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Top Brummie chef Aktar Islam is gearing up to open a new restaurant in Brindleyplace.
The newly Michelin starred chef owner of Opheem in Summer Row, will open Argentinian steak restaurant Pulperia on Monday, March 2.
It will take over the unit previously occupied by CAU which closed in 2018.
Pulperia will boast a unique Argentinian v-shaped, charcoal and wood-fired grill where the main menu focus - the steak will be cooked.
Pulperia will serve food 'inspired by and adapted from some of the world’s finest Argentinian recipes', as well as a wide variety of fish, grilled chicken and vegetarian options.
Mr Islam said: “There’s a common perception in the UK that Argentina’s cuisine is just slabs of steak and Malbec. We really want to do away with that and show how truly eclectic it is.... the cuisine is incredibly varied, from empanadas, to provoleta and some exquisite pastries it’s got influences from all its migrant communities, each with a rich culinary tradition.”
The starter menu includes Ceviche - bass, citrus, shallots, avocado, radish, chorizo - pork & paprika sausage, heritage tomato, chimichurri and Morcilla - caramelized onion & blood sausage, tomato, charred cucumber.
Choose from mains dishes such as Carbonada - Patagonian beef stew, oxtail, potato, mushroom, Branzino - sea bass, clam mussel, Tierra del Fuego Chandon sauce.
Beef which will be sourced from Argentinian and UK includes Basque Cider House Steak and Bife de Chorizo sirloin.
The wine list will have a similarly strong South American focus.
Mr Islam was previously chef director of the Lasan group which owns Argentinian restaurant Fiesta del Asado on Hagley Road and in Shirley as well as Lasan restaurant in the Jewellery Quarter and Raja Monkey Cafe in Hall Green.
After leaving the Lasan Group, Islam opened Indian fine dining restaurant Opheem on Summer Row. It was awarded a Michelin star in the 2020 Guide published in October.
(Image: Jonathan Hipkiss / BirminghamLive)
In January, Aktar announced his other Summer Row restaurant Legna which opened a few months after Opheem, would not re-open after the Christmas break.
In a statement the chef owner said: "There are no immediate plans for Legna as we utilise this time to focus on the two new venues already scheduled to open this year (Pulperia Brindley Place & Edgbaston)".
Another Pulperia site will open on Highfield Road, Edgbaston later this year.
Other ventures includes newly rebranded Craft English Gardens at the ICC.
Brindleyplace has seen a number of new bars and restaurants moving in, including The Alchemist. Most recently BirminghamLive revealed Cosy Club will be taking over the former Smoke Hause restaurant.


birminghammail--2020-02-14--MP cancels all public engagements amid Coronavirus patient link

An MP who attended the same conference as one of the people diagnosed with Coronavirus has cancelled all his public engagements .
Alex Sobel , the Labour MP for Leeds North West , said he attended the UK Bus Summit at the QEII Centre in Westminster last week .
Earlier today , Friday , February 14 , it was revealed that more than 200 delegates were being traced and told by health officials that a patient now confirmed to have coronavirus was at the conference .
Mr Sobel said he had shown any symptoms since returning home but called NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a precaution had cancelled all of his public engagements , including constituency surgeries until the 14-day incubation period was over .
A statement released by his office said : `` This morning , February 14 , 2020 , the office of Alex Sobel MP received a call from a journalist at ITV to inform us the UK Bus summit event that Alex attended in Parliament on February 6 , was also attended by someone who has contracted coronavirus .
`` As neither Public Health or the event organisers could confirm or deny whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person , Alex decided to take reasonable action in the circumstances .
`` The official advice in this circumstance is to self-isolate , call 111 and receive an assessment .
`` As Alex is a public figure who comes into contact with many constituents , as a precaution he has cancelled all public engagements , including constituency surgeries until the 14-day incubation period is over .
`` Alex has spent the afternoon in isolation in a room in his office away from staff .
After receiving advice from 111 and being established as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in isolation , but will stay away from public engagements as a precautionary measure .
`` To be absolutely clear , Alex has not been tested for coronavirus , only assessed by 111 .
`` Whilst Alex will stay away from public engagement , the office will remain open and Alex will remain contactable , casework will be completed as normal . ''
Transport Times , the conference organiser , emailed attendees on Thursday afternoon on the instruction of Public Health England ( PHE ) , informing them a person confirmed to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Financial Times .
The email enclosed a letter from PHE saying delegates should take no action if they were well but to stay indoors , avoid contact with others and call NHS 111 if they developed symptoms such as a fever or cough .
`` While the degree of contact you may have had with the case at the summit is unlikely to have been significant , we are taking a precautionary approach and informing you , '' the letter said .
The bus conference listed about 250 delegates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said on Thursday that many more people in the UK may need to self-isolate to contain the illness , which has been officially named Covid-19 .
Also on Thursday , more than 80 people quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral were allowed to leave following 14 days in isolation , with Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirming they posed `` no risk to the public '' .

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An MP who attended the same conference as one of the people diagnosed with Coronavirus has cancelled all his public engagements.
Alex Sobel, the Labour MP for Leeds North West, said he attended the UK Bus Summit at the QEII Centre in Westminster last week.
Earlier today, Friday, February 14, it was revealed that more than 200 delegates were being traced and told by health officials that a patient now confirmed to have coronavirus was at the conference.
Mr Sobel said he had shown any symptoms since returning home but called NHS 111 to be assessed, and as a precaution had cancelled all of his public engagements, including constituency surgeries until the 14-day incubation period was over.
(Image: Huddersfield Examiner)
A statement released by his office said: "This morning, February 14, 2020, the office of Alex Sobel MP received a call from a journalist at ITV to inform us the UK Bus summit event that Alex attended in Parliament on February 6, was also attended by someone who has contracted coronavirus.
"As neither Public Health or the event organisers could confirm or deny whether Alex was in close proximity to the person, Alex decided to take reasonable action in the circumstances.
"The official advice in this circumstance is to self-isolate, call 111 and receive an assessment.
"As Alex is a public figure who comes into contact with many constituents, as a precaution he has cancelled all public engagements, including constituency surgeries until the 14-day incubation period is over.
"Alex has spent the afternoon in isolation in a room in his office away from staff. After receiving advice from 111 and being established as low risk, Alex will not remain in isolation, but will stay away from public engagements as a precautionary measure.
"To be absolutely clear, Alex has not been tested for coronavirus, only assessed by 111.
"Whilst Alex will stay away from public engagement, the office will remain open and Alex will remain contactable, casework will be completed as normal."
Transport Times, the conference organiser, emailed attendees on Thursday afternoon on the instruction of Public Health England (PHE), informing them a person confirmed to have the virus had been at the event, according to the Financial Times.
The email enclosed a letter from PHE saying delegates should take no action if they were well but to stay indoors, avoid contact with others and call NHS 111 if they developed symptoms such as a fever or cough.
"While the degree of contact you may have had with the case at the summit is unlikely to have been significant, we are taking a precautionary approach and informing you," the letter said.
The bus conference listed about 250 delegates from the nationwide bus and transport industry.
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said on Thursday that many more people in the UK may need to self-isolate to contain the illness, which has been officially named Covid-19.
Also on Thursday, more than 80 people quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral were allowed to leave following 14 days in isolation, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirming they posed "no risk to the public".


birminghammail--2020-02-14--Storm Dennis explodes into 'bomb cyclone' and could trigger 50ft waves

Storm Dennis has developed into a 'bomb cyclone ' and is set to bring dangerous winds and flooding to the UK only days after Storm Ciara caused widespread disruption .
Dennis was officially named by the UK Met Office on Tuesday .
Windstorm season in Europe traditionally runs from September through the end of April , says AccuWeather .
Dennis will be the fourth named windstorm of the season .
It was classified as a bomb cyclone on Thursday morning after the central pressure of the storm dropped 1.38 inches of mercury ( 46 mb ) in 24 hours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28.1 inches of mercury ( 996 mb to 950 mb ) .
AccuWeather says this incredible drop in pressure is almost two times greater than what is needed to be considered a bomb cyclone .
Meteorologists define a bomb cyclone as a pressure drop of 0.71 of an inch of mercury ( 24 mb ) over a 24-hour period .
Further strengthening may put Dennis in the running for being one of the most intense North Atlantic storms on record , as defined by how low the central pressure of the storm gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all recorded a pressure of 27 inches of mercury ( 925.5 mb ) or lower .
Despite the fact that the centre of Dennis will likely remain near Iceland over the the coming days , towering waves are expected across the Northern Atlantic Ocean on Friday and through the weekend .
`` Waves as high as 12-15 meters ( 40-50 feet ) are possible west of the British Isles and south of Ireland as Dennis moves through the region this weekend , '' said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson .

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Storm Dennis has developed into a 'bomb cyclone' and is set to bring dangerous winds and flooding to the UK only days after Storm Ciara caused widespread disruption.
Dennis was officially named by the UK Met Office on Tuesday.
Windstorm season in Europe traditionally runs from September through the end of April, says AccuWeather.
Dennis will be the fourth named windstorm of the season. It was classified as a bomb cyclone on Thursday morning after the central pressure of the storm dropped 1.38 inches of mercury (46 mb) in 24 hours.
The drop was recorded from 29.4 to 28.1 inches of mercury (996 mb to 950 mb).
(Image: AccuWeather)
AccuWeather says this incredible drop in pressure is almost two times greater than what is needed to be considered a bomb cyclone.
Meteorologists define a bomb cyclone as a pressure drop of 0.71 of an inch of mercury (24 mb) over a 24-hour period.
Further strengthening may put Dennis in the running for being one of the most intense North Atlantic storms on record, as defined by how low the central pressure of the storm gets.
The top five most intense storms all recorded a pressure of 27 inches of mercury (925.5 mb) or lower.
Despite the fact that the centre of Dennis will likely remain near Iceland over the the coming days, towering waves are expected across the Northern Atlantic Ocean on Friday and through the weekend.
"Waves as high as 12-15 meters (40-50 feet) are possible west of the British Isles and south of Ireland as Dennis moves through the region this weekend," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson.


birminghammail--2020-02-16--Maura Higgins breaks down in tears after Dancing on Ice elimination

Maura Higgins has been eliminated from Dancing On Ice .
The former Love Island contestant was in tears as she was sent home , after losing to Libby Clegg in the skate-off .
`` I really did want to stay , '' she said .
The episode saw the six remaining contestants perform for judges Ashley Banjo , Jayne Torvill , Christopher Dean and John Barrowman - before Maura Higgins was eliminated .
The former Love Island contestant received her marching orders after ending up in a skate-off against Libby Clegg and her professional partner Mark Hanretty following the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick who to send home .
They were divided , with Banjo and Barrowman opting to keep Higgins in the competition and Torvill and Dean deciding that Clegg was the more promising skater .
In the end , as Dean was the head judge , Higgins was sent home .
The TV star was in tears as she was eliminated , saying : `` I really did want to stay . ''
Her professional partner Alexander Demetriou paid tribute to Higgins , saying she was `` one of the greatest women '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the decision , taking to Twitter to discuss .
Dancing On Ice airs on ITV and in Ireland on Virgin Media Television .

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Maura Higgins has been eliminated from Dancing On Ice.
The former Love Island contestant was in tears as she was sent home, after losing to Libby Clegg in the skate-off.
"I really did want to stay," she said.
The episode saw the six remaining contestants perform for judges Ashley Banjo, Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and John Barrowman - before Maura Higgins was eliminated.
The former Love Island contestant received her marching orders after ending up in a skate-off against Libby Clegg and her professional partner Mark Hanretty following the public vote.
(Image: ITV)
The judges then had to pick who to send home.
They were divided, with Banjo and Barrowman opting to keep Higgins in the competition and Torvill and Dean deciding that Clegg was the more promising skater.
In the end, as Dean was the head judge, Higgins was sent home.
The TV star was in tears as she was eliminated, saying: "I really did want to stay."
Her professional partner Alexander Demetriou paid tribute to Higgins, saying she was "one of the greatest women" he had met.
Fans were also upset by the decision, taking to Twitter to discuss.
Dancing On Ice airs on ITV and in Ireland on Virgin Media Television.


birminghammail--2020-02-16--Caroline Flack's close friend Joe Swash leaves Dancing on Ice viewers' hearts 'breaking' with tribut

Caroline Flack's close friend Joe Swash leaves Dancing on Ice viewers' hearts 'breaking' with tribute

Joe Swash became emotional as he performed on Sunday night 's instalment of Dancing On Ice with a tribute to Caroline Flack .
The former Love Island presenter was found dead at the age of 40 at her home in east London on Saturday , after taking her own life .
The actor , who was friends with Flack , sent love to her family as he said it had been a very tough day .
Viewers were in tears after his moving message , with many taking to Twitter .
Samantha said : `` Joe is absolutely breaking my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Gilly wrote : `` How on earth he could do that tonight after losing a great friend yesterday , it 's remarkable .
Well done , Joe . ''
And Chloe said : `` What a man Joe Swash is .
Grieving the loss of his friend and still gets out on that ice rink and gives the best he can .
Heartbreaking . ''
The episode saw the six remaining contestants perform for judges Ashley Banjo , Jayne Torvill , Christopher Dean and John Barrowman - before Maura Higgins was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received her marching orders after ending up in a skate-off against Libby Clegg and her professional partner Mark Hanretty following the public vote .
The judges then had to pick who to send home .
They were divided , with Banjo and Barrowman opting to keep Higgins in the competition and Torvill and Dean deciding that Clegg was the more promising skater .
In the end , as Dean was the head judge , Higgins was sent home .
The TV star was in tears as she was eliminated , saying : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Her professional partner Alexander Demetriou paid tribute to Higgins , saying she was `` one of the greatest women '' he had met .
Dancing On Ice airs on ITV and in Ireland on Virgin Media Television .

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Joe Swash became emotional as he performed on Sunday night's instalment of Dancing On Ice with a tribute to Caroline Flack.
The former Love Island presenter was found dead at the age of 40 at her home in east London on Saturday, after taking her own life.
The actor, who was friends with Flack, sent love to her family as he said it had been a very tough day.
Viewers were in tears after his moving message, with many taking to Twitter.
Samantha said: "Joe is absolutely breaking my heart. The pain in his face."
(Image: ITV)
Gilly wrote: "How on earth he could do that tonight after losing a great friend yesterday, it's remarkable. Well done, Joe."
And Chloe said: "What a man Joe Swash is. Grieving the loss of his friend and still gets out on that ice rink and gives the best he can. Heartbreaking."
The episode saw the six remaining contestants perform for judges Ashley Banjo, Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and John Barrowman - before Maura Higgins was eliminated.
The former Love Island contestant received her marching orders after ending up in a skate-off against Libby Clegg and her professional partner Mark Hanretty following the public vote.
The judges then had to pick who to send home.
They were divided, with Banjo and Barrowman opting to keep Higgins in the competition and Torvill and Dean deciding that Clegg was the more promising skater.
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In the end, as Dean was the head judge, Higgins was sent home.
The TV star was in tears as she was eliminated, saying: "I really did want to stay."
Her professional partner Alexander Demetriou paid tribute to Higgins, saying she was "one of the greatest women" he had met.
Dancing On Ice airs on ITV and in Ireland on Virgin Media Television.


birminghammail--2020-02-16--Aston Villa at Wembley - how to get to the Carabao Cup final by coach

Villa take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday , March 1 , with the match kicking off at 4.30pm .
Dean Smith 's men defeated Crewe Alexandra , Brighton & Hove Albion , Wolverhampton Wanderers , Liverpool and Leicester City to book their place in the final .
It will be the third time in three years that Villa have played at the national stadium after play-off final defeat to Fulham in 2018 and a glorious victory over Derby County last year .
Along with the standard scramble for tickets , fans are starting to plot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coach provider National Express has announced details of the service it will be providing to Villa supporters .
Here 's what it has to say : `` National Express is running dedicated services direct to the Stadium for the Carabao Cup Final between Aston Villa FC and Manchester City FC on Sunday 1st March 2020 .
`` Fans can choose from pick up in the city centre at Birmingham coach station or locations in Great Barr , Lichfield , Solihull , Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth .
`` Schedules will ensure arrival in plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the completion of the game - whether it ends in normal time , extra time or after penalties Return fares start from £25 .
`` Travel from other locations can be requested using National Express ' on-demand service , neon . ''
Fans wishing to book their seats on a coach are advised to visit www.nationalexpress.com or call 0871 781 8181 .

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Aston Villa are back at Wembley!
Villa take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, March 1, with the match kicking off at 4.30pm.
Dean Smith's men defeated Crewe Alexandra, Brighton & Hove Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool and Leicester City to book their place in the final.
It will be the third time in three years that Villa have played at the national stadium after play-off final defeat to Fulham in 2018 and a glorious victory over Derby County last year.
Along with the standard scramble for tickets, fans are starting to plot their journeys to and from Wembley.
Coach provider National Express has announced details of the service it will be providing to Villa supporters.
Ashley Preece reacts to Spurs defeat
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Here's what it has to say: "National Express is running dedicated services direct to the Stadium for the Carabao Cup Final between Aston Villa FC and Manchester City FC on Sunday 1st March 2020.
"Fans can choose from pick up in the city centre at Birmingham coach station or locations in Great Barr, Lichfield, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth.
"Schedules will ensure arrival in plenty of time with departure 45 minutes after the completion of the game - whether it ends in normal time, extra time or after penalties Return fares start from £25.
"Travel from other locations can be requested using National Express' on-demand service, neon."
Fans wishing to book their seats on a coach are advised to visit www.nationalexpress.com or call 0871 781 8181.


birminghammail--2020-02-16--CPS responds to Caroline Flack case criticism by outlining how it reaches decisions

The Crown Prosecution Service has outlined how it reaches decisions over whether or not to charge someone with a criminal offence .
The explanation came just hours after Caroline Flack 's management company criticised the CPS for pursuing a `` show trial '' regarding her assault charge despite her boyfriend saying he did not support it .
Flack , 40 , stepped down from presenting the current Love Island show after she was alleged to have assaulted Lewis Burton 27 , at her then flat in Islington , north London , in December .
She entered a not guilty plea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' Court and was released on bail , with conditions that stopped her having any contact with Burton ahead of a trial in March .
Francis Ridley , of Money Talent Management , said on Saturday night : `` The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events .
`` The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public interest .
And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline . ''
In response , the CPS said its `` deepest sympathies go to the family and friends '' of Flack , but did not comment further .
However , on Sunday , the CPS said it had been asked questions about `` the role of the CPS in deciding whether to charge an individual with a criminal offence '' , adding : `` The following information explains our role and approach .
It is not a comment on any individual case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do not decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence - that is for the jury , judge or magistrate - but we must make the key decision of whether a case should be put before a court . ''
It said every charging decision is based on the same two-stage test in the Code for Crown Prosecutors : - Does the evidence provide a realistic prospect of conviction ?
That means , having heard the evidence , is a court more likely than not to find the defendant guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public interest to prosecute ?
That means asking questions including how serious the offence is , the harm caused to the victim , the impact on communities and whether prosecution is a proportionate response .
The information they posted a link to included : `` Guidance for prosecutors when considering domestic abuse allegations gives specific advice on how to proceed when a complainant does not want to support a prosecution , which can often be a feature of these difficult cases .
`` It provides guidance on the information required to understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the different options that should be considered , including proceeding without the complainant 's support if other evidence is available .
`` It sets out a number of factors which may be helpful when considering the public interest in whether to charge in these circumstances . ''
In a section of the CPS website with the heading `` Retractions and withdrawals by complainants '' , it says : `` It is possible that a complainant may ask the police not to proceed any further with a prosecution case and say they no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be a number of reasons why a complainant will withdraw their support from a prosecution , or retract their allegation , but this does not mean that the case will be automatically stopped . ''
The website lists possible reasons why a complainant may no longer support a case .
These include fear of other offences being committed or risk of further harm , fear of coming face to face with the abuser in court , pressure from the perpetrator , fear of repercussions that may follow from peers of the perpetrator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wish to be reconciled with the perpetrator .
The CPS say reasons such as these should be considered as a means to assist prosecutors in understanding how they will need to consider the next steps to be taken .

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The Crown Prosecution Service has outlined how it reaches decisions over whether or not to charge someone with a criminal offence.
The explanation came just hours after Caroline Flack's management company criticised the CPS for pursuing a "show trial" regarding her assault charge despite her boyfriend saying he did not support it.
Flack, 40, stepped down from presenting the current Love Island show after she was alleged to have assaulted Lewis Burton 27, at her then flat in Islington, north London, in December.
She entered a not guilty plea to the charge at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court and was released on bail, with conditions that stopped her having any contact with Burton ahead of a trial in March.
Francis Ridley, of Money Talent Management, said on Saturday night: "The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events.
"The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest. And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline."
In response, the CPS said its "deepest sympathies go to the family and friends" of Flack, but did not comment further.
However, on Sunday, the CPS said it had been asked questions about "the role of the CPS in deciding whether to charge an individual with a criminal offence", adding: "The following information explains our role and approach. It is not a comment on any individual case."
The CPS said: "We do not decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence - that is for the jury, judge or magistrate - but we must make the key decision of whether a case should be put before a court."
It said every charging decision is based on the same two-stage test in the Code for Crown Prosecutors:
(Image: PA)
- Does the evidence provide a realistic prospect of conviction? That means, having heard the evidence, is a court more likely than not to find the defendant guilty? And;
- Is it in the public interest to prosecute? That means asking questions including how serious the offence is, the harm caused to the victim, the impact on communities and whether prosecution is a proportionate response.
The information they posted a link to included: "Guidance for prosecutors when considering domestic abuse allegations gives specific advice on how to proceed when a complainant does not want to support a prosecution, which can often be a feature of these difficult cases.
"It provides guidance on the information required to understand why a complainant may withdraw support and the different options that should be considered, including proceeding without the complainant's support if other evidence is available.
"It sets out a number of factors which may be helpful when considering the public interest in whether to charge in these circumstances."
In a section of the CPS website with the heading "Retractions and withdrawals by complainants", it says: "It is possible that a complainant may ask the police not to proceed any further with a prosecution case and say they no longer wish to give evidence.
"There may be a number of reasons why a complainant will withdraw their support from a prosecution, or retract their allegation, but this does not mean that the case will be automatically stopped."
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The website lists possible reasons why a complainant may no longer support a case.
These include fear of other offences being committed or risk of further harm, fear of coming face to face with the abuser in court, pressure from the perpetrator, fear of repercussions that may follow from peers of the perpetrator, fear of being publicly shamed and a wish to be reconciled with the perpetrator.
The CPS say reasons such as these should be considered as a means to assist prosecutors in understanding how they will need to consider the next steps to be taken.


birminghammail--2020-02-16--Dean Smith launches furious VAR blast - but Aston Villa fans disagree

Aston Villa supporters have refuted Dean Smith 's claim that the decision to award Tottenham a first half penalty was 'farcical ' .
The Villa boss was fuming after his side fell to a 3-2 defeat , with Spurs netting a 94th minute winner on a dramatic afternoon on B6 .
Scores were level as the first half wound down at Villa Park , but Spurs were given a golden chance to take the lead after they were awarded a penalty .
The decision only came after officials at Stockley Park overruled on-field referee Martin Atkinson , deciding Bjorn Engels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking after the game , Smith felt that the VAR intervention did n't meet the threshold of 'clear and obvious ' .
`` I do n't get it ! ''
Smith said .
`` There were 40,000 people in this stadium today and Martin Atkinson gives a goal kick and everyone in this stadium gives a goal kick .
Even their player who had the shot .
`` We go into a sterile environment and whoever the VAR is today looks at it 10 times , you 're telling me that 's clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and obvious .
`` But , instead , we go upstairs and have it refereed .
If you look at it 20 times , you 're going to see contact .
Was it contact that put the lad off ?
Not sure .
The criteria is clear and obvious , that 's not clear and obvious .
Because there was contact before , that 'll probably put their marks up to 98 per cent .
For me , it 's farcical . ''
However , fans on social media felt that Villa should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team out of the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference alone : @ Razor_Sharper : Grasping at straws .
It was a penalty .
@ Villandrew : It was clear and obvious .
He clearly never got the ball , obviously it ’ s a penalty @ Moorski7 : No From the referees angle it was hard to see but VAR after about 3 mins viewed it numerous times & appear to have got Engels playing the man first @ ozonestu : No disagree it was clear and obvious after I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually get that one right IMO sadly @ anonimasu76 : Naive and childish defending the entire game .
Going forward we looked exciting .
@ Cmoverdose : It was a clear penalty and although we played well at times our defence is a shambles , forever getting opened up .
I certainly would n't call it a good performance .
@ Oli02926321 : Can ’ t keep blaming VAR we all know it ’ s pants .
As for the penalty it clearly was a foul annoyingly to say .
Absolutely gutted we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : But it was a penalty and obvious after seeing it once from the front angle.. @ DickieBaird : Clearly a pen .
Let 's not overlook defensive mistakes by using VAR as an excuse , or we wo n't improve .

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Aston Villa supporters have refuted Dean Smith's claim that the decision to award Tottenham a first half penalty was 'farcical'.
The Villa boss was fuming after his side fell to a 3-2 defeat, with Spurs netting a 94th minute winner on a dramatic afternoon on B6.
Scores were level as the first half wound down at Villa Park, but Spurs were given a golden chance to take the lead after they were awarded a penalty.
The decision only came after officials at Stockley Park overruled on-field referee Martin Atkinson, deciding Bjorn Engels had fouled Spurs forward Steven Bergwijn.
(Image: Getty Images)
Speaking after the game, Smith felt that the VAR intervention didn't meet the threshold of 'clear and obvious'.
"I don't get it!" Smith said. "There were 40,000 people in this stadium today and Martin Atkinson gives a goal kick and everyone in this stadium gives a goal kick. Even their player who had the shot.
"We go into a sterile environment and whoever the VAR is today looks at it 10 times, you're telling me that's clear and obvious? The criteria is clear and obvious.
"But, instead, we go upstairs and have it refereed. If you look at it 20 times, you're going to see contact. Was it contact that put the lad off? Not sure. The criteria is clear and obvious, that's not clear and obvious. Because there was contact before, that'll probably put their marks up to 98 per cent. For me, it's farcical."
However, fans on social media felt that Villa should focus on their own errors, with the team out of the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference alone:
@Razor_Sharper: Grasping at straws. It was a penalty.
@Villandrew: It was clear and obvious. He clearly never got the ball , obviously it’s a penalty
@SteveSomewhere: Looked fairly obvious to me
@Moorski7: No From the referees angle it was hard to see but VAR after about 3 mins viewed it numerous times & appear to have got Engels playing the man first
@ozonestu: No disagree it was clear and obvious after I’ve seen a replay VAR did actually get that one right IMO sadly
@anonimasu76: Naive and childish defending the entire game. Going forward we looked exciting.
@EJ_AVFC: Was a penalty. End of discussion.
@Cmoverdose: It was a clear penalty and although we played well at times our defence is a shambles, forever getting opened up. I certainly wouldn't call it a good performance.
@Oli02926321: Can’t keep blaming VAR we all know it’s pants. As for the penalty it clearly was a foul annoyingly to say. Absolutely gutted we didn’t win.
@tovester2: But it was a penalty and obvious after seeing it once from the front angle..
@DickieBaird: Clearly a pen. Let's not overlook defensive mistakes by using VAR as an excuse, or we won't improve.


birminghammail--2020-02-16--'He is decent!' - Birmingham City fans offer transfer verdict as club linked with summer swoop

Birmingham City fans have been offering their transfer verdicts on rumours linking them with a move for Crewe Alexandra 's Perry Ng .
Blues have been linked with a move for the Crewe captain , wich Championship rivals Derby County , Nottingham Forest , Bristol City and Charlton Athletic all said to be interested too .
Ng is out of contract next summer and , according to website TEAMtalk , could be let go from the Gresty Road outfit this summer .
He has over 100 career appearances for David Artell 's side and is the club 's captain having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blues have Maxime Colin as the club 's starting right-back while Wes Harding has been deployed there on occasion by boss Pep Clotet at times this season .
And the St Andrew 's faithful have had their say on the rumour ... @ elwell_alan : Never heard of him ♂ @ baga2265 : No ta , I 'm sure he 's decent etc but as everyone else has said we do n't need a RB .
Doubt we 'll be able to afford Hogan so a striker is priority .
@ Mikeymac29 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season and he is decent !
He ’ s not going to displace Colin any time soon but is a decent player and still young I think .
@ beeanieman : ermmmmm we have cogley wes colin romeo Hutton why ..

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Birmingham City fans have been offering their transfer verdicts on rumours linking them with a move for Crewe Alexandra's Perry Ng.
Blues have been linked with a move for the Crewe captain, wich Championship rivals Derby County, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Charlton Athletic all said to be interested too.
Ng is out of contract next summer and, according to website TEAMtalk, could be let go from the Gresty Road outfit this summer.
He has over 100 career appearances for David Artell's side and is the club's captain having come through the academy at Crewe.
Blues have Maxime Colin as the club's starting right-back while Wes Harding has been deployed there on occasion by boss Pep Clotet at times this season.
And the St Andrew's faithful have had their say on the rumour...
@ elwell_alan : Never heard of him ♂
@ Ianstarks7 : No thanks
@ PapaulskiBCFC : No. Dont need a rb
@ baga2265 :No ta, I'm sure he's decent etc but as everyone else has said we don't need a RB. Doubt we'll be able to afford Hogan so a striker is priority.
@ Mikeymac29 : Actually went randomly to a Crewe game last season and he is decent! He’s not going to displace Colin any time soon but is a decent player and still young I think.
@ beeanieman : ermmmmm we have cogley wes colin romeo Hutton why ..
@ Andre24053 : na


birminghammail--2020-02-16--Murder probe launched after man's body pulled from Kings Norton canal

Police have launched a murder probe after the body of a man was pulled from a Kings Norton canal .
Officers were called to the stretch of water near Masshouse Lane , at around 8.40am on Saturday , February 15 , after a member of the public made the discovery .
Today , police revealed a murder investigation had been launched after a post-mortem on the body showed the man had suffered significant facial injuries .
Homicide detectives have now taken over the investigation .
The victim has been identified as 48-year-old Darren Round who lived in the local area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistent with him having been assaulted before entering the water .
West Midlands have now issued images of Mr Round , taken from CCTV in the hours before his death .
The images show him dressed in a blue coat and carrying a rucksack .
Detectives are now appealing for anyone who was in the Masshouse Lane and Shannon Road area of Kings Norton – or walking on the canal towpath – from 7.30pm on Friday night and 8.40am the following morning to get in touch .
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Griffiths , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue coat and a rucksack .
If anyone saw him or anyone else on the towpath on Friday night into Saturday morning I need them to get in touch .
“ We need to understand Darren ’ s movements from 7.30pm when he left home to when his body was tragically found in the canal .
“ If you were in the area and saw anything suspicious please make contact.
” Anyone with information is asked to message us on Live Chat via the website WMP Online or call us on 101 .

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Police have launched a murder probe after the body of a man was pulled from a Kings Norton canal.
Officers were called to the stretch of water near Masshouse Lane, at around 8.40am on Saturday, February 15, after a member of the public made the discovery.
Today, police revealed a murder investigation had been launched after a post-mortem on the body showed the man had suffered significant facial injuries. Homicide detectives have now taken over the investigation.
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The victim has been identified as 48-year-old Darren Round who lived in the local area.
It is believed his injuries are consistent with him having been assaulted before entering the water.
West Midlands have now issued images of Mr Round, taken from CCTV in the hours before his death. The images show him dressed in a blue coat and carrying a rucksack.
Detectives are now appealing for anyone who was in the Masshouse Lane and Shannon Road area of Kings Norton – or walking on the canal towpath – from 7.30pm on Friday night and 8.40am the following morning to get in touch.
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Griffiths, said: "Darren was wearing a blue coat and a rucksack. If anyone saw him or anyone else on the towpath on Friday night into Saturday morning I need them to get in touch.
“We need to understand Darren’s movements from 7.30pm when he left home to when his body was tragically found in the canal.
“If you were in the area and saw anything suspicious please make contact.”
Anyone with information is asked to message us on Live Chat via the website WMP Online or call us on 101.


birminghammail--2020-02-16--Alan Sugar wants Tottenham to sign these two Aston Villa stars

Alan Sugar has revealed the two Aston Villa players he would like Tottenham to sign , despite them ending up on the losing side on Sunday .
The Apprentice star was part owner of Spurs between 1991 and 2001 , with him only selling his remaining shares in the club in 2007 .
He remains an avid follower of the team , but was left suitably impressed by two members of the opposing squad .
Villa put in a stirring performance at Villa Park , only to concede a 94th minute clinching goal in the 3-2 defeat .
Several of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game with credit , with Pepe Reina and Jack Grealish rightfully taking a lot of the praise .
Reina rolled back the years in the Villa goal , making save after save - whilst Grealish helped himself to another assist to continue his fine run of Premier League form .
And taking to social media after the game , Sugar told his 5.3m followers that he would like Spurs to snatch the Villa pair .
He tweeted : `` Well deserved win for Spurs .
Villa goalie had a great game we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then asked for his opinion on Grealish , a player who was so close to joining the north Londoners in 2018 , Sugar said : `` Tough great player .
We should try to get him . ''
Grealish has been extensively linked with a move away from Villa in recent months , while Pepe Reina is on loan from AC Milan until the end of the season .

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Alan Sugar has revealed the two Aston Villa players he would like Tottenham to sign, despite them ending up on the losing side on Sunday.
The Apprentice star was part owner of Spurs between 1991 and 2001, with him only selling his remaining shares in the club in 2007.
He remains an avid follower of the team, but was left suitably impressed by two members of the opposing squad.
Villa put in a stirring performance at Villa Park, only to concede a 94th minute clinching goal in the 3-2 defeat. Several of Dean Smith's side came out of the game with credit, with Pepe Reina and Jack Grealish rightfully taking a lot of the praise.
Reina rolled back the years in the Villa goal, making save after save - whilst Grealish helped himself to another assist to continue his fine run of Premier League form.
And taking to social media after the game, Sugar told his 5.3m followers that he would like Spurs to snatch the Villa pair.
He tweeted: "Well deserved win for Spurs. Villa goalie had a great game we should try to get him."
Then asked for his opinion on Grealish, a player who was so close to joining the north Londoners in 2018, Sugar said: "Tough great player. We should try to get him."
Grealish has been extensively linked with a move away from Villa in recent months, while Pepe Reina is on loan from AC Milan until the end of the season.


birminghammail--2020-02-16--Dean Smith offers Tyrone Mings update and reveals when Aston Villa expect him to return

Dean Smith has revealed that he hoped Tyrone Mings would play against Tottenham and delayed naming his team before he was ruled out .
The England international was a surprise omission from Aston Villa 's starting line-up for their 3-2 defeat to Spurs on B6 .
Speaking prior to the game , Smith confirmed Mings was suffering with a bout of tonsillitis with Bjorn Engels coming into the side .
Engels would go on to endure an up and down afternoon , with the Belgian conceding a penalty , scoring a second half equaliser and then being at fault for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After the defeat , Smith claimed it was a late decision on the central defender and that he should be fine for next weekend 's game at Southampton .
Asked if he would be OK for the trip to the south coast , Smith said : `` Yes , he should be .
He came in yesterday morning and were n't feeling well .
I thought he 'd be OK to play , though , so I did n't name the team until I found out how he was today .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get him rested and he should be all right for Southampton . ''
On the game itself , the Villa boss said that it was a sore defeat to take , with Spurs taking on Villa 's knack of late dramatics .
`` It 's a sore one because of the time they score .
The last games at Villa Park , we 've been the victors of last-minute goals so we know how it feels .
`` It 's a tough one to take .
Perhaps , more because of the performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We had a VAR decision go against us again which is disappointing but , if our performance levels are like that , we wo n't be too far wrong .
”

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Dean Smith has revealed that he hoped Tyrone Mings would play against Tottenham and delayed naming his team before he was ruled out.
The England international was a surprise omission from Aston Villa's starting line-up for their 3-2 defeat to Spurs on B6.
Speaking prior to the game, Smith confirmed Mings was suffering with a bout of tonsillitis with Bjorn Engels coming into the side.
Engels would go on to endure an up and down afternoon, with the Belgian conceding a penalty, scoring a second half equaliser and then being at fault for Heung-Min Son's 94th minute winner.
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
After the defeat, Smith claimed it was a late decision on the central defender and that he should be fine for next weekend's game at Southampton.
Asked if he would be OK for the trip to the south coast, Smith said: "Yes, he should be. He came in yesterday morning and weren't feeling well. I thought he'd be OK to play, though, so I didn't name the team until I found out how he was today.
“We think it's tonsillitis. We'll get him rested and he should be all right for Southampton."
On the game itself, the Villa boss said that it was a sore defeat to take, with Spurs taking on Villa's knack of late dramatics.
"It's a sore one because of the time they score. The last games at Villa Park, we've been the victors of last-minute goals so we know how it feels.
"It's a tough one to take. Perhaps, more because of the performance. There was a lot of personality. We had a VAR decision go against us again which is disappointing but, if our performance levels are like that, we won't be too far wrong.”


birminghammail--2020-02-16--Full Love Island statement from ITV on future of show after Caroline Flack's death

Love Island will not air on Sunday night following the death of its former presenter Caroline Flack , but the current series will continue .
Flack was found dead at the age of 40 at her home in east London on Saturday , after taking her own life .
Saturday night 's highlights edition of the ITV2 dating show was pulled , and there has been speculation about whether the rest of the series would air .
It has now been confirmed that although it will not be on tonight , Love Island will be back on Monday , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson said : `` Many people at ITV knew Caroline well and held her in great affection .
`` All of us are absolutely devastated at this tragic news .
`` After careful consultation between Caroline 's representatives and the Love Island production team and given how close we still are to the news of Caroline 's tragic death we have decided not to broadcast tonight 's Love Island out of respect for Caroline 's family .
`` Love Island will return tomorrow night which will include a tribute to Caroline who will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flack 's family confirmed that she died on Saturday , adding in a statement : `` We would ask that the press respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and we would ask they make no attempt to contact us and/or photograph us . ''
The shock news prompted a flood of tributes from celebrities but also questions about the decision to press ahead with prosecuting Flack for her alleged assault on boyfriend Lewis Burton , as well as the pressures faced by TV celebrities from the press and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` vulnerable '' by her management , stepped down from presenting the current winter series of Love Island after she was alleged to have assaulted Burton at her then-flat in Islington , north London , in December .
She entered a not guilty plea to the assault charge at Highbury Corner Magistrates ' Court and was released on bail , with conditions that stopped her having contact with her boyfriend ahead of a trial in March .
In a statement released on Saturday night , her management company criticised the Crown Prosecution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with what it called her `` show trial '' even after her boyfriend said he did not support it .
Francis Ridley , of Money Talent Management , said : `` In recent months Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported .
`` The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest .
`` And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline . ''
Talent agent Jonathan Shalit told BBC Radio 5 's Stephen Nolan that Flack received `` more negative press than a terrorist or a paedophile '' over the trial .
`` These people might be famous , but they 're still vulnerable individuals , '' Mr Shalit added .
By Sunday evening , an online petition calling for a Government inquiry into `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and social media platforms in their efforts to protect members of the public from harm '' had more than 191,000 signatures .
The tragedy has put the spotlight back on the pressures which come with TV celebrity .
Flack is the fourth person linked to the ITV2 dating programme to have killed themselves .
Sophie Gradon , who was a contestant in 2016 , was found dead at her home in 2018 at the age of 32 .
Her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong , who had found her body , killed himself three weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thalassitis , who appeared in the 2017 series , was 26 when he was found dead in a park in March last year .
Tributes to Flack poured in after her death , with Burton saying that his `` heart is broken '' .
He said in an emotional message on Instagram that he would now be Flack 's `` voice '' and would `` get all the answers '' .
Beside a picture of them together , he wrote : `` My heart is broken we had something so special .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I do n't think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking . ''
Burton , 27 , added : `` I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart . ''
Flack 's former X Factor colleague Dermot O'Leary said he had `` candles lit '' in her memory , and her Love Island colleague Iain Stirling , the programme 's narrator , shared a video of Flack from a performance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and wrote : `` Today my friend slow motion walked into heaven .
I will miss her always .
Thank you for everything x . ''
Laura Whitmore , who replaced Flack as Love Island host for the latest series , tweeted `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ca n't '' , followed by a broken heart emoji .
An ITV spokeswoman said : `` Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news .
`` Caroline was a much loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends . ''

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Love Island will not air on Sunday night following the death of its former presenter Caroline Flack, but the current series will continue.
Flack was found dead at the age of 40 at her home in east London on Saturday, after taking her own life.
Saturday night's highlights edition of the ITV2 dating show was pulled, and there has been speculation about whether the rest of the series would air.
It has now been confirmed that although it will not be on tonight, Love Island will be back on Monday, with a tribute to Flack.
An ITV spokesperson said: "Many people at ITV knew Caroline well and held her in great affection.
"All of us are absolutely devastated at this tragic news.
"After careful consultation between Caroline's representatives and the Love Island production team and given how close we still are to the news of Caroline's tragic death we have decided not to broadcast tonight's Love Island out of respect for Caroline's family.
"Love Island will return tomorrow night which will include a tribute to Caroline who will be forever in our hearts."
Flack's family confirmed that she died on Saturday, adding in a statement: "We would ask that the press respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and we would ask they make no attempt to contact us and/or photograph us."
The shock news prompted a flood of tributes from celebrities but also questions about the decision to press ahead with prosecuting Flack for her alleged assault on boyfriend Lewis Burton, as well as the pressures faced by TV celebrities from the press and social media.
Flack, who was described as "vulnerable" by her management, stepped down from presenting the current winter series of Love Island after she was alleged to have assaulted Burton at her then-flat in Islington, north London, in December.
(Image: ITV)
She entered a not guilty plea to the assault charge at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court and was released on bail, with conditions that stopped her having contact with her boyfriend ahead of a trial in March.
In a statement released on Saturday night, her management company criticised the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for pressing ahead with what it called her "show trial" even after her boyfriend said he did not support it.
(Image: PA)
Francis Ridley, of Money Talent Management, said: "In recent months Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported.
"The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events.
"The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest.
"And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline."
Talent agent Jonathan Shalit told BBC Radio 5's Stephen Nolan that Flack received "more negative press than a terrorist or a paedophile" over the trial.
"These people might be famous, but they're still vulnerable individuals," Mr Shalit added.
By Sunday evening, an online petition calling for a Government inquiry into "the practices and policies of mainstream media organisations and social media platforms in their efforts to protect members of the public from harm" had more than 191,000 signatures.
The tragedy has put the spotlight back on the pressures which come with TV celebrity.
Flack is the fourth person linked to the ITV2 dating programme to have killed themselves.
Sophie Gradon, who was a contestant in 2016, was found dead at her home in 2018 at the age of 32.
Her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong, who had found her body, killed himself three weeks later. He was 25.
Mike Thalassitis, who appeared in the 2017 series, was 26 when he was found dead in a park in March last year.
Tributes to Flack poured in after her death, with Burton saying that his "heart is broken".
He said in an emotional message on Instagram that he would now be Flack's "voice" and would "get all the answers".
Beside a picture of them together, he wrote: "My heart is broken we had something so special.
"I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I don't think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking."
Burton, 27, added: "I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday.
"I love you with all my heart."
Flack's former X Factor colleague Dermot O'Leary said he had "candles lit" in her memory, and her Love Island colleague Iain Stirling, the programme's narrator, shared a video of Flack from a performance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and wrote: "Today my friend slow motion walked into heaven. I will miss her always. Thank you for everything x."
Laura Whitmore, who replaced Flack as Love Island host for the latest series, tweeted "I'm trying to find the words but I can't", followed by a broken heart emoji.
An ITV spokeswoman said: "Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news.
"Caroline was a much loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends."


birminghammail--2020-02-16--Martin Freeman admits smacking his children - 'I know I'm not supposed to'

Martin Freeman says he has smacked his children , and has at times called them `` little f****** '' .
The Hobbit star , who has two children with his former partner Amanda Abbington , said parenting is the `` best thing '' he will ever do , but said it is also `` really hard '' .
Freeman said he is `` not proud '' of the fact he has smacked his children , adding that he was `` impatient and at the end of my rope '' .
In an interview with The Sunday Times Culture magazine about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he plays a father , he said : `` That is another frustrating thing about parenting , and what makes you feel like a failure .
`` All the images we 're getting about how to parent if you 're a nice , arty person are a series of rules we all either adhere to or pretend to .
`` You know , positive affirmation and everything is great , and you 're perfect the way you are .
Well , you 're not .
One of the rules is , do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ f****** . ''
He went on to say : `` But , you know , I 've done both .
I 've probably smacked twice , but I 've called them little f****** more than twice .
`` I know I 'm not supposed to do it , but there are so many images about how [ parenting ] all just has to be brilliant that it makes people feel bad .
Because it 's not brilliant .
`` I mean , it is - it 's the best thing I 'll do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not really hard .
`` This idea you only ever rationalise with a toddler ?
Genuinely , good luck .
If you can do that , God go with you .
Amazing . ''
Freeman told the magazine : `` Obviously , it 's a good idea not to hit your kids . ''
Last month , the Welsh Assembly voted to introduce a smacking ban in Wales .
Assembly Members voted 36 to 14 in favour of the Welsh Government bill , which sees the country join 58 other nations including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
Ministers say the legislation will come into force in 2022 after gaining Royal Assent , but opponents of the new law say it will criminalise parents and increase pressure on already-stretched social services .
It is the first divergence of core criminal law between Wales and England , where parents would still be able to legally physically punish a child as long as it is deemed `` reasonable '' .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (PA, James Rodger)

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Martin Freeman says he has smacked his children, and has at times called them "little f******".
The Hobbit star, who has two children with his former partner Amanda Abbington, said parenting is the "best thing" he will ever do, but said it is also "really hard".
Freeman said he is "not proud" of the fact he has smacked his children, adding that he was "impatient and at the end of my rope".
In an interview with The Sunday Times Culture magazine about his new sitcom Breeders, in which he plays a father, he said: "That is another frustrating thing about parenting, and what makes you feel like a failure.
"All the images we're getting about how to parent if you're a nice, arty person are a series of rules we all either adhere to or pretend to.
"You know, positive affirmation and everything is great, and you're perfect the way you are. Well, you're not. One of the rules is, don't smack your kids or call them little f******."
He went on to say: "But, you know, I've done both. I've probably smacked twice, but I've called them little f****** more than twice.
"I know I'm not supposed to do it, but there are so many images about how [parenting] all just has to be brilliant that it makes people feel bad. Because it's not brilliant.
"I mean, it is - it's the best thing I'll do. But that doesn't mean it's not really hard.
"This idea you only ever rationalise with a toddler? Genuinely, good luck. If you can do that, God go with you. Amazing."
Freeman told the magazine: "Obviously, it's a good idea not to hit your kids."
Last month, the Welsh Assembly voted to introduce a smacking ban in Wales.
Assembly Members voted 36 to 14 in favour of the Welsh Government bill, which sees the country join 58 other nations including Scotland to end the physical punishment of children.
Ministers say the legislation will come into force in 2022 after gaining Royal Assent, but opponents of the new law say it will criminalise parents and increase pressure on already-stretched social services.
It is the first divergence of core criminal law between Wales and England, where parents would still be able to legally physically punish a child as long as it is deemed "reasonable".


birminghammail--2020-02-16--Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby fight back tears on Dancing on Ice in Caroline Flack tribute

ITV series Dancing On Ice paid tribute to Caroline Flack during Sunday night 's episode .
Host Phillip Schofield became emotional as he opened the show and said : `` We 'd like to begin tonight 's show by taking a moment to remember Caroline Flack in light of yesterday 's awful news .
We wanted to say that our hearts go out to her family and friends .
His co-host Holly Willoughby added : `` Many of us here on the show knew Caroline as a friend and we will all miss her enormously '' .
Flack was found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her home in east London on Saturday , after taking her own life .
The shock news prompted a flood of tributes from celebrities but also questions about the decision to press ahead with prosecuting Flack for her alleged assault on boyfriend Lewis Burton , as well as the pressures faced by TV celebrities from the press and social media .
Flack , who was described as `` vulnerable '' by her management , stepped down from presenting the current winter series of Love Island after she was alleged to have assaulted Burton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London , in December .
She entered a not guilty plea to the assault charge at Highbury Corner Magistrates ' Court and was released on bail , with conditions that stopped her having contact with her boyfriend ahead of a trial in March .
In a statement released on Saturday night , her management company criticised the Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) for pressing ahead with what it called her `` show trial '' even after her boyfriend said he did not support it .
Francis Ridley , of Money Talent Management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported .
`` The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events .
`` The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest .
`` And ultimately resulted in significant distress to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told BBC Radio 5 's Stephen Nolan that Flack received `` more negative press than a terrorist or a paedophile '' over the trial .
`` These people might be famous , but they 're still vulnerable individuals , '' Mr Shalit added .
By Sunday evening , an online petition calling for a Government inquiry into `` the practices and policies of mainstream media organisations and social media platforms in their efforts to protect members of the public from harm '' had more than 191,000 signatures .
Laura Whitmore , who replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest series , tweeted `` I 'm trying to find the words but I ca n't '' , followed by a broken heart emoji .
An ITV spokeswoman said : `` Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news .
`` Caroline was a much loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends . ''

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ITV series Dancing On Ice paid tribute to Caroline Flack during Sunday night's episode.
Host Phillip Schofield became emotional as he opened the show and said: "We'd like to begin tonight's show by taking a moment to remember Caroline Flack in light of yesterday's awful news. We wanted to say that our hearts go out to her family and friends.
His co-host Holly Willoughby added: "Many of us here on the show knew Caroline as a friend and we will all miss her enormously".
Flack was found dead at the age of 40 at her home in east London on Saturday, after taking her own life.
The shock news prompted a flood of tributes from celebrities but also questions about the decision to press ahead with prosecuting Flack for her alleged assault on boyfriend Lewis Burton, as well as the pressures faced by TV celebrities from the press and social media.
Flack, who was described as "vulnerable" by her management, stepped down from presenting the current winter series of Love Island after she was alleged to have assaulted Burton at her then-flat in Islington, north London, in December.
She entered a not guilty plea to the assault charge at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court and was released on bail, with conditions that stopped her having contact with her boyfriend ahead of a trial in March.
In a statement released on Saturday night, her management company criticised the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for pressing ahead with what it called her "show trial" even after her boyfriend said he did not support it.
(Image: ITV)
Francis Ridley, of Money Talent Management, said: "In recent months Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported.
"The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events.
"The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest.
"And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline."
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Talent agent Jonathan Shalit told BBC Radio 5's Stephen Nolan that Flack received "more negative press than a terrorist or a paedophile" over the trial.
"These people might be famous, but they're still vulnerable individuals," Mr Shalit added.
By Sunday evening, an online petition calling for a Government inquiry into "the practices and policies of mainstream media organisations and social media platforms in their efforts to protect members of the public from harm" had more than 191,000 signatures.
Laura Whitmore, who replaced Flack as Love Island host for the latest series, tweeted "I'm trying to find the words but I can't", followed by a broken heart emoji.
An ITV spokeswoman said: "Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news.
"Caroline was a much loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends."