birminghammail--2020-08-29--Aston Villa fans go nuts over Tammy Abraham transfer update

Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham is being linked with a return to Aston Villa .
Abraham , 22 , played a vital role in helping Villa back to the Premier League in the 2018/19 season with 26 goals during an impressive loan spell .
Villa want to sign a new forward this summer having struggled for goals last season .
Record arrival Wesley Moraes scored five times in the league before getting injured and January buy Mbwana Samatta only once .
Dean Smith wanted to keep retain the services of Abraham last summer but the England international made the step up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up ?
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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Google Play Store and App Store The Daily Mail reports Villa have spoken to Frank Lampard 's side in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has fresh competition at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Timo Werner from RB Leipzig while Olivier Giroud is also an option .
Speaking about Abraham before Villa were beaten at Chelsea in December , Smith said : `` I would have loved to have kept him here at Aston Villa , but he would have cost too much money and he ’ s doing what I fully expected him to do at Chelsea .
`` I ’ m pleased that we as a football club have played a small part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa last year .
First player to score over 20 league goals in a very long time at Aston Villa , a joy to work with , a great attitude , a great person and he hasn ’ t surprised me one bit . ''
The report from the Mail says Abraham wants to stay at Chelsea to fight for his place but Villa supporters think he could be tempted to make the move back .
One on social media said : `` I really want Tammy back at Villa . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicted another .
A third mused : `` Tammy 's in a tough position , mind .
Chelsea are signing the world to be competitive , and fair play to the lad , he wants to fight for his place .
But Euros next year .
He 'll want to be playing regularly . ''
`` Come home Tammy !
Chelsea have shown you where you are in their plans , '' said another .
While a fifth fan wrote : `` Forget Chelsea !
We love you at Villa .
@ tammyabraham @ @

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Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham is being linked with a return to Aston Villa.
Abraham, 22, played a vital role in helping Villa back to the Premier League in the 2018/19 season with 26 goals during an impressive loan spell.
Villa want to sign a new forward this summer having struggled for goals last season. Record arrival Wesley Moraes scored five times in the league before getting injured and January buy Mbwana Samatta only once.
Dean Smith wanted to keep retain the services of Abraham last summer but the England international made the step up at Chelsea.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
The Daily Mail reports Villa have spoken to Frank Lampard's side in a request to bring Abraham back to B6.
He has fresh competition at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Timo Werner from RB Leipzig while Olivier Giroud is also an option.
Speaking about Abraham before Villa were beaten at Chelsea in December, Smith said: "I would have loved to have kept him here at Aston Villa, but he would have cost too much money and he’s doing what I fully expected him to do at Chelsea.
"I’m pleased that we as a football club have played a small part in his development, he stayed at Villa last year. First player to score over 20 league goals in a very long time at Aston Villa, a joy to work with, a great attitude, a great person and he hasn’t surprised me one bit."
The report from the Mail says Abraham wants to stay at Chelsea to fight for his place but Villa supporters think he could be tempted to make the move back.
One on social media said: "I really want Tammy back at Villa."
"I think he is coming," predicted another.
A third mused: "Tammy's in a tough position, mind. Chelsea are signing the world to be competitive, and fair play to the lad, he wants to fight for his place. But Euros next year. He'll want to be playing regularly."
"Come home Tammy! Chelsea have shown you where you are in their plans," said another.
While a fifth fan wrote: "Forget Chelsea! We love you at Villa. @tammyabraham".


birminghammail--2020-08-29--City council uses powers to stop arrival of asylum seekers at hotel

Coventry City Council says it had `` no alternative '' but to use legal powers to prevent a number of asylum seekers arriving at a Coventry hotel this week .
It is understood that around 17 coaches containing the group were set to arrive in the city yesterday ( Friday , August 29 ) , reports Coventry Live .
The group was being put up at the Royal Court Hotel , on Tamworth Road by Home Office contractor s. Councillor Abdul Salam Khan , deputy leader of Coventry City Council and whose portfolio covers enforcement , said although the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had to act because the `` good will [ of the city ] is being taken advantage of '' .
Councillor Khan said that the decision to use their legal planning powers to prevent the arrival of the group , `` was not taken lightly '' .
Currently two other hotels in Coventry are being used by the Home Office as temporary accommodation for those arriving in the UK seeking asylum .
Earlier this month , we reported how Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Waheed Saleem spoke of his worry that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differently , depending on whether or not their councils are controlled by Labour or the Tories .
Mr Saleem said : `` Birmingham is a proud city of sanctuary that has welcomed people from across the globe for generations and rightly continues to welcome those fleeing conflicts abroad .
`` It is imperative though that there is proper support in place for services when cities host new arrivals and I am worried that the government appears to be potentially treating different areas differently based on their political leadership .
`` If that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely worrying indeed . ''
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan , deputy leader of Coventry City Council and whose portfolio covers enforcement , said : “ The decision to use our legal planning powers to stop the arrival of asylum seekers to the Royal Court Hotel was not taken lightly but we believe we were left with no alternative .
“ This decision to use the hotel as a hostel was taken with no consultation with the city council and when we found out and objected , our views were ignored .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two city hotels to provide temporary accommodation and we believe that being made to have more is disproportionate for a city our size .
Specialist health services are already struggling to support and manage the demand from those in existing hotels and further arrivals will require the commissioning of additional health provision , for which the source of funding is unclear .
“ This has been a difficult decision , but we believe it is the right one .
“ Coventry is justly proud of its status of being an open and diverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coventry is a City of Sanctuary and has been a voluntary asylum dispersal city since 1999 .
Although this has been , and remains , the right thing to do we have done so when other towns and cities have refused to .
“ But it appears that Coventry ’ s good will is being taken advantage of with no say in the increasing numbers being sent to the city who come with little or no funding and support which is not in their interests or ours .
“ All we are trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city and the service users at a time when we need all of the support we can to manage the massive challenge of coronavirus .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ellis Sandford, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Coventry City Council says it had "no alternative" but to use legal powers to prevent a number of asylum seekers arriving at a Coventry hotel this week.
It is understood that around 17 coaches containing the group were set to arrive in the city yesterday (Friday, August 29), reports Coventry Live.
The group was being put up at the Royal Court Hotel, on Tamworth Road by Home Office contractor s.
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, deputy leader of Coventry City Council and whose portfolio covers enforcement, said although the city was "open and diverse", they had to act because the "good will [of the city] is being taken advantage of".
Councillor Khan said that the decision to use their legal planning powers to prevent the arrival of the group, "was not taken lightly".
Currently two other hotels in Coventry are being used by the Home Office as temporary accommodation for those arriving in the UK seeking asylum.
Earlier this month, we reported how Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Waheed Saleem spoke of his worry that the Home Office could be be treating areas differently, depending on whether or not their councils are controlled by Labour or the Tories.
Mr Saleem said: "Birmingham is a proud city of sanctuary that has welcomed people from across the globe for generations and rightly continues to welcome those fleeing conflicts abroad.
"It is imperative though that there is proper support in place for services when cities host new arrivals and I am worried that the government appears to be potentially treating different areas differently based on their political leadership.
"If that is found to be the case it is extremely worrying indeed."
Full statement from Coventry City Council
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, deputy leader of Coventry City Council and whose portfolio covers enforcement, said: “The decision to use our legal planning powers to stop the arrival of asylum seekers to the Royal Court Hotel was not taken lightly but we believe we were left with no alternative.
“This decision to use the hotel as a hostel was taken with no consultation with the city council and when we found out and objected, our views were ignored.
“The Home Office’s contractors already use two city hotels to provide temporary accommodation and we believe that being made to have more is disproportionate for a city our size.
Specialist health services are already struggling to support and manage the demand from those in existing hotels and further arrivals will require the commissioning of additional health provision, for which the source of funding is unclear.
“This has been a difficult decision, but we believe it is the right one.
“Coventry is justly proud of its status of being an open and diverse city that promotes peace and reconciliation. Coventry is a City of Sanctuary and has been a voluntary asylum dispersal city since 1999. Although this has been, and remains, the right thing to do we have done so when other towns and cities have refused to.
“But it appears that Coventry’s good will is being taken advantage of with no say in the increasing numbers being sent to the city who come with little or no funding and support which is not in their interests or ours.
“All we are trying to ensure is a fair deal for the city and the service users at a time when we need all of the support we can to manage the massive challenge of coronavirus.”


birminghammail--2020-08-29--Takeaway devastated after 'smear campaign' chilli row

A city takeaway has spoken of its devastation after losing custom to an 'unfair smear campaign ' over a chilli row with a diner .
Mr and Mrs Lin , owners of Kingstanding 's Meridian Chinese & English takeaway , said they feared for their family-run business after 'suffering tremendously ' from the false allegations .
The customer complained over an item in their meal - later confirmed as a harmless chilli stem - before reportedly receiving a full refund and an apology from Meridian .
But the takeaway , which has a four star hygiene rating , claims the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensation before sharing photos to social media .
They were posted to a local Facebook community group on Friday , August 7 , leaving many customers put off by allegations the takeaway branded 'very upsetting ' .
Environmental health officers from Birmingham City Council visited the takeaway five days later and said they were 'satisfied ' the item was a chilli stem .
A statement from the council read : `` On 12 August 2020 , Environmental Health officers visited the premises , where no evidence of rats was found during the visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business ’ s explanation the item being complained about was a chilli stem . ''
Speaking to BirminghamLive to clear up allegations as she choked back tears , mum Sue Lin said she was touched by loyal customers who called specifically to and tell the takeaway : ' I believe you ' .
But she reminded customers of their hygiene rating as she urged them to help support the business through already-difficult post-lockdown times .
`` We are a small family business and our cash flow is very tight at times .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If this carries on we could lose our business entirely , '' she said .
`` I stand by firmly on the level of our hygiene and the quality of our food .
The truth is the complainant had came to our shop asking for refund after finding a chili stem which she had mistaken for animal tail .
`` We clarified to her that it was a piece of chili stem .
We apologised and refund her fully .
The complainant returned home but later on contacted us on the phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I requested the complainant to wait for the BCC Environmental & Health Agency inspection but the complainant went ahead to discredit us on social media without true fact in her story . ''

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A city takeaway has spoken of its devastation after losing custom to an 'unfair smear campaign' over a chilli row with a diner.
Mr and Mrs Lin, owners of Kingstanding's Meridian Chinese & English takeaway, said they feared for their family-run business after 'suffering tremendously' from the false allegations.
The customer complained over an item in their meal - later confirmed as a harmless chilli stem - before reportedly receiving a full refund and an apology from Meridian.
But the takeaway, which has a four star hygiene rating, claims the customer called back to ask for further compensation before sharing photos to social media.
They were posted to a local Facebook community group on Friday, August 7, leaving many customers put off by allegations the takeaway branded 'very upsetting'.
Environmental health officers from Birmingham City Council visited the takeaway five days later and said they were 'satisfied' the item was a chilli stem.
A statement from the council read: "On 12 August 2020, Environmental Health officers visited the premises, where no evidence of rats was found during the visit.
"They were satisfied by the business’s explanation the item being complained about was a chilli stem."
Speaking to BirminghamLive to clear up allegations as she choked back tears, mum Sue Lin said she was touched by loyal customers who called specifically to and tell the takeaway: 'I believe you'.
But she reminded customers of their hygiene rating as she urged them to help support the business through already-difficult post-lockdown times.
"We are a small family business and our cash flow is very tight at times. The week after the sales were so low. If this carries on we could lose our business entirely," she said.
"I stand by firmly on the level of our hygiene and the quality of our food. The truth is the complainant had came to our shop asking for refund after finding a chili stem which she had mistaken for animal tail.
"We clarified to her that it was a piece of chili stem. We apologised and refund her fully. The complainant returned home but later on contacted us on the phone to ask for further compensation.
"I requested the complainant to wait for the BCC Environmental & Health Agency inspection but the complainant went ahead to discredit us on social media without true fact in her story."


birminghammail--2020-08-29--Anti-lockdown protesters gather in London to claim coronavirus is a 'hoax'

Thousands of anti-lockdown demonstrators have gathered in London , claiming is a `` hoax '' .
The `` Unite For Freedom '' march started in Trafalgar Square at noon today Saturday ( August 29 ) , The Mirror reports .
Protesters are calling for 'no more lockdowns , 'no to vaccinations ' and 'no to government lies ' .
Pictures from the event show thousands of people at the tourist landmark - many holding signs and placards .
There appears to be little or no social distancing among the huge crowds and hardly anyone wearing face coverings .
Activist Sonia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest .
She said : `` People are coming today to make their voices heard against mandatory vaccinations , mandatory masks , mandatory anything really .
No more lockdowns , no more second wave business '' .
Messages on signs included `` masks are muzzles '' and `` masks increase infection risk '' .
An event flier said that there would be `` top doctors and nurses speaking out truth against government pushing fear and ignoring science '' .
Back in May , we reported how the ex Labour leader 's sibling was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus to 5G at an anti-lockdown protest in Hyde Park Piers Corbyn addressed the gathering with a megaphone before he was removed by police .
He was said to have refused to leave the scene when asked to by an officer .
Mr Corbyn told them : `` They are telling us its a pandemic !
It 's a pack of lies to brainwash you and keep you in order . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jamie Hawkins, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Thousands of anti-lockdown demonstrators have gathered in London, claiming is a "hoax".
The "Unite For Freedom" march started in Trafalgar Square at noon today Saturday (August 29), The Mirror reports.
Protesters are calling for 'no more lockdowns, 'no to vaccinations' and 'no to government lies'.
Pictures from the event show thousands of people at the tourist landmark - many holding signs and placards.
(Image: Getty Images)
There appears to be little or no social distancing among the huge crowds and hardly anyone wearing face coverings.
Jeremy Corbyn's bother Piers is expected to make a speech.
Activist Sonia Poulton, who was part of the protest. She said: "People are coming today to make their voices heard against mandatory vaccinations, mandatory masks, mandatory anything really. No more lockdowns, no more second wave business".
Messages on signs included "masks are muzzles" and "masks increase infection risk".
An event flier said that there would be "top doctors and nurses speaking out truth against government pushing fear and ignoring science".
Back in May, we reported how the ex Labour leader's sibling was led away in handcuffs after he linked coronavirus to 5G at an anti-lockdown protest in Hyde Park
Piers Corbyn addressed the gathering with a megaphone before he was removed by police. He was said to have refused to leave the scene when asked to by an officer.
Mr Corbyn told them: "They are telling us its a pandemic! It's a pack of lies to brainwash you and keep you in order."


birminghammail--2020-08-29--West Brom suffer Forest defeat in first pre-season friendly

West Brom ’ s first competitive pre-season friendly has ended in a defeat after they were beaten by Championship outfit Nottingham Forest at St George ’ s Park on Saturday lunch-time .
Lyle Taylor , Forest ’ s new signing from Charlton Athletic , scored the only goal of the game in the first half as the Baggies got their first run-out since they secured promotion to the top flight against QPR at the end of July .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter The friendly brought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Slaven Bilic and his players at St George ’ s Park , as they intensified their efforts to be prepared for the league kick off which takes place on September 13 against Leicester City at The Hawthorns .
Forest star Joao Carvalho came the closest early on to opening the scoring when he rattled the woodwork from a free-kick .
Albion then thought they ’ d taken the lead when Kyle Edwards ’ cross was diverted into the net by fellow winger Matt Phillips , but the officials ruled the goal out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lead shortly after that false alarm at the other end .
Slaven Bilic wrung the changes at half time , but Albion couldn ’ t force an equaliser ; Matheus Pereira , the club ’ s sole signing this summer , came close with a free kick while Forest stopper Brice Samba denied Dara O ’ Shea and Charlie Austin .
Albion will have another friendly at the club ’ s training ground this coming week and then they play away for their final preparation run-out against an undisclosed opponent next Saturday @

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West Brom’s first competitive pre-season friendly has ended in a defeat after they were beaten by Championship outfit Nottingham Forest at St George’s Park on Saturday lunch-time.
Lyle Taylor, Forest’s new signing from Charlton Athletic, scored the only goal of the game in the first half as the Baggies got their first run-out since they secured promotion to the top flight against QPR at the end of July.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter
The friendly brought to an end a week-long training camp for Slaven Bilic and his players at St George’s Park, as they intensified their efforts to be prepared for the league kick off which takes place on September 13 against Leicester City at The Hawthorns.
Forest star Joao Carvalho came the closest early on to opening the scoring when he rattled the woodwork from a free-kick.
Albion then thought they’d taken the lead when Kyle Edwards’ cross was diverted into the net by fellow winger Matt Phillips, but the officials ruled the goal out for offside.
Taylor converted to hand Forest the lead shortly after that false alarm at the other end.
Slaven Bilic wrung the changes at half time, but Albion couldn’t force an equaliser; Matheus Pereira, the club’s sole signing this summer, came close with a free kick while Forest stopper Brice Samba denied Dara O’Shea and Charlie Austin.
Albion will have another friendly at the club’s training ground this coming week and then they play away for their final preparation run-out against an undisclosed opponent next Saturday.
Albion starting XI v Forest: Johnstone; Furlong, Peltier, Bartley, Gibbs; Livermore, Field, Tulloch, Edwards, Phillips; Robson-Kanu
Also used: Pereira, Austin, O’Shea, Soule, Sawyers, Shotton, Grosicki, Hegazi, Ajayi, Harper


birminghammail--2020-08-29--Boy, 17, arrested after man murdered in broad daylight shooting

A teenage boy has been arrested after a man was shot dead in broad daylight in a city street .
Naasir Francis , 22 , died after he was shot in the stomach in Lozells Road , Lozells at around 12.30pm on Wednesday ( 26 August ) .
His tragic death sent shockwaves through the local community as his grieving family and friends were left devastated .
Police today revealed the latest arrests in connection with the killing - including a 17-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murder .
A 48-year-old man and a woman , 44 , have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the most recent update revealed .
All three were arrested in Surrey and will be transported to the West Midlands for questioning .
Detectives have also charged Lawrence Morgan with murder , three counts of attempted murder and possession of a prohibited weapon .
The 24-year-old , of Crompton Close in Nechells , appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Saturday morning .
He has been remanded to appear a Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday , September 1 .
A 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder is still being questioned by detectives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aged 21 , who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Friday , August 28 have been released pending further investigation .
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Munro , from the force ’ s homicide unit , said : “ I would continue to urge anyone who has any information who has not yet spoken to us to get in touch .
“ Naasir ’ s family and friends are devastated by his death which has also left the community sad and shocked .
“ Local neighbourhood police teams will continue their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend . ''
Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website or by calling 101 anytime .
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 - tell us what you know not who you are .

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A teenage boy has been arrested after a man was shot dead in broad daylight in a city street.
Naasir Francis, 22, died after he was shot in the stomach in Lozells Road, Lozells at around 12.30pm on Wednesday (26 August).
His tragic death sent shockwaves through the local community as his grieving family and friends were left devastated.
Police today revealed the latest arrests in connection with the killing - including a 17-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murder.
A 48-year-old man and a woman, 44, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, the most recent update revealed.
All three were arrested in Surrey and will be transported to the West Midlands for questioning.
Detectives have also charged Lawrence Morgan with murder, three counts of attempted murder and possession of a prohibited weapon.
The 24-year-old, of Crompton Close in Nechells, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Saturday morning.
He has been remanded to appear a Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday, September 1.
A 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder is still being questioned by detectives.
A 39-year-old man and woman, aged 21, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Friday, August 28 have been released pending further investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Munro, from the force’s homicide unit, said: “I would continue to urge anyone who has any information who has not yet spoken to us to get in touch.
“Naasir’s family and friends are devastated by his death which has also left the community sad and shocked.
“Local neighbourhood police teams will continue their increased presence in the area over the weekend."
Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website or by calling 101 anytime. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 - tell us what you know not who you are.


birminghammail--2020-08-30--Ollie Watkins latest as Aston Villa 'ready' to launch huge offer

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Brentford striker Ollie Watkins .
The 24-year-old enjoyed a fantastic season for the Bees , helping them to the play-off final where they eventually missed out on promotion to the Premier League .
And he is now being linked with a host of clubs , Villa being just one .
Below we run you through all the latest on Watkins .
Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store For the second time in their pre-season preparations , Thomas Frank picked a team without his star striker Ollie Watkins .
Brentford took on West Ham at the London Stadium , but opted to go without Watkins during their 2-1 defeat .
That decision follows his omission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vs Derby County earlier this week .
Villa are becoming frustrated with their pursuit of Watkins because of the lack of progress over a deal , according to Sky Sports .
BirminghamLive previously reported how Dean Smith wants to get the move over the line to allow Watkins to settle in during pre-season .
But the latest report from Sky states : `` With Sheffield United , Fulham and Crystal Palace also keen on the 24-year-old , Villa fear they are in the middle of an auction , and are reluctant to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , Villa are ready to blow their competition out of the water , offering the Bees striker a bumper £70k-per-week contract .
According to the Sun , Smith and the Villa hierarchy are preparing to offer a financial package to the player , which should see them move ahead of the competition .
Watkins prefers a move to Villa if he leaves Brentford this summer , according to reports .
According to Sky , he wants to reunite with Villa head coach Smith should the opportunity come about .
As Brentford manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years ago and helped oversee his development before being appointed at Villa Park .
Villa are nevertheless leading the chase for Watkins amid interest from Premier League rivals , with Football Insider reporting on Monday ( August 24 ) they are in 'pole position ' to seal a deal .
Watkins is a huge player for the Bees , under contract until 2023 , but after they missed out on promotion with defeat to Fulham in the play-off final , his departure suddenly appears inevitable .
Villa have been tipped to complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Said Benrahma , the winger combined brilliantly with Watkins who netted 26 times in the Championship last season .
The Guardian reports Villa are showing 'strong interest ' in Watkins but Leeds United and Crystal Palace are also said to be keen and could make bids .
Brentford are though to value star pair Watkins and Said Benrahma at £50m .
Earlier reports suggested it would be 'at least £18m ' for the striker , but it now seems it will take another £7m to get the deal done .
Watkins joined Brentford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether it 's £18m or £25m , they are set to make a huge profit on their frontman .
Watkins had been on holiday in Greece .
BirminghamLive 's Villa correspondent Ashley Preece reports : `` Negotiations are set to ramp up upon Watkins ’ return from his break from Monday onwards with the two clubs - Villa and Brentford - set for showdown talks .
`` The Brentford ace is being tracked by Smith who wants him in ahead of the season-opener next month . ''
Villa are plotting a bid that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £18m for Watkins in the near future .
That ’ s according to the Daily Mail , who claim that the Bees aren ’ t likely to be tempted into selling their top goalscorer for that price , because they value him at closer to £25m .
They are insisting that any interested suitors from the Premier League match their fee , but Villa will reportedly try to persuade them to bring that valuation down initially .
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has n't been drawn on speculation , but he is not surprised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We played a top season , and we have some top players .
It ’ s of course natural that there is going to be interest , ” he told Sky Sports .
“ For me , it ’ s not about that now .
I ’ m not thinking about that .
I just know one thing - when we start again next season , we ’ ll have a very strong side out there again , and we ’ ll be ready to push .
“ I think there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where teams come back even stronger , even hungrier and even more determined .
“ With this group of players , and this club , 100 % we ’ ll come back even stronger .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Ben Husband)

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The Aston Villa and Ollie Watkins saga that has rumbled for weeks seems to be reaching a conclusion.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a fantastic season for the Bees, helping them to the play-off final where they eventually missed out on promotion to the Premier League.
And he is now being linked with a host of clubs, Villa being just one.
Below we run you through all the latest as Dean Smith looks to have got his man.
Villa agree fee with Brentford
Villa are set to smash their transfer record to land Watkins.
Watkins is Dean Smith's top transfer target and a £28million deal has been struck with Brentford to bring him to Villa Park.
The BBC suggests the deal could also include £5million in add ons which would take the total to £33million and Villa are hoping to wrap it up quickly now.
Watkins will become the club's second signing of the transfer window following the £16million arrival of right-back Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest.
Sky Sports report he travelled to Birmingham last night and is set for a medical today.
He could be posing for pictures, holding the Claret and Blue shirt by close of play today.
Villa move would be 'perfect'
Watkins could have a similar impact to Tammy Abraham if he completes a 'perfect' move to Villa, former England winger Trevor Sinclair has said.
While Villa's forwards struggled for goals last term, Abraham found the net 26 times when he was on loan from Chelsea in the 2018/19 season and Sinclair believes Watkins would provide the same kind of boost.
“Villa would be perfect for him,” Sinclair told talkSport. “When they had Tammy Abraham they were flying and Ollie has got the same kind of figure and physicality.
“He’s quick and knows how to score a goal and get in the right areas. He would be perfect for Villa. I think he’s been a class act and deserves the move.”
Tottenham register interest
Villa aren't alone in their interest with a number of Premier League clubs looking to sign Watkins - and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined the race.
Jose Mourinho is looking to find a striker who can occasionally fill in for star striker Harry Kane in north London and The Mirror suggests Watkins is a target.
Big-money offer
Villa are reportedly ready to blow their competition out of the water, offering the Bees striker a bumper £70k-per-week contract.
According to the Sun, Smith and the Villa hierarchy are preparing to offer a financial package to the player, which should see them move ahead of the competition.
The same newspaper then reported last Sunday that Watkins is now 'likely' to join Villa with Brentford's capture of Ivan Toney from Peterborough the breakthrough Smith's side needed.
Villa were 'frustrated'
Villa had become frustrated with their pursuit of Watkins because of the lack of progress over a deal, according to Sky Sports.
BirminghamLive previously reported how Smith wants to get the move over the line to allow Watkins to settle in during pre-season.
But a report from Sky last month stated: "With Sheffield United, Fulham and Crystal Palace also keen on the 24-year-old, Villa fear they are in the middle of an auction, and are reluctant to get involved in a bidding war."
None of that seems to matter now.
Watkins 'keen' on Villa move
Watkins preferred a move to Villa, according to reports.
According to Sky, he wants to reunite with Villa head coach Smith should the opportunity come about.
As Brentford manager, Smith signed Watkins from Exeter City three years ago and helped oversee his development before being appointed at Villa Park.
Brentford admission
Brentford boss Thomas Frank hasn't been drawn on speculation, but he is not surprised there is interest in his star men.
“We played a top season, and we have some top players. It’s of course natural that there is going to be interest,” he told Sky Sports.
“For me, it’s not about that now. I’m not thinking about that. I just know one thing - when we start again next season, we’ll have a very strong side out there again, and we’ll be ready to push.
“I think there are good examples of the past, where teams come back even stronger, even hungrier and even more determined.
“With this group of players, and this club, 100% we’ll come back even stronger.”


birminghammail--2020-08-30--Parents mos likely to catch Covid-19 at school gates: Health boss

The Public Health Director for Birmingham has said parents are more likely to catch coronavirus while chatting to other mums and dads outside their children 's schools .
Dr Justin Varney sounded the warning during a live Facebook broadcast with BirminghamLive .
Birmingham has been placed on a national 'watch ' list as an area of enhanced support as the city sees a spike in coronavirus cases .
Many parents have voiced concerns about the safety of their children as schools reopen this week .
Dr Varney said the city was seeing a 'pretty general rise ' in Covid-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new infections were in those aged 20 to 40 .
He added that he was 'not particularly concerned ' about schools .
`` We have n't seen a particularly high number of school with these cases '' , he said .
`` Where there have been cases , we have only really seen one or two so that is a reflection of how well the schools have been doing .
`` Where there is risk is not when children are in the classroom because children do n't seem to be great at giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` It 's actually all the parents at the school gates .
It 's that mingling space .
`` You wo n't have seen other parents for a long time .
We will want to have a catch up and a chat .
`` It is a noisy environment so everyone is standing just a little bit too close .
So those are the kind of spaces that I think we have got to be really alert to.
`` Dr Varney took up his post with the local authority in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the post of national strategic advisor on health and work at Public Health England .
He warned that pupils going to school 'would not be the same as it was last year ' but said schools were working to minimise infection with a 'whole series of different things including classes in bubbles ' and children alternating days .
`` It will be a very different space and all of that is designed to keep children safe and to keep teachers safe '' , he explained .
`` Individual schools are trying to share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get kids back into an environment where they can learn and get the socialisation with other children which has been missing over the last six months . ''

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The Public Health Director for Birmingham has said parents are more likely to catch coronavirus while chatting to other mums and dads outside their children's schools.
Dr Justin Varney sounded the warning during a live Facebook broadcast with BirminghamLive.
Birmingham has been placed on a national 'watch' list as an area of enhanced support as the city sees a spike in coronavirus cases.
Many parents have voiced concerns about the safety of their children as schools reopen this week.
Dr Varney said the city was seeing a 'pretty general rise' in Covid-19 cases in Birmingham but the vast majority of new infections were in those aged 20 to 40.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
He added that he was 'not particularly concerned' about schools.
"We haven't seen a particularly high number of school with these cases", he said.
"Where there have been cases, we have only really seen one or two so that is a reflection of how well the schools have been doing.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
"Where there is risk is not when children are in the classroom because children don't seem to be great at giving it to each other."
He added: "It's actually all the parents at the school gates. It's that mingling space.
"You won't have seen other parents for a long time. We will want to have a catch up and a chat.
"It is a noisy environment so everyone is standing just a little bit too close. So those are the kind of spaces that I think we have got to be really alert to. "
Dr Varney took up his post with the local authority in February last year.
He had previously held the post of national strategic advisor on health and work at Public Health England.
He warned that pupils going to school 'would not be the same as it was last year' but said schools were working to minimise infection with a 'whole series of different things including classes in bubbles' and children alternating days.
"It will be a very different space and all of that is designed to keep children safe and to keep teachers safe", he explained.
"Individual schools are trying to share what they are doing and to really get kids back into an environment where they can learn and get the socialisation with other children which has been missing over the last six months."


birminghammail--2020-08-30--Customers urged not to eat these Asda, Lidl and Spar products

Iceland , Asda , Lidl , Tesco , Spar and Holland & Barrett are recalling products and warning their customers not to eat them because of health and safety risks .
The store believe that the food products could be dangerous due to being contaminated or mislabelled .
The Food Standards Agency have issued the latest recalls this week to let consumers and local authorities know about the problems associated with the food .
Our sister site Cheshire Live has rounded up all the latest product recalls you need to be aware of Greggs is recalled their frozen two pack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieces of plastic .
, The alert states : `` The presence of plastic makes this product unsafe to eat .
`` This product is exclusively sold in Iceland Stores and does not affect the products sold in Greggs . ''
The recall affects the bakes which are sold in a pack size of 280g and have a best before date of ; 20 December 2020 , 22 December 2020 and 23 December 2020 .
Point-of-sale notices will be displayed in all Iceland stores that are selling this product .
These notices explain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product .
If you have bought the above Greggs product from Iceland , do not eat it .
Instead , return it to the Iceland store from where it was bought for a full refund .
Rude Health Food Ltd has taken the precautionary step of recalling The Ultimate Muesli containing Brazil nuts because there is a chance they may contain salmonella .
The product is stocked by Asda supermarket .
The recall affects the muesli with a pack size of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 June 2021 , 24 June 2021 , 20 July 2021 and 21 July 2021 .
The product listed above may be contaminated with salmonella .
Symptoms of salmonella can include fever , diarrhoea and abdominal cramps .
If you have bought the above product , do not eat it .
Instead , return it to the Asda store from where it was bought for a full refund .
PAR is recalling SPAR Chicken and Prawn paella because it contains fish , molluscs , milk and wheat ( gluten ) , which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to fish , and/or molluscs , and/or an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents , and/or to wheat ( gluten ) .
The best before date has been updated .
The recall relates to a pack size of 600g and a best before date of October 2021 .
If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to fish and/or molluscs , and/or an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents and/or wheat ( gluten ) , do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the store from where it was bought for a full refund .
Holland & Barrett has taken the precautionary step of recalling several of its products containing Brazil nuts because they may contain salmonella .
The recall affects the following : • Broken Brazil Nuts with a pack size of 100g , 300g and 400g and with a best before date of March 2021 and May 2021 • Healthy Heart Nuts with a pack size of 200g and a best before date of March 2021 • Mixed Nuts and Raisins with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before date of October 2020 and February 2021 • Mixed Nuts and Raisins with a pack size of 1kg and a best before date of December 2020 and March 2021 The products listed above may be contaminated with salmonella .
Symptoms of salmonella usually include fever , diarrhoea and abdominal cramps .
If you have bought the above products , do not eat them .
Instead , return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund .
Holland & Barrett is also recalling its Super Hair Food Supplement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it contains soya which is not mentioned on the label .
This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to soya .
It relates to a pack size of 60 tablets with a best before date of February and March 2023 .
If you have bought the above product , do not eat it .
Instead , return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund .
Lidl GB has taken the precautionary step of recalling Deluxe Dark Chocolate Muesli Bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might contain salmonella .
The recall relates to their deluxe dark chocolate muesli bar with brazils and cranberries .
The pack size 3x45g are affected with a best before date of August 2020 , September 2020 , October 2020 , December 2020 , January 2021 , February 2021 , March 2021 and April 2021 .
The product listed above may be contaminated with salmonella .
Symptoms caused by salmonella usually include fever , diarrhoea and abdominal cramps .
If you have bought the above product do not eat it .
Instead , return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was bought for a full refund .
The Paleo Foods Co. is recalling Cocoa and Hazelnut Grain-Free Granola containing Brazil nuts because they may contain salmonella .
The recall relates to the product of a pack size of 285g with a best before date of August 2020 , September 2020 , October 2020 , November 2020 , January 2021 , February 2021 and March 2021 .
They are also recalling the 6x285g packs with the same best before dates as above .
The products listed above may be contaminated with salmonella .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , diarrhoea and abdominal cramps .
If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them .
Instead , return them to the Tesco store or where you bought them from for a full refund .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Gemma Sherlock, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Iceland, Asda, Lidl, Tesco, Spar and Holland & Barrett are recalling products and warning their customers not to eat them because of health and safety risks.
The store believe that the food products could be dangerous due to being contaminated or mislabelled.
The Food Standards Agency have issued the latest recalls this week to let consumers and local authorities know about the problems associated with the food.
Our sister site Cheshire Live has rounded up all the latest product recalls you need to be aware of
Iceland
Greggs is recalled their frozen two pack steak bakes because they may contain small pieces of plastic. ,
The alert states: "The presence of plastic makes this product unsafe to eat.
"This product is exclusively sold in Iceland Stores and does not affect the products sold in Greggs."
The recall affects the bakes which are sold in a pack size of 280g and have a best before date of; 20 December 2020, 22 December 2020 and 23 December 2020.
Point-of-sale notices will be displayed in all Iceland stores that are selling this product. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
If you have bought the above Greggs product from Iceland, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the Iceland store from where it was bought for a full refund.
Asda
Rude Health Food Ltd has taken the precautionary step of recalling The Ultimate Muesli containing Brazil nuts because there is a chance they may contain salmonella.
The product is stocked by Asda supermarket.
The recall affects the muesli with a pack size of 500g and a best before date of 12 June 2021, 24 June 2021, 20 July 2021 and 21 July 2021.
The product listed above may be contaminated with salmonella. Symptoms of salmonella can include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.
If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the Asda store from where it was bought for a full refund.
SPAR
PAR is recalling SPAR Chicken and Prawn paella because it contains fish, molluscs, milk and wheat (gluten), which are not mentioned on the label.
It is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to fish, and/or molluscs, and/or an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, and/or to wheat (gluten).
The best before date has been updated.
The recall relates to a pack size of 600g and a best before date of October 2021.
If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to fish and/or molluscs, and/or an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents and/or wheat (gluten), do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.
Holland & Barrett
Holland & Barrett has taken the precautionary step of recalling several of its products containing Brazil nuts because they may contain salmonella.
The recall affects the following:
Broken Brazil Nuts with a pack size of 100g, 300g and 400g and with a best before date of March 2021 and May 2021
Healthy Heart Nuts with a pack size of 200g and a best before date of March 2021
Mixed Nuts and Raisins with a pack size of 200g and a best before date of October 2020 and February 2021
Mixed Nuts and Raisins with a pack size of 1kg and a best before date of December 2020 and March 2021
The products listed above may be contaminated with salmonella. Symptoms of salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.
If you have bought the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund.
Holland & Barrett is also recalling its Super Hair Food Supplement 60 Coated Tablets 1 A Day Formula because it contains soya which is not mentioned on the label.
This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to soya.
It relates to a pack size of 60 tablets with a best before date of February and March 2023.
If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.
Lidl
Lidl GB has taken the precautionary step of recalling Deluxe Dark Chocolate Muesli Bar with Brazils and Cranberries because the product might contain salmonella.
The recall relates to their deluxe dark chocolate muesli bar with brazils and cranberries.
The pack size 3x45g are affected with a best before date of August 2020, September 2020, October 2020, December 2020, January 2021, February 2021, March 2021 and April 2021.
The product listed above may be contaminated with salmonella. Symptoms caused by salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.
If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the Lidl store from where it was bought for a full refund.
Tesco
The Paleo Foods Co. is recalling Cocoa and Hazelnut Grain-Free Granola containing Brazil nuts because they may contain salmonella.
The recall relates to the product of a pack size of 285g with a best before date of August 2020, September 2020, October 2020, November 2020, January 2021, February 2021 and March 2021.
They are also recalling the 6x285g packs with the same best before dates as above.
The products listed above may be contaminated with salmonella. Symptoms caused by salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.
If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, return them to the Tesco store or where you bought them from for a full refund.


birminghammail--2020-08-30--MMA fighter and brother-in-law jailed for 'concealed' revolver in van

A mixed martial arts teacher and his brother-in-law have been jailed after a deadly revolver was found concealed in the hidden compartment of a van .
Trained fighter Oliver Paske , aged 27 , and Connor Mee , 26 , a plasterer , were dramatically stopped by armed police on the Tamworth Road in Sutton Coldfield .
After officers discovered the concealed weapon they later searched Paske 's home where they found five rounds of ammunition compatible with the gun in his sock draw .
It later emerged he had arranged to collect the bullets using the EncroChat platform which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organised criminals to communicate until police recently cracked it .
Paske , of Tudor Hill , and Mee of Dugdale Crescent , both in Sutton Coldfield , were each jailed for six years at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday , August 26 , after admitting possession of a prohibited firearm .
Paske received another two years to run concurrent after pleading guilty to possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate .
Armed police swooped on a Mercedes van , being driven by Paske , around 4pm on May 1 after he and Mee had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came across a highly specialised concealed compartment within the floor which only opened via a sophisticated mechanism .
Inside was a Colt revolver in fully working order .
A Vsmart mobile device , with the EncroChat platform on it , was also recovered from the vehicle .
It was analysed and found to contain a number of messages between Paske and someone called 'Stanley ' in relation to the gun .
Other messages revealed he had collected the bullets from a woman who had hidden them in a Branston pickle jar .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mee to use .
Judge Avik Mukherjee , passing sentence , explained that the nature of the offences would attract a minimum term in prison to punish the culprits as well as send a message to others .
He said : `` This city is sadly not alone in that it is rife with illicit firearms that kill and maim .
This one was quite capable of doing one or both and that 's why a deterrent sentence must be passed . ''
The judge accepted both defendants were transferring the weapon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and added : `` It was designed to be capable of killing or causing real serious injury .
It was intended for use for criminal purposes that brings with it high risk of serious disorder and physical harm . ''
Paske was also disqualified from driving for four years .
Philip Bradley , defending , told the court a number of people had written positive character references about him including his role teaching children MMA of which he has competed himself .
Mr Bradley described him as an 'important and loved ' member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt and added : `` He is a man of previous positive good character who associated himself with people who were 'clearly deep in it ' . ''
Mee , who has two children with Paske 's sister , initially claimed he was just 'in the wrong place at the wrong time ' .
But he later accepted he knew he and Paske were collecting something 'illicit ' and that he was aware it was a gun when they actually obtained it .
Mahan Manu , defending , said : `` He recognises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting himself in that position .
He does n't choose to blame Oliver Paske .
He could have stopped and asked to get out of the van and make his own way back home . ''

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A mixed martial arts teacher and his brother-in-law have been jailed after a deadly revolver was found concealed in the hidden compartment of a van.
Trained fighter Oliver Paske, aged 27, and Connor Mee, 26, a plasterer, were dramatically stopped by armed police on the Tamworth Road in Sutton Coldfield.
After officers discovered the concealed weapon they later searched Paske's home where they found five rounds of ammunition compatible with the gun in his sock draw. It later emerged he had arranged to collect the bullets using the EncroChat platform which had previously been the go-to network for organised criminals to communicate until police recently cracked it.
Paske, of Tudor Hill, and Mee of Dugdale Crescent, both in Sutton Coldfield, were each jailed for six years at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday, August 26, after admitting possession of a prohibited firearm. Paske received another two years to run concurrent after pleading guilty to possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate.
Armed police swooped on a Mercedes van, being driven by Paske, around 4pm on May 1 after he and Mee had collected the gun from Tamworth. Officers came across a highly specialised concealed compartment within the floor which only opened via a sophisticated mechanism.
Inside was a Colt revolver in fully working order. A Vsmart mobile device, with the EncroChat platform on it, was also recovered from the vehicle. It was analysed and found to contain a number of messages between Paske and someone called 'Stanley' in relation to the gun.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Other messages revealed he had collected the bullets from a woman who had hidden them in a Branston pickle jar. He had also requested another EncroChat device for Mee to use.
Judge Avik Mukherjee, passing sentence, explained that the nature of the offences would attract a minimum term in prison to punish the culprits as well as send a message to others.
(Image: West Midlands Police)
He said: "This city is sadly not alone in that it is rife with illicit firearms that kill and maim. This one was quite capable of doing one or both and that's why a deterrent sentence must be passed."
The judge accepted both defendants were transferring the weapon as opposed to intending to use it themselves and added: "It was designed to be capable of killing or causing real serious injury. It was intended for use for criminal purposes that brings with it high risk of serious disorder and physical harm."
Paske was also disqualified from driving for four years. Philip Bradley, defending, told the court a number of people had written positive character references about him including his role teaching children MMA of which he has competed himself.
Mr Bradley described him as an 'important and loved' member of his family whose absence would be felt and added: "He is a man of previous positive good character who associated himself with people who were 'clearly deep in it'."
Mee, who has two children with Paske's sister, initially claimed he was just 'in the wrong place at the wrong time'. But he later accepted he knew he and Paske were collecting something 'illicit' and that he was aware it was a gun when they actually obtained it.
Mahan Manu, defending, said: "He recognises he only has himself to blame for putting himself in that position. He doesn't choose to blame Oliver Paske. He could have stopped and asked to get out of the van and make his own way back home."


birminghammail--2020-08-30--Cops with £10k fine powers called to 'school prom', pubs and hen parties

Police were called to a law-flouting wedding , garden parties , pub gatherings and hen dos in a single night as organisers risked huge £10k fines .
West Midlands Police shared an exclusive 'behind the scenes ' look at its crackdown on illegal gatherings on Bank Holiday Saturday ( August 29 ) - just 24 hours after they were given the beefed-up powers to fine £10,000 .
Despite urgent warnings threatening lockdown-style restrictions in Birmingham , officers were forced to step in at a 50-guest wedding , a garden party with over 30 attendees and a 40-person gathering inside a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received over 30 reports of large gatherings , from hen parties to people filming music videos and even a rumour of a school prom being held .
And calls were said to be coming in 'thick and fast ' an hour later as concerned residents raised the alarm over 'illegal ' parties , raves and gatherings .
Officers used drones and teamed up with traffic officers - supported by intelligence staff - as part of the ongoing effort to stop the spread of coronavirus .
By the end of the night , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called out to were in fact legal under Covid law and no fines had to be issued .
In a live updates style thread on its social media , the force revealed it attended a house in Birmingham after reports it had been 'rented out over the internet ' to host 'big parties ' .
However , on arrival officers said they found fewer than 30 people - and no music .
Drones were also deployed to look into reports of a rave with 18 cars parked up nearby .
But the alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party with just ten people , the force added .
Over in the Black Country , officers were called to a 80-person party in a pub which 'shook ' windows - but that was also deemed legal under the rules .
The evening was said to have been largely 'dominated ' by house party reports - rather than the huge illegal raves officers had to disperse over the past few months .
In the Twitter thread , the force said : `` We 've had around 30 reports of big gatherings so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music video filming , and even a rumour of school prom .
`` Many turn out to be legal , and our policy of talking to people and explaining the rules is working .
We 've not had to issue any fines .
`` Tonight 's been dominated by reports of house parties , rather than the really big gatherings we 've seen earlier in recent weeks .
`` Lots of the people we 're speaking to are happy to oblige when we explain to them what we 're doing .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public about potential breaches over the last few hours , but we 've not had to use our enforcement powers . ''
They stressed : `` We 're not out there to spoil people 's fun .
We 're just trying to keep the West Midlands safe . ''
Officers promised to respond '24/7 ' to calls `` over the Bank Holiday weekend and beyond '' and urged anyone who needed advice to visit the West Midlands Police website .

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Police were called to a law-flouting wedding, garden parties, pub gatherings and hen dos in a single night as organisers risked huge £10k fines.
West Midlands Police shared an exclusive 'behind the scenes' look at its crackdown on illegal gatherings on Bank Holiday Saturday (August 29) - just 24 hours after they were given the beefed-up powers to fine £10,000.
Despite urgent warnings threatening lockdown-style restrictions in Birmingham, officers were forced to step in at a 50-guest wedding, a garden party with over 30 attendees and a 40-person gathering inside a house.
By 10pm, officers had received over 30 reports of large gatherings, from hen parties to people filming music videos and even a rumour of a school prom being held.
And calls were said to be coming in 'thick and fast' an hour later as concerned residents raised the alarm over 'illegal' parties, raves and gatherings.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Officers used drones and teamed up with traffic officers - supported by intelligence staff - as part of the ongoing effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.
By the end of the night, police said many of the events they were called out to were in fact legal under Covid law and no fines had to be issued.
(Image: SWNS.com)
In a live updates style thread on its social media, the force revealed it attended a house in Birmingham after reports it had been 'rented out over the internet' to host 'big parties'.
However, on arrival officers said they found fewer than 30 people - and no music.
Drones were also deployed to look into reports of a rave with 18 cars parked up nearby. But the alleged 'rave' turned out to be a party with just ten people, the force added.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Over in the Black Country, officers were called to a 80-person party in a pub which 'shook' windows - but that was also deemed legal under the rules.
The evening was said to have been largely 'dominated' by house party reports - rather than the huge illegal raves officers had to disperse over the past few months.
(Image: SWNS.com)
In the Twitter thread, the force said: "We've had around 30 reports of big gatherings so far. Everything from hen parties, to music video filming, and even a rumour of school prom.
"Many turn out to be legal, and our policy of talking to people and explaining the rules is working. We've not had to issue any fines.
"Tonight's been dominated by reports of house parties, rather than the really big gatherings we've seen earlier in recent weeks.
"Lots of the people we're speaking to are happy to oblige when we explain to them what we're doing.
"We've dealt with around 90 reports from the public about potential breaches over the last few hours, but we've not had to use our enforcement powers."
They stressed: "We're not out there to spoil people's fun. We're just trying to keep the West Midlands safe."
Officers promised to respond '24/7' to calls "over the Bank Holiday weekend and beyond" and urged anyone who needed advice to visit the West Midlands Police website.


birminghammail--2020-08-30--Cops raid 80-person pub party that shook windows but find it's LEGAL

Officers swooped to a large gathering at a Black Country pub after a resident said their 'windows were shaking ' from the music .
West Midlands Police revealed they were called to the unnamed boozer after the alert of more than 100 people partying on Saturday , August 29 .
But responding cops discovered the event was LEGAL - as the organiser had a coronavirus risk assessment in place and was allowed 100 people there .
Officers found 80 at the scene .
The event was allowed to continue and was legally allowed to have more than 30 people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Our drones unit is up in the sky as we speak checking out reports of a large gathering in the Black Country with more than 100 people .
`` One resident has told us his 'windows are shaking ' from the music being played .
`` We 've spoken to the organiser of that gathering , which was at a pub .
`` He has a coronavirus risk assessment in place allowing for more than 100 people outside .
Fewer than 80 are there , so the event can continue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of more than 30 are OK. '' A spokesman for the force also said that they were called to another pub , which also has n't been named , for allegedly flouting guidelines and holding lock-ins .
Reports of a marquee being set up in Walsall and more than 30 people gathering was also made to the emergency line .
Police were given the power to fine illegal ravers ahead of the three-day weekend .
Participants can continue to be issued with fines of £100 , while those who have already been fined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offence , up to a maximum of £3,200 .
People facilitating or organising illegal raves , unlicensed music events or any other unlawful gathering of 30 people or more may face a £10,000 fine .
It is not known if anyone was fined but WMP has been contacted for more information .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Stephanie Balloo, Jordan Coussins)

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Officers swooped to a large gathering at a Black Country pub after a resident said their 'windows were shaking' from the music.
West Midlands Police revealed they were called to the unnamed boozer after the alert of more than 100 people partying on Saturday, August 29.
But responding cops discovered the event was LEGAL - as the organiser had a coronavirus risk assessment in place and was allowed 100 people there. Officers found 80 at the scene.
The event was allowed to continue and was legally allowed to have more than 30 people, responding officers revealed.
A spokesman said: "Our drones unit is up in the sky as we speak checking out reports of a large gathering in the Black Country with more than 100 people.
"One resident has told us his 'windows are shaking' from the music being played.
"We've spoken to the organiser of that gathering, which was at a pub.
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"He has a coronavirus risk assessment in place allowing for more than 100 people outside. Fewer than 80 are there, so the event can continue. These are the rules on when gatherings of more than 30 are OK."
A spokesman for the force also said that they were called to another pub, which also hasn't been named, for allegedly flouting guidelines and holding lock-ins.
Reports of a marquee being set up in Walsall and more than 30 people gathering was also made to the emergency line.
Police were given the power to fine illegal ravers ahead of the three-day weekend.
Participants can continue to be issued with fines of £100, while those who have already been fined will see the amount double on each offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.
People facilitating or organising illegal raves, unlicensed music events or any other unlawful gathering of 30 people or more may face a £10,000 fine.
It is not known if anyone was fined but WMP has been contacted for more information.


birminghammail--2020-08-30--Chelsea star set for another loan spell with Albion still admirers

Conor Gallagher , the Chelsea youngster who spent last season in the Championship and attracted interest from West Brom , is likely to available for another loan spell this coming season .
Gallagher has spent this season in the Championship , first at Charlton Athletic and then from January , at Swansea City .
A versatile midfielder , Gallagher impressed with six goals and nine assists last season , creating five goals in just 10 game for the Swans .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter The 20-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blues ’ development sides and has similarly impressed in his first taste of senior football .
Albion are admirers of the England U21 international , but weren ’ t able to to guarantee him first-team football on a weekly basis when it became clear he was being redistributed in the January window .
A potential deal may be something they revisit this summer , though Chelsea want to tie Gallagher down to a new long-term deal which will secure his future .
Then they ’ d be open to sending him out again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Albion wouldn ’ t be the only top flight outfit in for Gallagher , however - indeed not even the only Albion .
Brighton , having sold Aaron Mooy this week , are also believed to be keen on Gallagher should Frank Lampard give him the green light to continue his development elsewhere according to the Sun .
The Baggies , who utilised regulars Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers this past season , also have Rekeem Harper as the next cab off the rank .
Filip Krovinovic , Gareth Barry and Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though - the former at least for the time being - and Sam Field is understood to be attracting interest from Championship clubs , which would mean Slaven Bilic needing reinforcements in the midfield department .

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Conor Gallagher, the Chelsea youngster who spent last season in the Championship and attracted interest from West Brom, is likely to available for another loan spell this coming season.
Gallagher has spent this season in the Championship, first at Charlton Athletic and then from January, at Swansea City.
A versatile midfielder, Gallagher impressed with six goals and nine assists last season, creating five goals in just 10 game for the Swans.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter
The 20-year-old has been a standout performer for the Blues’ development sides and has similarly impressed in his first taste of senior football.
Albion are admirers of the England U21 international, but weren’t able to to guarantee him first-team football on a weekly basis when it became clear he was being redistributed in the January window.
A potential deal may be something they revisit this summer, though Chelsea want to tie Gallagher down to a new long-term deal which will secure his future. Then they’d be open to sending him out again, this time in the Premier League.
Albion wouldn’t be the only top flight outfit in for Gallagher, however - indeed not even the only Albion.
Brighton, having sold Aaron Mooy this week, are also believed to be keen on Gallagher should Frank Lampard give him the green light to continue his development elsewhere according to the Sun.
The Baggies, who utilised regulars Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers this past season, also have Rekeem Harper as the next cab off the rank.
Filip Krovinovic, Gareth Barry and Chris Brunt have all left The Hawthorns, though - the former at least for the time being - and Sam Field is understood to be attracting interest from Championship clubs, which would mean Slaven Bilic needing reinforcements in the midfield department.


birminghammail--2020-08-30--Chadwick Boseman's final messages to friend shared on Twitter

Frozen actor Josh Gad has shared a heartbreaking message his friend , Chadwick Boseman sent him - before his tragic death .
Black Panther star Chadwick died after a four-year battle with colon cancer at the age of 43 .
His friend Josh who he met while working on 2017 film Marshall , has given an insight into the star 's state of mind in the weeks leading up to his death , The Mirror reports Josh captioned the screenshot : `` Breaking my twitter silence to share some beauty .
`` This was one of my final texts from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chadwickboseman - take this in & celebrate life .
`` He knew how precious every moment was .
Tonight the Heavens received one of its most powerful angels . ''
Chadwick penned : `` If you are in Los Angeles , you woke up this morning to the rare and peaceful sound of a steady precipitation ...
If you 're like me , maybe you looked at the week 's forecast and found that it 's supposed to rain for three straight days ; not without breaks of sunlight and reprieves of moist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ na be coming down like cats and dogs .
`` Great .
We 're stuck inside these damn quarantines because of the COVID , and now we ca n't even get no sun in Cali .
Come on now ! ''
He continued : `` But now that the rain has stopped and today 's storm has cleared , I urge you to go outside and take a DEEP breath .
`` Notice how fresh the air is right now , after our skies have had a 3 week break from the usual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bumper LA commuters , and now today 's rain has given the City of Angels a long overdo and much-needed shower .
`` We should take advantage of every moment we can to enjoy the simplicity of God 's creation , whether it be clear skies and sun or clouded over with gloom .
`` And hey , if the air is this clear right now , and it does rain tomorrow , I might even put jars and bins out and catch the rain .
`` Throw that in the water filter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than any bottled brand out there . ''
Since 2016 - before winning the role of T'Challa in Black Panther , Chadwick has been secretly battling colon cancer .
Barack Obama is among the thousands who have paid tribute to the star - sharing as snap taken at White House - when Chadwick when he was working on his role as groundbreaking US athlete Jackie Robinson in the Film '42 ' .
The former US President penned : `` Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You could tell right away that he was blessed .
To be young , gifted , and Black ; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to ; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Lewis Knight, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Frozen actor Josh Gad has shared a heartbreaking message his friend, Chadwick Boseman sent him - before his tragic death.
Black Panther star Chadwick died after a four-year battle with colon cancer at the age of 43.
His friend Josh who he met while working on 2017 film Marshall, has given an insight into the star's state of mind in the weeks leading up to his death , The Mirror reports
Taking to Twitter today (August 30), Frozen star Josh Gad posted texts from Chadwick.
Josh captioned the screenshot: "Breaking my twitter silence to share some beauty.
"This was one of my final texts from the brilliant & once-in-lifetime talent, @chadwickboseman - take this in & celebrate life.
"He knew how precious every moment was. Tonight the Heavens received one of its most powerful angels."
Chadwick penned: "If you are in Los Angeles, you woke up this morning to the rare and peaceful sound of a steady precipitation ... If you're like me, maybe you looked at the week's forecast and found that it's supposed to rain for three straight days; not without breaks of sunlight and reprieves of moist gloom, but yeah it's gonna be coming down like cats and dogs.
"Great. We're stuck inside these damn quarantines because of the COVID, and now we can't even get no sun in Cali. Come on now!"
He continued: "But now that the rain has stopped and today's storm has cleared, I urge you to go outside and take a DEEP breath.
"Notice how fresh the air is right now, after our skies have had a 3 week break from the usual relentless barrage of fumes from bumper to bumper LA commuters, and now today's rain has given the City of Angels a long overdo and much-needed shower.
"We should take advantage of every moment we can to enjoy the simplicity of God's creation, whether it be clear skies and sun or clouded over with gloom.
"And hey, if the air is this clear right now, and it does rain tomorrow, I might even put jars and bins out and catch the rain.
"Throw that in the water filter and I have a water more alkaline than any bottled brand out there."
Since 2016 - before winning the role of T'Challa in Black Panther, Chadwick has been secretly battling colon cancer.
Barack Obama is among the thousands who have paid tribute to the star - sharing as snap taken at White House - when Chadwick when he was working on his role as groundbreaking US athlete Jackie Robinson in the Film '42'.
The former US President penned: "Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson."
He added: "You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years."


birminghammail--2020-08-30--These are the Black Country's most wanted men

These are the faces of the Black Country 's most wanted men .
They include a West Bromwich man accused @ @ @ @ @ spitting in her face in and a suspected fraudster from Wolverhampton .
A 46-year-old from @ @ @ @ @ to appear at court for a serious assault in the borough last year and a @ @ @ @ @ .
Two men who have links to Walsall are wanted for recall to prison .
@ @ @ @ @ - which can be viewed in the video above and gallery below - have been @ @ @ @ @ as officers appeal for the public 's help to track them down .
If you @ @ @ @ @ information on their whereabouts , you should contact the force immediately .
Information can be @ @ @ @ @ at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or by calling 101 .
People are asked to @ @ @ @ @ when passing on information .

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These are the faces of the Black Country's most wanted men.
They include a West Bromwich man accused of pushing a woman and spitting in her face in and a suspected fraudster from Wolverhampton.
A 46-year-old from Dudley is wanted for failing to appear at court for a serious assault in the borough last year and a robbery in Sandwell in 2017.
Two men who have links to Walsall are wanted for recall to prison.
Images of the 10 men - which can be viewed in the video above and gallery below - have been released by West Midlands Police as officers appeal for the public's help to track them down.
If you do recognise anyone or have information on their whereabouts, you should contact the force immediately.
Information can be passed on via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or by calling 101.
Alternatively, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
People are asked to quote the relevant crime number when passing on information.


birminghammail--2020-08-30--Matt Doherty reveals the reason he swapped Wolves for Tottenham

Matt Doherty has suggested that his career can go to the 'next level ' after completing his Wolverhampton Wanderers exit .
Doherty , who had spent 10 years at Molineux , had his move to Tottenham confirmed on Sunday , after Wolves accepted a bid in the region of £15m .
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi has claimed that the deal is in the best interests of the club , with Nuno Espirito Santo keen to evolve his small squad .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Wolves newsletter Doherty has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has admitted it would have been tough to leave Wolves , if it felt he was n't moving to a new level .
He told the club 's site : “ At Wolves I just had all the experiences – disappointment and then obviously getting promoted and stuff like that , but then taking it to the next level and getting into Europe as well .
`` It made me stay quite level-headed throughout my time there , but now I just feel like coming here is going to take my game and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it would have been tough ( to leave Wolves ) if I was maybe going backwards or sideways but I feel like at Tottenham now I ’ m really taking a big step forward – just with the facilities , everything at the club and the manager here .
`` After 10 years , I know a lot of people at Wolves but it ’ s a new challenge now and it ’ s really a challenge that I feel like I need at this time.
” Doherty added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the training ground , the fact that we ’ ve got the best stadium in the world and possibly the best training ground in the world from what I ’ ve seen – and the manager… once I knew there was interest it was a no-brainer for me to get myself down to London . ''
Wolves will now busily look to replace Doherty , with three weeks until the new Premier League campaign kicks off .

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Matt Doherty has suggested that his career can go to the 'next level' after completing his Wolverhampton Wanderers exit.
Doherty, who had spent 10 years at Molineux, had his move to Tottenham confirmed on Sunday, after Wolves accepted a bid in the region of £15m.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi has claimed that the deal is in the best interests of the club, with Nuno Espirito Santo keen to evolve his small squad.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Wolves newsletter
Doherty has signed a four-year deal with Spurs and has admitted it would have been tough to leave Wolves, if it felt he wasn't moving to a new level.
He told the club's site: “At Wolves I just had all the experiences – disappointment and then obviously getting promoted and stuff like that, but then taking it to the next level and getting into Europe as well.
"It made me stay quite level-headed throughout my time there, but now I just feel like coming here is going to take my game and my career to the next level. I think it would have been tough (to leave Wolves) if I was maybe going backwards or sideways but I feel like at Tottenham now I’m really taking a big step forward – just with the facilities, everything at the club and the manager here.
"After 10 years, I know a lot of people at Wolves but it’s a new challenge now and it’s really a challenge that I feel like I need at this time.”
Doherty added: “With the size of the club, the training ground, the fact that we’ve got the best stadium in the world and possibly the best training ground in the world from what I’ve seen – and the manager… once I knew there was interest it was a no-brainer for me to get myself down to London."
Wolves will now busily look to replace Doherty, with three weeks until the new Premier League campaign kicks off.


birminghammail--2020-08-30--Rivals deterred by asking price of Birmingham City target

Birmingham City ’ s Championship rivals Middlesbrough have reportedly been put off goalkeeper Dillon Phillips because of the asking price from Charlton Athletic .
Stopper Phillips has gathered interest from the second tier despite the Addicks ’ relegation , including from Blues who are still looking for another senior keeper to compete with new recruit Andres Prieto .
Boro , according to the Sun , are reluctant to meet Charlton ’ s valuation of the player however as they seek another keeping option of their own .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 , has spent the whole of his career at Charlton having joined their academy at eight-years-old .
Even though Charlton ended up going down Phillips was one of the bright spots of an otherwise rollercoaster campaign and that that form has since seen him linked with Blackburn Rovers , although as of last week no formal bid had been received .
On the subject of transfers in general , Blues boss Aitor Karanka - who has added five players to his squad this summer - was very relaxed about the situation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same way we are doing everything – calm , ” the head coach said .
“ We are not in a hurry we know we are building a project so we are not going to bring players here in a rush , thinking that this is going to be the last day .
“ I am really pleased with everything the club is doing we just need to keep on.
” The goalkeeping department at Blues is in the middle of a complete transformation ; Lee Camp , Moha Ramos , David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Michael Luyambula have all been released or sent back to their parent clubs .
Connal Trueman , too , has been loaned out for the season .
Blues have been linked with Cardiff ’ s Neil Etheridge and Newcastle ’ s Karl Darlow , as well as QPR number one Joe Lumley .

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Birmingham City’s Championship rivals Middlesbrough have reportedly been put off goalkeeper Dillon Phillips because of the asking price from Charlton Athletic.
Stopper Phillips has gathered interest from the second tier despite the Addicks’ relegation, including from Blues who are still looking for another senior keeper to compete with new recruit Andres Prieto.
Boro, according to the Sun, are reluctant to meet Charlton’s valuation of the player however as they seek another keeping option of their own.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Blues newsletter
Phillips, 25, has spent the whole of his career at Charlton having joined their academy at eight-years-old.
Even though Charlton ended up going down Phillips was one of the bright spots of an otherwise rollercoaster campaign and that that form has since seen him linked with Blackburn Rovers, although as of last week no formal bid had been received.
On the subject of transfers in general, Blues boss Aitor Karanka - who has added five players to his squad this summer - was very relaxed about the situation.
“We have done Andres’ signing the same way we are doing everything – calm,” the head coach said.
“We are not in a hurry we know we are building a project so we are not going to bring players here in a rush, thinking that this is going to be the last day.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I am really pleased with everything the club is doing we just need to keep on.”
The goalkeeping department at Blues is in the middle of a complete transformation; Lee Camp, Moha Ramos, David Stockdale, Jake Weaver, Adam Siviter and Michael Luyambula have all been released or sent back to their parent clubs.
Connal Trueman, too, has been loaned out for the season.
Blues have been linked with Cardiff’s Neil Etheridge and Newcastle’s Karl Darlow, as well as QPR number one Joe Lumley.


birminghammail--2020-08-30--Justice for the 21 protest outside West Midlands Police headquarters

Dozens of members from Justice for the 21 marched through Birmingham City centre on Saturday ( August 29 ) before protesting outside West Midlands Police headquarters .
The campaign group is fighting to bring the IRA killers behind the Birmingham pub bombings in 1974 to justice and are questioning what progress West Midlands Police has made in bringing the IRA killers to book .
The group took to the streets of the city centre before gathering outside Lloyd House with banners and placards demanding justice .
Some carried posters saying 'We 're not going away , we demand justice ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Proof crime pays ' .
Justice for the 21 tweeted : `` Absolutely Brilliant turnout today , where supporters travelled far & wide to stand shoulder to shoulder with us . ''
Twenty-one people died and 200 were injured in the attacks on The Mulberry Bush , in the base of the Rotunda and the nearby underground bar , The Tavern In The Town on November 21 , 1974 .
The long-fought for inquest into the tragedy took place a year ago with a final verdict that the 21 victims of the shocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from coroner Sir Peter Thornton QC .
Jurors at the inquest found there was “ not sufficient evidence ” of any failings by West Midlands Police .
The foreman of the jury told the court : “ The decision was based on the balance of the evidence provided.
” The families have questioned whether West Midlands Police should be investigating at all with calls for an independent investigation as has happened in Northern Ireland .
West Midlands Police Chief Constable David Thompson at the time insisted the force was “ very active ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killers to justice .
But the families say they are still waiting .
Relatives of the victims are calling for a statutory inquiry which received endorsement from the leaders of the three main political parties before the General Election last December .
After the inquest , Justice4the21 spokeswoman Julie Hambleton , whose sister Maxine , 18 , was killed in the blasts , said : “ Police have always told us when they get new evidence they will act on it .
`` Well there you go .
You have the new evidence.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were unlawfully killed by murder .
We now demand that the Chief Constable ties his shoe laces , blackens his shoes and goes out and does his job to bring those responsible finally to justice.
” The Birmingham Mail has fought for justice for the families , led by Content Editor Andy Richards with the campaign forcing the resumption of the inquests last year .
It was also named Britain ’ s Campaign of the Year .
* Six men who became known as the Birmingham Six were convicted in 1975 of carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 years later .

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
Dozens of members from Justice for the 21 marched through Birmingham City centre on Saturday (August 29) before protesting outside West Midlands Police headquarters.
The campaign group is fighting to bring the IRA killers behind the Birmingham pub bombings in 1974 to justice and are questioning what progress West Midlands Police has made in bringing the IRA killers to book.
The group took to the streets of the city centre before gathering outside Lloyd House with banners and placards demanding justice.
Some carried posters saying 'We're not going away, we demand justice' and others displayed placards with the slogan 'Proof crime pays'.
Justice for the 21 tweeted: "Absolutely Brilliant turnout today, where supporters travelled far & wide to stand shoulder to shoulder with us."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Twenty-one people died and 200 were injured in the attacks on The Mulberry Bush, in the base of the Rotunda and the nearby underground bar, The Tavern In The Town on November 21, 1974.
The long-fought for inquest into the tragedy took place a year ago with a final verdict that the 21 victims of the shocking event were unlawfully killed following a direction from coroner Sir Peter Thornton QC.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Jurors at the inquest found there was “not sufficient evidence” of any failings by West Midlands Police.
The foreman of the jury told the court: “The decision was based on the balance of the evidence provided.”
The families have questioned whether West Midlands Police should be investigating at all with calls for an independent investigation as has happened in Northern Ireland.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
West Midlands Police Chief Constable David Thompson at the time insisted the force was “very active” with inquiries to bring the IRA terrorist killers to justice.
But the families say they are still waiting.
Relatives of the victims are calling for a statutory inquiry which received endorsement from the leaders of the three main political parties before the General Election last December.
After the inquest, Justice4the21 spokeswoman Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine, 18, was killed in the blasts, said: “Police have always told us when they get new evidence they will act on it.
"Well there you go. You have the new evidence.”
She added: “Our relatives were unlawfully killed by murder. We now demand that the Chief Constable ties his shoe laces, blackens his shoes and goes out and does his job to bring those responsible finally to justice.”
The Birmingham Mail has fought for justice for the families, led by Content Editor Andy Richards with the campaign forcing the resumption of the inquests last year.
It was also named Britain’s Campaign of the Year.
* Six men who became known as the Birmingham Six were convicted in 1975 of carrying out the bombings, but were acquitted 16 years later.