birminghammail--2020-09-07--Family speaks out as young man fights for life after knife attack

The family of a young man fighting for his life after a knife attack in Birmingham which claimed the life of his best friend have paid tribute to those who came to his aid .
Michael Callaghan was one of eight people injured as a series of knife attacks were carried out in Birmingham in the early hours of Sunday .
The attacks , which have shocked the city , claimed the life of Michael 's close friend Jacob Billington , who was also visiting the city centre from Liverpool .
A man has since been arrested in connection with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved ones have described `` every family 's worst nightmare '' - but accept it could have been worse but for the bravery of paramedics and a few friends .
Peter Harvey , the 23-year-old 's uncle , spoke to the Liverpool Echo after it was confirmed Jacob had tragically died .
He said : “ This horrific attack is every family ’ s worst nightmare - a case of a group of friends having the misfortune to cross paths with the wrong person at the wrong time , a sickening tragedy none @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Rising knife crime is a scourge which wrecks lives , so often the lives of innocent young people .
This was a random , sudden and seemingly motiveless attack by a stranger .
“ In Michael ’ s case his friends swiftly stemmed the blood loss from a neck wound , before the arrival of emergency services .
The actions of his pals , the paramedics and hospital staff saved Michael ’ s life .
“ Friends showed admirable bravery by trying to resuscitate Jacob , sadly without success .
Jacob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a young man with a strong sense of kindness , decency and social justice.
” Michael and Jacob , who was also 23 , had been friends throughout their schooldays at Great Crosby Primary School and Sacred Heart Catholic College .
They then attended university together in Sheffield and formed a band , The Vedetts , with other friends , performing as recently as the previous weekend .
Michael is the lead singer and guitarist of the group , and Jacob was the drummer .
Jacob had been working at Sheffield Hallam University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had recently started a job with the NHS on Merseyside .
The pair were among a group of six friends from Liverpool joining a friend studying here .
However , they were victims of violence which broke out in Irving Street at around 1.50am .
A 30-year-old man stabbed in Livery Street and a 22-year-old woman , attacked in Hurst Street , remain critically injured in hospital .
Four others , three men and a woman were also injured .
A 27-year-old man from the Selly Oak area of the city was arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is being questioned on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder .
Three other people , two men and a woman , were arrested from the same address on suspicion of assisting an offender .
In a statement released on their behalf , Jacob 's family said : “ He was a funny , caring and wonderful person who was loved by every single person he met .
`` He lit up every room with his boundless energy and witty humour and the loss of such a special person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him for years to come . ''

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The family of a young man fighting for his life after a knife attack in Birmingham which claimed the life of his best friend have paid tribute to those who came to his aid.
Michael Callaghan was one of eight people injured as a series of knife attacks were carried out in Birmingham in the early hours of Sunday.
The attacks, which have shocked the city, claimed the life of Michael's close friend Jacob Billington, who was also visiting the city centre from Liverpool.
A man has since been arrested in connection with the incident.
Meanwhile, Michael's loved ones have described "every family's worst nightmare" - but accept it could have been worse but for the bravery of paramedics and a few friends.
Peter Harvey, the 23-year-old's uncle, spoke to the Liverpool Echo after it was confirmed Jacob had tragically died.
He said: “This horrific attack is every family’s worst nightmare - a case of a group of friends having the misfortune to cross paths with the wrong person at the wrong time, a sickening tragedy none of them could have foreseen or prevented.
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“Rising knife crime is a scourge which wrecks lives, so often the lives of innocent young people. This was a random, sudden and seemingly motiveless attack by a stranger.
“In Michael’s case his friends swiftly stemmed the blood loss from a neck wound, before the arrival of emergency services. The actions of his pals, the paramedics and hospital staff saved Michael’s life.
“Friends showed admirable bravery by trying to resuscitate Jacob, sadly without success. Jacob was popular, funny and caring - a young man with a strong sense of kindness, decency and social justice.”
Michael and Jacob, who was also 23, had been friends throughout their schooldays at Great Crosby Primary School and Sacred Heart Catholic College.
They then attended university together in Sheffield and formed a band, The Vedetts, with other friends, performing as recently as the previous weekend. Michael is the lead singer and guitarist of the group, and Jacob was the drummer.
Jacob had been working at Sheffield Hallam University while Michael, an engineering graduate, had recently started a job with the NHS on Merseyside.
The pair were among a group of six friends from Liverpool joining a friend studying here.
However, they were victims of violence which broke out in Irving Street at around 1.50am.
A 30-year-old man stabbed in Livery Street and a 22-year-old woman, attacked in Hurst Street, remain critically injured in hospital.
Four others, three men and a woman were also injured.
A 27-year-old man from the Selly Oak area of the city was arrested by West Midlands Police on Monday morning.
He is being questioned on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder.
Three other people, two men and a woman, were arrested from the same address on suspicion of assisting an offender.
In a statement released on their behalf, Jacob's family said: “He was a funny, caring and wonderful person who was loved by every single person he met.
"He lit up every room with his boundless energy and witty humour and the loss of such a special person will be felt by all who knew him for years to come."


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Witness heard 'screech and bang' as boat capsized at tourist park

A ‘ screech and then a bang ’ signalled the terrifying moment a boat capsized at a Worcestershire tourist attraction .
Georgia Hodgkiss , aged 22 and from Sutton Coldfield , was out with her family celebrating a birthday when she saw a boat flip over on the Wild River Rafting ride at 2.45pm on Sunday , September 6 .
She said the park was ‘ busy ’ and her family had tried to go on the Wild River Rafting ride but her twin brother and sister , who were celebrating their fifth birthdays , were not tall enough .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ boat capsize and saw the aftermath of the incident which left four injured and one needing hospital treatmen t. Miss Hodgkiss , who lives in the Four Oaks area of Sutton , said : `` I was right next to the ride at 2.45pm on Sunday but I was facing the other way .
`` I heard a screeching sound and then a bang and saw this girl come out of the water .
It looked like the boat she was in had completely overturned .
`` There was an older woman who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mum and two teenage girls .
`` The screeching sound was the boat rubbing against the side and then the bang was them falling out .
But it wasn ’ t a massive noise .
I felt something had happened but I wasn ’ t like ‘ oh my god – what ’ s going on ’ .
`` There wasn ’ t any noise as they came out of the water .
They weren ’ t screaming but they came out of the water absolutely drenched .
`` The staff didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going on .
They looked over at what happened .
`` A woman sat down and she looked quite bad .
I think she had a bit of a panic attack and looked a bit worse for wear .
`` Two men who were standing outside had seen something had happened .
One was in a wheelchair .
They went over .
`` The staff closed the ride and got everyone out of the queue .
`` Another boat had caught up with them and two kids were in there and managed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first aid staff who took about ten minutes to get there .
`` It was around 3pm and there were so many people there we decided to leave .
As we left we saw an ambulance arriving at around 3.15pm .
`` It ’ s such a tame ride for something like that to happen on . ''
Bizarrely Miss Hodgkiss had spoken about accidents at theme parks just minutes earlier .
She added : `` Twenty minutes before it happened I said to my my mum : ' I have never been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened ' .
And then it did . ''
An ambulance was sent and paramedics treated one woman , who was then taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital , while three others were treated for minor injuries .
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` One ambulance attended and treated one woman who was being cared for by safari park staff after reportedly being injured on a water ride .
“ The woman was assessed and given treatment on scene for injuries not believed to be serious before she was taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” West Midland Safari Park indicated the accident was caused by the people in the boat and issued a full statement .
The venue said the boat overturned due to the ‘ excessive movement ’ of those inside it .
A spokeswoman for West Midland Safari Park said : “ Upon entering the final section of the ride , a water vessel containing the four passengers overturned in the shallow water trough due to excessive movement inside the boat .
“ Our staff reacted immediately by bringing the ride to as top and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the strict protocols we have in place .
“ All four people were checked over straight away by our first aid responders , and the emergency services were contacted for further review.
” The park said it reviewed footage of the incident and the ride ’ s safety ‘ had not been compromised ’ .
“ Following the incident , and after investigating CCTV footage and speaking with our health and safety team , we can confirm that the safety of the ride has not been compromised in any way and it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ All our rides operate with clear health and safety signage and our staff are given regular training in operational management on a routine basis .
“ We would like to extend our thanks to the emergency services for their assistance on Sunday , and to our staff who reacted calmly and quickly to the situation at hand .
The park remains open as normal to the public .
”

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A ‘screech and then a bang’ signalled the terrifying moment a boat capsized at a Worcestershire tourist attraction.
Georgia Hodgkiss, aged 22 and from Sutton Coldfield, was out with her family celebrating a birthday when she saw a boat flip over on the Wild River Rafting ride at 2.45pm on Sunday, September 6.
She said the park was ‘busy’ and her family had tried to go on the Wild River Rafting ride but her twin brother and sister, who were celebrating their fifth birthdays, were not tall enough.
As she stood waiting she heard the boat capsize and saw the aftermath of the incident which left four injured and one needing hospital treatmen t.
Miss Hodgkiss, who lives in the Four Oaks area of Sutton, said: "I was right next to the ride at 2.45pm on Sunday but I was facing the other way.
"I heard a screeching sound and then a bang and saw this girl come out of the water. It looked like the boat she was in had completely overturned.
(Image: Georgia Hodgkiss)
"There was an older woman who may have been a grandmother, a mum and two teenage girls.
"The screeching sound was the boat rubbing against the side and then the bang was them falling out. But it wasn’t a massive noise. I felt something had happened but I wasn’t like ‘oh my god – what’s going on’.
"There wasn’t any noise as they came out of the water. They weren’t screaming but they came out of the water absolutely drenched.
"The staff didn’t really seem to know what was going on. They looked over at what happened.
"A woman sat down and she looked quite bad. I think she had a bit of a panic attack and looked a bit worse for wear.
"Two men who were standing outside had seen something had happened. One was in a wheelchair. They went over.
"The staff closed the ride and got everyone out of the queue.
"Another boat had caught up with them and two kids were in there and managed to get out.
"There were two first aid staff who took about ten minutes to get there.
"It was around 3pm and there were so many people there we decided to leave. As we left we saw an ambulance arriving at around 3.15pm.
"It’s such a tame ride for something like that to happen on."
Bizarrely Miss Hodgkiss had spoken about accidents at theme parks just minutes earlier.
She added: "Twenty minutes before it happened I said to my my mum: 'I have never been to a theme park and something's happened'. And then it did."
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An ambulance was sent and paramedics treated one woman, who was then taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, while three others were treated for minor injuries.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "One ambulance attended and treated one woman who was being cared for by safari park staff after reportedly being injured on a water ride.
“The woman was assessed and given treatment on scene for injuries not believed to be serious before she was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further checks.”
(Image: Georgia Hodgkiss)
West Midland Safari Park indicated the accident was caused by the people in the boat and issued a full statement. The venue said the boat overturned due to the ‘excessive movement’ of those inside it.
A spokeswoman for West Midland Safari Park said: “Upon entering the final section of the ride, a water vessel containing the four passengers overturned in the shallow water trough due to excessive movement inside the boat.
“Our staff reacted immediately by bringing the ride to as top and safely removed the four guests, following the strict protocols we have in place.
“All four people were checked over straight away by our first aid responders, and the emergency services were contacted for further review.”
The park said it reviewed footage of the incident and the ride’s safety ‘had not been compromised’.
“Following the incident, and after investigating CCTV footage and speaking with our health and safety team, we can confirm that the safety of the ride has not been compromised in any way and it will remain open for guests to use.
“All our rides operate with clear health and safety signage and our staff are given regular training in operational management on a routine basis.
“We would like to extend our thanks to the emergency services for their assistance on Sunday, and to our staff who reacted calmly and quickly to the situation at hand. The park remains open as normal to the public.”


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Aston Villa transfer news LIVE: Martinez bid made and Liverpool enquiry launched

Hello and welcome to LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive on Monday , September 7 .
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa 's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer .
We will be adding all the latest Villa news , views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day , with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club .
Matty Cash has arrived from Nottingham Forest to become the club 's first senior signing of the window .
Brentford striker Ollie Watkins remains a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have n't yet been able to force through a deal .
Callum Wilson was a target , but he opted to join Newcastle United , completing his move on Monday .
Manchester United 's back-up goalkeeper Sergio Romero has also been touted for a move to Villa Park for around £10 million , with Smith keen to add cover given Tom Heaton 's long lay-off .
Last week we heard from Smith down at Villa 's training camp in Wales , and he said of new arrivals : `` Wheels are in motion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back , to sit down with Johan ( Lange ) and strategically plan what we are going to do . ''
So stay with us for today 's transfer blog and be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alex Dicken, Ben Husband, Richard Cusack)

Hello and welcome to LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive on Wednesday, September 9.
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer.
We will be adding all the latest Villa news, views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day, with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club.
Matty Cash arrived from Nottingham Forest to become the club's first senior signing of the window and Brentford striker Ollie Watkins completed his £28m switch to Villa Park on Wednesday.
Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has also been touted for a move with Dean Smith keen to add cover given Tom Heaton's long lay-off.
So stay with us for today's transfer blog and be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Supermarket shuts for final time after coronavirus 'reprieve'

A supermarket in Birmingham has closed its doors for the final time after a brief reprieve due to the coronavirus crisis .
Waitrose in Belwell Lane , Mere Green , Sutton Coldfield closed on Sunday , September 6 after more than 45 years in the town .
It had originally been earmarked to close on Sunday , June 7 after John Lewis Partnership ’ s upmarket grocery chain confirmed in March it was to shut , putting 101 jobs at risk .
The news prompted sadness among loyal shoppers in the town , with Jane Cox , from Clarence Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ really upset ’ by the news , having shopped there since it opened in the 70s .
She had said : `` If you get past your initial impression , Waitrose ’ s prices are competitive , if not more so .
You just have to be willing to look .
`` Their own-brand stuff is amazing .
It ’ s a great place to get ideas for feeding a family .
`` The staff there are fantastic .
They look after the customers .
They seem to care about people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find things .
They go above and beyond !
It ’ s like a good old fashioned grocers . ''
But with the move to online shopping and more home deliveries – accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic – the shop has now closed .
It had though been given a three-month lifeline just as the lockdown came in to force in late March .
At the time supermarket shelves were being cleared by shoppers only allowed out to buy essentials , for work and to exercise .
At the time Waitrose & Partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We understand we have a responsibility to the community to remain open for as long as possible during this incredibly challenging and unprecedented time .
`` We are making every effort to ensure a good supply of food for everyone and our Four Oaks Partners are doing an incredible job in very difficult circumstances to help customers get what they need . ''
But , as planned , the store has now closed .
Roughley city and town councillor , Ewan Mackey , tweeted on Sunday : `` Sad that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Mere Green .
Have warm memories of the hardworking and caring staff over the years .
I hope they all still have jobs . ''
Mr Service added : `` We 're sad to have closed our doors for the last time on Sunday , having served the community for the past 45 years .
`` We 're grateful to all our customers for their loyalty and custom and would like to thank the team here for all their hard work and professionalism in what has been very challenging circumstances . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Marks and Spencer food store , at the Mulberry Walk development .
And the area is soon to welcome a new Lidl store , opposite another supermarket chain , Sainsbury 's , in Mere Green Road .
Waitrose said , ‘ everybody who wished to remain within the Partnership has ’ .
The John Lewis Partnership said it provided its ‘ partners ’ –as it calls its staff – with a ‘ unique Retraining Fund ' , which will pay up to £3,000 for former staff to get a recognised qualification for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm for two years or more .
Staff also received enhanced redundancy pay of two weeks per year ’ s service , above the statutory minimum , if they have worked with the business for more than a year .
The Partnership said it would also continue to support the Four Oaks community even as it leaves the area , through its Partnership Community Investment Fund .
Charities , Community Interest Companies or social enterprises in Four Oaks can apply for a share of the £1m fund .
The fund is designed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education that will lead to improved job prospects ; economic development and local enterprises for example projects that drive economic growth and undertake activities to create jobs in the local area and support young people facing barriers to education , employment or training .
Application forms for the fund can be requested by emailing : community.matters @ waitrose.co.uk

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A supermarket in Birmingham has closed its doors for the final time after a brief reprieve due to the coronavirus crisis.
Waitrose in Belwell Lane, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield closed on Sunday, September 6 after more than 45 years in the town.
It had originally been earmarked to close on Sunday, June 7 after John Lewis Partnership’s upmarket grocery chain confirmed in March it was to shut, putting 101 jobs at risk.
The news prompted sadness among loyal shoppers in the town, with Jane Cox, from Clarence Road in Four Oaks, saying she was ‘really upset’ by the news, having shopped there since it opened in the 70s.
She had said: "If you get past your initial impression, Waitrose ’s prices are competitive, if not more so. You just have to be willing to look.
"Their own-brand stuff is amazing. It’s a great place to get ideas for feeding a family.
"The staff there are fantastic. They look after the customers. They seem to care about people and they talk to you and help you find things. They go above and beyond!It’s like a good old fashioned grocers."
But with the move to online shopping and more home deliveries – accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic – the shop has now closed.
It had though been given a three-month lifeline just as the lockdown came in to force in late March. At the time supermarket shelves were being cleared by shoppers only allowed out to buy essentials, for work and to exercise.
(Image: Google)
At the time Waitrose & Partners regional manager, Ben Service, said: "We understand we have a responsibility to the community to remain open for as long as possible during this incredibly challenging and unprecedented time.
"We are making every effort to ensure a good supply of food for everyone and our Four Oaks Partners are doing an incredible job in very difficult circumstances to help customers get what they need."
But, as planned, the store has now closed.
Roughley city and town councillor, Ewan Mackey, tweeted on Sunday: "Sad that it’s the last day for Waitrose in Mere Green. Have warm memories of the hardworking and caring staff over the years. I hope they all still have jobs."
Mr Service added: "We're sad to have closed our doors for the last time on Sunday, having served the community for the past 45 years.
"We're grateful to all our customers for their loyalty and custom and would like to thank the team here for all their hard work and professionalism in what has been very challenging circumstances."
The store has faced challenges from a new Marks and Spencer food store, at the Mulberry Walk development.
And the area is soon to welcome a new Lidl store, opposite another supermarket chain, Sainsbury's, in Mere Green Road.
Waitrose said, ‘everybody who wished to remain within the Partnership has’.
The John Lewis Partnership said it provided its ‘partners’ –as it calls its staff – with a ‘unique Retraining Fund', which will pay up to £3,000 for former staff to get a recognised qualification for any staff member who worked with the firm for two years or more.
Staff also received enhanced redundancy pay of two weeks per year’s service, above the statutory minimum, if they have worked with the business for more than a year.
The Partnership said it would also continue to support the Four Oaks community even as it leaves the area, through its Partnership Community Investment Fund.
Charities, Community Interest Companies or social enterprises in Four Oaks can apply for a share of the £1m fund.
The fund is designed to help projects that support re-training and further education that will lead to improved job prospects; economic development and local enterprises for example projects that drive economic growth and undertake activities to create jobs in the local area and support young people facing barriers to education, employment or training.
Application forms for the fund can be requested by emailing: community.matters@waitrose.co.uk


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Aston Villa submit second bid for £20m Arsenal star Emiliano Martinez - report

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birminghammail--2020-09-07--Solihull coronavirus case rates quadruple in a week

Solihull 's director of public health has issued a `` wake-up call '' after coronavirus case rates more than quadrupled in a week .
Since the Bank Holiday weekend , Solihull ’ s rates increased from a seven day rate of 7.8 per 100,000 to 35.4 for the seven days to Monday , September 4 .
Ruth Tennant , Solihull ’ s director of public health , today urged people to be vigilant in a bid to stop the huge spike in coronavirus cases .
And she warned it raised the spectre of the reintroduction of some lockdown measures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a wake-up call to us all that this virus has not gone away .
It has been a long year and I know how important it is for people to meet up with friends and family and get back to something that feels a bit more normal .
“ But as this sharp increase has shown , Covid-19 is very much still with us .
Without rapid action , it will continue to spread and our numbers will rise .
`` I ’ ve spoken to people who have been shielding for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving their house and older people who are worried about being exposed to the virus .
`` We also want our children to be in school and getting back into a normal routine .
They all need us to do what we can to contain this virus . ''
She warned that if things did not improve more restrictive measures could be introduced across the borough .
She added : “ Many residents have told me they want to do the right thing but they ’ re confused about what the guidance means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thumb which is to act as if the person next to you has something you don ’ t want to catch .
The more people you mix with in different places , the more you increase your risk of catching and spreading Covid-19 .
“ If we apply this rule all the time , we ’ ll reduce the risk that we need to take tougher and more restrictive measures across the borough .
”

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Solihull's director of public health has issued a "wake-up call" after coronavirus case rates more than quadrupled in a week.
Since the Bank Holiday weekend, Solihull’s rates increased from a seven day rate of 7.8 per 100,000 to 35.4 for the seven days to Monday, September 4.
Ruth Tennant, Solihull’s director of public health, today urged people to be vigilant in a bid to stop the huge spike in coronavirus cases.
And she warned it raised the spectre of the reintroduction of some lockdown measures.
She said: “This recent spike is a wake-up call to us all that this virus has not gone away. It has been a long year and I know how important it is for people to meet up with friends and family and get back to something that feels a bit more normal.
“But as this sharp increase has shown, Covid-19 is very much still with us. Without rapid action, it will continue to spread and our numbers will rise.
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"I’ve spoken to people who have been shielding for many months and who are anxious about leaving their house and older people who are worried about being exposed to the virus.
"We also want our children to be in school and getting back into a normal routine. They all need us to do what we can to contain this virus."
She warned that if things did not improve more restrictive measures could be introduced across the borough.
She added: “Many residents have told me they want to do the right thing but they’re confused about what the guidance means. I use a simple rule of thumb which is to act as if the person next to you has something you don’t want to catch. The more people you mix with in different places, the more you increase your risk of catching and spreading Covid-19.
“If we apply this rule all the time, we’ll reduce the risk that we need to take tougher and more restrictive measures across the borough.”


birminghammail--2020-09-07--The lowdown on Vitinha as Wolves close on 'quality' signing

Vitor Ferreira - also known as Vitinha - is the mystery midfielder Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to sign .
The Portugal under-21 star is understood to be on the verge of joining Wolves on loan from FC Porto with a view to a permanent transfer .
Vitinha , 20 , will finalise his move to Molineux later this week after he ’ s completed international duty .
He follows long-time friend and teammate Fabio Silva to Wolverhampton after the 18-year-old striker completed a £35million transfer over the weekend .
But who is Vitinha and what kind of player are Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Jorge Mendes , with Vitinha a client of the super-agent ’ s Gestifute stable .
He ’ s been with Porto ’ s academy since he was 11 and , aside from a brief youth loan to Padroense in 2015 , Vitinha has spent his entire career with the club until now .
After starring with Porto ’ s B team at the beginning of this season , scoring eight times and grabbing three assists in 15 matches , Sergio Conceicao promoted him to the first team .
He made his Primeira @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gil Vicente in January and Conceicao has rewarded him with a further seven appearances since .
Vitinha ’ s maiden season with the first team brought him two trophies with Porto lifting the Primeira Liga and Portuguese Cup titles .
Speaking about Vitinha ’ s impact , Conceicao said : “ Vitor is a kid with personality and character , who adds quality to that character .
He is a very interesting player.
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You can also get all the latest updates by following us on 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will he play ?
Vitinha is well placed to learn from Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves - two players who are idolised by kids within Porto ’ s academy .
He becomes the 10th Portuguese player in Wolves ’ first team , though there are some doubts about the future of Bruno Jordao .
Vitinha could well be Jordao ’ s replacement in Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s squad with the Wolves midfielder being heavily linked with a move away from WV1 .
In addition to filling the vacancy in central midfield , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward .
He has played in an advanced midfield position for Porto , as well as off the left on occasions .
He has been signed with the first team in mind and Wolves hope he will have a similar impact to Pedro Neto , who has exceeded all expectations since joining from Lazio last year .
Vitinha is certainly highly-rated in Portugal having risen rapidly from his nation ’ s under-17s to under-21s .
A Bola reporter Rui Miguel Melo explains : “ I really like him .
He is a modern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lines .
“ He is an offensive midfielder .
He belongs to the best Porto generation alongside Fabio Silva .
They won the UEFA Youth League with Porto last year .
“ He can play in every position in attacking midfield .
”

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Vitor Ferreira - also known as Vitinha - has become Wolverhampton Wanderers' latest signing.
The Portugal under-21 star has joined Wolves on loan from FC Porto with a view to it being made a permanent transfer next summer.
Vitinha, 20, finalised his move to Molineux on Wednesday after completing international duty.
He follows long-time friend and teammate Fabio Silva to Wolverhampton after the 18-year-old striker completed a £35million transfer over the weekend.
But who is Vitinha and what kind of player are Wolves getting?
Background
The transfer has been negotiated by Jorge Mendes, with Vitinha a client of the super-agent’s Gestifute stable.
He’s been with Porto’s academy since he was 11 and, aside from a brief youth loan to Padroense in 2015, Vitinha has spent his entire career with the club until now.
After starring with Porto’s B team at the beginning of this season, scoring eight times and grabbing three assists in 15 matches, Sergio Conceicao promoted him to the first team.
He made his Primeira Liga debut in a 2-1 win over Gil Vicente in January and Conceicao has rewarded him with a further seven appearances since.
Vitinha’s maiden season with the first team brought him two trophies with Porto lifting the Primeira Liga and Portuguese Cup titles.
Speaking about Vitinha’s impact, Conceicao said: “Vitor is a kid with personality and character, who adds quality to that character. He is a very interesting player.”
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on 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
Where will he play?
Vitinha is well placed to learn from Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves - two players who are idolised by kids within Porto’s academy.
He becomes the 10th Portuguese player in Wolves’ first team, though there are some doubts about the future of Bruno Jordao.
Vitinha could well be Jordao’s replacement in Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad with the Wolves midfielder being heavily linked with a move away from WV1.
In addition to filling the vacancy in central midfield, Vitinha has the qualities to thrive further forward.
He has played in an advanced midfield position for Porto, as well as off the left on occasions.
He has been signed with the first team in mind and Wolves hope he will have a similar impact to Pedro Neto, who has exceeded all expectations since joining from Lazio last year.
‘A modern player’
Vitinha is certainly highly-rated in Portugal having risen rapidly from his nation’s under-17s to under-21s.
A Bola reporter Rui Miguel Melo explains: “I really like him. He is a modern player who is really strong playing between the lines.
“He is an offensive midfielder. He belongs to the best Porto generation alongside Fabio Silva. They won the UEFA Youth League with Porto last year.
“He can play in every position in attacking midfield.”
What Jeff Shi has said
“Vitinha is a crucial signing and an integral component in our recruitment plan for this summer," said the Wolves chairman.
“He is an exciting and special young talent, with an abundance of technique and creativity, who can provide a fresh option this season.
“Vitinha signing demonstrates our ambition and strategy to further evolve our first team and continue to progress on the pitch.”


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Self-isolation letters issued after postive coronavirus case at school

Children from a Walsall school have been told they may need to self-isolate after a confirmed coronavirus case .
Letters have been issued to Year 7 students at Grace Academy Darlaston following the positive result on Monday , September 7 .
The site remains open to unaffected pupils and those self-isolating will be taught from home .
A spokesman for the academy said : `` We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the Year 7 bubble .
`` We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child .
`` Please be reassured that for most people , coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) will be a mild illness .
`` The school remains open and we are following strict hygiene measures .
`` Providing your child remains well they can continue to attend school as normal .
We will keep this under review . ''
But letters – which have been handed out to a number of parents – show that some will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , September 18 .
The spokesman added : `` We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 from a student who attends our academy .
`` We have followed the national guidance and have identified that your child may have been in close contact with the affected individual .
`` In line with the national guidance , we recommend that your child now stays at home and self-isolate until Friday 18th September 2020 .
`` We are asking you to do this to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the community .
`` If your child is well at the end of the 14 days period of self-isolation , then they can return to usual activities .
`` Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 14 day self-isolation period . ''
The news comes after four schools across the Black Country have been forced to either close or issue a warning to their students .

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Children from a Walsall school have been told they may need to self-isolate after a confirmed coronavirus case.
Letters have been issued to Year 7 students at Grace Academy Darlaston following the positive result on Monday, September 7.
The site remains open to unaffected pupils and those self-isolating will be taught from home.
A spokesman for the academy said: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the Year 7 bubble.
"We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.
"This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child.
"Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
"The school remains open and we are following strict hygiene measures.
"Providing your child remains well they can continue to attend school as normal. We will keep this under review."
But letters – which have been handed out to a number of parents – show that some will be forced to stay at home until Friday, September 18.
The spokesman added: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 from a student who attends our academy.
"We have followed the national guidance and have identified that your child may have been in close contact with the affected individual.
"In line with the national guidance, we recommend that your child now stays at home and self-isolate until Friday 18th September 2020.
"We are asking you to do this to reduce the further spread of COVID-19 to others in the community.
"If your child is well at the end of the 14 days period of self-isolation, then they can return to usual activities.
"Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 14 day self-isolation period."
The news comes after four schools across the Black Country have been forced to either close or issue a warning to their students.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Tottenham backed to sign £25m Aston Villa target Ollie Watkins

Tottenham have been urged to sign Brentford striker Ollie Watkins , as they look set to battle Aston Villa for his signature .
Dean Smith has been extensively linked with a move for his former striker , after his stunning form almost guided the Bees to the Premier League .
Defeat in the Championship play-off final will , in all likelihood , end his spell with the Bees , with a number of top-flight clubs interested in signing him .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Villa newsletter Villa have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but thus far , those talks have been unsuccessful with them now demanding £28million for the striker .
After missing out on Callum Wilson over the weekend , all attentions have turned towards Brentford and Watkins .
However , over the weekend , Spurs manager Jose Mourinho was credited with an interest in Watkins , as he searches for a deputy for Harry Kane .
And talkSPORT pundit and former Arsenal star Perry Groves has claimed that Spurs should make a move , claiming he can learn and stand-in for Kane .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , strong centre-forward in the past , ” he said .
“ But I don ’ t think Deeney would excite the Tottenham fans .
“ With Spurs , why don ’ t they go and buy a young player from the Championship ; a centre-forward who ’ s got potential ?
“ Like Ollie Watkins , he ’ s the sort of player I think Spurs should be looking for .
Groves added : “ He ’ s raw , he ’ s got potential , he ’ ll be patient , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he can learn off one of the best , in Harry Kane , and if Kane moves on or gets injured , Watkins will be there .
“ I know he would want to play , but you can ’ t turn down the chance to go to a big club , as much as it pains me to say that about Tottenham !
“ Everybody knows they need a centre-forward .
I don ’ t know how much money Spurs have , but in today ’ s market £20m or £25m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , because if he goes to Spurs and it doesn ’ t work you ’ re still going to get your money back .
”

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Tottenham have been urged to sign Brentford striker Ollie Watkins, as they look set to battle Aston Villa for his signature.
Dean Smith has been extensively linked with a move for his former striker, after his stunning form almost guided the Bees to the Premier League.
Defeat in the Championship play-off final will, in all likelihood, end his spell with the Bees, with a number of top-flight clubs interested in signing him.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Villa newsletter
Villa have been attempting to negotiate with the Londoners, but thus far, those talks have been unsuccessful with them now demanding £28million for the striker.
After missing out on Callum Wilson over the weekend, all attentions have turned towards Brentford and Watkins.
However, over the weekend, Spurs manager Jose Mourinho was credited with an interest in Watkins, as he searches for a deputy for Harry Kane.
And talkSPORT pundit and former Arsenal star Perry Groves has claimed that Spurs should make a move, claiming he can learn and stand-in for Kane.
“Jose has always liked a big, strong centre-forward in the past,” he said.
“But I don’t think Deeney would excite the Tottenham fans.
“With Spurs, why don’t they go and buy a young player from the Championship; a centre-forward who’s got potential?
“Like Ollie Watkins, he’s the sort of player I think Spurs should be looking for.
Groves added: “He’s raw, he’s got potential, he’ll be patient, he’ll get chances at Spurs, he can learn off one of the best, in Harry Kane, and if Kane moves on or gets injured, Watkins will be there.
“I know he would want to play, but you can’t turn down the chance to go to a big club, as much as it pains me to say that about Tottenham!
“Everybody knows they need a centre-forward. I don’t know how much money Spurs have, but in today’s market £20m or £25m for a player like that is worth it, because if he goes to Spurs and it doesn’t work you’re still going to get your money back.”


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Crimewatch appeal over brutal carjacking of mum-to-be

Police have asked TV viewers for help as they hunt brutal carjackers who followed a pregnant woman home from a hospital appointment .
The mum-to-be 's partner feared for his life as he was confronted by thugs who beat him up outside their Kings Norton home .
CCTV captured the shocking moment four men attacked the couple as they pulled up to their home in a grey Volkswagen Golf estate .
The pregnant woman , who was due to give birth in days , watched the shocking scene unfold in the front passenger seat but was unharmed .
The man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was being attacked and , after getting his wife out of the vehicle , they made off in the car .
He was taken to hospital where he received a significant amount of stitches for cuts to his head , broken fingers and bruising to his body .
His wife was treated for high blood pressure .
The Golf and the thugs responsible have not been found more than three months on from the carjacking on May 28 .
Pc Jamie Bunting , who appeared on the programme , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
`` The couple had been to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and we believe they were followed back by four men in a white Renault Clio .
The couple arrived at their home at 2.45pm .
Three males ran up to the driver of the Volkswagen Golf estate and started attacking him , kicking and punching him .
He feared for his life .
`` His partner who was 39 weeks pregnant was sitting in the front passenger seat .
`` He threw the car keys to them and three men jumped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vehicle while the another drove off in the Renault Clio . ''
Pc Bunting said the couple 's Golf estate , registration VA16 LFT , had not been found .
He also appealed for the public 's help to find the white Renault Clio with a distinctive black roof .
People with information should ring West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

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Police have asked TV viewers for help as they hunt brutal carjackers who followed a pregnant woman home from a hospital appointment.
The mum-to-be's partner feared for his life as he was confronted by thugs who beat him up outside their Kings Norton home.
CCTV captured the shocking moment four men attacked the couple as they pulled up to their home in a grey Volkswagen Golf estate.
The pregnant woman, who was due to give birth in days, watched the shocking scene unfold in the front passenger seat but was unharmed.
(Image: BBC)
The man threw the keys to the gang while he was being attacked and, after getting his wife out of the vehicle, they made off in the car.
He was taken to hospital where he received a significant amount of stitches for cuts to his head, broken fingers and bruising to his body. His wife was treated for high blood pressure.
The Golf and the thugs responsible have not been found more than three months on from the carjacking on May 28.
A fresh appeal was broadcast on BBC1's Crimewatch Roadshow Live today, Monday, September 7
Pc Jamie Bunting, who appeared on the programme, said: "The incident happened on May 28 this year.
"The couple had been to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and we believe they were followed back by four men in a white Renault Clio.
The couple arrived at their home at 2.45pm. Three males ran up to the driver of the Volkswagen Golf estate and started attacking him, kicking and punching him. He feared for his life.
(Image: BBC)
"His partner who was 39 weeks pregnant was sitting in the front passenger seat.
"He threw the car keys to them and three men jumped in the car and made off in the vehicle while the another drove off in the Renault Clio."
Pc Bunting said the couple's Golf estate, registration VA16 LFT, had not been found. He also appealed for the public's help to find the white Renault Clio with a distinctive black roof.
People with information should ring West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Birmingham entrepreneur launches app to compete with takeaway giant Deliveroo

A Birmingham-based entrepreneur has teamed up with easyJet to launch a new takeaway app that takes on giants like Deliveroo and Uber Eats .
Jeewan Sagu , started developing his business , easyFood , with his friend Gurpreet Sidhu , after leaving university in 2005 , only the website sparked a legal battle between himself and travel company easyJet .
After a dispute , over the use of the 'easy ' name , the pair managed to form a partnership with Sir Stelios Hanji-Ioannou , the founder of easyJet .
Now , the takeaway site has launched a new app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that aims to be more cost friendly than other takeaway apps .
Jeewan Sagu , said : “ Our app will do so much more than other delivery apps .
For instance , if you ’ re eating in at a pub or restaurant you can browse the menu and order your food which will be brought to your table and then you can pay on the app .
“ Visitors to registered pubs , bars and restaurants will be able to use their smartphone to scan an easyFood QR barcode at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This will allow customers to submit their details securely , which can then be used to alert them should there be a Covid-19 outbreak at that particular venue .
“ It will also help bar , pub and restaurant owners as we will be charging them less than the big delivery companies.
” Jeewan told Birmingham Live that his business have scrapped fees for restaurants so that companies can afford to give special offers to customers during the country 's financial recovery .
The app only lists venues with a hygiene rating of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas .
easyJet founder , Sir Stelios said : “ The government ’ s social distancing guidance makes many restaurant owners nervous about making it through this very difficult period .
`` It ’ s a great opportunity for those businesses that are being affected by the downturn to join easyFood and transition to a delivery-based operation .
”

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A Birmingham-based entrepreneur has teamed up with easyJet to launch a new takeaway app that takes on giants like Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
Jeewan Sagu, started developing his business, easyFood, with his friend Gurpreet Sidhu, after leaving university in 2005, only the website sparked a legal battle between himself and travel company easyJet.
After a dispute, over the use of the 'easy' name, the pair managed to form a partnership with Sir Stelios Hanji-Ioannou, the founder of easyJet.
Now, the takeaway site has launched a new app on Google Play and the App store, that aims to be more cost friendly than other takeaway apps.
Jeewan Sagu, said: “Our app will do so much more than other delivery apps. For instance, if you’re eating in at a pub or restaurant you can browse the menu and order your food which will be brought to your table and then you can pay on the app.
(Image: easyFood)
“Visitors to registered pubs, bars and restaurants will be able to use their smartphone to scan an easyFood QR barcode at the entrance to the premises.
“This will allow customers to submit their details securely, which can then be used to alert them should there be a Covid-19 outbreak at that particular venue.
“It will also help bar, pub and restaurant owners as we will be charging them less than the big delivery companies.”
Jeewan told Birmingham Live that his business have scrapped fees for restaurants so that companies can afford to give special offers to customers during the country's financial recovery.
The app only lists venues with a hygiene rating of over 2 stars in over 300 franchise areas.
easyJet founder, Sir Stelios said: “The government’s social distancing guidance makes many restaurant owners nervous about making it through this very difficult period.
"It’s a great opportunity for those businesses that are being affected by the downturn to join easyFood and transition to a delivery-based operation.”


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Four in custody in connection with city centre stabbings

Three people have been arrested by police on suspicion of helping a suspect in the Birmingham stabbings which left one man dead .
A 27-year-old man was arrested at his home address in Selly Oak this morning ( Monday ) on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder .
West Midlands Police later revealed that three other people , two men and a woman , were being held on suspicion of assisting an offender .
Jacob Billington , 23 , was stabbed to death as an attacker knifed eight people in attacks across the city centre early on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonight that another man , aged 30 , stabbed in Livery Street and a 22-year-old woman , attacked in Hurst Street , remained critically injured in hospital .
Four others , three men and a woman were also injured .
Police released details today of the man who died in Sunday 's attack after being stabbed in Irving Street .
Jacob Billington , 23 , was out with school friends from Liverpool visiting one of their group who is studying in Birmingham .
Another friend , also 23 , was seriously injured and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jacob ’ s family released a statement which said : “ Jacob was the light of our life and we have been devastated by his loss .
“ He was a funny , caring and wonderful person who was loved by every single person he met .
He lit up every room with his boundless energy and witty humour and the loss of such a special person will be felt by all who knew him for years to come .
“ We ask that our privacy is respected during this difficult time.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our thoughts and sympathies are with Jacob ’ s family and friends after receiving such shocking news , particularly for those who were sharing their night out with him .
It ’ s utterly shocking that a friends ’ reunion should end so brutally .
`` Equally the families of the other victims have been left devastated by the events of Sunday morning and we are working hard to discover what led to the apparently random attacks .
We have no suggestion that the motive was either racial , homophobic or gang-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone with information or camera footage to contact them via Live Chat on our website west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or call 101 anytime .
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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Three people have been arrested by police on suspicion of helping a suspect in the Birmingham stabbings which left one man dead.
A 27-year-old man was arrested at his home address in Selly Oak this morning (Monday) on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder.
West Midlands Police later revealed that three other people, two men and a woman, were being held on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Jacob Billington, 23, was stabbed to death as an attacker knifed eight people in attacks across the city centre early on Sunday morning.
Police have also revealed tonight that another man, aged 30, stabbed in Livery Street and a 22-year-old woman, attacked in Hurst Street, remained critically injured in hospital.
Four others, three men and a woman were also injured.
Police released details today of the man who died in Sunday's attack after being stabbed in Irving Street.
(Image: Jordan Hart)
Jacob Billington, 23, was out with school friends from Liverpool visiting one of their group who is studying in Birmingham. Another friend, also 23, was seriously injured and remains in hospital in a critical condition.
Jacob’s family released a statement which said: “Jacob was the light of our life and we have been devastated by his loss.
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“He was a funny, caring and wonderful person who was loved by every single person he met. He lit up every room with his boundless energy and witty humour and the loss of such a special person will be felt by all who knew him for years to come.
“We ask that our privacy is respected during this difficult time.”
Chief Supt Steve Graham said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with Jacob’s family and friends after receiving such shocking news, particularly for those who were sharing their night out with him. It’s utterly shocking that a friends’ reunion should end so brutally.
"Equally the families of the other victims have been left devastated by the events of Sunday morning and we are working hard to discover what led to the apparently random attacks. We have no suggestion that the motive was either racial, homophobic or gang-related."
Detectives are still appealing for anyone with information or camera footage to contact them via Live Chat on our website west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or call 101 anytime. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Police chief attacks 'ill-informed' critics over stabbings investigation

West Midlands Police chief constable Dave Thompson has condemned what he called the `` ill-informed critique '' of his force 's reponse to the Birmingham knife attacks .
David Thompson said there would be a `` time and place to the review the actions '' of police , after a 23-year-old man was killed and seven others injured , some critically , during a spate of stabbings early on Sunday .
But he said : `` Engaging in an ill-informed critique of this investigation , particularly at such an early stage , is both unhelpful and simply makes the job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thompson spoke after Labour Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood appeared to suggest the life of Jacob Billington could have been saved had there been a quicker response to multiple attacks at different scenes .
He was quoted in The Times as saying : `` Potentially , had the alarm been set up early enough , the individual who is now deceased could have been saved . ''
Questions were also asked in some quarters about the time it took the force to issue CCTV images of a suspect .
Mr Billington , 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 1.52am on Sunday .
He was out with old school friends from Liverpool , who were visiting the city , West Midlands Police said .
A 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder following the string of knife attacks , remains in custody .
He was detained at an address in the Selly Oak area of the city , at 4am on Monday .
Three other people , two men and a woman , were arrested from the same address on suspicion of assisting an offender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Jamieson told Times Radio there would be an examination of police performance following the stabbings .
Asked whether it seemed extraordinary that an attacker could go on a rampage for two hours in Britain 's second city , he said : `` It does , and that is a question I will be asking once a person is in custody , then we need to reflect on the whole incident .
`` What we want to know , the police will look at this closely , we want to know that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we avoid it if we can .
`` Yes , there will be questions asked , there will be , if you like , debriefings on the whole thing and if necessary we will have to look at any different approach we take to policing .
`` Everything will be done , there will be a thorough investigation , and we will look for any lessons that need to be learned , we will learn those lessons .
`` But as I 've seen up to now the police have acted very swiftly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the unusual step of issuing a formal statement on Monday , rebutting claims the police had acted too slowly in responding on the night and issuing CCTV of the suspect .
He said : `` Sadly I regret others have sought to express opinions on the police response and the approach of the investigation to releasing media images or the motivation for this .
`` There is always a time and place to review the actions of an accountable police service .
`` That should take place in the context of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know . ''
He added : `` West Midlands Police will continue its investigation and will not be engaging further on discussions on these matters . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Andy Richardson, James Rodger)

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West Midlands Police chief constable Dave Thompson has condemned what he called the "ill-informed critique" of his force's reponse to the Birmingham knife attacks.
David Thompson said there would be a "time and place to the review the actions" of police, after a 23-year-old man was killed and seven others injured, some critically, during a spate of stabbings early on Sunday.
But he said: "Engaging in an ill-informed critique of this investigation, particularly at such an early stage, is both unhelpful and simply makes the job of the police harder."
Mr Thompson spoke after Labour Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood appeared to suggest the life of Jacob Billington could have been saved had there been a quicker response to multiple attacks at different scenes.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
He was quoted in The Times as saying: "Potentially, had the alarm been set up early enough, the individual who is now deceased could have been saved."
Questions were also asked in some quarters about the time it took the force to issue CCTV images of a suspect.
Mr Billington, 23, was fatally stabbed in Irving Street at 1.52am on Sunday. He was out with old school friends from Liverpool, who were visiting the city, West Midlands Police said.
A 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder following the string of knife attacks, remains in custody.
He was detained at an address in the Selly Oak area of the city, at 4am on Monday.
Three other people, two men and a woman, were arrested from the same address on suspicion of assisting an offender.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson told Times Radio there would be an examination of police performance following the stabbings.
Asked whether it seemed extraordinary that an attacker could go on a rampage for two hours in Britain's second city, he said: "It does, and that is a question I will be asking once a person is in custody, then we need to reflect on the whole incident.
"What we want to know, the police will look at this closely, we want to know that, if something similar happened again, how we avoid it if we can.
"Yes, there will be questions asked, there will be, if you like, debriefings on the whole thing and if necessary we will have to look at any different approach we take to policing.
"Everything will be done, there will be a thorough investigation, and we will look for any lessons that need to be learned, we will learn those lessons.
"But as I've seen up to now the police have acted very swiftly and very professionally."
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Mr Thompson took the unusual step of issuing a formal statement on Monday, rebutting claims the police had acted too slowly in responding on the night and issuing CCTV of the suspect.
He said: "Sadly I regret others have sought to express opinions on the police response and the approach of the investigation to releasing media images or the motivation for this.
"There is always a time and place to review the actions of an accountable police service.
"That should take place in the context of the facts, which commentators clearly do not know."
He added: "West Midlands Police will continue its investigation and will not be engaging further on discussions on these matters."


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Phil Foden question Man City face ahead of Wolves opener after England axe

England boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood have left the England squad due to breaking quarantine rules out in Iceland .
Both players have since apologised for their actions , and will subsequently miss England 's UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark in Copenhagen .
Southgate confirmed the news at his pre-match press conference on Monday , labelling the duo `` naive '' for their actions .
Both players are now expected back in the UK to continue preparations ahead of the new season .
Manchester City and Manchester United begin their respective campaigns a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league due to their respective European commitments .
United host Crystal Palace on September 19 , while City take on Wolves on Monday , September 21 .
Could there be a knock-on effect to their respective preparations ?
Here 's everything we know so far ...
The England squad were exempt from rules that require visitors to Iceland isolating for 14 days , but were still subject to strict guidelines that prevented them from seeing people from outside their social bubble .
As well as being kicked out of Southgate 's squad , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hefty fine from the Icelandic authorities for their actions .
They will then return to their clubs , with Foden and Man City likely to be well aware that they will need to be at their very best to overcome Wolves on the opening day .
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Google Play Store and App Store Will they be affected by quarantine rules ?
Iceland is not currently on the list of countries subject to travel restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK are currently not required to isolate .
With that in mind , it 's understood Manchester United are not expecting Greenwood to be forced into isolation , and it 's likely that City are feeling the same .
So , Foden will be available to face Wolves then ?
Yes , as things stand , it seems they 're still eligible , but the statements from both clubs were pretty strong in their condemnation of the pair 's behaviour .
Meanwhile , a spokesperson for City said : `` It is clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inappropriate .
`` His behaviour not only directly contravenes strict guidelines related to Covid-19 , but also falls well below the standard expected of a Manchester City player and England international . ''
Given the tone of that statement , it 's not entirely beyond the realms of possibility that the 20-year-old will face internal action from City chiefs , and may yet miss the opening game as a result .

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England boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood have left the England squad due to breaking quarantine rules out in Iceland.
Both players have since apologised for their actions, and will subsequently miss England's UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark in Copenhagen.
Southgate confirmed the news at his pre-match press conference on Monday, labelling the duo "naive" for their actions.
Both players are now expected back in the UK to continue preparations ahead of the new season.
Manchester City and Manchester United begin their respective campaigns a week later than the rest of the league due to their respective European commitments.
United host Crystal Palace on September 19, while City take on Wolves on Monday, September 21.
Could there be a knock-on effect to their respective preparations?
Here's everything we know so far...
The current situation
The England squad were exempt from rules that require visitors to Iceland isolating for 14 days, but were still subject to strict guidelines that prevented them from seeing people from outside their social bubble.
As well as being kicked out of Southgate's squad, Foden and Greenwood look set to face a hefty fine from the Icelandic authorities for their actions.
They will then return to their clubs, with Foden and Man City likely to be well aware that they will need to be at their very best to overcome Wolves on the opening day.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on 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
Will they be affected by quarantine rules?
Iceland is not currently on the list of countries subject to travel restrictions, meaning that those returning to the UK are currently not required to isolate.
With that in mind, it's understood Manchester United are not expecting Greenwood to be forced into isolation, and it's likely that City are feeling the same.
So, Foden will be available to face Wolves then?
Not necessarily.
Yes, as things stand, it seems they're still eligible, but the statements from both clubs were pretty strong in their condemnation of the pair's behaviour.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for City said: "It is clear that Phil’s actions were totally inappropriate.
"His behaviour not only directly contravenes strict guidelines related to Covid-19, but also falls well below the standard expected of a Manchester City player and England international."
Given the tone of that statement, it's not entirely beyond the realms of possibility that the 20-year-old will face internal action from City chiefs, and may yet miss the opening game as a result.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Government announces regional travel corridors for holidaymakers

England is to start applying a regional approach to its quarantine policy for international arrivals , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said .
From 4am on Wednesday arrivals from seven Greek islands will need to self-isolate for 14 days , but mainland Greece will maintain its coronavirus quarantine-exemption .
The decision brings England into line with Wales , which recently removed seven Greek islands from its quarantine-free list .
Mr Shapps said : `` Our top priority has always been to keep domestic infection rates down , and today we 're taking the next step in our approach .
`` Through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now be able to pinpoint risk in some of the most popular islands , providing increased flexibility to add or remove them - distinct from the mainland - as infection rates change .
`` This development will help boost the UK 's travel industry while continuing to maintain maximum protection to public health , keeping the travelling public safe . ''
Mr Shapps added that seven Greek islands will be removed from the UK 's travel corridor list at 4am on Wednesday .
He told MPs : `` However , it is worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open up additional islands immediately .
`` For example , when we removed Spain from the travel corridor list there were 24 cases per 100,000 .
Today there are 127 cases and it remains too high in the Balearic and Canary Islands as well .
`` On the other hand , Greece remains within our travel corridor programme , but our new analysis shows that some of the islands are well outside of the parameters . ''
Mr Shapps added : `` However , using our newly-acquired JBC data we are now in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holidaymakers are at risk of spreading the new infection back home , and seven Greek islands will therefore be removed from the travel list at 4am on Wednesday 9 September , whilst maintaining mainland Greece . ''

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England is to start applying a regional approach to its quarantine policy for international arrivals, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said.
From 4am on Wednesday arrivals from seven Greek islands will need to self-isolate for 14 days, but mainland Greece will maintain its coronavirus quarantine-exemption.
The decision brings England into line with Wales, which recently removed seven Greek islands from its quarantine-free list.
Mr Shapps said: "Our top priority has always been to keep domestic infection rates down, and today we're taking the next step in our approach.
"Through the use of enhanced data we will now be able to pinpoint risk in some of the most popular islands, providing increased flexibility to add or remove them - distinct from the mainland - as infection rates change.
"This development will help boost the UK's travel industry while continuing to maintain maximum protection to public health, keeping the travelling public safe."
Mr Shapps added that seven Greek islands will be removed from the UK's travel corridor list at 4am on Wednesday.
He told MPs: "However, it is worth noting that the policy will not necessarily open up additional islands immediately.
"For example, when we removed Spain from the travel corridor list there were 24 cases per 100,000. Today there are 127 cases and it remains too high in the Balearic and Canary Islands as well.
"On the other hand, Greece remains within our travel corridor programme, but our new analysis shows that some of the islands are well outside of the parameters."
Mr Shapps added: "However, using our newly-acquired JBC data we are now in a position to remove Greek islands where holidaymakers are at risk of spreading the new infection back home, and seven Greek islands will therefore be removed from the travel list at 4am on Wednesday 9 September, whilst maintaining mainland Greece."


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Wolves set to sign midfielder Vitor Ferreira from FC Porto

Wolverhampton Wanderers look set to complete the signing of midfielder Vitor Ferreira from FC Porto .
The 20-year-old is poised @ @ @ @ @ at Molineux later this week which includes an option for it to be made permanent @ @ @ @ @ to Wolves from Porto after the 18-year-old attacker completed a club-record £35million transfer over the @ @ @ @ @ Portugal under-21 international and has played alongside Wolves duo Ruben Vinagre and Pedro Neto .
@ @ @ @ @ the Primeira Liga last season as Porto clinched the title .
He was also part @ @ @ @ @ the Portuguese Cup in 2019/20 .
Ferreira is a client of super-agent Jorge Mendes and @ @ @ @ @ player in Wolves ’ first team squad .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers look set to complete the signing of midfielder Vitor Ferreira from FC Porto.
The 20-year-old is poised to sign a loan agreement at Molineux later this week which includes an option for it to be made permanent.
Ferreira follows Fabio Silva to Wolves from Porto after the 18-year-old attacker completed a club-record £35million transfer over the weekend.
Ferreira is a Portugal under-21 international and has played alongside Wolves duo Ruben Vinagre and Pedro Neto.
He featured eight times in the Primeira Liga last season as Porto clinched the title. He was also part of the squad which won the Portuguese Cup in 2019/20.
Ferreira is a client of super-agent Jorge Mendes and will become the 10th Portuguese player in Wolves’ first team squad.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Birmingham stabbings: Police arrested man, 27, at Selly Oak bedsit

A man arrested over the series of Birmingham city centre stabbings was arrested at a city bedsit , according to an MP .
Labour politician Steve McCabe has praised the emergency services dealing with Birmingham stabbings , issuing a statement tonight ( September 7 ) .
The Selly Oak politician said : `` The suspect in Birmingham appears to have been arrested from an HMO ( house in multiple occupation ) in a residential part of my constituency .
`` By happenstance I had a useful discussion today with officials at HCLG about the dangers of an over-concentration of HMOs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It comes after a 23-year-old was killed and seven other people were injured in attacks at four locations in Birmingham over a period of 90 minutes in the early hours of Sunday morning .
A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder .
He remains in custody on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder .
Three other people , two men and a woman , were arrested from the same address on suspicion of assisting an offender .
Jacob Billington , 23 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham , at about 1.52am on Sunday while out with old school friends from Liverpool , who were visiting the city , West Midlands Police said .
One of his friends , also 23 , was seriously injured and remains in hospital in a critical condition , the force added .
In a statement issued through police , Mr Billington 's family said : `` Jacob was the light of our life and we have been devastated by his loss .
`` He was a funny , caring and wonderful person who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He lit up every room with his boundless energy and witty humour and the loss of such a special person will be felt by all who knew him for years to come .
`` We ask that our privacy is respected during this difficult time . ''
Detectives are still appealing for anyone with information or camera footage to contact them via Live Chat on our website west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or call 101 anytime .
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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A man arrested over the series of Birmingham city centre stabbings was arrested at a city bedsit, according to an MP.
Labour politician Steve McCabe has praised the emergency services dealing with Birmingham stabbings, issuing a statement tonight (September 7).
The Selly Oak politician said: "The suspect in Birmingham appears to have been arrested from an HMO (house in multiple occupation) in a residential part of my constituency.
"By happenstance I had a useful discussion today with officials at HCLG about the dangers of an over-concentration of HMOs and non-commissioned supportive accommodation in particular areas."
It comes after a 23-year-old was killed and seven other people were injured in attacks at four locations in Birmingham over a period of 90 minutes in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
He remains in custody on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder.
Three other people, two men and a woman, were arrested from the same address on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Jacob Billington, 23, was fatally stabbed in Irving Street, Birmingham, at about 1.52am on Sunday while out with old school friends from Liverpool, who were visiting the city, West Midlands Police said.
One of his friends, also 23, was seriously injured and remains in hospital in a critical condition, the force added.
In a statement issued through police, Mr Billington's family said: "Jacob was the light of our life and we have been devastated by his loss.
"He was a funny, caring and wonderful person who was loved by every single person he met.
"He lit up every room with his boundless energy and witty humour and the loss of such a special person will be felt by all who knew him for years to come.
"We ask that our privacy is respected during this difficult time."
Detectives are still appealing for anyone with information or camera footage to contact them via Live Chat on our website west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or call 101 anytime. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--'An unacceptable risk' - Stan Collymore fires transfer warning at Aston Villa

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Stan Collymore thinks Aston Villa need to add experienced Premier League players this summer.
The Villa fan, who made 47 appearances for his boyhood club during a three-year spell at Villa Park just over two decades ago, says Dean Smith's squad needs significant investment to stay in the Premier League again.
So far Villa have improved a team that finished one place above the relegation zone by signing Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest, who is yet to test himself in the top flight, for an initial £14 million.
Villa have been linked with moves for Brentford's Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma, with the pair impressing in the Championship for Thomas Frank's side but they unknown to the Premier League.
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Unlike Premier League mainstay Callum Wilson, who opted to join Newcastle United for £20 million today with his mover to St James' Park sealed.
Clubs are looking to the Championship for value in a market that has been drastically affected by the coronavirus pandemic and Watkins and Benrahma are known to Smith from his time at Brentford.
Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster is being linked with a move to Villa again after Smith was credited with an interest in the former Swansea City man in January.
In a question and answer session on Twitter, Collymore was replying to a user who posed the question: "Is there enough strength in the current villa squad to stay in the Prem, should they fail to make any significant signings?"
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Collymore replied: "No, it would be taking an unacceptable risk after an extraordinary low tally to not add significantly in quality Premier League quality players.
"I've seen nothing to suggest this team will be the required 9-12 points better off simply by signing no experienced performers."
Villa have also been linked with Werder Bremen attacker Milot Rashica and Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Families told to stay at home after suspected Covid-19 outbreak at school

A Black Country primary school has been forced to close following a suspected COVID-19 case .
Smethwick-based Crocketts Community Primary was closed to pupils in Years 1 to 6 today , Monday , September 7 .
A staff member was in isolation awaiting test results , and public health professionals will review the situation at the school once results are back .
Parents , guardians and carers are being advised to keep children at home and not send them to relatives or allow them to mix with others outside their household .
Around five other members of staff , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned , were also self-isolating .
Cleaning is being carried out in the school , which will be open to new reception and nursery pupils who start school this week .
The school is working with Sandwell Council 's Public Health team and Public Health England to manage the situation and will remain closed tomorrow , Tuesday , September 8 .
Sandwell 's director of public health , Lisa McNally , said : `` A member of staff at the school is unwell and is waiting for the results of a Covid-19 test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a precaution and I 'd like to thank the school for working with the council and Public Health England on this .
`` The school has responded exactly as they should have done .
They contacted PHE and the council immediately .
`` The school already had very good infection control procedures in place which will have helped minimise any potential spread .
`` However , we do have to think about the health of our children and that 's why we 've advised that the school remains closed for now to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Headteacher Lynne Paino said : `` Obviously we 're disappointed we 've had to close but the health of our children is our top priority .
`` We 're working closely with the council and PHE and we hope school will be able to re-open soon.
” Parents , guardians and carers have been informed of the school 's closure and are advised to watch out for updates on the school 's ClassDojo site .

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A Black Country primary school has been forced to partially close following a suspected COVID-19 case.
Smethwick-based Crocketts Community Primary was closed to pupils in Years 1 to 6 today, Monday, September 7.
A staff member was in isolation awaiting test results, and public health professionals will review the situation at the school once results are back.
Parents, guardians and carers are being advised to keep children at home and not send them to relatives or allow them to mix with others outside their household.
Around five other members of staff, who also had direct contact with the worker concerned, were also self-isolating.
Cleaning is being carried out in the school, which will be open to new reception and nursery pupils who start school this week.
The school is working with Sandwell Council's Public Health team and Public Health England to manage the situation and will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8.
Sandwell's director of public health, Lisa McNally, said: "A member of staff at the school is unwell and is waiting for the results of a Covid-19 test.
"The school has been closed as a precaution and I'd like to thank the school for working with the council and Public Health England on this.
"The school has responded exactly as they should have done. They contacted PHE and the council immediately.
"The school already had very good infection control procedures in place which will have helped minimise any potential spread.
"However, we do have to think about the health of our children and that's why we've advised that the school remains closed for now to pupils who were in school last week."
Headteacher Lynne Paino said: "Obviously we're disappointed we've had to close but the health of our children is our top priority.
"We're working closely with the council and PHE and we hope school will be able to re-open soon.”
Parents, guardians and carers have been informed of the school's closure and are advised to watch out for updates on the school's ClassDojo site.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Villa learn key Odsonne Edouard transfer update - reports

Aston Villa are still searching for attacking reinforcements after missing out on Callum Wilson .
Wilson opted to join Villa 's Premier League rivals Newcastle United in a £20million transfer from Bournemouth , leaving Dean Smith to extend his search for a new striker .
Villa are in the market for two forwards this month , though negotiations over a move for Brentford 's Ollie Watkins have stalled in recent weeks .
Another player who has been heavily linked with a move to Villa Park is Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard .
The France under-21 international has scored 55 goals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is attracting interest from the Premier League .
Leicester City , who are managed by ex-Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers , are also chasing Edouard but an update on the Foxes ' interest has emerged in the national media .
The Daily Mail claims Leicester are now 'unlikely ' to make a move for Edouard while Celtic are demanding £40million for the forward .
That fee would be a significant increase on anything Villa have spent before with the £22million move for Wesley last summer still the club 's transfer record .
Edouard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a move to Arsenal since the transfer window opened .

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Aston Villa are still searching for attacking reinforcements after missing out on Callum Wilson.
Wilson opted to join Villa's Premier League rivals Newcastle United in a £20million transfer from Bournemouth, leaving Dean Smith to extend his search for a new striker.
Villa are in the market for two forwards this month, though negotiations over a move for Brentford's Ollie Watkins have stalled in recent weeks.
Another player who has been heavily linked with a move to Villa Park is Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard. The France under-21 international has scored 55 goals in 101 games for the Scottish champions and is attracting interest from the Premier League.
Leicester City, who are managed by ex-Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, are also chasing Edouard but an update on the Foxes' interest has emerged in the national media.
The Daily Mail claims Leicester are now 'unlikely' to make a move for Edouard while Celtic are demanding £40million for the forward.
That fee would be a significant increase on anything Villa have spent before with the £22million move for Wesley last summer still the club's transfer record.
Edouard, 22, has also been linked with a move to Arsenal since the transfer window opened.