birminghammail--2020-02-17--Birmingham Airport passengers offered free meals for kids on Jet2 flights

A leading airline is distributing free in-flight meals to kids to mark Random Acts of Kindness Day .
Jet2.com , @ @ @ @ @ , is handing out complimentary meals to youngsters on flights taking off on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ February half-term holiday will be given brand-new meal boxes to celebrate the launch of the @ @ @ @ @ be randomly selected and given a meal box while flying with the award-winning airline .
@ @ @ @ @ find a golden ticket in their meal box , entitling them to a free family @ @ @ @ @ contain a delicious hot meal of either the All Day Breakfast , Crispy Chicken Strips @ @ @ @ @ and Mash , plus other tasty snacks , including Cadbury ’ s Chocolate Buttons , @ @ @ @ @ and a drink .
The boxes also contain an activity pack and colouring pencils to @ @ @ @ @ during the flight .
The February half-term marks the first time that the airline has @ @ @ @ @ onboard ts aircraft .

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A leading airline is distributing free in-flight meals to kids to mark Random Acts of Kindness Day.
Jet2.com, which operates from Birmingham Airport, is handing out complimentary meals to youngsters on flights taking off on Monday.
Children heading off on a February half-term holiday will be given brand-new meal boxes to celebrate the launch of the product.
Lucky children will be randomly selected and given a meal box while flying with the award-winning airline.
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One lucky winner will also find a golden ticket in their meal box, entitling them to a free family holiday.
The meal boxes contain a delicious hot meal of either the All Day Breakfast, Crispy Chicken Strips, Macaroni Cheese or Sausage and Mash, plus other tasty snacks, including Cadbury’s Chocolate Buttons, Goodies Mini Cheese Crackers, and a drink.
The boxes also contain an activity pack and colouring pencils to keep the young passengers entertained during the flight.
The February half-term marks the first time that the airline has served the new meal boxes onboard ts aircraft.


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Firefighter Andrew Moore found dead at Wolverhampton fire station

A firefighter has been found dead at Wolverhampton fire station .
Andrew Moore , aged 50 , was found inside following a night shift on Sunday , February 16 .
West Midlands Fire Service said he had taken his own life .
Mr Moore , a firefighter for more than 25 years , had been on duty with colleagues from Red Watch .
Fire stations and officers across West Midlands Fire Service changed their social media profile pictures to a thin red line in tribute following his death .
The service was supporting Mr Moore 's family in the wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silence was observed by members of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority in memory of Mr Moore at the start of Monday morning ’ s headquarters meeting .
Chief Fire Officer Phil Loach said : “ Andrew ’ s death has come as a great shock to the entire service .
`` Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family , friends and colleagues .
“ One of our senior officers informed Andrew ’ s family of his death .
We will continue to provide them with all the support they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman Coun Greg Brackenridge said : “ Our thoughts are very much with Andrew ’ s family .
I know that his death has affected many people , within and outside of the service .
We will ensure that we do all we can for those who need support.
” Mr Moore joined North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in September 1993 and transferred to the West Midlands in May 1996 .
Flags at fire service sites were being flown at half mast on Monday .
*If you are experiencing mental health problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about someone else , support is available .
Speak with your GP , who can refer into appropriate local services , contact the Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline on 0808 800 2234 for out-of-hours support , or call the Samaritans on 116 123 for a listening ear 24 hours a day , 365 days a year .

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A firefighter has been found dead at Wolverhampton fire station.
Andrew Moore, aged 50, was found inside following a night shift on Sunday, February 16.
West Midlands Fire Service said he had taken his own life.
Mr Moore, a firefighter for more than 25 years, had been on duty with colleagues from Red Watch.
Fire stations and officers across West Midlands Fire Service changed their social media profile pictures to a thin red line in tribute following his death.
The service was supporting Mr Moore's family in the wake of the tragedy.
A minute's silence was observed by members of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority in memory of Mr Moore at the start of Monday morning’s headquarters meeting.
Chief Fire Officer Phil Loach said: “Andrew’s death has come as a great shock to the entire service.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and colleagues.
“One of our senior officers informed Andrew’s family of his death. We will continue to provide them with all the support they need at this very difficult time.”
Authority chairman Coun Greg Brackenridge said: “Our thoughts are very much with Andrew’s family. I know that his death has affected many people, within and outside of the service. We will ensure that we do all we can for those who need support.”
Mr Moore joined North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in September 1993 and transferred to the West Midlands in May 1996.
Flags at fire service sites were being flown at half mast on Monday.
*If you are experiencing mental health problems, feeling suicidal, or are concerned about someone else, support is available. Speak with your GP, who can refer into appropriate local services, contact the Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline on 0808 800 2234 for out-of-hours support, or call the Samaritans on 116 123 for a listening ear 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.


birminghammail--2020-02-17--'It is not a choice' - Coronation Street's Nicola Thorp in passionate defence of Caroline Flack afte

'It is not a choice' - Coronation Street's Nicola Thorp in passionate defence of Caroline Flack after suicide

Ruth Langsford and Coronation Street star Nicola Thorp have both fought back tears during an emotional segment on Caroline Flack .
The segment aired on This Morning two days after it emerged Caroline Flack had died at the age of 40 after taking her own life .
The Love Island star was found dead at her new flat in east London on Saturday .
Flack had also taken to social media shortly before her death , sharing a collage of pictures of herself with her pet dog on Instagram on Thursday .
And on Monday , Corrie star Nicola hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take her own life .
She insisted : `` It is not a choice .
Suicide is something that happens when you don ’ t have a choice . ''
Stepping in , Ruth said : `` When you believe you don ’ t have a choice .
And that 's the sad thing for people left behind .
They say so many people loved you .
You did have a choice .
You could have called me , you could have called mum . ''
Nicola said : `` I think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on in someone 's head who suffers with mental health issues .
They feel like a burden ... '' Nicola started to choke up , and grabbed Ruth 's hand as they comforted each other .
`` Poor Ruth , this must be so difficult for her after losing her sister to suicide recently .
I really feel for her ... '' one viewer wrote on Twitter .

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Ruth Langsford and Coronation Street star Nicola Thorp have both fought back tears during an emotional segment on Caroline Flack.
The segment aired on This Morning two days after it emerged Caroline Flack had died at the age of 40 after taking her own life.
The Love Island star was found dead at her new flat in east London on Saturday.
Flack had also taken to social media shortly before her death, sharing a collage of pictures of herself with her pet dog on Instagram on Thursday.
And on Monday, Corrie star Nicola hit back at those saying Caroline chose to take her own life.
She insisted: "It is not a choice. Suicide is something that happens when you don’t have a choice."
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Stepping in, Ruth said: "When you believe you don’t have a choice. And that's the sad thing for people left behind. They say so many people loved you. You did have a choice. You could have called me, you could have called mum."
Nicola said: "I think it's worth people knowing what's going on in someone's head who suffers with mental health issues. They feel like a burden..."
Nicola started to choke up, and grabbed Ruth's hand as they comforted each other.
"Poor Ruth, this must be so difficult for her after losing her sister to suicide recently. I really feel for her..." one viewer wrote on Twitter.


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Ruth Langsford breaks down over sister's suicide after Caroline Flack death

Ruth Langsford fought back tears on This Morning today - days after Caroline Flack 's tragic death .
Ruth , the wife of Eamonn Holmes , who was presenting the show alongside her , spoke out after Caroline 's death this weekend .
She was seen breaking down on Monday , February 17 , as Caroline 's tragedy brought back memories of her sister 's suicide .
Ruth 's older sister Julia Johnson , 62 , took her own life at her family home in Lingfield , Surrey , last year .
Ruth said : `` This happened in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
It ’ s the questions it leaves the families . ''
She added : `` I should have gone round .
I should have phoned .
I was going to go round .
I was going to phone .
Maybe I should have stayed longer . ''
She added : `` You are left with the 'what ifs ' .
It 's her family now that think will need so much help . ''
Caroline Flack was found dead at her flat in London at the age of 40 after taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family 's lawyer .
Caroline stepped down from the ITV2 show last year after she was alleged to have assaulted her boyfriend Lewis Burton , 27 , at her then flat in Islington , north London , in December .
The show said at the time it would leave the door open for the four time host but pals said she felt slighted by bosses .

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Ruth Langsford fought back tears on This Morning today - days after Caroline Flack's tragic death.
Ruth, the wife of Eamonn Holmes, who was presenting the show alongside her, spoke out after Caroline's death this weekend.
She was seen breaking down on Monday, February 17, as Caroline's tragedy brought back memories of her sister's suicide.
Ruth's older sister Julia Johnson, 62, took her own life at her family home in Lingfield, Surrey, last year.
Ruth said: "This happened in my family. I remember my shock at that. It’s the questions it leaves the families."
She added: "I should have gone round. I should have phoned. I was going to go round. I was going to phone. Maybe I should have stayed longer."
She added: "You are left with the 'what ifs'. It's her family now that think will need so much help."
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Caroline Flack was found dead at her flat in London at the age of 40 after taking her own life, according to her family's lawyer.
Caroline stepped down from the ITV2 show last year after she was alleged to have assaulted her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27, at her then flat in Islington, north London, in December.
The show said at the time it would leave the door open for the four time host but pals said she felt slighted by bosses.


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Love Island's tribute to Caroline Flack revealed as ITV2 show returns

Love Island returns tonight following the death of former presenter Caroline Flack .
The show had been cancelled for two consecutive nights after it was revealed the 40-year-old had taken her own life at her London home .
Narrator Iain Stirling will be back on voice over duties as the ITV2 show pays tribute to Flack who hosted the series for five years .
An ITV spokeswoman said : `` Many people at ITV knew Caroline well and held her in great affection .
All of us are absolutely devastated at this tragic news .
“ After careful consultation between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Island production team and given how close we still are to the news of Caroline ’ s tragic death we have decided not to broadcast tonight ’ s Love Island out of respect for Caroline ’ s family . ''
She added that a tribute to Caroline `` who will be forever in our hearts '' would air on Monday 's show .
Caroline stepped down from the ITV2 show last year after she was alleged to have assaulted her boyfriend Lewis Burton , 27 , at her then flat in Islington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who worked with Caroline on Love Island since the show 's debut in 2015 , was one of many celebrities posting tributes to the TV star over the weekend .
After the tragic news was confirmed by Caroline 's family , Iain shared a video of Caroline performing on Strictly Come Dancing to Robbie Williams ' Angels in 2014 and wrote : `` Today my friend slow motion walked into heaven .
I will miss her always .
Thank you for everything x . ''
The track had also been played by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special tribute to Caroline on her BBC radio show on Sunday .
The Irish presenter took over as Love Island host after Caroline stepped down late last year .
Speaking about her friend and defending Love Island , a tearful Laura said : `` Caroline loved to love .
That 's all she wanted .
`` Which is why a show like Love Island was important to her , because the show is about finding love , friendship , having a laugh .
`` The problem was n't the show .
The show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protected .
`` The problem is , the outside world is not . ''
Since her death , a petition for stricter safeguarding laws to protect celebrities has racked up hundreds of thousands of signatures .
The Change.org petition , 'Exploiting People In The Public Eye ' , was started by Hollyoaks actress Steph Davis calling for greater protection of privacy and more scrutiny on the legitimacy of sources .
At the time of writing the petition had been signed over 200,000 times and was accompanied by an emotional video of Ms Davis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Love Island host .

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Love Island returns tonight following the death of former presenter Caroline Flack.
The show had been cancelled for two consecutive nights after it was revealed the 40-year-old had taken her own life at her London home.
Narrator Iain Stirling will be back on voice over duties as the ITV2 show pays tribute to Flack who hosted the series for five years.
An ITV spokeswoman said: "Many people at ITV knew Caroline well and held her in great affection. All of us are absolutely devastated at this tragic news.
“After careful consultation between Caroline’s representatives and the Love Island production team and given how close we still are to the news of Caroline’s tragic death we have decided not to broadcast tonight’s Love Island out of respect for Caroline’s family."
She added that a tribute to Caroline "who will be forever in our hearts" would air on Monday's show.
Caroline stepped down from the ITV2 show last year after she was alleged to have assaulted her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27, at her then flat in Islington, north London, in December.
Stirling, who worked with Caroline on Love Island since the show's debut in 2015, was one of many celebrities posting tributes to the TV star over the weekend.
After the tragic news was confirmed by Caroline's family, Iain shared a video of Caroline performing on Strictly Come Dancing to Robbie Williams' Angels in 2014 and wrote: "Today my friend slow motion walked into heaven. I will miss her always. Thank you for everything x."
The track had also been played by Iain's girlfriend Laura Whitmore as a special tribute to Caroline on her BBC radio show on Sunday.
The Irish presenter took over as Love Island host after Caroline stepped down late last year.
Speaking about her friend and defending Love Island, a tearful Laura said: "Caroline loved to love. That's all she wanted.
"Which is why a show like Love Island was important to her, because the show is about finding love, friendship, having a laugh.
"The problem wasn't the show. The show is loving and caring and safe and protected.
"The problem is, the outside world is not."
Since her death, a petition for stricter safeguarding laws to protect celebrities has racked up hundreds of thousands of signatures.
The Change.org petition, 'Exploiting People In The Public Eye', was started by Hollyoaks actress Steph Davis calling for greater protection of privacy and more scrutiny on the legitimacy of sources.
At the time of writing the petition had been signed over 200,000 times and was accompanied by an emotional video of Ms Davis criticising the media coverage of the former Love Island host.
Love Island returns tonight at 9pm on ITV2.


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Aston Villa Q&A LIVE - suspect defence, Drinkwater doubts, gung-ho tactics vs Spurs, JT influence

If only Bjorn Engels took the no-nonsense approach and booted that ball back up towards the Holte End on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ a day of ifs , buts and maybes but , in the end , Tottenham @ @ @ @ @ in ruthless fashion .
Aston Villa were condemned to defeat number 15 by Spurs , @ @ @ @ @ losing more games so far ( 16 ) .
Villa , meanwhile , were brave @ @ @ @ @ the get-go at Villa Park before errors - and a VAR call - cost them @ @ @ @ @ Aston Villa reporter , Ashley Preece , is live now answering YOUR questions , talking @ @ @ @ @ You can follow the big Spurs defeat autopsy live Q & A below .
It @ @ @ @

If only Bjorn Engels took the no-nonsense approach and booted that ball back up towards the Holte End on Sunday afternoon.
Sunday will remain a day of ifs, buts and maybes but, in the end, Tottenham punished Dean Smith's side in ruthless fashion.
Aston Villa were condemned to defeat number 15 by Spurs, with only bottom club Norwich losing more games so far (16).
Villa, meanwhile, were brave, gutsy and brilliant from the get-go at Villa Park before errors - and a VAR call - cost them yet again.
BirminghamLive's Aston Villa reporter, Ashley Preece, answered YOUR big questions, talking points and burning issues.
The Spurs defeat autopsy live Q&A can be viewed below.


birminghammail--2020-02-17--'Cry or worry' - Garry Monk addresses his Sheffield Wednesday future ahead of Birmingham City return

Garry Monk accepts he is under pressure as he prepares to bring his Sheffield Wednesday team to Birmingham City this weekend .
Saturday ’ s Championship clash will represent the first time Monk has returned to St Andrew ’ s since he was sacked last summer .
He comes back to his former stomping ground with the Owls having won just once in ten games – and on the back of a sobering 3-0 home defeat to Reading last time out .
Indeed Monk ’ s Wednesday have taken just five points from a possible 30 and haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the Owls have slid down the table .
They are now level on points with Blues , managed by Monk ’ s estranged former assistant Pep Clotet .
And the 40-year-old has been facing questions about his future .
“ The world that we live in , I am experienced enough to know , you have to get results , ” Monk said .
“ I have to produce results and I haven ’ t been producing them in this last 10-game period .
“ In this day and age , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in terms of my experience and the way I have been judged before .
“ Some get longer , some don ’ t , and , of course , I understand the situation I am in .
`` But I am not going to sit here and cry or worry about that , it ’ s out of my control .
“ I am here to give my all , that ’ s what I have been doing since day one and will continue to do that .
“ Do I think I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be here if I didn ’ t think that .
To get to that bigger change , I need to produce results .
“ I want to help this group of players , I want to help this club to get back to what we know it can be .
`` But I have to produce results in order to get that opportunity.
” Monk succeeded Steve Bruce at Hillsborough – after the positive caretaker tenure of Lee Bullen .
He was free following his dismissal by Blues in June 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which he had to manage a points deduction and transfer restrictions yet still guided the club to a relatively safe campaign .

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Garry Monk accepts he is under pressure as he prepares to bring his Sheffield Wednesday team to Birmingham City this weekend.
Saturday’s Championship clash will represent the first time Monk has returned to St Andrew’s since he was sacked last summer.
He comes back to his former stomping ground with the Owls having won just once in ten games – and on the back of a sobering 3-0 home defeat to Reading last time out.
Indeed Monk’s Wednesday have taken just five points from a possible 30 and haven’t scored a goal at Hillsborough in 2020, as the Owls have slid down the table.
They are now level on points with Blues, managed by Monk’s estranged former assistant Pep Clotet.
And the 40-year-old has been facing questions about his future.
“The world that we live in, I am experienced enough to know, you have to get results,” Monk said.
“I have to produce results and I haven’t been producing them in this last 10-game period.
“In this day and age, ten games is too much, especially in terms of my experience and the way I have been judged before.
“Some get longer, some don’t, and, of course, I understand the situation I am in.
"But I am not going to sit here and cry or worry about that, it’s out of my control.
“I am here to give my all, that’s what I have been doing since day one and will continue to do that.
“Do I think I can help? Yes. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think that. To get to that bigger change, I need to produce results.
“I want to help this group of players, I want to help this club to get back to what we know it can be.
"But I have to produce results in order to get that opportunity.”
Monk succeeded Steve Bruce at Hillsborough – after the positive caretaker tenure of Lee Bullen.
He was free following his dismissal by Blues in June 2019 at the end of a season in which he had to manage a points deduction and transfer restrictions yet still guided the club to a relatively safe campaign.


birminghammail--2020-02-17--'Apologise' - Aston Villa favourite levels harsh criticism at defender

Aston Villa fan favourite Gabby Agbonlahor has criticised the defending of Bjorn Engels in the 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur .
Engels , who scored his first Premier League goal to make it 2-2 at Villa Park , took his eye off the ball as he tried to control a long punt forward from Davinson Sanchez .
The ball slipped under Engels ’ studs and Heung-Min Son pounced , running beyond him and finishing past Pepe Reina four minutes into added time .
After the game , Agbonlahor was unhappy with Engels ’ role in the goal , reports HITC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harsh , Engels held his hands up for the mistake on social media after the game , and many Villa fans backed him .
`` They ( the Villa defenders ) have been casual on the ball and they have been ball watching , '' Agbonlahor told Sky Sports News .
`` That goal , he has to hook the ball clear .
He is trying to get his studs on the ball and it 's amateur defending from Engels .
`` Maybe that 's why Drinkwater came in ( to cut out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the midfield .
But there is nothing you can do about this ( Engels mistake ) .
He has to hold his hand up and say it 's a shocking piece of defending .
Unbelievable .
`` I think they 'll stay up .
They have shown enough ( against Spurs ) .
You are playing against a big team in Spurs , they are a great side .
But I think in games like this , they need to get points out of - but to lose a game like that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think Engels has got to apologise to his teammates for that . ''

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Aston Villa fan favourite Gabby Agbonlahor has criticised the defending of Bjorn Engels in the 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Engels, who scored his first Premier League goal to make it 2-2 at Villa Park, took his eye off the ball as he tried to control a long punt forward from Davinson Sanchez.
The ball slipped under Engels’ studs and Heung-Min Son pounced, running beyond him and finishing past Pepe Reina four minutes into added time.
After the game, Agbonlahor was unhappy with Engels’ role in the goal, reports HITC.
While Agbonlahor’s comments seem harsh, Engels held his hands up for the mistake on social media after the game, and many Villa fans backed him.
"They (the Villa defenders) have been casual on the ball and they have been ball watching," Agbonlahor told Sky Sports News. "That goal, he has to hook the ball clear. He is trying to get his studs on the ball and it's amateur defending from Engels.
"Maybe that's why Drinkwater came in (to cut out the mistakes) and add that experience in the midfield. But there is nothing you can do about this (Engels mistake). He has to hold his hand up and say it's a shocking piece of defending. Unbelievable.
"I think they'll stay up. They have shown enough (against Spurs). You are playing against a big team in Spurs, they are a great side. But I think in games like this, they need to get points out of - but to lose a game like that, at the last second, I think Engels has got to apologise to his teammates for that."


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Talk Radio fined £75,000 by Ofcom after breaking rules three times

Media regulator Ofcom has imposed a fine of £75,000 on Talksport Ltd in relation to Talk Radio for `` failing to comply with our broadcasting rules '' .
Ofcom has said it will also require the service to broadcast a summary of their findings .
`` Under Ofcom rules , all broadcasters must remain duly impartial when covering matters of major political controversy , '' Ofcom said .
They added : `` Talk Radio failed to do so in three episodes of the George Galloway programme during discussions about the poisoning of Yulia and Sergei Skripal in Salisbury , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Galloway was sacked by talkRADIO in an anti-Semitism row in June 2019 following comments he made about Tottenham Hotspur .
It comes after the former MP tweeted in celebration of Liverpool beating the North London team , saying : “ No Israel flags on the cup.
” Spurs traditionally draw a large portion of their fanbase from London ’ s Jewish community .
A talkRADIO spokesman said : ” talkRADIO has terminated George Galloway 's weekly show with immediate effect .
As a fair and balanced news provider , talkRADIO does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Galloway suggested he would take legal action , writing : `` I ’ ve just been sacked by talkRADIO See you in Court guys .
Palestine Moats Long live Palestine .
`` The Mother of All Talkshows - Unleashed- will not be silenced .
Stay tuned for further details . ''

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Media regulator Ofcom has imposed a fine of £75,000 on Talksport Ltd in relation to Talk Radio for "failing to comply with our broadcasting rules".
Ofcom has said it will also require the service to broadcast a summary of their findings.
"Under Ofcom rules, all broadcasters must remain duly impartial when covering matters of major political controversy," Ofcom said.
They added: "Talk Radio failed to do so in three episodes of the George Galloway programme during discussions about the poisoning of Yulia and Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, and allegations of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party".
Galloway was sacked by talkRADIO in an anti-Semitism row in June 2019 following comments he made about Tottenham Hotspur.
It comes after the former MP tweeted in celebration of Liverpool beating the North London team, saying: “No Israel flags on the cup.”
Spurs traditionally draw a large portion of their fanbase from London’s Jewish community.
A talkRADIO spokesman said: ”talkRADIO has terminated George Galloway's weekly show with immediate effect. As a fair and balanced news provider, talkRADIO does not tolerate anti-semitic views."
But Mr Galloway suggested he would take legal action, writing: "I’ve just been sacked by talkRADIO See you in Court guys. Palestine Moats Long live Palestine.
"The Mother of All Talkshows - Unleashed- will not be silenced. Stay tuned for further details."


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Hit-and-run killer Orlando Bundy mowed down innocent Adeel Gul during street race with another car

A hit-and-run killer who mowed down a man while racing another car has been jailed for six years after we evidenced his reckless driving .
Orlando Bundy was speeding at close to 60mph on a 30mph stretch of Allesley Old Road in Earlsdon , Coventry , on the evening of 7 October 2018 before he struck Adeel Gul .
Mr Gul was catapulted into the air and suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries .
The 27-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene just a few paces from his front door .
Bundy sped away from the crash and tried hiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tarpaulin in a private car park off Valley Road in the Stoke area of the city .
However , a public appeal to trace the driver and his car prompted residents to call in their suspicions about the covered car that had been abandoned .
We seized the vehicle and on 10 October Bundy , from Trentham Road in Hillfields , handed himself in to police accompanied by a solicitor .
The 22-year-old denied driving dangerously even though our officers secured contradictory CCTV and witness statements telling how he was tearing along the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initially suggested the unknown second car , a dark coloured saloon , had struck Mr Gul and sent him hurtling onto the bonnet of his VW Golf .
However , one of our crash reconstruction specialists disproved that claim and calculated Bundy was driving at 59mph moments before the impact - and had been travelling between 41 and 50mph when he struck the victim .
Bundy denied causing death by dangerous driving but was found unanimously guilty by a jury at Leamington Justice Centre .
And on Thursday ( 13 Feb ) he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stuart Thorpe from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit , said : “ The standard of Bundy ’ s driving was appalling and a tragedy waiting to happen .
Mr Gul was crossing the road to his front door when he was struck .
He would most likely not have appreciated how fast the approaching car was going .
“ Bundy claimed he panicked and drove away but in reality he knew he was in serious trouble and had likely taken someone ’ s life through his reckless actions .
“ I can only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mr Gul ’ s family although I know no sentence will ever compensate for their loss . ''

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A hit-and-run killer who mowed down a man while racing another car has been jailed for six years after we evidenced his reckless driving.
Orlando Bundy was speeding at close to 60mph on a 30mph stretch of Allesley Old Road in Earlsdon, Coventry, on the evening of 7 October 2018 before he struck Adeel Gul.
Mr Gul was catapulted into the air and suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries. The 27-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene just a few paces from his front door.
Bundy sped away from the crash and tried hiding his damaged VW Golf GTD under a tarpaulin in a private car park off Valley Road in the Stoke area of the city.
However, a public appeal to trace the driver and his car prompted residents to call in their suspicions about the covered car that had been abandoned.
We seized the vehicle and on 10 October Bundy, from Trentham Road in Hillfields, handed himself in to police accompanied by a solicitor.
The 22-year-old denied driving dangerously even though our officers secured contradictory CCTV and witness statements telling how he was tearing along the road racing another car.
And he initially suggested the unknown second car, a dark coloured saloon, had struck Mr Gul and sent him hurtling onto the bonnet of his VW Golf.
However, one of our crash reconstruction specialists disproved that claim and calculated Bundy was driving at 59mph moments before the impact - and had been travelling between 41 and 50mph when he struck the victim.
Bundy denied causing death by dangerous driving but was found unanimously guilty by a jury at Leamington Justice Centre. And on Thursday (13 Feb) he was jailed for six years.
PC Stuart Thorpe from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “The standard of Bundy’s driving was appalling and a tragedy waiting to happen. Mr Gul was crossing the road to his front door when he was struck. He would most likely not have appreciated how fast the approaching car was going.
“Bundy claimed he panicked and drove away but in reality he knew he was in serious trouble and had likely taken someone’s life through his reckless actions.
“I can only hope the outcome will provide some comfort to Mr Gul’s family although I know no sentence will ever compensate for their loss."


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Astonishing pictures show Drayton Manor flooded in Storm Dennis as theme park set to stay shut for d

Astonishing pictures show Drayton Manor flooded in Storm Dennis as theme park set to stay shut for days

Drayton Manor is set to be closed during half-term week after Storm Dennis battered the region - bringing floodwater and storms .
The theme park , near Tamworth , is a go-to for Brummie families , with attractions , exhilarating rides and popular events galore .
But Drayton Manor will be closed today and tomorrow , Tuesday , February 18 , due to severe flooding .
The theme park will also stay shut on Wednesday , February 19 .
Bosses have shared astonishing images from the site this morning - days after Storm Dennis wreaked havoc on the theme park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the park will be closed on Wednesday 19th February in addition to Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th due to severe flooding in the park following the storms .
Team Drayton have pulled together and are working hard to repair the damage caused .
`` We will keep you updated on the progress as and when we know more . ''
The lake in the centre of the park burst its banks on the morning of Sunday February 16 , and park bosses made the decision to close the park at midday and remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half-term .
It attempted to contact people who had pre-booked tickets but did not post any details of Sunday 's closure on social media so there was no way for people just turning up to realise that the park had closed .
William Bryan , managing director at Drayton Manor Park , said : `` Due to adverse weather conditions and significant flooding in the park , we made the decision to close the park today , to ensure the safety of our guests and staff .
`` Our main priority was ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely and securely , as well as contacting any guests with existing reservations and refunding tickets , or arranging alternative dates to visit .
`` We had been operating a reduced number of rides and attractions due to the unpredictable weather , and this had been communicated directly to guests ahead of their visit , and via our website and social media channels alongside a notice that conditions would be closely monitored over the weekend. ''
We always advise guests to check our website before travelling to the park , and apologise for @ @ @ @ @

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Drayton Manor is set to be closed during half-term week after Storm Dennis battered the region - bringing floodwater and storms.
The theme park, near Tamworth, is a go-to for Brummie families, with attractions, exhilarating rides and popular events galore.
But Drayton Manor will be closed today and tomorrow, Tuesday, February 18, due to severe flooding.
The theme park will also stay shut on Wednesday, February 19.
Bosses have shared astonishing images from the site this morning - days after Storm Dennis wreaked havoc on the theme park.
Drayton Manor say: "Unfortunately the park will be closed on Wednesday 19th February in addition to Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th due to severe flooding in the park following the storms. Team Drayton have pulled together and are working hard to repair the damage caused.
"We will keep you updated on the progress as and when we know more."
The lake in the centre of the park burst its banks on the morning of Sunday February 16, and park bosses made the decision to close the park at midday and remain shut throughout the first three days of half-term.
It attempted to contact people who had pre-booked tickets but did not post any details of Sunday's closure on social media so there was no way for people just turning up to realise that the park had closed.
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William Bryan, managing director at Drayton Manor Park, said: " Due to adverse weather conditions and significant flooding in the park, we made the decision to close the park today, to ensure the safety of our guests and staff.
"Our main priority was ensuring visitors were assisted in leaving the park safely and securely, as well as contacting any guests with existing reservations and refunding tickets, or arranging alternative dates to visit.
"We had been operating a reduced number of rides and attractions due to the unpredictable weather, and this had been communicated directly to guests ahead of their visit, and via our website and social media channels alongside a notice that conditions would be closely monitored over the weekend.
" We always advise guests to check our website before travelling to the park, and apologise for any inconvenience caused."


birminghammail--2020-02-17--How much state pension you'll get from April 2020 - all the changes coming

Among the various changes to benefits coming into effect in 2020 , the state pension is going up .
MPs have approved a raft of increases to social security payments such as Universal Credit , most of them starting in April 2020 .
State pensions are set to go up by 3.9 per cent , the biggest rise since 2012 .
The pension is protected by what 's called the triple lock - meaning the amount paid is increased every year in line with inflation , average earnings or 2.5 per cent , whichever is highest .
In this case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent in the thee months leading to July so that figure was used .
So what does this mean for your pension ?
Here 's how the increases affect each aspect of the state pension .
Transitional rate below full rate - increasing from 2.5859 % to 3.9146 % Increments - own ( based on deferred new State Pension ) - decreasing from 2.40 % to 1.70 % Increments - inherited ( based on deferred old State Pension ) - decreasing from 2.40 % to 1.70 % Category A or B basic pension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B ( lower ) basic pension - spouse or civil partner ' s insurance - increasing from £77.45 to £80.45 Category C or D - non-contributory - increasing from £77.45 to £80.45 Maximum additional pension ( own + inherited ) - going up from £176.41 to £179.41 Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of pre-April 1988 contracted-out earnings - nil Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of contracted-out earnings from April 1988 to 1997 - decreasing from 2.40 % to 1.70 % Increase of long term incapacity for age - decreasing from 2.40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that the adult dependency payment ( ADI ) is being stopped in April , which could mean thousands of pensions cut by £70 a week .
ADI is a payment for a partner who is financially dependent on you and has n't yet reached pension age .
The scheme closed to new applications in 2010 and will cease entirely this April .
The Government says that when the payments stop , pensioners may be eligible to get Pension Credit or Universal Credit instead to top up the amount they receive .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and women will rise to 66 in October 2020 .
It means anyone born after October 5 , 1954 , will have a state pension age of at least 66 .
And there will be further rises too .
The Conservatives have set out plans to increase the state pension age to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2039 .
How to boost your pension You need 30 years of National Insurance contributions to be eligible for the full basic state pension if you are male and born before April 6 , 1951 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 , 1953 .
If you have gaps in your insurance record , your state pension will be lower than the standard amount .
But you could make voluntary contributions to increase it .
Deferring your state pension could increase your payments when you do decide to claim .
The basic state pension increases by 1 per cent for every five weeks you delay claiming it .
If you ’ re married or in a civil partnership you may be eligible to increase your basic state pension .
You are eligible for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached state pension age and either : • your spouse or civil partner reached state pension age before April 6 , 2016 and qualifies for some basic state pension , even if they have not claimed it • your spouse or civil partner reached state pension age on or after April 6 , 2016 and has at least one qualifying year of National Insurance contributions or credits from before April 6 2016 , even if they do not qualify for any new state pension or they have not claimed it If your spouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 1950 , you can only get the top-up if you ’ re a woman who is married to either : • a woman who legally changed their gender from male to female during your marriage If you qualify for the top-up you should get it automatically .
You might also qualify for Additional State Pension or , if you ’ re on a low income , Pension Credit .

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Among the various changes to benefits coming into effect in 2020, the state pension is going up.
MPs have approved a raft of increases to social security payments such as Universal Credit, most of them starting in April 2020.
State pensions are set to go up by 3.9 per cent, the biggest rise since 2012.
The pension is protected by what's called the triple lock - meaning the amount paid is increased every year in line with inflation, average earnings or 2.5 per cent, whichever is highest.
In this case, average earnings went up by 3.9 per cent in the thee months leading to July 2019 so that figure was used to determine the increase.
So what does this mean for your pension?
Here's how the increases affect each aspect of the state pension.
State pension changes for April 2020
New State Pension
Full rate - increasing from £168.60 to £175.20
Transitional rate below full rate - increasing from 2.5859% to 3.9146%
Protected Payment - decreasing from 2.40% to 1.70%
Increments - own (based on deferred new State Pension) - decreasing from 2.40% to 1.70%
Increments - inherited (based on deferred old State Pension) - decreasing from 2.40% to 1.70%
Old State Pension
Category A or B basic pension - increasing from £129.20 to £134.25
Category B (lower) basic pension - spouse or civil partner' s insurance - increasing from £77.45 to £80.45
Category C or D - non-contributory - increasing from £77.45 to £80.45
Additional pension
Decreasing from 2.40% to 1.70%
Maximum additional pension (own + inherited) - going up from £176.41 to £179.41
Increments
Basic pension - decreasing from 2.40% to 1.70%
Additional pension - decreasing from 2.40% to 1.70%
Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB) - decreasing from 2.40% to 1.70%
Inheritable lump sum - decreasing from 2.40% to 1.70%
Other
Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of pre-April 1988 contracted-out earnings - nil
Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of contracted-out earnings from April 1988 to 1997 - decreasing from 2.40% to 1.70%
Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit) - increasing from 0.1416 to 0.1440
Increase of long term incapacity for age - decreasing from 2.40% to 1.70%
Addition at age 80 - stays at 0.25
Increase of long-term incapacity for age:
higher rate - increasing from £22.90 to £23.30
lower rate - increasing from £11.50 to £11.70
Invalidity Allowance (Transitional) for State Pension recipients:
higher rate - increasing from £22.90 to £23.30
middle rate - increasing from £14.70 to £14.90
lower rate - increasing from £7.35 to £7.45
Other changes coming
The bad news is that the adult dependency payment (ADI) is being stopped in April, which could mean thousands of pensions cut by £70 a week.
ADI is a payment for a partner who is financially dependent on you and hasn't yet reached pension age.
The scheme closed to new applications in 2010 and will cease entirely this April.
The Government says that when the payments stop, pensioners may be eligible to get Pension Credit or Universal Credit instead to top up the amount they receive.
In addition, the qualifying age for men and women will rise to 66 in October 2020.
It means anyone born after October 5, 1954, will have a state pension age of at least 66.
And there will be further rises too. The Conservatives have set out plans to increase the state pension age to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2039.
How to boost your pension
You need 30 years of National Insurance contributions to be eligible for the full basic state pension if you are male and born before April 6, 1951, or female and born before April 6, 1953.
If you have gaps in your insurance record, your state pension will be lower than the standard amount.
But you could make voluntary contributions to increase it.
Deferring your state pension could increase your payments when you do decide to claim. The basic state pension increases by 1 per cent for every five weeks you delay claiming it.
If you’re married or in a civil partnership you may be eligible to increase your basic state pension.
You are eligible for this top-up if f both of you have reached state pension age and either:
your spouse or civil partner reached state pension age before April 6, 2016 and qualifies for some basic state pension, even if they have not claimed it
your spouse or civil partner reached state pension age on or after April 6, 2016 and has at least one qualifying year of National Insurance contributions or credits from before April 6, 2016, even if they do not qualify for any new state pension or they have not claimed it
If your spouse or civil partner was born before April 6, 1950, you can only get the top-up if you’re a woman who is married to either:
a man
a woman who legally changed their gender from male to female during your marriage
If you qualify for the top-up you should get it automatically.
You might also qualify for Additional State Pension or, if you’re on a low income, Pension Credit.


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Do you live in a burglary hotspot? The 15 worst streets for break-ins in Birmingham revealed

The worst streets in Birmingham for burglary have been revealed in latest police figures .
They are the 15 city roads where homeowners have suffered most at the hands of intruders over the past three years , according to a Freedom of Information request .
West Midlands Police figures suggest your home is most likely to be broken into if you live in the roads below , from both major routes and small residential streets .
Residents living in major commuter route , Coventry Road - which runs through Small Heath and Sheldon - had the most break-ins between 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes burgled .
While residential streets , such as Oxhill Road in Handsworth and Abdon Avenue in Weoley Castle , were also listed as some of the worst streets despite their smaller size .
The below streets were picked out by the force after suffering more than 13 burglaries within the three year period .
Included within the 13 burglaries on Stratford Road was a break-in which saw hundreds of thousands of pounds in cash stolen on November 16 last year .
The suspect , who was caught on camera as he face-planted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you have any information , please get in touch via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight or call 101 anytime .
To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 , tell them what you know , not who you are .
Please quote crime reference 20BE/271016N/19 .
Among the burglaries on Lichfield Road was a daylight break-in on September 21 .
Police are still appealing for witnesses and for anyone who knows this man to come forward .
Enquiries continue and anyone with information is asked to contact us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and midnight , or call 101 anytime .
To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
Quote crime reference 20BW/225604Y/19 .
Police advice on preventing burglary at your home : • Most burglars enter property through insecure doors and windows so fit good bolts and locks to all doors and windows and always use them • Use a timer device to make your house look like there is someone home • Don ’ t leave valuables on display where they can easily be seen through a window , especially car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antiques and other items that may be difficult to describe Were you involved in this story or have a similar tale to tell ?
Do you have an issue you want us to investigate or something you want to share from your area ?
Let me know by emailing stephanie.balloo @ trinitymirror.com , tweeting me @ JournoBalloo or calling 07747078285 .
Read more by Stephanie Balloo here .
• Always back up home computer records on disc and store them safely in case the computer is stolen • Mark valuable items with your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use a forensic marking kit .
Property marked will be less attractive to the thief and easier to identify if stolen • Don ’ t keep large amounts of cash at home • Shred all receipts and utility bills to avoid criminals using your identity

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The worst streets in Birmingham for burglary have been revealed in latest police figures.
They are the 15 city roads where homeowners have suffered most at the hands of intruders over the past three years, according to a Freedom of Information request.
West Midlands Police figures suggest your home is most likely to be broken into if you live in the roads below, from both major routes and small residential streets.
Residents living in major commuter route, Coventry Road - which runs through Small Heath and Sheldon - had the most break-ins between 2017 - 2020 with a total of 21 homes burgled.
While residential streets, such as Oxhill Road in Handsworth and Abdon Avenue in Weoley Castle, were also listed as some of the worst streets despite their smaller size.
The below streets were picked out by the force after suffering more than 13 burglaries within the three year period.
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community, join our Facebook group here
Birmingham East
Coventry Road - 21
Tyburn Road - 20
Warwick Road - 15
Sarehole Road - 13
Lichfield Road - 13
Bromford Road - 13
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Solihull
Chester Road - 19
Lyndon Road - 14
Stratford Road - 13
Birmingham West
Alcester Road South - 19
Shannon Road - 16
Abdon Avenue - 15
High Street - 14
Hollybank Road - 13
Oxhill Road - 13
Included within the 13 burglaries on Stratford Road was a break-in which saw hundreds of thousands of pounds in cash stolen on November 16 last year.
The suspect, who was caught on camera as he face-planted the floor, is still outstanding.
If you have any information, please get in touch via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight or call 101 anytime.
To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, tell them what you know, not who you are. Please quote crime reference 20BE/271016N/19.
Among the burglaries on Lichfield Road was a daylight break-in on September 21.
Police are still appealing for witnesses and for anyone who knows this man to come forward.
Enquiries continue and anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.
To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote crime reference 20BW/225604Y/19.
Police advice on preventing burglary at your home:
Most burglars enter property through insecure doors and windows so fit good bolts and locks to all doors and windows and always use them
Use a timer device to make your house look like there is someone home
Don’t leave valuables on display where they can easily be seen through a window, especially car keys
Photograph items of jewellery, antiques and other items that may be difficult to describe Contact Us Have you been affected by this story? Do you have an issue you want us to investigate or something you want to share from your area? Let me know by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com, tweeting me @JournoBalloo or calling 07747078285. All contact will be treated with confidentiality. Read more by Stephanie Balloo here.
Contact Us Have you been affected by this story? Do you have an issue you want us to investigate or something you want to share from your area? Let me know by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com, tweeting me @JournoBalloo or calling 07747078285. All contact will be treated with confidentiality. Read more by Stephanie Balloo here.


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Miranda Hart's powerful Caroline Flack statement after death aged 40

Comedian Miranda Hart has shared a lengthy message about her reaction to Caroline Flack 's death .
Tributes have poured in for Flack since she was found dead at a flat in London this weekend .
The former Love Island presenter was just 40 - and her death has shocked the showbiz world .
Flack 's tragic death has sparked an outpouring of grief , with tributes from former Love Island contestants , X Factor colleagues , showbiz pals and celebrity acquaintances .
“ A celebrity status does not mean immunity from feeling and suffering .
In fact , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degree of responsibility and vulnerability .
It is not in any circumstances in the public interest to report that someone is looking tired , or fat , or thin , or a mess or ill , ” wrote Hart .
A petition for stricter safeguarding laws to protect celebrities has racked up thousands of signatures .
The Change.org petition , 'Exploiting People In The Public Eye ' , was started by Hollyoaks actress Steph Davis calling for greater protection of privacy and more scrutiny on the legitimacy of sources .
At the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 200,000 times and was accompanied by an emotional video of Ms Davis criticising the media coverage of the former Love Island host .
The campaign dubbed 'Caroline 's Law ' comes after the presenter was found dead in her home on Saturday aged 40 .

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Comedian Miranda Hart has shared a lengthy message about her reaction to Caroline Flack's death.
Tributes have poured in for Flack since she was found dead at a flat in London this weekend.
The former Love Island presenter was just 40 - and her death has shocked the showbiz world.
Flack's tragic death has sparked an outpouring of grief, with tributes from former Love Island contestants, X Factor colleagues, showbiz pals and celebrity acquaintances.
“A celebrity status does not mean immunity from feeling and suffering. In fact, it is obviously something that comes with a degree of responsibility and vulnerability. It is not in any circumstances in the public interest to report that someone is looking tired, or fat, or thin, or a mess or ill,” wrote Hart.
A petition for stricter safeguarding laws to protect celebrities has racked up thousands of signatures.
The Change.org petition, 'Exploiting People In The Public Eye', was started by Hollyoaks actress Steph Davis calling for greater protection of privacy and more scrutiny on the legitimacy of sources.
At the time of writing the petition had been signed over 200,000 times and was accompanied by an emotional video of Ms Davis criticising the media coverage of the former Love Island host.
The campaign dubbed 'Caroline's Law' comes after the presenter was found dead in her home on Saturday aged 40.


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Neighbours stunned as 'much-loved' woman dies in West Heath house fire

Neighbours spoke of their shock after a `` much-loved '' woman was killed in a house fire .
She died when a blaze tore through a semi-detached home in Alvechurch Road , West Heath , just before 2.30am on Monday , February 17 .
Five fire crews - a total of 25 firefighters - were called to the 1930s property .
They found a severe fire in the upstairs rear of the property , which had spread to the neighbouring house .
Firefighters found the woman inside the house , but ambulance crews were unable to save her life.Neighbours said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the road .
One man said : `` I ’ ve lived here for over 70 years and she ’ d been there for over 20 years .
She was elderly and a lovely woman who always took the time to speak to you .
`` She was widowed and lived alone . ''
Another neighbour said : `` She had children and grandchildren and saw them a lot and was well-loved . ''
The service road the house is on remained sealed off on Monday morning .
Police and fire investigators were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house.The house is less than 100 metres from the St John Fisher Catholic Church .

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Neighbours spoke of their shock after a "much-loved" woman was killed in a house fire.
She died when a blaze tore through a semi-detached home in Alvechurch Road, West Heath, just before 2.30am on Monday, February 17.
Five fire crews - a total of 25 firefighters - were called to the 1930s property. They found a severe fire in the upstairs rear of the property, which had spread to the neighbouring house.
Firefighters found the woman inside the house, but ambulance crews were unable to save her life.Neighbours said the woman was popular and well-liked in the road.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
One man said: "I’ve lived here for over 70 years and she’d been there for over 20 years. She was elderly and a lovely woman who always took the time to speak to you.
"She was widowed and lived alone."
Another neighbour said: "She had children and grandchildren and saw them a lot and was well-loved."
The service road the house is on remained sealed off on Monday morning.
Police and fire investigators were at the scene and working inside the house.The house is less than 100 metres from the St John Fisher Catholic Church.


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Exclusive: Jimmy Shan reveals his three-hour chat with West Brom boss Slaven Bilic

Things might have been quite different in the summer if Jimmy Shan had accepted the invitation to remain at West Bromwich Albion .
The Brummie coach , who joined Albion in 2006 and worked with every age group up to the first-team in that 13-year spell , left upon the arrival of Slaven Bilic having overseen the end to Albion ’ s campaign , a campaign in which they fell just short in the Championship play-offs .
Shan departed The Hawthorns with seven wins to his name , victorious in all six matches on home soil and having relished the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch-line .
Though Bilic sought to keep him on , and integrate him into the new-look Hawthorns back room staff , Shan was unsure of how his role was going to be affected .
With Danilo Butorovic , Dean Racunica and Julian Dicks all coming through the door , Shan decided it was time to try his hand at first-team coaching elsewhere .
He did , though , enjoy a lengthy conversation with Bilic before he left .
Settling into his new job at National League outfit Solihull Moors , who are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status , Shan spoke exclusively to the Birmingham Mail about last summer , the offers he received and why unforeseen family circumstances left him sidelined .
“ The club wanted to retain me .
I ’ d done 12 games in management , and had got a taste for it , ” Shan said .
“ I went and met Slaven .
I had a really good three hour chat with him in his hotel .
It was obviously the first time I ’ d ever met him .
He ’ s charismatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sat there for another three hours just talking football .
“ We talked about players and tactics .
To be fair to him he knew everything I ’ d done in that 12 game period .
We spoke about different formations .
“ I ’ m a student of the game , and that was fantastic for me .
I discussed it with Slaven and where he saw my role - obviously he has his two assistants .
When you bring people into a club , it ’ s natural you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a slight concern of how my role was going to look .
“ Was I going to go from doing everything to being the one who does the little entertainment sessions , the warm ups and the technicals - jazzing them up for someone else to come in and do more in-depth stuff .
“ At this stage of my career I want to progress and we agreed mutually that it might be best if we parted company .
He didn ’ t know how I worked , what my qualities were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reason - I wanted my career to continue to progress .
“ The next step wasn ’ t necessarily a managerial role .
I ’ d been a first-team coach , and a caretaker - the bare minimum I want is to be an assistant manager .
I had a couple of offers to do it .
“ Circumstances in the summer meant I couldn ’ t .
The new addition to the family was in the children ’ s hospital for 12-14 days , he got treated for meningitis .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me in a situation where I was unfortunately left sat at home , twiddling my thumbs and not knowing what to do next.
” Albion currently find themselves clear at the top of the Championship , a situation they didn ’ t enjoy the luxury of at any given point last term .
Bilic and his merry band of coaches have the Baggies well placed as the final chapter of this gruelling yet fascinating league campaign draws ever closer to its finale .
They need only continue in a similar vein to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and promotion will be theirs .
For the sake of a host of players and staff that Shan knows well and remains in contact with , he hopes to see them battling it out in the top flight again next season .
“ I ’ d love them to because I ’ ve still got close relationships with an awful lot of the players , ” Shan added .
“ More importantly the staff .
The club being in the Premier League is a massive difference to the whole staff , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to go up .
If you ’ d have asked me eight weeks ago , I ’ d have said that they ’ re the only team that can go up .
They had to go up , they ’ re that far ahead .
“ They had that gap , they were playing an unbelievable brand of football .
They were playing well , they had a winning culture .
Looking from the outside it looks like they have a really good team culture and team bond .
“ As I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unforgiving but they have more than enough in the squad with the additions that they ’ ve made .
It ’ s given them a real threat in the final third , and the ability to mix and match and rest players at appropriate times means they have real impact subs also .
“ If they keep doing their job they ’ re up , they ’ re promoted .
It ’ s so tight beneath them .
It ’ s the business end of the season , and there ’ s pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There are really strong characters in there , and lots of hunger which is vital .
Fingers crossed , everything crossed they get back to the promised land .
”

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Things might have been quite different in the summer if Jimmy Shan had accepted the invitation to remain at West Bromwich Albion.
The Brummie coach, who joined Albion in 2006 and worked with every age group up to the first-team in that 13-year spell, left upon the arrival of Slaven Bilic having overseen the end to Albion’s campaign, a campaign in which they fell just short in the Championship play-offs.
Shan departed The Hawthorns with seven wins to his name, victorious in all six matches on home soil and having relished the opportunity to be the man on the touch-line.
Though Bilic sought to keep him on, and integrate him into the new-look Hawthorns back room staff, Shan was unsure of how his role was going to be affected.
With Danilo Butorovic, Dean Racunica and Julian Dicks all coming through the door, Shan decided it was time to try his hand at first-team coaching elsewhere.
He did, though, enjoy a lengthy conversation with Bilic before he left.
Settling into his new job at National League outfit Solihull Moors, who are in the play-offs and fighting for an EFL status, Shan spoke exclusively to the Birmingham Mail about last summer, the offers he received and why unforeseen family circumstances left him sidelined.
“The club wanted to retain me. I’d done 12 games in management, and had got a taste for it,” Shan said. “I went and met Slaven. I had a really good three hour chat with him in his hotel. It was obviously the first time I’d ever met him. He’s charismatic, genuine. We could’ve sat there for another three hours just talking football.
“We talked about players and tactics. To be fair to him he knew everything I’d done in that 12 game period. We spoke about different formations.
“I’m a student of the game, and that was fantastic for me. I discussed it with Slaven and where he saw my role - obviously he has his two assistants. When you bring people into a club, it’s natural you’re going to lean on them. I had a slight concern of how my role was going to look.
“Was I going to go from doing everything to being the one who does the little entertainment sessions, the warm ups and the technicals - jazzing them up for someone else to come in and do more in-depth stuff.
“At this stage of my career I want to progress and we agreed mutually that it might be best if we parted company. He didn’t know how I worked, what my qualities were on the grass. That’s the reason - I wanted my career to continue to progress.
“The next step wasn’t necessarily a managerial role. I’d been a first-team coach, and a caretaker - the bare minimum I want is to be an assistant manager. I had a couple of offers to do it.
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“Circumstances in the summer meant I couldn’t. The new addition to the family was in the children’s hospital for 12-14 days, he got treated for meningitis.
“The timing was awkward. It left me in a situation where I was unfortunately left sat at home, twiddling my thumbs and not knowing what to do next.”
Albion currently find themselves clear at the top of the Championship, a situation they didn’t enjoy the luxury of at any given point last term.
Bilic and his merry band of coaches have the Baggies well placed as the final chapter of this gruelling yet fascinating league campaign draws ever closer to its finale.
They need only continue in a similar vein to the form they’ve rediscovered of late and promotion will be theirs. For the sake of a host of players and staff that Shan knows well and remains in contact with, he hopes to see them battling it out in the top flight again next season.
“I’d love them to because I’ve still got close relationships with an awful lot of the players,” Shan added. “More importantly the staff. The club being in the Premier League is a massive difference to the whole staff, and the community.
“I’d love them to go up. If you’d have asked me eight weeks ago, I’d have said that they’re the only team that can go up. They had to go up, they’re that far ahead.
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“They had that gap, they were playing an unbelievable brand of football. They were playing well, they had a winning culture. Looking from the outside it looks like they have a really good team culture and team bond.
“As I said, though, the league is unforgiving but they have more than enough in the squad with the additions that they’ve made. It’s given them a real threat in the final third, and the ability to mix and match and rest players at appropriate times means they have real impact subs also.
“If they keep doing their job they’re up, they’re promoted. It’s so tight beneath them. It’s the business end of the season, and there’s pressure around it which can affect the group.
“There are really strong characters in there, and lots of hunger which is vital. Fingers crossed, everything crossed they get back to the promised land.”


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Police warn drivers after 'road closed' signs stolen - leaving motorists in Storm Dennis floods

Police have urged Midlands motorists to STOP stealing 'road closed ' signs as the operation to deal with floodwater following Storm Dennis continues .
West Mercia Police has received reports of 'Road Closed ' signs being removed and as a result , people are continuing to drive through flood water .
Today , the force took to Twitter to issue a warning to Midlands motorists - telling drivers in the region : `` For your own safety , DO NOT drive through flood water . ''
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` The service has increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the developing situation with flooding now affecting many parts of the region .
`` Historic levels of rainfall over Wales overnight has resulted in water now coming towards Herefordshire , Shropshire and Worcestershire , though many other parts of the region are also experiencing flooding to a greater or lesser extent . ''
The WMAS spokesman continued : `` The Environment Agency has announced that there are a record number of flood warnings across England .
`` All of the Trust ’ s 30 4x4 ambulances are available to respond to incidents along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Response Team who have specific training in working in water .
`` We are working with partners including local authorities , the Police , Fire and Rescue and the Environment Agency to support residents and protect the most vulnerable . ''

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Police have urged Midlands motorists to STOP stealing 'road closed' signs as the operation to deal with floodwater following Storm Dennis continues.
West Mercia Police has received reports of 'Road Closed' signs being removed and as a result, people are continuing to drive through flood water.
Today, the force took to Twitter to issue a warning to Midlands motorists - telling drivers in the region: "For your own safety, DO NOT drive through flood water."
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "The service has increased its state of readiness in light of the developing situation with flooding now affecting many parts of the region.
"Historic levels of rainfall over Wales overnight has resulted in water now coming towards Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, though many other parts of the region are also experiencing flooding to a greater or lesser extent."
The WMAS spokesman continued: "The Environment Agency has announced that there are a record number of flood warnings across England.
"All of the Trust’s 30 4x4 ambulances are available to respond to incidents along with specialist resources including the Hazardous Area Response Team who have specific training in working in water.
"We are working with partners including local authorities, the Police, Fire and Rescue and the Environment Agency to support residents and protect the most vulnerable."


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Birmingham widow who scooped £300k casino jackpot is hacked to death in Jamaica

A widow who scooped almost £300,000 in one magical night at a Birmingham casino has been savagely hacked to death in Jamaica .
The life-changing windfall helped former Birmingham shopkeeper Evadney Gayle build a dream home on the island of her birth .
The palatial property , in St Tooties , an unspoilt , palm-fringed paradise in Jamaica ’ s Manchester parish , became the setting for her barbaric murder .
The 67-year-old grandmother had lived in Reservoir Road , Edgbaston , and was a popular figure .
For many years , she ran a busy Jamaican greengrocers on Dudley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest breaking news from across the city join our Facebook group here Before that , Mrs Gayle owned a fashion store with her late husband Dennis .
She is yet another “ returnee ” –Jamaican-born UK citizens who start a new life back in the land of their birth – to die violently .
Dreadlocked Evadney was a friend to Lionel Martin , better known to fans as Saxa , the saxophonist with top two-tone band The Beat .
She was featured in the Birmingham Mail in 2003 after winning the casino fortune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evadney Gayle nets the highest ever UK win from a £1 stake on a national game – £290,684.52 from just a £1 bet !
” News of her murder in November has stunned Birmingham ’ s Afro-Caribbean community .
One close friend , who asked not to be named , said : “ She was a lovely , lovely lady .
When she said she was going to Jamaica , I told her , ‘ don ’ t fight any issues about land , don ’ t go there and fight people for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ .
“ There are people returning to Jamaica every day , hundreds of thousands have returned back home.
” Commenting on her friend ’ s grisly death , she added : “ When they do that in Jamaica , they make sure they are dead .
“ It ’ s usually about a family feud over land , jobs or money .
Ninety-nine per cent of the time , it ’ s not done by strangers.
” Byron Christian , a regular customer at Mrs Gayle ’ s shop , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person .
Very chatty , very popular .
Her shop was a real meeting place .
Close friend Leroy James , a Dudley Road restaurant worker , said : “ I was shocked , every one is shocked .
She was such a nice person.
” A member of the Birmingham Association of Jamaican Nationals said : “ It ’ s shocking , she was always saying she was going back to Jamaica .
Her shop on Dudley Road sold Caribbean food and was well known.
” Evadney has been added to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jamaica .
In 2014 , businessman Keith Murrain was abducted , stripped and had his throat cut shortly after arriving at Jamaica ’ s Norman Manley airport .
In 2018 , Birmingham charity worker Delroy Walker , who , like Evadney , had returned to start a new life in the land of his birth , was stabbed to death in his Rio Nuevo home .
As yet , no-one has been convicted for the murders .
The list of murdered returnees – UK citizens who scrimped and saved to return to Jamaica @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with each year .
Following Evadney ’ s death , Percival LaTouche , President of the Jamaica Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents , has urged those considering coming back to the island permanently to think again .
“ Jamaica has become a fertile place to commit murder , ” he warned .
He alleged last year saw a 47 per cent rise in returnee murders .
In all , there were 25 murders .
Mr LaTouche added : “ The type of murders , the barbarity , the brutalism , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chopping death of Ms Gayle ...
I am not encouraging anybody to come back here to live.
” He is adamant the lives of well over 200 ex-pats have been snuffed out since 2000 .
In 2017 , eight of them were British .
Friends said Mrs Gayle , whose husband died in a car crash in the late 80s , travelled to the West Indies two years ago , but regularly returned to Birmingham .
The mother of two daughters and two sons had moved to the home she had built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the November 17 murder .
Her body was discovered at 7pm by a relative .
Jamaican newspapers reported that the pensioner had been “ viciously chopped to death ” .
A nephew , living on the island , told the Jamaican Star : This incident has shaken our family .
Everybody ’ s messed up because of the way she died .
Nobody has taken it good .
I don ’ t even sleep from last night.
” Local councillor Claudia Morant-Baker described the victim as a nature lover .
She was known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Coun Morant-Baker said : “ The springs are behind her house , she loved nature and that is why she decided to stay here .
“ She has been back and forth for a few years , but she settled here for a few months , probably a year .
It has been three weeks that she would have moved in the house .
Sunday night would have made three weeks .
“ Sunday night when I saw her lying in that pool of blood , I cried .
It could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was taken away so brutally.
” Mrs Gayle ’ s death brought the 2019 death toll in Manchester – a parish of only 320 square miles – to 36 .
It is understood an arrest has been made and the suspect was known to Mrs Gayle .
With the body count growing , Birmingham community activist Desmond Jaddoo , who has been in contact with Mrs Gayle ’ s family , urged would-be returnees to approach the life-changing experience with eyes open .
And he is critical of the Jamaican government for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and infrastructure those coming back to the island need .
He had a simple tip for UK residents prepared to plunge into a totally different lifestyle .
“ Go and have a taster , ” he said last night .
“ Go for three months , then come back .
Establish your presence .
“ I think security is an issue , not just for returnees , but also those deported to Jamaica .
The support mechanism is non-existent .
“ It is not for me to tell people to go or not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to assess their individual circumstances .
If people know there are family disputes or there are issues in the area , they must take those into consideration .
“ You need to dot the “ i ’ s ” and cross the “ t ’ s ” and measure the risk .
“ There are families returning who are open to exploitation because there are no support services for them .
If you have doubts about returning , address those doubts first and foremost .
”

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A widow who scooped almost £300,000 in one magical night at a Birmingham casino has been savagely hacked to death in Jamaica.
The life-changing windfall helped former Birmingham shopkeeper Evadney Gayle build a dream home on the island of her birth.
The palatial property, in St Tooties, an unspoilt, palm-fringed paradise in Jamaica’s Manchester parish, became the setting for her barbaric murder.
The 67-year-old grandmother had lived in Reservoir Road, Edgbaston, and was a popular figure. For many years, she ran a busy Jamaican greengrocers on Dudley Road.
To keep up-to-date with the latest breaking news from across the city join our Facebook group here
Before that, Mrs Gayle owned a fashion store with her late husband Dennis.
She is yet another “returnee” –Jamaican-born UK citizens who start a new life back in the land of their birth – to die violently.
Dreadlocked Evadney was a friend to Lionel Martin, better known to fans as Saxa, the saxophonist with top two-tone band The Beat.
She was featured in the Birmingham Mail in 2003 after winning the casino fortune.
The article was captioned: “Evadney Gayle nets the highest ever UK win from a £1 stake on a national game – £290,684.52 from just a £1 bet!”
News of her murder in November has stunned Birmingham’s Afro-Caribbean community.
One close friend, who asked not to be named, said: “She was a lovely, lovely lady. When she said she was going to Jamaica, I told her, ‘don’t fight any issues about land, don’t go there and fight people for land – it’s not worth it’.
“There are people returning to Jamaica every day, hundreds of thousands have returned back home.”
Commenting on her friend’s grisly death, she added: “When they do that in Jamaica, they make sure they are dead.
“It’s usually about a family feud over land, jobs or money. Ninety-nine per cent of the time, it’s not done by strangers.”
Byron Christian, a regular customer at Mrs Gayle’s shop, said: “She was a proper business person. Very chatty, very popular. Her shop was a real meeting place.
“It’s tragic, very tragic.”
Close friend Leroy James, a Dudley Road restaurant worker, said: “I was shocked, every one is shocked. She was such a nice person.”
A member of the Birmingham Association of Jamaican Nationals said: “It’s shocking, she was always saying she was going back to Jamaica. Her shop on Dudley Road sold Caribbean food and was well known.”
Evadney has been added to the list of Birmingham residents violently killed in Jamaica.
In 2014, businessman Keith Murrain was abducted, stripped and had his throat cut shortly after arriving at Jamaica’s Norman Manley airport.
In 2018, Birmingham charity worker Delroy Walker, who, like Evadney, had returned to start a new life in the land of his birth, was stabbed to death in his Rio Nuevo home.
As yet, no-one has been convicted for the murders.
The list of murdered returnees – UK citizens who scrimped and saved to return to Jamaica – is disturbingly long and getting longer with each year.
Following Evadney’s death, Percival LaTouche, President of the Jamaica Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents, has urged those considering coming back to the island permanently to think again.
“Jamaica has become a fertile place to commit murder,” he warned. He alleged last year saw a 47 per cent rise in returnee murders. In all, there were 25 murders.
Mr LaTouche added: “The type of murders, the barbarity, the brutalism, the way that people are being killed, the chopping death of Ms Gayle... I am not encouraging anybody to come back here to live.”
He is adamant the lives of well over 200 ex-pats have been snuffed out since 2000. In 2017, eight of them were British.
Friends said Mrs Gayle, whose husband died in a car crash in the late 80s, travelled to the West Indies two years ago, but regularly returned to Birmingham.
The mother of two daughters and two sons had moved to the home she had built in St Toolies only three weeks before the November 17 murder.
Her body was discovered at 7pm by a relative. Jamaican newspapers reported that the pensioner had been “viciously chopped to death”.
A nephew, living on the island, told the Jamaican Star: This incident has shaken our family. Everybody’s messed up because of the way she died. Nobody has taken it good. I don’t even sleep from last night.”
Local councillor Claudia Morant-Baker described the victim as a nature lover. She was known to neighbours as “Miss Birdie”.
Coun Morant-Baker said: “The springs are behind her house, she loved nature and that is why she decided to stay here.
“She has been back and forth for a few years, but she settled here for a few months, probably a year. It has been three weeks that she would have moved in the house. Sunday night would have made three weeks.
“Sunday night when I saw her lying in that pool of blood, I cried. It could have been me, my mother or sister who was taken away so brutally.”
Mrs Gayle’s death brought the 2019 death toll in Manchester – a parish of only 320 square miles – to 36.
It is understood an arrest has been made and the suspect was known to Mrs Gayle.
With the body count growing, Birmingham community activist Desmond Jaddoo, who has been in contact with Mrs Gayle’s family, urged would-be returnees to approach the life-changing experience with eyes open.
And he is critical of the Jamaican government for failing to provide the services, support and infrastructure those coming back to the island need.
He had a simple tip for UK residents prepared to plunge into a totally different lifestyle. “Go and have a taster,” he said last night. “Go for three months, then come back. Establish your presence.
“I think security is an issue, not just for returnees, but also those deported to Jamaica. The support mechanism is non-existent.
“It is not for me to tell people to go or not to go, I can only urge people to assess their individual circumstances. If people know there are family disputes or there are issues in the area, they must take those into consideration.
“You need to dot the “i’s” and cross the “t’s” and measure the risk.
“There are families returning who are open to exploitation because there are no support services for them. If you have doubts about returning, address those doubts first and foremost.”


birminghammail--2020-02-17--Driver's lucky escape after car dragged under bridge by Storm Dennis flood

These dramatic pictures show how a driver had a lucky escape after their car was dragged by floodwater and trapped under a bridge .
Fire crews were sent after the silver car was seen in a precarious position wedged under the low bridge .
Water was gushing over the bonnet and the roof , which was locked against the bridge near Porlock , Somerset , at 5pm on Sunday .
Porlock Fire Station shared pictures of the incident on Facebook and revealed the driver had made a lucky escape just moments before the car was washed away .
They wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to escape from the vehicle with the help of the public before it was swept under the bridge .
`` On arrival of Porlocks appliance the Incident commander confirmed no persons where trapped and the crew made the scene safe by putting a cordon in place and closing the foot bridge . ''
`` Please don ’ t attempt to travel through flood water or Fords in vehicles as this not only puts yourself at great risk but also the public and first responders . ''
The incident occurred as Storm Dennis battered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gale-force winds .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (John Bett, James Rodger)

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These dramatic pictures show how a driver had a lucky escape after their car was dragged by floodwater and trapped under a bridge.
Fire crews were sent after the silver car was seen in a precarious position wedged under the low bridge.
Water was gushing over the bonnet and the roof, which was locked against the bridge near Porlock, Somerset, at 5pm on Sunday.
Porlock Fire Station shared pictures of the incident on Facebook and revealed the driver had made a lucky escape just moments before the car was washed away.
They wrote: "Luckily the driver was able to escape from the vehicle with the help of the public before it was swept under the bridge.
"On arrival of Porlocks appliance the Incident commander confirmed no persons where trapped and the crew made the scene safe by putting a cordon in place and closing the foot bridge."
(Image: Porlock Fire Station / SWNS)
"Please don’t attempt to travel through flood water or Fords in vehicles as this not only puts yourself at great risk but also the public and first responders."
The incident occurred as Storm Dennis battered the South West with torrential rain and gale-force winds.