birminghammail--2020-04-25--Massive queues in the sun as B&Q reopens some of its biggest DIY stores

It looks set to go down in history as the best spring weather that hardly anybody could take advantage of .
But the decision by B & Q to open some of its stores this weekend gave many DIY fans the chance to get out in to the sunshine during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown .
Surely everyone was n't missing a Philip 's screwdriver or a single lightbulb all of a sudden ?
Truth was , the stores have been closed since the full lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he addressed the nation a month ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at B & Q have been watching how supermarkets have worked how to open with social distancing measures and have now tried to implement best practice themselves .
There were queues at the Halesowen and Shirley stores today .
People were observing the social distancing guidelines to keep at least two metres apart from others .
Helping to keep them at their appropriate distance were the shadows of the people in front of them .
What safety measures are in place at your open stores ?
We ’ ve introduced social distancing controls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time , and so you may find you need to queue if you visit the store .
We have two metre floor markers throughout the store and also Perspex screens at our checkouts .
At these re-opened stores , customers can purchase products that are available for takeaway in store on the day .
Services such as kitchen and bathroom design , paint mixing , timber cutting and key cutting are not available for the time being .
We are accepting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only .
Why have you closed ?
The safety of our customers , colleagues and communities is our number one priority and since March 23 when the UK lockdown was announced , we ’ ve been working hard to adapt our business to meet our obligations as an essential retailer , while keeping our colleagues safe and continuing to meet our customers ’ needs .
Having watched other essential retailers support social distancing in their stores , we are now in a position to follow best practice and re-open some stores , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our aim us to provide the best possible service and help customers look after their homes and gardens , as well as their wellbeing , at this difficult time .
Our Click + Collect service is available for orders placed on diy.com for collection from stores that remain closed .
Home delivery is also available as a delivery option for selected lines .
How long will you be closed for ?
As an essential retailer , we ’ ve watched with interest how the grocers have helped people shop in a safe way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principles to the way customers shop with us .
We ’ re now in a position to re-open some stores so that we can provide the best possible service and help customers look after their homes and gardens , as well as their wellbeing , at this difficult time .
We ’ re unsure on how long our other stores will remain closed and look forward to welcoming you into our stores again as soon as possible .
You can still place orders on diy.com for your home improvement needs for collection from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are seeing a very large increase in customer orders .
Our team are working hard to maintain our service for as many customers as possible .
Please be patient if orders , collections or refunds are delayed and only contact us if absolutely necessary .
These FAQs are the best way to get the latest information .
What products are you selling via Click+Collect ?
On diy.com , we have a reduced range that focuses on customers ’ needs during these challenging times , and includes the following : A limited range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchase on diy.com using our Click+Collect service from local stores .
At our re-opened stores our garden centres , with a range of plants , are open for self-service .
We know that gardening is important to our customers and their wellbeing .
We are also aware of the scale of the challenge Covid-19 presents for the nation ’ s horticulture industry .
We hope the availability of plants using our Click+Collect service will add a little bit of colour to the gardens of Britain and help our customers and our horticultural partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety of our colleagues and customers .
Are you selling paint and can I get my Valspar paint mixed ?
A limited range of paint is available to purchase on diy.com using our contact-free Click+Collect from local stores .
Please note that Valspar paint mixing services are suspended while our stores are closed .
For trade customers , please refer to trade-point.co.uk Yes , Click + Collect is still available at diy.com for a limited range of products .
Our aim is for this to be a next day service .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be ready .
And it could be temporarily unavailable at busy times Collections can be made 8am-5pm Monday to Saturday .
Usual trading hours apply on Sunday .
Items will be held for no more than two days .
If you do not collect your order it will be cancelled and we will process a refund , which may take up to 14 days to appear on your statement .
How long will it take for my order to be ready ?
During these unprecedented times it may take a few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Remember , only travel to store once you have been informed your order is ready for collection .
Once you receive a collection notice , please come to the store soon as possible .
Our contact-free Click+Collect process has a limited capacity at stores , so at busy times customers may experience delays .
If delays or issues occur , please be considerate to our team and other customers .
We are all in this together .
Can someone self-isolating get someone else to pick up their Click + Collect order ?
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect your order .
Please make sure they have a copy of your order confirmation , as well as their own photo ID ( passport or driver ’ s licence ) .
Can I still order items for home delivery ?
Yes , you can shop on diy.com for a limited range of products for home delivery .
How will my items be home delivered safely ?
We ’ ve made some changes to the way we deliver your items to you .
These changes minimise contact to protect our colleagues and customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products to you .
• We ’ ll no longer deliver items into homes .
Instead , we ’ ll place items by the front door .
• Having knocked the front door , we ’ ll step back to a safe distance while you pick up your item ( s ) .
This will ensure any items are delivered securely and not left outside .
• If you ’ d prefer not to open your door , we ’ ll take a photo of your item ( s ) at your home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than handing over our hand-held devices to capture your signature , we ’ ll sign for the delivery on your behalf .
Will my kitchen / bathroom / bedroom order still be delivered to my home ?
We will contact you if any changes need to be made to your delivery date .
Please ensure your contact details that you have provided are kept up to date .
We recommend that you do not remove your existing kitchen , including any appliances , bathroom , or bedroom until we have confirmed your delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit the B & Q 's FAQ online page here

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
It looks set to go down in history as the best spring weather that hardly anybody could take advantage of.
But the decision by B&Q to open some of its stores this weekend gave many DIY fans the chance to get out in to the sunshine during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.
Surely everyone wasn't missing a Philip's screwdriver or a single lightbulb all of a sudden?
Truth was, the stores have been closed since the full lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he addressed the nation a month ago at 8.30pm on March 23.
Managers at B&Q have been watching how supermarkets have worked how to open with social distancing measures and have now tried to implement best practice themselves.
There were queues at the Halesowen and Shirley stores today.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
People were observing the social distancing guidelines to keep at least two metres apart from others.
Helping to keep them at their appropriate distance were the shadows of the people in front of them.
Some customers were wearing face masks.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
Every question answered by B&Q
What safety measures are in place at your open stores?
We’ve introduced social distancing controls at our re-opened stores. We’re strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time, and so you may find you need to queue if you visit the store.
We have two metre floor markers throughout the store and also Perspex screens at our checkouts.
At these re-opened stores, customers can purchase products that are available for takeaway in store on the day.
Services such as kitchen and bathroom design, paint mixing, timber cutting and key cutting are not available for the time being. We are accepting card, gift card and contact-less payments only.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
Why have you closed?
The safety of our customers, colleagues and communities is our number one priority and since March 23 when the UK lockdown was announced, we’ve been working hard to adapt our business to meet our obligations as an essential retailer, while keeping our colleagues safe and continuing to meet our customers’ needs.
Having watched other essential retailers support social distancing in their stores, we are now in a position to follow best practice and re-open some stores, while keeping our colleagues and customers safe.
Our aim us to provide the best possible service and help customers look after their homes and gardens, as well as their wellbeing, at this difficult time.
Our Click + Collect service is available for orders placed on diy.com for collection from stores that remain closed.
Home delivery is also available as a delivery option for selected lines.
How long will you be closed for?
As an essential retailer, we’ve watched with interest how the grocers have helped people shop in a safe way.
We’re now applying these principles to the way customers shop with us. We’re now in a position to re-open some stores so that we can provide the best possible service and help customers look after their homes and gardens, as well as their wellbeing, at this difficult time.
We’re unsure on how long our other stores will remain closed and look forward to welcoming you into our stores again as soon as possible. You can still place orders on diy.com for your home improvement needs for collection from these stores.
How do I contact B&Q?
During this challenging time we are seeing a very large increase in customer orders. Our team are working hard to maintain our service for as many customers as possible. Please be patient if orders, collections or refunds are delayed and only contact us if absolutely necessary. These FAQs are the best way to get the latest information.
Products on Sale
What products are you selling via Click+Collect?
On diy.com, we have a reduced range that focuses on customers’ needs during these challenging times, and includes the following:
Hardware
Plumbing
Electrical
Central heating and boiler parts
Building supplies
Tools
Security
Light bulbs
(Image: BirminghamLive)
Are you selling plants?
A limited range of plant bundles are now available to purchase on diy.com using our Click+Collect service from local stores.
At our re-opened stores our garden centres, with a range of plants, are open for self-service.
We know that gardening is important to our customers and their wellbeing. We are also aware of the scale of the challenge Covid-19 presents for the nation’s horticulture industry. We hope the availability of plants using our Click+Collect service will add a little bit of colour to the gardens of Britain and help our customers and our horticultural partners through this difficult time, while maintaining the safety of our colleagues and customers.
Are you selling paint and can I get my Valspar paint mixed?
A limited range of paint is available to purchase on diy.com using our contact-free Click+Collect from local stores.
Please note that Valspar paint mixing services are suspended while our stores are closed.
What if I’m a TradePoint customer?
For trade customers, please refer to trade-point.co.uk
(Image: BirminghamLive)
Click+Collect orders
Can I still place a Click + Collect order?
Yes, Click + Collect is still available at diy.com for a limited range of products. Our aim is for this to be a next day service.
But this may take several days for orders to be ready.
And it could be temporarily unavailable at busy times
Collections can be made 8am-5pm Monday to Saturday. Usual trading hours apply on Sunday. Items will be held for no more than two days. If you do not collect your order it will be cancelled and we will process a refund, which may take up to 14 days to appear on your statement.
How long will it take for my order to be ready?
During these unprecedented times it may take a few days for your order to be ready.
Remember, only travel to store once you have been informed your order is ready for collection. Once you receive a collection notice, please come to the store soon as possible.
Our contact-free Click+Collect process has a limited capacity at stores, so at busy times customers may experience delays. If delays or issues occur, please be considerate to our team and other customers. We are all in this together.
Can someone self-isolating get someone else to pick up their Click + Collect order?
We’re happy for someone else to collect your order. Please make sure they have a copy of your order confirmation, as well as their own photo ID (passport or driver’s licence).
(Image: BirminghamLive)
Home deliveries
Can I still order items for home delivery?
Yes, you can shop on diy.com for a limited range of products for home delivery.
How will my items be home delivered safely?
We’ve made some changes to the way we deliver your items to you. These changes minimise contact to protect our colleagues and customers, while continuing to safely deliver your products to you.
We’ll no longer deliver items into homes. Instead, we’ll place items by the front door.
Having knocked the front door, we’ll step back to a safe distance while you pick up your item(s). This will ensure any items are delivered securely and not left outside.
If you’d prefer not to open your door, we’ll take a photo of your item(s) at your home as proof of delivery.
Rather than handing over our hand-held devices to capture your signature, we’ll sign for the delivery on your behalf.
Will my kitchen / bathroom / bedroom order still be delivered to my home?
We will contact you if any changes need to be made to your delivery date. Please ensure your contact details that you have provided are kept up to date.
We recommend that you do not remove your existing kitchen, including any appliances, bathroom, or bedroom until we have confirmed your delivery date.
For other T&Cs visit the B&Q's FAQ online page here


birminghammail--2020-04-25--The iconic World Cup goalkeeper who has an Aston Villa tattoo

From Prince William to Ozzy Osborne , Aston Villa have a long line of celebrity supporters .
In the world of football , though , there 's perhaps one dedicated Villa fan that does n't quite add up and that 's Italian World Cup goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca .
The stopper was on the losing side when Inter Milan were beat by Villa on penalties at Villa Park in the UEFA Cup back in 1995 .
`` I remember that we were ahead in the penalty shoot-out , and I saved from Guy Whittingham , '' Pagliuca previously said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Phil King scored the decisive goal . ''
Little did supporters know back then that Pagliuca was a staunch Villa supporter , with Tony Morley being his favourite-ever player .
`` I began to support Villa in 1981 , '' The Italian , who would have been 15 , explained .
`` The season when we won the League Championship .
`` I remember that the first private TV channels started to broadcast English football in Italy , and I became keen on the big challenge for the title with Ipswich Town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , even if the results did not arrive to me in real time like they do now !
`` I fell in love with the shirt , which is both beautiful and unique .
But the history of the club also fascinated me . ''
As well as playing for Inter , Pagliuca played for Sampdoria , Bologna and Ascoli during a glittering 600-game career .
He also played 39 times for his country and was the first goalkeeper to make a save in a World Cup final penalty shoot-out when Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1994 .
Pagliuca last visited Villa Park back in 2014 but , last year upon Villa 's promotion back to the Premier League , had an arm tattoo of Villa 's badge .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
From Prince William to Ozzy Osborne, Aston Villa have a long line of celebrity supporters.
In the world of football, though, there's perhaps one dedicated Villa fan that doesn't quite add up and that's Italian World Cup goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca.
The stopper was on the losing side when Inter Milan were beat by Villa on penalties at Villa Park in the UEFA Cup back in 1995.
"I remember that we were ahead in the penalty shoot-out, and I saved from Guy Whittingham," Pagliuca previously said.
"But we missed our last two penalties before Phil King scored the decisive goal."
Little did supporters know back then that Pagliuca was a staunch Villa supporter, with Tony Morley being his favourite-ever player.
"I began to support Villa in 1981," The Italian, who would have been 15, explained. "The season when we won the League Championship.
"I remember that the first private TV channels started to broadcast English football in Italy, and I became keen on the big challenge for the title with Ipswich Town.
"It was a truly memorable season, even if the results did not arrive to me in real time like they do now!
"I fell in love with the shirt, which is both beautiful and unique. But the history of the club also fascinated me."
As well as playing for Inter, Pagliuca played for Sampdoria, Bologna and Ascoli during a glittering 600-game career.
He also played 39 times for his country and was the first goalkeeper to make a save in a World Cup final penalty shoot-out when Italy lost to Brazil in the USA in 1994.
Pagliuca last visited Villa Park back in 2014 but, last year upon Villa's promotion back to the Premier League, had an arm tattoo of Villa's badge.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Aston Villa players hand huge boost to Nassef Sawiris & Wes Edens

Aston Villa 's first-team players , coaching staff and senior management have agreed to a 25 per cent wage deferral , the club have announced .
Villa 's chief executive Christian Purslow has issued a statement in light of the current pandemic with Premier League football suspended indefinetly .
The Premier League are set to meet again on May 1 , with the government being pushed to finish the current campaign behind closed doors .
`` First-team players , first-team coaches and senior management have all agreed to defer 25 per cent of their salaries for four months to assist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a further review taking place at the end of this period , '' Purslow explained .
`` During the two seasons since Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens rescued Aston Villa they have supported and funded the rebuilding of the club with a huge level of personal financial investment .
`` They are continuing to provide substantial funding which , combined with these significant salary deferrals , enables Aston Villa to confirm that all non-football staff - full and part time - will be retained and paid in full throughout the lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Our players and staff feel great solidarity with the many clubs in the football pyramid who have financial problems and we believe it is right and proper that the Premier League as a whole takes action on its finances collectively to enable it to be able to continue to provide vital funding throughout the game in England . ''
Purslow added : `` The club remains fully committed to serving our local communities through the Aston Villa Foundation and we want to help and ensure our people and our resources can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not playing football .
`` Consequently we have made all our facilities available to the multi agencies working so hard to protect people during this time of national emergency . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Aston Villa's first-team players, coaching staff and senior management have agreed to a 25 per cent wage deferral, the club have announced.
Villa's chief executive Christian Purslow has issued a statement in light of the current pandemic with Premier League football suspended indefinetly.
The Premier League are set to meet again on May 1, with the government being pushed to finish the current campaign behind closed doors.
"First-team players, first-team coaches and senior management have all agreed to defer 25 per cent of their salaries for four months to assist the club during this period of uncertainty with a further review taking place at the end of this period," Purslow explained.
(Image: PA)
"During the two seasons since Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens rescued Aston Villa they have supported and funded the rebuilding of the club with a huge level of personal financial investment.
"They are continuing to provide substantial funding which, combined with these significant salary deferrals, enables Aston Villa to confirm that all non-football staff - full and part time - will be retained and paid in full throughout the lockdown. There will be no furloughing of staff.
"Our players and staff feel great solidarity with the many clubs in the football pyramid who have financial problems and we believe it is right and proper that the Premier League as a whole takes action on its finances collectively to enable it to be able to continue to provide vital funding throughout the game in England."
Purslow added: "The club remains fully committed to serving our local communities through the Aston Villa Foundation and we want to help and ensure our people and our resources can be put to use while we are not playing football.
"Consequently we have made all our facilities available to the multi agencies working so hard to protect people during this time of national emergency."


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Plea to find 16-year-old who vanished from Merry Hill

Police have launched a nationwide appeal to find a youngster who went missing from a Dudley shopping centre .
Sixteen-year-old Rebecca Booker was last seen at around 11.30am on Saturday , April 25 , outside intu Merry Hill .
The teen - who is described as being 4ft 5ins with brown hair - was wearing a green jacket and purple trousers when she disappeared .
She was also carrying three bags and walks with a limp , a spokesman for West Midlands Police said .
Concerned officers issued a missing persons appeal , along with a picture of the girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
A spokesman for the force said : `` Have you seen Rebecca Booker ?
`` The 16-year-old from Dudley left home in the early hours of this morning ( 25 April ) and was last seen at 11.30am today outside Merry Hill shopping centre .
`` Rebecca is described as white , approx 4ft 5in tall , with brown shoulder length hair and wears glasses .
She was last seen wearing a green jacket and purple trousers and carrying three bags .
`` Rebecca walks with a limp and we believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the supermarket outside Merry Hill today that will have seen her or seen what direction she might have gone in .
`` If you see her or have any information , contact the locate team via 101 or Live Chat . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Police have launched a nationwide appeal to find a youngster who went missing from a Dudley shopping centre.
Sixteen-year-old Rebecca Booker was last seen at around 11.30am on Saturday, April 25, outside intu Merry Hill.
The teen - who is described as being 4ft 5ins with brown hair - was wearing a green jacket and purple trousers when she disappeared.
She was also carrying three bags and walks with a limp, a spokesman for West Midlands Police said.
Concerned officers issued a missing persons appeal, along with a picture of the girl, in a desperate bid to find her.
A spokesman for the force said: "Have you seen Rebecca Booker?
"The 16-year-old from Dudley left home in the early hours of this morning (25 April) and was last seen at 11.30am today outside Merry Hill shopping centre.
"Rebecca is described as white, approx 4ft 5in tall, with brown shoulder length hair and wears glasses. She was last seen wearing a green jacket and purple trousers and carrying three bags.
"Rebecca walks with a limp and we believe there were lots of people queuing for the supermarket outside Merry Hill today that will have seen her or seen what direction she might have gone in.
"If you see her or have any information, contact the locate team via 101 or Live Chat."


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Liverpool plan shock transfer move for £30m Villa target - reports

Liverpool have reportedly joined the race for Leeds United ’ s coveted midfielder Kalvin Phillips .
Phillips , 24 , @ @ @ @ @ talented players in the EFL and has improved immeasurably under Marcelo Bielsa over the past @ @ @ @ @ expected to win promotion to the Premier League once the Championship campaign resumes - but @ @ @ @ @ Phillips will remain at Elland Road next season .
Aston Villa made a move for @ @ @ @ @ though they were eventually put off by Leeds ’ £30million asking price .
Dean Smith @ @ @ @ @ Phillips and Villa could attempt to lure him away from Leeds again if they remain @ @ @ @ @ However , according to Bleacher Report , Liverpool have joined the race for Phillips .
@ @ @ @ @ Jurgen Klopp is looking to sign a midfielder this summer and views Phillips as a @ @ @ @ @ has played 34 times for Leeds this season and they are top of the Championship @ @ @ @ @ .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Liverpool have reportedly joined the race for Leeds United’s coveted midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips, 24, is rated among the most talented players in the EFL and has improved immeasurably under Marcelo Bielsa over the past two seasons.
Leeds are expected to win promotion to the Premier League once the Championship campaign resumes - but that doesn’t mean Phillips will remain at Elland Road next season.
Aston Villa made a move for the midfielder last summer, though they were eventually put off by Leeds’ £30million asking price.
Dean Smith is still a fan of Phillips and Villa could attempt to lure him away from Leeds again if they remain in the Premier League.
However, according to Bleacher Report, Liverpool have joined the race for Phillips. The report claims Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is looking to sign a midfielder this summer and views Phillips as a useful squad player.
Phillips has played 34 times for Leeds this season and they are top of the Championship with nine games to go.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Midlands man arrested over 'horrific' rape of woman, 20, in Blackpool

Two men are under arrest after the `` horrific '' rape of a 20-year-old woman in Blackpool , police said .
The victim was attacked in an alleyway in the seaside town at around 10.30pm on Thursday night .
She was raped then violently assaulted as she lay on the ground .
The woman was then robbed before her attacker made off from the scene , off Hopton Road , near the Home Bargains shop in the South Shore area of the resort .
Detectives have now traced two women who helped the victim find her way home .
Lancashire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30-year-old from the Midlands and a 19-year-old local man , have been arrested .
Both remain in custody and are being interviewed by detectives .
Det Chief Inspector Lee Wilson , of Lancashire Police , said : `` This is a horrific offence leaving the young victim with significant physical and undoubtedly mental injuries .
She is understandably extremely distressed .
`` I would like to thank the two ladies for coming forward and I would continue to appeal to anyone else who may be able to help us .
`` Thankfully offences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vitally important for the safety of other women that the offenders are identified and brought to justice , and to that end we have a dedicated team of detectives carrying out inquiries to identify the offender and get justice for the victim .
`` There are extra patrols in the area and you can always approach an officer if you have any information or concerns .
`` We understand people may be reluctant to come forward during this time , especially if they have not been following the Government guidelines about staying at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that our immediate concern is to find out what happened and I would urge anyone who has any information , no matter how insignificant they may feel it to be , to come forward and speak to us .
`` While we have made two arrests , our inquiries are very much ongoing . ''
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting log 1557 of April 23rd or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Two men are under arrest after the "horrific" rape of a 20-year-old woman in Blackpool, police said.
The victim was attacked in an alleyway in the seaside town at around 10.30pm on Thursday night. She was raped then violently assaulted as she lay on the ground.
The woman was then robbed before her attacker made off from the scene, off Hopton Road, near the Home Bargains shop in the South Shore area of the resort.
Detectives have now traced two women who helped the victim find her way home.
(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
Lancashire Police also said two men, a 30-year-old from the Midlands and a 19-year-old local man, have been arrested.
Both remain in custody and are being interviewed by detectives.
Det Chief Inspector Lee Wilson, of Lancashire Police, said: "This is a horrific offence leaving the young victim with significant physical and undoubtedly mental injuries. She is understandably extremely distressed.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"I would like to thank the two ladies for coming forward and I would continue to appeal to anyone else who may be able to help us.
"Thankfully offences like this are rare. It is vitally important for the safety of other women that the offenders are identified and brought to justice, and to that end we have a dedicated team of detectives carrying out inquiries to identify the offender and get justice for the victim.
"There are extra patrols in the area and you can always approach an officer if you have any information or concerns.
"We understand people may be reluctant to come forward during this time, especially if they have not been following the Government guidelines about staying at home, but I would reassure them that our immediate concern is to find out what happened and I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant they may feel it to be, to come forward and speak to us.
"While we have made two arrests, our inquiries are very much ongoing."
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting log 1557 of April 23rd or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--City gin bar shuts down take away service after just one day

The owner of an award-winning gin bar in the Jewellery Quarter has closed his business again - 24 hours after opening for just three hours of takeaway service .
Last year the 40 St Paul 's bar was voted World Gin Bar of the Year in Gin magazine 's annual Icons of Gin Awards in 2019 On Thursday , April 23 , owner Amanjot Singh Johal then posted on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook that he was planning to reopen for three hours .
He would serve one person at once with a takeaway only service from 4pm til 7pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , April 25 .
Mr Johal posted on Facebook on Thursday at 3.53pm : `` The rumours are true , lovely people .
We ’ ll be opening up for take away G & T slushies - you know , the ones that have had you going crazy since we started doing them way back in 2017 . ''
Before opening on Friday , he posted on Facebook at 11.01pm : `` We have categorically stated this service is aimed at people who may be walking around the Jewellery Quarter on their evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travel to us , and we do not expect anyone to do so . ''
An hour later , Mr Johal told BirminghamLive : `` We want people to be safe , but also to enjoy themselves .
`` I would only do something if I knew a ) it was legal and b ) completely in line with instructions from the government .
`` I do n't want to put anyone 's lives at risk , I 'm a conscientious man .
I think the only thing you can do in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be good . ''
Once the takeaway only service opened at 4pm , we noted that some 20 people were served in the first 25 minutes .
The longest queue at any one time was of seven people and most carried their drinks away .
One man told us : `` It is nice to have a proper drink again . ''
A lady said : `` I am tying this up with my daily exercise . ''
Both said they were taking the drinks back to their flat .
But today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the business would not open today ( April 25 ) as planned .
He said : `` Regarding our service yesterday and the response : Thank you to all the lovely people who came and supported a small local business yesterday , following all the social distancing rules and our personal health and safety guidelines .
`` It was genuinely lovely to see so many familiar faces who have supported us in better times and I 'm glad you 're all well and safe .
`` Unfortunately , by publicising our offer this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public , resulting in at least one car driving to us for slushies and , of course , I can not allow that in clear conscience .
`` My sincerest apologies to anyone who was looking forward to a little bit of joy in these otherwise mentally trying times . ''
What readers are saying The comments we have received about Mr Johal 's decision to open seemingly reflect many factors and opinions across the whole spectrum of the debate about how the country can extricate itself from the grip of Covid-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that many people are facing and the apparent contradictions they see in government guidelines .
The main advice to stay indoors unless going out is necessary remains the same as when the wider UK lockdown began with Prime Minister Boris Johnson address to the nation a month ago at 8.30pm on March 23 .
Our readers views , posted on our BirminghamLive Facebook page , also suggest that the government will , sooner or later , have to judge between lifting the lockdown for the benefit of the economy or maintaining restrictions for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections and number of deaths in the pandemic indicate that opinion will remain divided about what is the right thing to do in the circumstances and when or if the lockdown can be lifted any time soon .
Roger Brown : `` Providing the social distancing rules are followed its technically within the rules .
But , the real problem is that it encourages people to travel and this definitely not classed as essential travel .
Also he is not providing essential items .
It 's a bold move but at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` While the rest of Europe will improve and finally control this virus , UK will have a never-ending fake lockdown like we 've had so far .
People socialising and tanning in the parks , lots of non essential stores open and now even pubs !
As an NHS worker , i am ashamed of how relaxed the rules have been and we are dying one by one , everyday , because we are doing nothing to prevent this . ''
Jon Brooks : `` About time business owners opened instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business is open and trading it 's contributing to the treasury , which in turn will pay for the much need funds for the NHS . ''
Vanessa Trench : `` Plenty of complaints have said how this is wrong , but nothing about the many flights in and out of UK.. was that not wrong ?
If you want a lockdown , you stop everything , not pick and choose .
Oh I forgot , many on here complaining want to have their holidays abroad this year ... '' Rebecca Shaw : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to travel to him !
It 's for people walking past in the sun , there 's clearly two meter distance .
It 's really no different to any take away that 's opened .
People are so critical .
No one thinks about the air travel still happening and so on .
We are n't on full lockdown .
It 's not large gatherings . ''
Georgina Fernandez : `` Many independent businesses are still doing takeaways and deliveries , this is no different at all .
We people from JQ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observing the distance , he ’ s wearing a mask and washing hands and himself suffers from asthma . ''
Laura Moran : `` Sorry but how is this different from B & Q opening ?
!
Selling those essential border plants .
Or the takeaways , fish & chip shops where you still collect ?
I guarantee the queue to these are much bigger than the 7 people in this queue .
I ’ m not saying it ’ s right or wrong what he ’ s doing but I think there @ @ @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
The owner of an award-winning gin bar in the Jewellery Quarter has closed his business again - 24 hours after opening for just three hours of takeaway service.
Last year the 40 St Paul's bar was voted World Gin Bar of the Year in Gin magazine's annual Icons of Gin Awards in 2019
On Thursday, April 23, owner Amanjot Singh Johal then posted on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook that he was planning to reopen for three hours.
He would serve one person at once with a takeaway only service from 4pm til 7pm on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25.
Mr Johal posted on Facebook on Thursday at 3.53pm: "The rumours are true, lovely people. We’ll be opening up for take away G&T slushies - you know, the ones that have had you going crazy since we started doing them way back in 2017."
Before opening on Friday, he posted on Facebook at 11.01pm: "We have categorically stated this service is aimed at people who may be walking around the Jewellery Quarter on their evening stroll. We are not inviting people to travel to us, and we do not expect anyone to do so."
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
An hour later, Mr Johal told BirminghamLive: "We want people to be safe, but also to enjoy themselves.
"I would only do something if I knew a) it was legal and b) completely in line with instructions from the government.
"I don't want to put anyone's lives at risk, I'm a conscientious man. I think the only thing you can do in this world is to be kind and to be good."
Once the takeaway only service opened at 4pm, we noted that some 20 people were served in the first 25 minutes.
The longest queue at any one time was of seven people and most carried their drinks away.
One man told us: "It is nice to have a proper drink again."
A lady said: "I am tying this up with my daily exercise."
Both said they were taking the drinks back to their flat.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
But today Mr Johal posted on Facebook to say the business would not open today (April 25) as planned.
He said: "Regarding our service yesterday and the response: Thank you to all the lovely people who came and supported a small local business yesterday, following all the social distancing rules and our personal health and safety guidelines.
"It was genuinely lovely to see so many familiar faces who have supported us in better times and I'm glad you're all well and safe.
"Unfortunately, by publicising our offer this has created a demand from the wider public, resulting in at least one car driving to us for slushies and, of course, I cannot allow that in clear conscience.
"My sincerest apologies to anyone who was looking forward to a little bit of joy in these otherwise mentally trying times."
What readers are saying
The comments we have received about Mr Johal's decision to open seemingly reflect many factors and opinions across the whole spectrum of the debate about how the country can extricate itself from the grip of Covid-19.
They including the health and financial dilemmas that many people are facing and the apparent contradictions they see in government guidelines.
The main advice to stay indoors unless going out is necessary remains the same as when the wider UK lockdown began with Prime Minister Boris Johnson address to the nation a month ago at 8.30pm on March 23.
Our readers views, posted on our BirminghamLive Facebook page, also suggest that the government will, sooner or later, have to judge between lifting the lockdown for the benefit of the economy or maintaining restrictions for health reasons.
The current rate of infections and number of deaths in the pandemic indicate that opinion will remain divided about what is the right thing to do in the circumstances and when or if the lockdown can be lifted any time soon.
Roger Brown: "Providing the social distancing rules are followed its technically within the rules. But, the real problem is that it encourages people to travel and this definitely not classed as essential travel. Also he is not providing essential items. It's a bold move but at the moment it's immoral."
Val O'Mondy: "While the rest of Europe will improve and finally control this virus, UK will have a never-ending fake lockdown like we've had so far. People socialising and tanning in the parks, lots of non essential stores open and now even pubs! As an NHS worker, i am ashamed of how relaxed the rules have been and we are dying one by one, everyday, because we are doing nothing to prevent this."
Jon Brooks: "About time business owners opened instead of waiting for bankruptcy. If a business is open and trading it's contributing to the treasury, which in turn will pay for the much need funds for the NHS."
Vanessa Trench: "Plenty of complaints have said how this is wrong, but nothing about the many flights in and out of UK.. was that not wrong? If you want a lockdown, you stop everything, not pick and choose. Oh I forgot, many on here complaining want to have their holidays abroad this year..."
Rebecca Shaw: "He's actually posted for people not to travel to him! It's for people walking past in the sun, there's clearly two meter distance. It's really no different to any take away that's opened. People are so critical. No one thinks about the air travel still happening and so on. We aren't on full lockdown. It's not large gatherings."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Georgina Fernandez: "Many independent businesses are still doing takeaways and deliveries, this is no different at all. We people from JQ walking and grabbing a slushie, queueing observing the distance, he’s wearing a mask and washing hands and himself suffers from asthma."
Laura Moran: "Sorry but how is this different from B&Q opening?! Selling those essential border plants. Or the takeaways, fish & chip shops where you still collect? I guarantee the queue to these are much bigger than the 7 people in this queue. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong what he’s doing but I think there are many similar."


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Live updates as armed officers and sniffer dogs called to police incident

Armed police have swooped on a city street as an incident unfolds in broad daylight .
Several firearms officers have been spotted at a scene in Farren Road , Northfield this afternoon ( April 25 ) .
The unmarked police cars were pictured blocking off the street at around 3pm .
Sniffer dogs were also seen by witnesses as police appeared to be making an arrest .
BirminghamLive has contacted West Midlands Police for the full details .
This is a breaking news story .
We will be updating it .
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you are on the go , the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live .
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you .
Breaking news , the latest on your football club , the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you .
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first .
Download it on iPhone @ @ @

Armed police have swooped on a city street as an incident unfolds in broad daylight.
Several firearms officers have been spotted at a scene in Farren Road, Northfield this afternoon (April 25).
The unmarked police cars were pictured blocking off the street at around 3pm. Sniffer dogs were also seen by witnesses as police appeared to be making an arrest.
BirminghamLive has contacted West Midlands Police for the full details.
This is a breaking news story. We will be updating it.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram.
If you are on the go, the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live.
Available on iPhone and Android, the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you.
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.
Download it on iPhone and Android.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Domestic thug's string of boastful Facebook posts from inside prison cell

Revealed : Domestic thug 's string of boastful Facebook posts from inside prison cell via contraband phone The social media @ @ @ @ @ after HMP Oakwood intercepted to seize a mobile phone from a cell

Revealed: Domestic thug's string of boastful Facebook posts from inside prison cell via contraband phone
The social media account was no longer available after HMP Oakwood intercepted to seize a mobile phone from a cell


birminghammail--2020-04-25--India, USA and the countries lifting lockdown restrictions - FULL LIST

A tentative easing of coronavirus lockdowns has gathered pace around the world , including the reopening of local shops in India that many of the country 's 1.3 billion people rely on .
The US states of Georgia , Oklahoma and Alaska also began loosening lockdown orders on their pandemic-wounded businesses , even as the confirmed US death toll from the coronavirus soared past 50,000 and health experts warned that such steps may have come too early .
The relaxation of the strict Indian lockdown came with major caveats .
It did not apply to hundreds of quarantined towns and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the outbreak that has killed at least 775 people in the country and terrified many poor people who live in slum conditions too crowded for social distancing .
Last week , India also allowed manufacturing and farming to resume in rural areas to ease the economic plight of millions of daily wage-earners left jobless by the lockdown imposed on March 24 .
India 's restrictions have allowed people out of their homes only to buy food , medicine or other essentials .
Elsewhere in Asia , authorities reported no new deaths on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , where the virus originated .
South Korea reported just 10 fresh cases , the eighth day in a row its daily total came below 20 .
There were no new deaths for the second straight day .
In Sri Lanka , however , the lockdown was tightened , not eased , confirming a pattern of one-step-forward , one-step-back also seen elsewhere in the pandemic , as authorities juggle public health against the health of shut-down economies .
Sri Lanka had partially lifted a month-long curfew during daytime hours in more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it reimposed a 24-hour lockdown countrywide after a surge of 46 new infections on Friday , the highest increase in a day on the Indian Ocean island .
The new curfew remains in effect until Monday .
On Saturday , the global death toll climbed toward 200,000 , according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University from government figures .
The actual death toll is believed to be far higher .
Pope Francis appealed to people to pray for funeral home workers , saying : `` What they do is so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pain of this pandemic . ''
In Europe , Belgium sketched out plans for a progressive lockdown relaxation starting on May 4 with the resumption of non-essential treatment in hospitals and the reopening of textile and sewing shops to enable people to have face masks .
Bars and restaurants would be allowed to start reopening on June 8 , although Belgian prime minister Sophie Wilmes also cautioned that a surge in infections could alter the timeline , and that `` nothing is set in stone '' .
Children in Spain will get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday when a total ban on letting them outside is relaxed .
After 44 days indoors , they will be allowed to take one toy or scooter with them but not play together for adult-supervised one-hour excursions no further than one kilometre from home .
Italy announced that free protective masks will be distributed to nursing homes , police , public officials and transport workers , preparing for the return to work of millions of Italians when lockdown restrictions are eased from May 4 .
In France , the government is preparing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from May 11 .
The health minister detailed plans on Saturday to scale up testing to help contain any new flare-ups .
Testing shortages are a critical problem elsewhere , too , including in Brazil , Latin America 's largest nation , which is veering closer to becoming a pandemic hotspot .
Medical officials in Rio de Janeiro and four other major cities warned that their hospital systems are on the verge of collapse or already overwhelmed .
In Manaus , the biggest city in the Amazon , officials said a cemetery has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there have been so many deaths .
Workers have been burying 100 corpses a day - triple the pre-virus average .
In the US , Republican governors in Georgia and Oklahoma allowed salons , spas and barbershops to reopen , while Alaska opened the way for restaurants to resume dine-in service and retail shops and other businesses to open their doors , all with limitations .
Though limited in scope , and subject to social-distancing restrictions , the reopenings marked a symbolic milestone in the debate raging in the United States and beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift economically devastating lockdown orders .
During a White House press briefing on Friday , US president Donald Trump spoke optimistically of the economy but also asked people to continue social distancing and use face coverings .
The same day , Mr Trump signed a 484 billion dollar ( £391 billion ) bill to aid employers and hospitals under stress from the pandemic .
Over the past five weeks , roughly 26 million people have filed for jobless aid in America , or about one in six US workers .
Mr Trump also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ingest or inject disinfectant to fight Covid-19 were an attempt at sarcasm .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
A tentative easing of coronavirus lockdowns has gathered pace around the world, including the reopening of local shops in India that many of the country's 1.3 billion people rely on.
The US states of Georgia, Oklahoma and Alaska also began loosening lockdown orders on their pandemic-wounded businesses, even as the confirmed US death toll from the coronavirus soared past 50,000 and health experts warned that such steps may have come too early.
The relaxation of the strict Indian lockdown came with major caveats. It did not apply to hundreds of quarantined towns and other hotspots that have been hit hardest by the outbreak that has killed at least 775 people in the country and terrified many poor people who live in slum conditions too crowded for social distancing.
Shopping malls also remain closed nationwide.
Last week, India also allowed manufacturing and farming to resume in rural areas to ease the economic plight of millions of daily wage-earners left jobless by the lockdown imposed on March 24.
India's restrictions have allowed people out of their homes only to buy food, medicine or other essentials.
Elsewhere in Asia, authorities reported no new deaths on Saturday for the 10th straight day in China, where the virus originated.
South Korea reported just 10 fresh cases, the eighth day in a row its daily total came below 20. There were no new deaths for the second straight day.
In Sri Lanka, however, the lockdown was tightened, not eased, confirming a pattern of one-step-forward, one-step-back also seen elsewhere in the pandemic, as authorities juggle public health against the health of shut-down economies.
Sri Lanka had partially lifted a month-long curfew during daytime hours in more than two thirds of the country.
However, it reimposed a 24-hour lockdown countrywide after a surge of 46 new infections on Friday, the highest increase in a day on the Indian Ocean island. The new curfew remains in effect until Monday.
On Saturday, the global death toll climbed toward 200,000, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University from government figures. The actual death toll is believed to be far higher.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Pope Francis appealed to people to pray for funeral home workers, saying: "What they do is so heavy and sad. They really feel the pain of this pandemic."
In Europe, Belgium sketched out plans for a progressive lockdown relaxation starting on May 4 with the resumption of non-essential treatment in hospitals and the reopening of textile and sewing shops to enable people to have face masks.
Bars and restaurants would be allowed to start reopening on June 8, although Belgian prime minister Sophie Wilmes also cautioned that a surge in infections could alter the timeline, and that "nothing is set in stone".
Children in Spain will get their first fresh air in weeks on Sunday when a total ban on letting them outside is relaxed.
After 44 days indoors, they will be allowed to take one toy or scooter with them but not play together for adult-supervised one-hour excursions no further than one kilometre from home.
Italy announced that free protective masks will be distributed to nursing homes, police, public officials and transport workers, preparing for the return to work of millions of Italians when lockdown restrictions are eased from May 4.
In France, the government is preparing to ease one of Europe's strictest lockdowns from May 11. The health minister detailed plans on Saturday to scale up testing to help contain any new flare-ups.
Testing shortages are a critical problem elsewhere, too, including in Brazil, Latin America's largest nation, which is veering closer to becoming a pandemic hotspot.
Medical officials in Rio de Janeiro and four other major cities warned that their hospital systems are on the verge of collapse or already overwhelmed.
In Manaus, the biggest city in the Amazon, officials said a cemetery has been forced to dig mass graves because there have been so many deaths. Workers have been burying 100 corpses a day - triple the pre-virus average.
In the US, Republican governors in Georgia and Oklahoma allowed salons, spas and barbershops to reopen, while Alaska opened the way for restaurants to resume dine-in service and retail shops and other businesses to open their doors, all with limitations.
Some Alaskan municipalities chose to maintain stricter rules.
Though limited in scope, and subject to social-distancing restrictions, the reopenings marked a symbolic milestone in the debate raging in the United States and beyond as to how quickly political leaders should lift economically devastating lockdown orders.
During a White House press briefing on Friday, US president Donald Trump spoke optimistically of the economy but also asked people to continue social distancing and use face coverings.
The same day, Mr Trump signed a 484 billion dollar (£391 billion) bill to aid employers and hospitals under stress from the pandemic.
Over the past five weeks, roughly 26 million people have filed for jobless aid in America, or about one in six US workers.
Mr Trump also said his widely criticised comments suggesting people can ingest or inject disinfectant to fight Covid-19 were an attempt at sarcasm.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Driver smashes into parked car and 'flees scene' in city blackspot

A driver smashed into a parked car , flipping their own vehicle , before fleeing the scene on one of the city 's most notorious crash hotspots .
The motorist 's vehicle was left abandoned on its side after the collision on Rookery Road , Handsworth - a street rocked by minor , serious and at least two fatal collisions over the last few years .
Fire crews were called to the street just after 10pm on Saturday , April 25 .
No one was found at the scene , with witnesses claiming the driver and occupant fled .
Firefighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured and police enquiries are ongoing to trace those involved .
West Midlands Police confirmed : `` No arrests at this stage .
Enquiries are on-going . ''
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Service added : `` We were called at 10.03pm to two cars in collision .
No persons injured or trapped as no one at scene .
`` One car on its side one on all four wheels .
Two crews attended , one from Handsworth and one from Smethwick so ten firefighters in total . ''
Anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ west-midlands.police.uk between between 8am and midnight , or by calling 101 anytime .
You can give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
Previously , residents in the area have called for action to be taken on one of the city 's worst streets for RTCs .
Mr Rahim , who owns Rahim Upholstery , said last March : `` There must have been loads of accidents reported there .
If there are not accidents happening , it is not Rookery Road .
`` They need to put a speed camera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here for a long time , I have to be careful pulling out of junctions . ''
And a spokesperson for Dhaliwal Sweet & Savoury last year told of her fears for schoolchildren at Rookery School .
She said : `` Something needs to be done because there 's a school on Rookery Road .
I think if we could do something , that would be good . ''
A timeline above captured just a handful of the crashes which have taken place on the road - including two fatalities .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A driver smashed into a parked car, flipping their own vehicle, before fleeing the scene on one of the city's most notorious crash hotspots.
The motorist's vehicle was left abandoned on its side after the collision on Rookery Road, Handsworth - a street rocked by minor, serious and at least two fatal collisions over the last few years.
Fire crews were called to the street just after 10pm on Saturday, April 25.
No one was found at the scene, with witnesses claiming the driver and occupant fled.
Firefighters said there was no one trapped or injured and police enquiries are ongoing to trace those involved.
West Midlands Police confirmed: "No arrests at this stage. Enquiries are on-going."
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Service added: "We were called at 10.03pm to two cars in collision. No persons injured or trapped as no one at scene.
"One car on its side one on all four wheels. Two crews attended, one from Handsworth and one from Smethwick so ten firefighters in total."
Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between between 8am and midnight, or by calling 101 anytime.
You can give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Previously, residents in the area have called for action to be taken on one of the city's worst streets for RTCs.
Mr Rahim, who owns Rahim Upholstery, said last March: "There must have been loads of accidents reported there. If there are not accidents happening, it is not Rookery Road.
"They need to put a speed camera there or something. I have been here for a long time, I have to be careful pulling out of junctions."
Time Line Timeline of Rookery Road crashes Feb 10, 2019 - Two car smash A car was left written-off on Rookery Road with a smashed-up bumper and no front wheel after a crash in February. Two people were hurt in the collision, but fortunately only suffered minor injuries and were discharged at the scene. A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "One of our ambulances came across a two-car RTC on Rookery Road at 3.26pm on Sunday. "No other resources were sent to the scene. "We assessed two patients, both of whom were able to be discharged at the scene having suffered minor injuries only." Feb 1, 2019 - Teenage girl injured A teenage girl was injured in a rush hour crash on a busy city road. Shocking footage, released after the smash, captured the moment a silver Vauxhall Astra overtook a lorry and came speeding along Rookery Road. The driver can be seen on CCTV smashing into the rear of the red car, sending it spinning out of control in Albert Road. Emergency services raced to the junction and found a teenage girl and a man injured. Firefighters helped both crash victims out of a vehicle, while the driver of the second car is believed to have fled the scene. The girl suffered injuries not believed to be serious and was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital. Oct 12, 2018 - Crash outside school Images from October captured a broken wall after a car collided with it outside Rookery School. The damaged wall was cordoned off while the driver, is believed to have made off from the scene. Aug 10, 2018 - Ambulance smash Suspected car thieves smashed into an ambulance attending a 999 call on Rookery Road in August last year. Video footage - taken by a passerby - showed the aftermath of the collision.
The clip shows paramedics at the wreckage of an ambulance and a black Volvo - which has also sustained severe damage. The ambulance's front wheel was detached, with the emergency vehicle resting lop-sided in the middle of the normally busy road.
Dozens of residents had surrounded the scene, filming and taking photos.
West Midlands Police confirmed they were called just after 7pm after the ambulance - which was attending a 999 call - was crashed into.
Two men were taken to hospital as a precaution before being arrested on suspicion of drink driving and theft of a car. Nov 9, 2017 - Woman killed in hit-and-run A much-loved grandma was tragically killed in a horrific hit-and-run collision as she crossed dangerous Rookery Road. Krishna Devi Droch, aged 62, was struck down by a red-light jumper near the road's junction with Albert Road. The reckless Vauxhall Zafira driver had been driving on the wrong side of the road when it sent her flying onto the pavement. Instead of stopping, the motorist left her for dead and callously made off. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Krishna was pronounced dead at the scene. A man named Darren Holness was charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice in November that year. The 47-year-old was sentenced to a two year jail term - suspended for two years - on April 24, 2018. No other further charges or sentences were imposed over the hit-and-run. Sept 6, 2017 - Man hit by car Just months before, a man was taken to hospital after being hit by a car on the notorious city street. Emergency services rushed to Rookery Road following the collision shortly after 3pm. An air ambulance was also spotted landing at the Oakland Centre near to the scene of the collision. Police said the man was taken to hospital and that luckily, his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. Speaking at the time, a West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "The driver of the car stopped at the scene and was spoken to by officers." May 3, 2013 - Toddler killed The life of a three-year-old boy was also claimed on Rookery Road in recent years. Brian Napiorkowski was struck by a car near to the junction of Mervyn Road on May 3, 2013. He was treated for serious injuries at the scene, but later died in hospital.
And a spokesperson for Dhaliwal Sweet & Savoury last year told of her fears for schoolchildren at Rookery School.
She said: "Something needs to be done because there's a school on Rookery Road. I think if we could do something, that would be good."
A timeline above captured just a handful of the crashes which have taken place on the road - including two fatalities.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Lockdown won't be lifted early as Raab says at 'delicate and dangerous' stage

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has brushed off calls to ease the lockdown warning the outbreak is still at a “ delicate and dangerous ” stage .
On Sunday morning , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer wrote to the Prime Minister demanding ministers set out an `` exit strategy '' .
But Mr Raab , who has been standing in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson while he recovers from the disease , said the Government would proceed “ cautiously ” in order to avoid a second peak in the outbreak .
“ We are at a delicate and dangerous stage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme .
`` We need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed , which is why we are proceeding very cautiously and we are sticking to the scientific advice with the social-distancing measures at this time , whilst doing all the homework to make sure that we are prepared in due course for the next phase . ''
`` Until we can be confident , based on the scientific advice , that we are making sure-footed steps going forward that protect life , but also preserve our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not responsible to start speculating about the individual measures , '' he said .
The Government is coming under intense pressure from senior Tories to relax the strict social-distancing measures , amid concern at the damage they are doing to the economy .
The Prime Minister is due to return to work in Downing Street on Monday , after spending the past fortnight recuperating at his official country residence , Chequers .
Mr Raab added : `` He is in good spirits .
He is raring to go .
He is looking forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday . ''
The Foreign Secretary confirmed that the Government was considering checks on people arriving at sea ports and airports in the UK .
It 's been reported that plans were in the pipeline for officials to quarantine passengers for 14 days after entering the country .
The initiative had previously been rejected by Ministers .
But Mr Raab said : `` We have continually , throughout , tested this with the scientists and with the chief medical officer to make sure that as the evidence changes we are able to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` So that is something that we will be looking at .
It could include the testing of people coming in .
It could include social distancing . ''
On the BBC1 's The Andrew Marr Show , the Foreign Secretary told the presenter social distancing measures will remain in place for `` some time '' to come .
He said people would have to get used to a `` new normal '' .
`` We wo n't just have this binary easing up of measures .
We will end up moving to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We need to take a sure-footed step forward which protects life but also preserves our way of life .
So we are very focused on doing the homework that can allow us to do that . ''
Mr Rabb also said schools could not reopen without measures in place to stop the spread of the disease , but said ministers were looking to ease restrictions on outdoor activities .
`` We do want to look - when it is safe , when it is responsible - at ways to allow more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again we have got to have the evidence that that is a sure-footed step - does n't allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (PA, Cathrina Hulse-BM)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has brushed off calls to ease the lockdown warning the outbreak is still at a “delicate and dangerous” stage.
On Sunday morning, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer wrote to the Prime Minister demanding ministers set out an "exit strategy".
But Mr Raab, who has been standing in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson while he recovers from the disease, said the Government would proceed “cautiously” in order to avoid a second peak in the outbreak.
“We are at a delicate and dangerous stage,” he told Sky News’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme.
"We need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed, which is why we are proceeding very cautiously and we are sticking to the scientific advice with the social-distancing measures at this time, whilst doing all the homework to make sure that we are prepared in due course for the next phase."
"Until we can be confident, based on the scientific advice, that we are making sure-footed steps going forward that protect life, but also preserve our way of life, frankly it is not responsible to start speculating about the individual measures," he said.
The Government is coming under intense pressure from senior Tories to relax the strict social-distancing measures, amid concern at the damage they are doing to the economy.
The Prime Minister is due to return to work in Downing Street on Monday, after spending the past fortnight recuperating at his official country residence, Chequers.
(Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)
Mr Raab added: "He is in good spirits. He is raring to go. He is looking forward to getting back at the reins on Monday."
The Foreign Secretary confirmed that the Government was considering checks on people arriving at sea ports and airports in the UK.
It's been reported that plans were in the pipeline for officials to quarantine passengers for 14 days after entering the country. The initiative had previously been rejected by Ministers.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
But Mr Raab said: "We have continually, throughout, tested this with the scientists and with the chief medical officer to make sure that as the evidence changes we are able to take any new measures that are necessary.
"So that is something that we will be looking at. It could include the testing of people coming in. It could include social distancing."
On the BBC1's The Andrew Marr Show, the Foreign Secretary told the presenter social distancing measures will remain in place for "some time" to come.
He said people would have to get used to a "new normal".
"We won't just have this binary easing up of measures. We will end up moving to a new normal," he explained.
"We need to take a sure-footed step forward which protects life but also preserves our way of life. So we are very focused on doing the homework that can allow us to do that."
Mr Rabb also said schools could not reopen without measures in place to stop the spread of the disease, but said ministers were looking to ease restrictions on outdoor activities.
"We do want to look - when it is safe, when it is responsible - at ways to allow more outdoor activities to take place, but again we have got to have the evidence that that is a sure-footed step - doesn't allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country."


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Burnley fans have their say on Sean Dyche to Aston Villa claim

Burnley fans have been having their say on reports in the national press , that Sean Dyche could be lined up as a replacement for Dean Smith at Aston Villa .
The Villa boss had come under scrutiny prior to the season being suspended , losing five games on the spin before football in the UK was stopped .
There had been suggestions that Smith 's job would come under threat had they lost their next game , a fixture that would ultimately not take place .
However , the Sun have now suggested that the Burnley boss has 'sparked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after the Clarets chairman suggested the coronavirus suspension could see them run out of money by August .
The two Premier League sides are said to be monitoring Dyche 's situation at Turf Moor , in the hopes they could snag the highly-rated British manager .
Here 's what Burnley fans on social media have said about the surprise link , with many feeling it would be a bad career move to switch claret and blue clubs : @ benj_capper : Apparently they ’ d only go for him if the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t see why he ’ d go villa when it ’ s likely they ’ ll go down .
Palace worries me though Phillip Storey : hopefully the club have made it difficult for him to leave by paying him in line with being one of the top Premiership managers .
Nick lancaster : Hes paid way to much money to consider leaving .
Sure hes paid more than every player at club .
Paul Williams : Why would he want to manage in the championship ?
Kyme Claret Jack : Plus the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ villa when they will be relegated back to the championship @ aGrumpyGitt : Sean_dyche Think you are better off staying @ BurnleyOfficial than going to @ CrystalPalaceMI or @ astonvilla @ TurfCastPodcast : If he can ’ t take us to the next level , which he has spoken about this week so he obviously believes he can do , then he will go to the next level with somebody else .
Anthony Durkin : I could see the attraction with villa but could also be a poisoned chalice .
A lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results and they won ’ t break into the top 6-8 , palace would be a sideways step .
Think they ’ re bigger than they are and Zaha won ’ t be there .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Burnley fans have been having their say on reports in the national press, that Sean Dyche could be lined up as a replacement for Dean Smith at Aston Villa.
The Villa boss had come under scrutiny prior to the season being suspended, losing five games on the spin before football in the UK was stopped.
There had been suggestions that Smith's job would come under threat had they lost their next game, a fixture that would ultimately not take place.
However, the Sun have now suggested that the Burnley boss has 'sparked chatter' at Villa and Crystal Palace, after the Clarets chairman suggested the coronavirus suspension could see them run out of money by August.
The two Premier League sides are said to be monitoring Dyche's situation at Turf Moor, in the hopes they could snag the highly-rated British manager.
Here's what Burnley fans on social media have said about the surprise link, with many feeling it would be a bad career move to switch claret and blue clubs:
@benj_capper: Apparently they’d only go for him if the season was to be cancelled. Can’t see why he’d go villa when it’s likely they’ll go down. Palace worries me though
Phillip Storey: hopefully the club have made it difficult for him to leave by paying him in line with being one of the top Premiership managers.
Nick lancaster: Hes paid way to much money to consider leaving. Sure hes paid more than every player at club.
Paul Williams: Why would he want to manage in the championship?
Kyme Claret Jack: Plus the fact why would he go to Aston villa when they will be relegated back to the championship
@aGrumpyGitt: Sean_dyche Think you are better off staying @BurnleyOfficial than going to @CrystalPalaceMI or @astonvilla
@TurfCastPodcast: If he can’t take us to the next level, which he has spoken about this week so he obviously believes he can do, then he will go to the next level with somebody else.
Anthony Durkin: I could see the attraction with villa but could also be a poisoned chalice. A lot of money to spend, but they expect results and they won’t break into the top 6-8, palace would be a sideways step. Think they’re bigger than they are and Zaha won’t be there.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Coronavirus vaccine 'may not be ready until later next year'

A coronavirus vaccine might not be ready until later next year , despite human trials being underway .
Professor Gina Radford , the former deputy chief medical officer for England , said people needed to be `` realistic '' about the prospect as researchers are having to `` start from scratch '' .
The first human trials for a Covid-19 vaccine in the UK began last Thursday at the University of Oxford .
Prof Radford , who held her government role between 2015 and 2019 , was asked about the prospect of a vaccine on Sky News ' Sophy Ridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have n't got a hugely good track record with vaccines for this particular virus , coronavirus , the family of viruses .
`` But having said that , everything is being thrown at it .
There are researchers all over the world trying to identify a vaccine .
`` We have never seen anything like the effort that is being made to discover this vaccine . ''
Prof Radford said there is a `` huge process '' of testing that needs to be undertaken to determine if potential vaccines are safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point creating a vaccine that will then cause more harm than it is trying to prevent , '' she added .
`` I think those who are very used to the process of developing vaccines are saying they are not anticipating it being available until well into next year . ''
Prof Radford said that while the vaccine could be created sooner as the Government is `` fast-tracking '' its development , it would still have to be manufactured in a large capacity .
Human trials on a potential vaccine saw the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers at the University of Oxford on Thursday .
Both participants - a scientist and a cancer researcher - said they wanted to help in what could be a ground-breaking development in the fight against the disease .
The Oxford Vaccine Group was hoping to repeat the process with six more volunteers on Saturday , moving to larger numbers on Monday .
Up to 1,102 participants will be recruited across multiple study sites in Oxford , Southampton , London and Bristol .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A coronavirus vaccine might not be ready until later next year, despite human trials being underway.
Professor Gina Radford, the former deputy chief medical officer for England, said people needed to be "realistic" about the prospect as researchers are having to "start from scratch".
The first human trials for a Covid-19 vaccine in the UK began last Thursday at the University of Oxford.
Prof Radford, who held her government role between 2015 and 2019, was asked about the prospect of a vaccine on Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show.
She said: "We haven't got a hugely good track record with vaccines for this particular virus, coronavirus, the family of viruses.
"But having said that, everything is being thrown at it. There are researchers all over the world trying to identify a vaccine.
"We have never seen anything like the effort that is being made to discover this vaccine."
(Image: PA)
Prof Radford said there is a "huge process" of testing that needs to be undertaken to determine if potential vaccines are safe and effective.
"There is no point creating a vaccine that will then cause more harm than it is trying to prevent," she added.
"I think those who are very used to the process of developing vaccines are saying they are not anticipating it being available until well into next year."
Prof Radford said that while the vaccine could be created sooner as the Government is "fast-tracking" its development, it would still have to be manufactured in a large capacity.
Human trials on a potential vaccine saw the first two volunteers in the UK injected by researchers at the University of Oxford on Thursday.
Both participants - a scientist and a cancer researcher - said they wanted to help in what could be a ground-breaking development in the fight against the disease.
The Oxford Vaccine Group was hoping to repeat the process with six more volunteers on Saturday, moving to larger numbers on Monday.
Up to 1,102 participants will be recruited across multiple study sites in Oxford, Southampton, London and Bristol.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--What do the popular Gogglebox families do when the cameras stop rolling?

It 's the firm viewer favourite with millions tuning in to watch a range of families and friends and their TV opinions .
Some of the cast on Gogglebox have picked up a loyal following with one , Scarlett Moffatt , even forging a successful reality TV career .
The stars are understood to earn £1,500 a month per family according to the Liverpool Echo and film two six hour shifts a week .
But what do the stars get up to off camera ?
Here is our guide to the fun-loving TV favourites : Always cracking jokes and one-liners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a caravan in Hull .
The pair have kept viewers in stitches since they joined the hit series in 2014 .
The pals met in a pub where Jenny was the landlady and Lee was a regular .
They also share a Twitter account which boast more than 129,000 followers .
Leeds siblings Ellie and Lizzi d joined the show in 2015 .
The pair have said they were worried when they joined the show that viewers would n't take to them but now the duo 's banter sees viewers regularly entertained .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hairdresser in Leeds .
Both ladies are in their 80s and live in a retirement home together in Bristol .
They joined the show in 2016 and often chat about their love lives .
The pair have provided many humorous moments including their reaction to the well-known John Lewis Christmas advert in 2018 where they questioned whether Your Song was written by Ellie Goulding or Elton John .
Georgia said : `` I know this is Ellie Goulding who sang this but God knows whose it was first . ''
The young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
Brother and sister Pete and Sophie from Blackpool joined the cast in 2018 and are popular with viewers .
Sophie works in retail and has shared clips on her Instagram with colleagues cleaning makeup stations before lockdown measures were put in place .
Older brother Pete is reported to be an electrician .
Mum Mica , boyfriend Marcus and Mica 's daughters Sachelle and Shuggy joined in 2018 .
From south London the family regularly keep viewers entertained with their outgoing personalities .
Mica is a hairdresser and Marcus specialises in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a boxing gym .
The family from Derby are firm favourites .
Baasit , Umar and their dad Sid regularly offer up their opinions on the week 's telly and often other family members take part including sibling Raza and their mum .
Baasit has been teaching for ten years and delivers national workshops for KS2 and KS3 pupil premium children through his company Siddiqui Education .
Umar produces electronic music under the name Burk Hold Dear and has released his music as singles .
From Brighton , the Michael family have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with three regulars on the show currently - dad Andrew , mum Carolyne and son Louis .
Louis joins his parents Andrew and Carolyne on the sofa and in earlier years on the show , his sister Alex appeared as well .
Alex 's twin , Catheryne , has also made appearances , confusing viewers since the pair occasionally swap and take each other 's places .
The husband and wife duo are another of the show 's stars who live in south London .
Steve is a cab driver while Sue is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show since 2019 .
Blunt and to the point - that 's the Malone family .
Viewers love their snack selection and their Rotweiler dogs .
Tom Senior works as a lorry driver while mum Julie is a receptionist .
Tom Junior is a freelance model and streetdance choreographer .
Brother Shaun sometimes appears on the show , too .
The Londoners joined the show in 2010 as schoolgirls .
The pair have become well known for their infectious giggling , often descending into fits of laughter together .
Always quirky , Giles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Giles was studying art and Mary was working as a model .
Giles amuses viewers with his comments and is known for often finishing remarks by saying Mary 's name .
Giles is an artist and Mary is best known for being the Spectator ’ s resident agony aunt .
She also penned a book on etiquette best practise , How the Queen Can Make You Happy , which was published in 2012 .
The couple are said to be close friends with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his sister Rachel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 40 years and have two children together .
They joined the show in 2015 and film from their home in Wales .
They 've become popular for their comical and light-hearted bickering .
Brummie pair Paige and Sally joined the hit show last year for its 14th season .
Paige has become well known and loved among viewers for mispronouncing words .
Sally,53 , works as a carer for the disabled and elderly and 23-year-old Paige works as a business manager .
The Brighton based hairdresser has been on the show for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He first appeared on Gogglebox along with his then-boyfriend Chris but the pair split leading to Stephen being joined by his husband Daniel , who first started appearing in 2019 .
Daniel has since left the show after separating from Stephen .
Stephen has also appeared on the show with his mum , Pat , who he has spoken about many times during his years on the show .
Watch Gogglebox every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jess Flaherty, Cathrina Hulse-BM)

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
It's the firm viewer favourite with millions tuning in to watch a range of families and friends and their TV opinions.
Some of the cast on Gogglebox have picked up a loyal following with one, Scarlett Moffatt, even forging a successful reality TV career.
The stars are understood to earn £1,500 a month per family according to the Liverpool Echo and film two six hour shifts a week.
But what do the stars get up to off camera? Here is our guide to the fun-loving TV favourites:
Jenny and Lee
(Image: Channel 4)
Always cracking jokes and one-liners, the firm friends film from inside a caravan in Hull.
The pair have kept viewers in stitches since they joined the hit series in 2014. The pals met in a pub where Jenny was the landlady and Lee was a regular.
They also share a Twitter account which boast more than 129,000 followers.
Ellie and Izzi
(Image: Channel 4)
Leeds siblings Ellie and Lizzi d joined the show in 2015.
The pair have said they were worried when they joined the show that viewers wouldn't take to them but now the duo's banter sees viewers regularly entertained.
Izzi is a mum-of-two while Ellie is a hairdresser in Leeds.
Mary and Marina
(Image: Channel 4)
Both ladies are in their 80s and live in a retirement home together in Bristol. They joined the show in 2016 and often chat about their love lives.
Abbie and Georgia
The pair have provided many humorous moments including their reaction to the well-known John Lewis Christmas advert in 2018 where they questioned whether Your Song was written by Ellie Goulding or Elton John.
Georgia said: "I know this is Ellie Goulding who sang this but God knows whose it was first." The young friends have been on the show since 2018.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Pete and Sophie
(Image: Channel 4)
Brother and sister Pete and Sophie from Blackpool joined the cast in 2018 and are popular with viewers.
Sophie works in retail and has shared clips on her Instagram with colleagues cleaning makeup stations before lockdown measures were put in place.
Older brother Pete is reported to be an electrician.
The Ven family
Mum Mica, boyfriend Marcus and Mica's daughters Sachelle and Shuggy joined in 2018.
From south London the family regularly keep viewers entertained with their outgoing personalities.
Mica is a hairdresser and Marcus specialises in boxing. He is reported to have a boxing gym.
The Siddiqui family
(Image: PA Wire)
The family from Derby are firm favourites.
Baasit, Umar and their dad Sid regularly offer up their opinions on the week's telly and often other family members take part including sibling Raza and their mum.
Baasit has been teaching for ten years and delivers national workshops for KS2 and KS3 pupil premium children through his company Siddiqui Education.
Umar produces electronic music under the name Burk Hold Dear and has released his music as singles.
The Michael family
From Brighton, the Michael family have been regulars on the show from the start with three regulars on the show currently - dad Andrew, mum Carolyne and son Louis.
Louis joins his parents Andrew and Carolyne on the sofa and in earlier years on the show, his sister Alex appeared as well.
Alex's twin, Catheryne, has also made appearances, confusing viewers since the pair occasionally swap and take each other's places.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Sue and Steve
The husband and wife duo are another of the show's stars who live in south London.
Steve is a cab driver while Sue is semi-retired. They have appeared on the show since 2019.
The Malone family
(Image: Channel 4)
Blunt and to the point - that's the Malone family.
Viewers love their snack selection and their Rotweiler dogs.
Tom Senior works as a lorry driver while mum Julie is a receptionist. Tom Junior is a freelance model and streetdance choreographer.
Brother Shaun sometimes appears on the show, too.
Amira and Iqra
The Londoners joined the show in 2010 as schoolgirls.
The pair have become well known for their infectious giggling, often descending into fits of laughter together.
Follow Cathrina Hulse on social media Cathrina Hulse is a multi-media journalist for Birmingham Live and Birmingham Mail. Follow Cathrina here Follow Cathrina on Facebook here Read more of Cathrina's stories here Have you got a story? Email cathrina.hulse@reachplc.com or call 0121 234 5552
Giles and Mary
Always quirky, Giles and Mary met when they were 21, while Giles was studying art and Mary was working as a model.
Giles amuses viewers with his comments and is known for often finishing remarks by saying Mary's name.
Giles is an artist and Mary is best known for being the Spectator’s resident agony aunt. She also penned a book on etiquette best practise, How the Queen Can Make You Happy, which was published in 2012.
The couple are said to be close friends with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his sister Rachel.
Dave and Shirley
David and Shirley have been married for 40 years and have two children together.
They joined the show in 2015 and film from their home in Wales.
They've become popular for their comical and light-hearted bickering.
Paige and Sally
Brummie pair Paige and Sally joined the hit show last year for its 14th season.
Paige has become well known and loved among viewers for mispronouncing words .
Sally,53, works as a carer for the disabled and elderly and 23-year-old Paige works as a business manager.
Stephen Webb and Daniel Lustig
The Brighton-based hairdresser is a veteran of the show and keeps viewers entertained with his one-liners.
He first made an appearance with his then-boyfriend Chris in series 1 of the programme in 2013 but the pair split up.
In 2019 Stephen was joined by his husband Daniel but he has also been seen on screen with his mum Pat.
The couple own a salon called Lustig and Webb.
Watch Gogglebox every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.


birminghammail--2020-04-26--Two taken to hospital after car flips after ploughing into lamppost

Firefighters have released shocking aftermath photos of a wrecked car that ploughed into a lamppost and flipped over in Walsall @ @ @ @ @ was left on its side after the dramatic crash in Pelsall Road , at the @ @ @ @ @ at around 1am on Sunday , April 26 .
A man and a woman were @ @ @ @ @ which is near to Aldi , and treated by paramedics .
They were both taken @ @ @ @ @ , a spokesman for West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said .
A spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ `` We were called to Pellsall Road , close to the junction of High Street @ @ @ @ @ in collision with a lamppost which had come to rest on its side .
`` @ @ @ @ @ , had self-extricate themselves before arrival .
Another , a woman was released by police @ @ @ @ @ over by paramedics and taken to hospital . ''
West Midlands Police were also spotted @ @ @ @ @ road was closed as crews worked at the crash site .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Firefighters have released shocking aftermath photos of a wrecked car that ploughed into a lamppost and flipped over in Walsall.
The black Vauxhall Astra was left on its side after the dramatic crash in Pelsall Road, at the junction of High Street, at around 1am on Sunday, April 26.
A man and a woman were found at the scene, which is near to Aldi, and treated by paramedics.
They were both taken to hospital for further treatment, a spokesman for West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said.
A spokesman for the fire service added: "We were called to Pellsall Road, close to the junction of High Street, to reports a car in collision with a lamppost which had come to rest on its side.
(Image: Aldridge Fire)
"One patient, a man, had self-extricate themselves before arrival. Another, a woman was released by police.
"They were checked over by paramedics and taken to hospital."
West Midlands Police were also spotted at the scene and the road was closed as crews worked at the crash site.