A major investigation is underway after a man was killed in the city on Wednesday night (2 July) and two other men were injured during disorder.

An area of Sparkbrook remains cordoned off this evening (Thursday) following the death of the 32-year-old local man.

A post mortem will take place in due course to determine the cause of death.

Two other men were taken to hospital, one with a gunshot wound (aged 22) and one with a slash wound (aged 25). The man with the slash wound remains in a critical condition, the 22-year-old’s injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Grantham Road and Farm Road are closed whilst a thorough examination of the scene is carried out.

Four men − aged between 24 and 27 – have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, which started at around 7.30pm last night, and are currently helping detectives with their enquiries. A fifth man, aged 22, was arrested for possession of a class A drug and remains in custody.

There has been a heightened police presence in the area today which will continue throughout tonight.

Superintendent Bas Javid, from Birmingham East Police, said: “There is nothing to suggest there will be any further issues.

“We are working hard to establish the full circumstances of what has happened and a full investigation is underway to find those responsible as quickly as possible.

“We appreciate how unsettling this is for the communities especially when guns and knives are used. We would encourage people not to speculate and I would reiterate that there is nothing to suggest this will spark any further disorder.

“We are in close liaison with local communities and we are listening to any concerns they may have as well as keeping them as up to date with the investigation as possible.”

Anyone who has any information and hasn’t yet come forward to speak to us are urged to call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers where information can be given anonymously on 0800 555 111

Police have released CCTV footage after a woman was assaulted during the Birmingham Pride event in May.

The attack happened on Hurst Street just after 6pm on Sunday 25 May when a man in the crowd fell into the woman during a disagreement with someone else. As she reacted, he grabbed her around the neck and pushed her to the floor. He then walked off through the crowd.

Sergeant Jonathan Beach, from Digbeth police station, said: “This was an unprovoked assault at a time when everyone was enjoying this immensely popular event.

“It happened in the middle of a large crowd with many witnesses. The attacker was wearing a distinctive purple cap and a purple T-shirt. I am sure that someone will know who he is and I would urge them to contact me.”

The man is described as around 5ft 6ins and black. He is also thought to have been wearing purple trousers or shorts.

Anyone who recognises the man should contact Sgt Beach on 101 or alternatively information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Four men have been arrested in connection with the death of a 32-year-old man in Sparkbrook on Wednesday evening (2 July).

The men − aged 24 and 27 − initially arrested on suspicion of violent disorder were further arrested late last night (Thursday) for murder.

The 32-year-old man − who has not yet been formally identified by his family − died as a result of a fatal knife wound.

Medical staff initially believed the man had suffered a gunshot wound however following a post mortem examination the cause of death was a stab wound to the neck. There was no evidence of a gunshot injury.

A major investigation continues following a fight between two groups of men on Wednesday evening. A line of enquiry being investigated is that this is in relation to an ongoing dispute between the two groups.

Grantham Road and Farm Road remain cordoned off whilst thorough forensic examinations of the scene continue.

Two other men were taken to hospital, one with a gunshot wound (aged 22) and one with a slash wound (aged 25). The man with the slash wound remains in a critical condition, the 22-year-old’s injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

West Mercia Police and Warwickshire Police are warning people to be aware, after an elderly lady was conned into transferring nearly £100,000 from her bank account.

The woman aged 89, from Atherstone in Warwickshire, was called by people posing as bank officials and officers from the Metropolitan Police. They told her there was a problem with her bank, which the police were investigating and she was tricked into transferring the money ‘to be safe’.

DCI Sean Paley from Warwickshire and West Mercia Police said “This was a very callous and deliberate targeting of a vulnerable lady that forms part of a series of such crimes across the country.

“Whilst people are generally aware of such scams, these criminals target vulnerable members of the community. I would urge people to talk to close friends and relatives who they think could be at risk.”

Remember to ensure callers are genuine, and be wary of calls out of the blue. Never give out your personal details until you are certain that the caller is legitimate.

If you receive any suspicious calls or have any information on these types of scams, please contact police on 101.

If you want to give information without giving your name you can also call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Further advice and support on avoiding scams can be sought the Action Fraud website:www.actionfraud.police.uk

Two people have been arrested in connection with a robbery in which a man was stabbed in West Bromwich in the early hours of Thursday morning (3 July).

Police detained a man and woman in West Bromwich this morning (4 July) as part of enquiries into the stabbing, which left a 30-year-old man with a collapsed lung.

The 30-year-old was walking along Meadow Avenue and Charlemont Road when a man and woman appeared, stabbed him in the side of his chest and stole his wallet at around 00.15am yesterday.

Police now believe the injured man had been to a cash machine at Stone Cross only minutes before and his attackers may well have followed him from outside those local shops.

Detective sergeant Ed Trimbee, from Sandwell CID, said: “Our enquiries lead us to believe that those responsible for the man’s attack may well have been in the area of the cash point shortly after midnight, into the early hours of Thursday.

“We know that the area around Stone Cross shops and the cash machine at the local Post Office is quite often busy at this time of night, particularly on a Wednesday into Thursday, and so we urge people who were there and may have seen people hanging around to contact us to help with this investigation.”

Officers flooded the area in the minutes after the attack, with dog handlers and the police helicopter assisting in the search for the two suspects.

Detective Sergeant Trimbee added: “This was an innocent man who was going about his business and the two thieves thought nothing of stabbing him in the chest.

“We want to hear from anyone who has information as we continue to question the two people in custody in connection with the attack.”

No other robberies have been reported in the area and neighbourhood police patrols have been stepped up to reassure the community.

A 30-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man, both from West Bromwich, were arrested in the local area this morning and are today being questioned on suspicion of wounding and robbery.

Anyone who can help police is urged to call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A Market Drayton woman has been charged with a total of 19 fraud and theft offences following an investigation by West Mercia Police into incidents between 2005 and 2014.

Susan Weston, 60, of Bartons Lane, Market Drayton appeared before Telford Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, Friday 4 July, charged with 17 counts of fraud by false representation and two counts of theft.

Weston was released on bail and will appear before Shrewsbury Crown Court on Monday 1 September.

Life jail for rush robber who attacked elderly women in own homes

A rush robber who attacked elderly women in their own homes, including an 87-year-old he beat black and blue, has been jailed for life.

Lee Roberts struck five times either side of New Year knocking at the doors of pensioners and bundling them inside when they answered.

His most shocking raid came on 20 December in Bosworth Drive, Chelmsley Wood, when an 87-year-old woman suffered nasty facial injuries when shoved against a radiator and then dragged from room to room as he made demands for cash. She has allowed us to release her image (below) showing the extent of the injuries suffered at Roberts’ hands.

The 33-year-old left her with a cushion tied tightly across her face as he fled with £500 cash from a bedroom wardrobe.

He went on to steal a TV and loose change from a 73-year-old woman in Stonebridge Crescent, Solihull, on January 2 and snatched a 91-year-old woman’s pension after following her home to Solihull’s Colesbourne Road on January 4.

Three days later Roberts grabbed a handbag from a pensioner when she answered her door in Berkeley Road, Hay Mills, and also ransacked a dementia sufferer’s flat in Hobbs Moat sometime between January 4 and 7.

Roberts, of no fixed address, was convicted of manslaughter in 2004 when a 90-year-old man he attacked in his Hobs Moat home later died in hospital.

He was released in 2011 but when rush robberies with Roberts’ hallmark emerged again late last year detectives identified him as a possible suspect.

Intelligence checks linked him to a Vauxhall Astra that was spotted by neighbourhood officers in a supermarket car-park in Olton on January 8. And when detectives examined its on-board tracker system they discovered the car had been parked outside each victim’s address at the time they were attacked.

He went on to admit four counts of robbery and one burglary and at Birmingham Crown Court  was jailed for life. He will have to spend at least six years and nine months behind bars before parole can be considered.

Investigating officer DC Arran Cox from Solihull Police CID, said: “These were terrifying ordeals for his victims: they were threatened, assaulted and had to watch as their homes were ransacked.

“He has a track record of nasty rush robberies and has already served many years in prison after one victim, who he left with broken ribs, died from pneumonia as a result of his injuries. Residents can now feel reassured that Roberts is no longer free to commit such despicable offences − and may never emerge from prison if authorities deem he poses a risk in the future.”

A man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill following an incident in Wellington, Telford.

At approximately 7.40pm yesterday (Friday 4 July) West Mercia Police were called to Regent Street to reports that a man and a woman had had a weapon pointed at them by a man in a red vehicle.

Following the incident a 42-year-old man attended the police station and was arrested as part of the investigation. He has since been bailed to return to the police station on August 15.

Detective Sergeant Dayfdd Jones said: “We’re aware that local rumours and gossip are suggesting that this incident is related to terrorism. There is no evidence or intelligence to suggest that this is the case and it currently appears to be an isolated incident between individuals that are known to each other.”

A 15-year-old youth, who was detained by two retired police officers, has been questioned about an alleged distraction burglary in Derby.

The two former officers were working on a house in Coleridge Street in Derby at 12.45pm yesterday (Thursday July 3) when they saw two youths acting suspiciously at another house on the road.

They saw one youth go into the garden of the house with the elderly occupant while the other one appeared to go into the house.  As the youths were leaving the area the former officers approached them and asked what they were doing.

One suspect was detained but the other managed to run off and escape after a short chase.  The 15-year-old was later arrested by police.

Property including a purse and jewellery were later found to be missing from the house.

The youth has been questioned and released on police bail while enquiries continue.  Officers are actively looking for the other suspect.

Anyone with information should ring the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

West Midlands Police has charged a man over a pub shooting almost 20 years ago.

Anthony Stephens, formerly of Craneberry Road in Tile Cross, was arrested by officers as he stepped off a plane from Ireland at Birmingham Airport on 22 November last year.

And when the 46-year-old answered bail on Saturday (July 5) investigators charged him with attempted murder in connection with a shooting at Coventry pub The Plough on 20 October 1996 that left a 32-year-old staff member fighting for his life.

It’s alleged Stephens, a tattoo artist, was one of four members of biker gang The Outlaws involved in a scuffle at the pub in the early hours of the morning − and fired shots into the bar as he left.

The injured man was shot in the face but, after what doctors described as a “miraculous” recovery, he survived the shooting.

Stephens is scheduled to appear at Coventry Magistrates Court this morning (July 7) when the attempted murder charge will be put to him.

The National Black police association are today mourning the loss of one of  their own.

Glen Williams has sadly passed away as a result of liver cancer a year after he losing his wife.

Glenn was born in Nottingham in 1957, joined Nottinghamshire Police in 1985 and was the first black detective in Nottingham CID.

In 2001 he was elected as chair of Nottinghamshire Black Police Association

In 2005 he was elected as deputy president of the National Black Police Association

Glen Williams came into his own when a group of Asian officers asked him to be a co-respondent in an industrial tribunal held to investigate allegations of racism within CID. The case became a landmark victory against discrimination in the police service.

A spokesperson for NBPA Said “We would like to express our deepest condolences to Glen’s family, friends and close colleagues.

They included a 71-year-old Solihull woman he cold-called on January 10 last year offering to carry out roof repairs and tile jet-washing for £1,200.

But over the space of several days Smith − who used the alias ‘Michael’ − convinced her to agree more dubious work, like a £150 “weed sealant” that saw him simply splash a mystery solution over her driveway from a watering can.

He eventually left the Knowle pensioner with a demand for £2,300.

Police arrested the 24-year-old − a traveller whose last known address was in Earl Barton, Northampton − on 1 February after he’d escorted an 83-year-old Solihull lady to her bank in the hope of getting away with a cash lump sum for more dodgy work.

However, an astute cashier became suspicious, refused to hand over the money and passed his van’s details to police − and Smith was later stopped in his works vehicle by officers responding to the alert.

He went on to admit one count of fraud by false representation and at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday (July 4) he was jailed for 25 months.

The judge also imposed a Serious Crime Prevention Order that for the next three years bans Smith from touting door-to-door for any kind of building or repair work or for advertising such services − and risks more jail time should he flout the order.

And a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) investigation has been launched that forces Smith to prove he’s accrued a sum of £33,000 legally. If not, he must pay back the money or face the prospect of more time behind bars.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Mark Delaney from Solihull Police CID, said: “In interview Smith claimed to be an honest trader who gave fair quotes and never pushed or intimidated residents into agreeing maintenance work.

“The reality though was very different: he is a prolific rogue trader who targeted elderly folk he believed he could con by paying huge sums for very poor quality repairs and who were unable or unlikely to check his workmanship.

“One victim described feeling mesmerised by the huge number of leaflets being thrust at her, the speed at which he was talking and the array of work he offered.

“Rogue traders like Smith aren’t ‘cheeky chappies’ trying it on and hoping to make a few extra pounds − they are calculated, cruel conmen and, as this case shows, we will investigate and push for tough prison sentences.

“And the court recognised the serious nature of Smith’s rogue-trader offending by imposing a Serious Crime Prevention Order. Should he ignore its terms he faces up to five years in jail.”

A chartered building surveyor appointed by DC Delaney to assess Smith’s work concluded a price of £400 − not £2,300 − would have been reasonable for jobs claimed to have been undertaken at the 71-year-old’s Knowle home

The report added: “The work was inappropriate…pressure washing a roof can create water penetration internally and damage tiles. Workmanship was poor and would provide very limited benefit to the householder who will need the drive re-sanded immediately and attention provided by a competent tradesman to re-fix the verge caps.”

DC Delaney advised against accepting work offers from any cold callers. He said: “If people are looking to get any property maintenance done they should always get at least three quotes and never accept work from people who turn up unannounced.

“They may offer cut price repairs but often victims find the initial quote ends up being hugely inflated further down the line…and the rogue traders can be very forceful and intimidate people into handing over cash.

Police investigating the double murder of a Solihull couple have this afternoon formally identified them as Pin Chang aged 58 and his wife Quoi Chang aged 50.

Both died as a result of stab injuries at their address in Hermitage Road, Solihull yesterday morning (Monday 7 July).

Police were called to the address just after 5am yesterday.

A 23-year-old man remains under police guard in hospital in connection with the deaths.

Detective Inspector Martin Slevin is leading the double murder inquiry. “This a serious and devastating incident which has led to the deaths of a man and woman, and a young man continues to receive treatment.

“All three people are known to one another and at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

“Forensic experts continue to work at the scene in order to work out exactly what happened in this tragic incident. If anyone has information to help our inquiry but is yet to speak to police they are urged to come forward as soon as they can.”

Chief superintendent Alex Murray, commander of Solihull Police, said: “This is a shocking and deeply upsetting incident in which two people have tragically lost their lives.

“Many people who live locally will undoubtedly have been concerned and distressed by today’s events and I’d like to reassure the community that we are doing everything possible to investigate this terrible crime.

“We have officers out in the neighbourhood to provide a visible reassurance and to offer support to anyone upset or concerned by what has happened. House to house enquiries will also be conducted.”

Anyone with information to assist the police investigation should call Force CID Homicide Team by dialling 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for help from the public to find a Coventry man following an armed robbery at a Harvester restaurant in Styvechale last summer.

Raj Kumar Kapoor was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to commit robbery on June 4 2013 and was released on police bail pending further enquiries, however Kapoor, who is from the Radford area of the city, failed to answer bail and a warrant was issued his for arrest.

The 36-year-old should not be approached and anyone who sees him or who has information about his whereabouts is asked to call 101 immediately, or in the case of an emergency dial 999.

A man and woman have been remanded in custody after appearing in court, charged with a robbery in which a man was stabbed in West Bromwich last week (3 July).

The pair were arrested last Friday (4 July) as part of enquiries into the stabbing, which left a 30-year-old man with a collapsed lung in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The pair, who are both unemployed and from Beaconview Road, appeared before Sandwell Magistrates Court on 7 July.

They were remanded in custody to appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court in September.

A man has admitted manslaughter and been jailed for over 17 years.

Shaun Patrick Lacey, aged 40, of no fixed address, was due to stand trial this week for the murder of Damien Fyson, aged 37, at Birmingham Crown Court.

However, today (8 July) he admitted manslaughter and was sentenced to 17 years and six months.

Emergency services were called to Damien’s home in Wainwright Walk, Hanley, just before 5.30am on Wednesday 8 January where he was found seriously injured.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem examination later established the cause of death was a stab wound to the chest.

A detailed investigation by detectives from the force’s Major Investigations Department (MID) established that Lacey and Fyson had been drinking together with friends the day before Damien’s death. During the early hours of 8 January Fyson was stabbed with a pair of scissors while he slept on his bed.

Lacey was arrested and subsequently charged with Fyson’s murder.

Detective Inspector Dave Johnston, who led the inquiry, said: “Our investigation to establish the facts of this tragic incident was difficult due to the fact those involved had been drinking heavily.

“However, by piecing together the detailed forensic evidence from the scene and the evidence given by witnesses, we were able to confirm that Lacey had been responsible for Damien’s death.

“It was noted by the judge that his actions had no apparent motive and were simply fuelled by excessive alcohol.

“We welcome today’s guilty plea and I hope that this conclusion brings some form of comfort to Damien’s family.

“Although Lacey’s admission to manslaughter will not bring Damien back, his family now at least have the knowledge that his killer is facing justice and will be spending considerable time behind bars.”

Damien’s mother, Cherie Jackson, said: “No sentence can bring Damien back to us, however, we would like to thank the judge and prosecution for seeing Lacey for what he is, a cruel and heartless killer, and passing such a long sentence. We’d also like to thank the police and Victim Support for their help throughout the entire duration of the case.”

His family are continuing to receive support from specially trained officers.

A teenager will appear at Coventry Magistrates Court today charged in connection with a shooting in the city on Monday (7 July).

The 17-year-old from Stoke Aldermoor − who cannot be named due to his age − was last night (Tuesday) charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.

An investigation was launched following the incident at around 00.40am on Monday in Acorn Street when a 25-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

Police investigating disorder which led to the death of a man in Sparkbrook last night (Tuesday 8 July) charged a man with murder.

Naweed Bashardost will appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court today (Wednesday) where he will stand accused of the murder of Ikram Ullah Khan, also known as Ikram Elahi.

The 28-year-old died from a stab wound to the neck following disorder on Grantham Road and Farm Road in Sparkbrook on Wednesday 2 July.

Unemployed Bashardost, of Alum Rock, was arrested on 4 July in connection with the disorder. Detectives were granted further time to question the 22-year-old and subsequently charged him with murder last night.

A further man was yesterday afternoon arrested on suspicion of Mr Khan’s murder. The 23-year-old man was detained at a Birmingham police station and remains in custody this morning.

The arrest brings the total detained in connection with the disorder up to 11.

Four men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and were subsequently released on conditional police bail. Four men were arrested on suspicion of murder and were later released without charge; however they remain on bail in connection with a separate disorder. Another man arrested on suspicion of murder currently remains in hospital, receiving treatment for injuries sustained during last week’s disorder.

Those currently on police bail are under strict conditions which include not to enter the city of Birmingham.

Students involved in the Prince’s Trust scheme are set to unveil a brand new anti-knife crime film at a Birmingham cinema tomorrow (Thursday 10 July).

The 35 minute movie, which has been put together in partnership with West Midlands Police, highlights the dangers of knife crime and aims to educate young people about how their choices can change their lives.

All of the footage, including drama scenes and interviews with emergency services have been captured and edited by students on the scheme.

PC Ian Northcott, who has helped the students to produce the film, said: “Everyone involved in this project showed a lot of maturity and a fantastic work ethic to make it happen.

“The film itself shows how easily young people can be involved in knife crime and includes heart-wrenching interviews with people whose lives have been affected by people carrying weapons.

“We hope that this video will make a difference and will make youngsters think twice before leaving the house with a blade. There is no acceptable level of violent crime and any offence involving a knife can shatter lives.”

The film will premiere at the Odeon Cinema in New Street, Birmingham tomorrow at 10.30am. Anyone who wants to attend should email i.northcott@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk

If you are concerned about someone you know who carries a knife contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.