A man found stabbed to death in a Wolverhampton street has been formally identified as 21-year-old Joshua Price from Stowlawn.

Joshua was found lying on the floor in Treynham Close, Stowlawn, at 9.30pm on Saturday night and was pronounced dead at the scene having suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest.

A team of detectives have been assigned to the case and are working shifts around the clock in a bid to swiftly identify and apprehend the killer.

Forensics experts have examined the scene for clues, whilst officers are carrying out an extensive trawl of local CCTV cameras and making enquiries with nearby residents.

Joshua, from Parkview Road in Stowlawn and father to a two-year-old boy, is understood to have been walking in or near Treynham Close on Saturday evening when he was attacked.

His girlfriend Megan Campbell, said: “I loved Josh loads…we have been together for four years. He was a great father and partner and will be deeply missed.”

Detective Inspector Warren Hines is leading a CID team dedicated to tracking down whoever is responsible.

He said: “This is a terribly tragic incident in which a young local father has lost his life. We launched a murder enquiry at a very early stage but we remain open minded with regards a likely motive. We will be doing all we can to get justice for the Joshua’s loved ones.

“We still need to speak to anyone who was in the Treynham Close area of Stowlawn on Saturday night at the time and may have witnessed the attack or saw anything that could help the enquiry. Any snippet of information could be vital so please contact us.”

Wolverhampton Police Superintendent Keith Fraser moved to reassure Stowlawn residents that additional officers had been drafted in to patrol the area in light of Saturday’s stabbing.

He said: “Understandably this has caused considerable concern in the local area…incidents like this are not commonplace which makes them all the more shocking when they do happen.

“This is being investigated as a tragic one-off incident − but we have drafted in extra police officers to patrol the area to offer added visible reassurance.”

Police in Wolverhampton are seeking a man understood to be just over 5ft tall in connection with a serious sexual assault in a local park.

The 24-year-old was walking through Phoenix Park at around 11am on Sunday (28 Sept) when she was approached by a man on a bike who spoke to her. The man then pulled her into nearby bushes and assaulted her.

He is described as white, under 5ft 1ins, in his 20s, with thick brown hair and a beard; he was wearing scruffy clothes and a rucksack.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Booth said: “This is a serious but isolated attack and we are doing all we can to catch the man responsible, including CCTV, forensic and house to house inquiries.

“We will also be carrying out reassurance patrols in the area to help local people feel safer when using the park.

“This assault happened during broad daylight and we are certain that someone must have seen this man in the park as he is quite distinctive in appearance − being described as extremely short.

“A young woman has been left extremely distressed by what has happened and we are determined to get justice for her and take this man off the streets.

“I would urge anyone who saw the man on the day of the attack, or knows his identity from the description given, to call us immediately.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A brave bobby who feared for his life after suffering catastrophic crush injuries when tackling a fleeing burglar is back fighting crime.

PC Pete McGinn was ground against a lamp-post by a car driven by career criminal Carl Anderson in June last year and left for dead in the road with multiple fractures to his legs and pelvis.

Fearing the worst, he asked colleagues administering first aid to tell his family he loved them − but thanks to their life-saving actions, and those of surgeons who pinned his shattered bones together during a six-hour operation, the married officer survived.

And the 45-year-old has now battled his way back to work after coming through a catalogue of operations and specialist physiotherapy.

He’s currently part of an Investigation Team at Sutton Coldfield keeping tabs on crime suspects and analysing intelligence reports.

“I was starting to go stir crazy at home…not to mention driving my wife mad,” joked Pete. “I’m only doing three hours a day at the moment and juggling shifts around hospital appointments and physio − but it’s just great to be back.

“I’ve got another major operation pencilled in for later this year so I’m preparing for another extended period of rehab. I’d always said I wanted to return to front-line policing but in light of the injury I’m looking at moving into a detective role − and hopefully next year I can return full-time.”

Immediately after the attack Pete − who has served local people since 2002 when he joined West Midlands Police − had metal pins and plates inserted in his left leg and hip and an artificial ligament put in his shattered knee.

He’s since undergone a ‘nerve transfer’ operation in a bid to return feeling in his right foot − which he’s not been able to lift since the attack − whilst knee reconstruction surgery planned for November will see replacement cruciate ligament and tendons inserted into the joint.

Last week Pete received a Chief Constable’s Commendation from West Midlands Police top officer Chris Sims − the highest honour bestowed on officers by the force − and his heroics have also been noted nationally.

He’ll attend a Downing Street reception on October 16, alongside wife Suzie, followed by the national Police Bravery Awards in London later that evening where he’ll find out if he’s been named the country’s bravest bobby.

Pete added: “It’s a great honour…but every officer at that awards ceremony will tell you the same: that they were just doing their job. People sign-up as police officers knowing they are likely to get into potentially dangerous situations in order to protect the public − that’s what I did and what I’m determined to do for the rest of my police career.”

PC McGinn was one of several officers who flooded the area around Compton Road in Erdington on 7 June last year following reports of a break-in.

He attempted to stop suspect Anderson as he climbed behind the wheel of his car but the 50-year-old slammed his estate into reverse, pinning him between the open driver’s door and a lamppost.

Anderson, from Osbourne Close in Aston, was jailed for 12 years having pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Chief Superintendent Rachel Jones, head of the Birmingham North local policing unit, and PC McGinn ’s commander, said: “It’s fantastic to see Pete returning to duty…he’s been warmly welcomed back by his colleagues and it’s been a real morale booster for everyone.

A Manchester drug dealer who was stopped on the M6 with nearly £2million worth of heroin has been jailed for over 7 years.

David Partington of Roch Crescent, Whitefield had picked up a consignment of heroin worth £1.97 million and was on his way home via the M6 when motorway cops stopped him just outside Walsall near to Junction 10.

They searched the 30-year-old’s Range Rover and found, hidden in a draw string bag, 10 house brick sized blocks of heroin.

When text messages where checked they revealed that he had sent a message saying: “I’ve got 10 Kilo on Board I’m being safe.”

At first Partington pleaded not guilty but following the disclosure of the evidence he changed his plea to guilty and was jailed for 7 years 4 months for supplying drugs at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday 30 September.

Detective Constable Mark Hackett, from the force’s Priorities Team, said: “Partington was so sure of himself he sent a text saying he was on his way home after hiding the drugs inside the boot of his car. He wasn’t expecting to be stopped by motorway officers just before midnight on Thursday 15 May.

“What he didn’t realise was that by sending the message he had implicated himself which made it very difficult for him to claim he was innocent.

“We are pleased with the sentencing; West Midlands Police takes drug criminality very seriously and will do everything within its power to stop the supply and dealing of drugs.

“This is a significant find which has prevented millions of pounds worth of drugs finding their way onto the streets.”

Police officers in Buxton are investigating an attempted robbery on a footpath off Bakewell Road in Buxton.

At about 9.15pm on Friday September 26 a 16-year-old local boy was walking down the steps from Morrisions supermarket to the Fairfield estate when he was approached by a man.  The man asked him for his phone and when the youth refused to hand it over he punched him in the face.

The offender then ran off down the steps.  He’s described as being white, about five feet ten inches tall, of heavy build and was wearing dark clothing.

The victim was not injured but was shocked by the incident. Nothing was stolen.

Anyone who has any information about the attempted robbery or who was in the area at the time should contact DC Colin Jones on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A Sheffield man has been jailed for more than six years for drug offences in Grassmoor.

Kyle Aslam, 22, of Torbay Road, Pitsmoor, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday, September 12.

He was arrested by officers who stopped the car he was travelling in following reports from the community of suspicious activity on New Street, Grassmoor, back in February 2013.

Suspected Heroin, Cannabis and cash was seized by police during the search at the time.

Mr Aslam pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, possession of a Class B drug and to the acquisition, use and possession of criminal property.

He was sentenced to a total of six years and seven months in prison.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following an aggravated burglary in Gillway Lane, Tamworth.

Approximately 9-40pm on Tuesday  30 September, two men smashed a large window and entered a house where a male occupant was threatened with crowbars. The offenders left after stealing watches and an undisclosed amount of cash. They left in a black Audi RS6 estate.

The home owner was not injured but was left extremely shocked by the ordeal. There was no one else in the property at the time.

Police are appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity before or after the incident, saw the black Audi or can offer any information, to call police on 101 quoting incident number 767 of 30 September. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

PC Julian Gallagher, from the Glossop Safer Neighbourhood Team, competed in three categories to represent Derbyshire at the PSUK Judo Championships.

PC Gallagher fought his way through the competition and picked up a gold medal in the 100kg veterans category and a bronze medal in the over 90kg masters category.

The competition, which was hosted by Police Scotland, took place at Tulliallan Castle in Kincardine, Fife between Friday, September 12 and Sunday, September 14.

Judo is a full contact martial art in which two judokas try to throw or takedown their opponent, immobilising them with a pin or forcing them to submit with a joint lock or choke.

PC Julian Gallagher from the Glossop Town Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “I have been representing the force in national competitions since 2002, so to bring back gold and bronze medals is an achievement which I am very proud of.

“It was a challenging competition but a great opportunity to put Derbyshire Constabulary on the map.

“I have been taking part in the sport since the age of 16, training at various judo clubs including, Glossop and Wilmslow, and at present I train at the Holme Valley Judo Club in West Yorkshire.

“I hope to compete in the 2015 championships which are set to be hosted by the Metropolitan Police Service in the area of High Wycombe.”

Two people will appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court this afternoon (2 October) to face charges in connection with the death of a man at a Sparkhill flat.

Police launched an investigation after the 41-year-old’s body was found at the address on Showell Green Lane on Thursday 25 September. It later became a murder inquiry following a post-mortem.

Krzysztof Rosinke, 28, is charged with wounding and Adrienne Petroan Smith-Thomas, 26, is charged with assisting an offender. They are both from Showell Green Lane in Sparkhill.

Detective Inspector Caroline Corfield, from the force’s Homicide Department, said: “This is very much an on-going investigation and we still need to trace all the people who were staying at flat numbers 111 to 113 during last week.

“If you were in the area and staying on Showell Green Lane then please contact us.

“We await the results of further tests from the post mortem to establish an exact cause of death and after consultation with Crown Prosecution Service we have charged two people pending further enquiries.”

Anyone with any information that could help the investigation is urged to contact the Homicide Department on 101.

Alternatively people can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111.

Police in Birmingham are appealing for information after a centre for adults with learning difficulties was left out of pocket by a group of ‘cold-hearted’ vandals.

Moseley Adult Training Centre off Amesbury Road had four of its minibuses targeted by the yobs, causing around £4,000 worth of damage.

Windows to the vehicles were smashed and first aid kits ransacked in the attack, which took place at around 4.30pm on 13 September.

PC Alison Laws is investigating the offence. She said: “I’ve been an officer for six years and this is the worst case of vandalism I’ve ever seen.

“For someone to target a centre, which does so much to help the vulnerable in our community, in such a cold-hearted way is sickening.

“The centre helps those with learning difficulties and mental health issues, providing transport to and from their home addresses.

“It doesn’t have a great deal of funding and this amount of damage is really going to hit them hard.

“We know four boys − described as Asian and aged around 13 − were seen kicking at the vans. Three of them are described as being very thin, while the fourth is described as being larger in build.

“One of the slimmer boys is described as wearing a burgundy sports jacket while the bigger boy wore a white polo shirt and black jogging bottoms. Another of the boys was wearing a blue top.

“I would urge anyone who knows who this group is from the description given to call us with their names. They need to understand that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable, nor is it a bit of fun, and they will have to answer for their actions.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police have named a person they would like to speak to in connection with an assault following a high speed chase through Sandwell streets.

Kirk Garner, 34, from Oldbury is wanted by police after he drove an Audi at speed through the streets of Tipton in chase of a Silver Astra in December last year.

He is believed to have rammed the Astra after it stopped at traffic lights and dragged the driver out of his car. He then assaulted the man who managed to run away − but whilst doing so he ran into the path of an oncoming car.

The 23-year-old needed hospital treatment for the assault and sustained a broken ankle in the collision.

And now police have named Garner and are appealing for information to help trace him.

Detective Constable Daniel Bailey, from force CID, said: “This was a particularly nasty attack. Garner was chasing the Astra and rammed into the car when it stopped at traffic lights.

“He then got out of the car smashed the car windows and dragged the driver from his car.

“Fearing for his safety he tried to run away but was hit by another car as he tried to flee.

“We believe at this stage that this was not a random attack and that he may have been targeted.

“Following our investigations we are now in a position to name Garner. Enquiries are on going and we continue to check known addresses for him.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information of his whereabouts to call me or one of the team on 101.”

Three men have now been charged following an incident at the Port Vale v Chesterfield match in August.

David Cooper, aged 55, of Beechmont Grove in Stoke-on-Trent; Wayne Reeves, aged 34, of Esperanto Way, Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent and Phillip Bednall, aged 45, of Riley Avenue in Stoke-on-Trent were all charged last night (Thurs).

They have each been charged with 1x racially/religiously aggravated fear/provocation of violence by words/writing and 1x use threatening/abusive/insulting words/behaviour with intent to cause fear of/provoke unlawful violence and are all due before magistrates in Newcastle on October 16.

All three men are also to be issued with banning letters from Port Vale.

Staffordshire Police launched an investigation after an allegation of racist abuse was reported following the game in August.

We are continuing to work closely with both Port Vale and Chesterfield football clubs as the case progresses.

Police would like to reassure the public after rumours that a man tried to abduct a girl in Chesterfield.

On Wednesday, October 1 at 5pm police received reports that a man in a car on Salisbury Avenue attempted to pull an 11-year-old girl into his car.

Officers would like to inform the public that these were false allegations and the matter has now been resolved.

CCTV showing the moment a man punches another for nothing more than bumping into a woman in a crowded bar has been released by police in a bid for information.

The first ever policing operation covering the entire length of the M5 has resulted in 291 people being dealt with for traffic and other offences.

Operation Unity involved officers from seven police forces working together to proactively police the M5 corridor, from its origins in West Bromwich, near Birmingham, to the start of the Devon Expressway in Exeter.

The aim of the operation was to crackdown on travelling criminals and target traffic offences over a two-day period, between Thursday, 2 October, and Friday, 3 October.

Of the 291 drivers dealt with, 70 were stopped for speeding offences, 54 were issued with fixed penalty notices for using their phone at the wheel and 35 were pulled over for not wearing their seatbelts.

As part of the operation, 11 people were arrested on suspicion of a variety of offences. Notable arrests include the arrest of two men, with the help of Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) officers, over vehicle thefts.

The pair were arrested on the M50 in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, on 2 October after their vehicles were identified by officers working on Op Unity. Stephen Probert, aged 38, of no fixed abode and Keri Davies, aged 28, of Commercial Street, Bargoed, were both charged with theft, fraud and taking a vehicle without consent offences.  They appeared before Worcester Magistrates’ Court Monday (6 October) where they were remanded into custody.

Elsewhere, officers from Devon & Cornwall and Avon & Somerset responded to a report about a man in a Mercedes van with a handgun seen near Cullompton, Devon. Local, unmarked, armed officers quickly picked up the vehicle and monitored its journey into Somerset. The van was stopped near Bristol and searched – no arrests were made but a BB pistol was recovered.

While forces already share intelligence and respond to incidents across borders, it is the first time officers from CMPG (West Mercia, West Midlands and Staffordshire forces), the newly-formed Tri-force Operations (Avon & Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire forces) and Devon & Cornwall Police have taken a consistent approach and worked together as one to police the M5.

Superintendent Paul Keasey, head of CMPG who led the operation, said: “We are delighted with the results of this operation, which saw 79 drivers dealt with on the M5 in the West Mercia and West Midlands force areas.

“Recent intelligence indicates the M5 is a vital route for many different members of the criminal community, allowing them to traffic people, convey drugs, transport stolen goods and deliver vehicles following car key burglaries.

“We hope this operation sends a clear message to them that we will act on the information we receive from the public and we will take whatever action necessary to disrupt their activities.

“We also hope it raises the awareness of the ‘fatal five’ offences, namely dangerous and careless driving, mobile phones, speeding, seatbelts, drink and drug driving, and makes drivers think more carefully about their actions, helping to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said: “To keep our motorways safe for everyone and tackle organised crime requires police forces to work together, just as the three-force Central Motorway Police Group has done for many years in our area.

“We know that the motorway network is vital to organised crime, and I am pleased to see forces working together across boundaries to deny its use to criminals.  I welcome this operation and hope to see more of its kind in future.”

Just before 9am this morning (Wed) a distressed call was received from a man travelling in the back of a refrigerated lorry on the M6 northbound. He was requesting urgent assistance for himself and his companions.

As a result of the information received officers from the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) co-ordinated a regional response, which included officers from Staffordshire Police, West Midlands Police and Highways Agency colleagues. CMPG officers were able to successfully stop the lorry between Hilton services and J10a.

In order to do this safely the motorway was closed in both directions for a short period of time.

The 12 individuals, located within the vehicle, are now being seen by colleagues from the ambulance service should they require medical attention, and where appropriate will be taken into custody.

We will now be working with our colleagues in immigration and border control to establish the exact circumstances of how these individuals came to be in the back of the lorry.

A young girl from Walsall has been honoured for her bravery at a national awards ceremony, after being nominated by a West Midlands Police officer.

Renée-Mai Bolter received her Child of Courage accolade at the Pride of Britain Awards 2014, shown on television last night (7 October), from X-factor judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Louis Walsh.

The nine-year-old was put forward for the award by Detective Constable Tara Atkinson, who dealt with the investigation into a siege at the youngster’s home, during which Renée-Mai showed remarkable bravery in order to help her family escape.

Just seven years old at the time, Renée-Mai’s ordeal began one night in July 2011 when a family friend − Leonard Brown − arrived at the home, angry that her mum Katie had let some other men do some gardening work for her instead of him.

Brown, aged 54, began to assault Katie and Renée-Mai, who was brutally punched in the face leaving her bloodied and bruised, in the front room. Brown then went for Renée-Mai’s eight-month-old sister Lexie but despite her injury, Renée-Mai shielded her baby sister to prevent her from coming to any harm.

The three were then forced upstairs and held hostage in a bedroom where Brown constantly threatened to set light to the room with petrol.

Although they were being closely watched, at some point during the attack in the front room, Renée-Mai was able to hide her mother’s mobile phone in her clothing and at 6am the following morning, the family were able to escape and raise the alarm.

As police arrived, Brown locked himself in the house and soon afterwards smoke began billowing from a first floor window. Police and firefighters forced their way into the property, where he was eventually arrested and in 2012 was given an 11-year prison sentence for the torment he put the family through. Sadly Renée-Mai and her family lost all their possessions in the blaze.

Renée-Mai received a Chief Constable’s award for bravery from West Midlands Police in 2013 and so impressed by her actions on the night, Det Con Atkinson decided to nominate her for a Pride of Britain Award, which she went on to win.

On Monday night (6 October), Det Con Atkinson went with the family to a star-studded event in London where the youngster picked up her award. Det Con Atkinson said: “It was an absolutely fantastic night and Renée-Mai is a very worthy winner.

“She was so brave and forward-thinking and almost certainly saved her family’s life by hiding the mobile phone, showing a maturity way beyond her years.

“Not only did we get to meet all the stars on the awards night, but we were also invited to Downing Street the next day where a reception was laid on by the Prime Minister for all the award winners.

“It was an event we’ll all remember forever and although it in no way makes up for the ordeal the family went through three years ago, it at least provides a positive memory they can draw upon when they need it.”

Speaking at the time she received her Chief Constable’s award, Renée’s mother, Katie Bolter said: “Renée has made me very proud, she acted very grown up. If she hadn’t acted as she did, we would have been more seriously hurt or even worse. If Renée had not used her initiative and not acted so diligently we may not be here to celebrate this great act of bravery.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the fire crew and the police, especially DC Tara Atkinson, who looked after us and have given us ongoing support.”

Renée added: “I was very frightened but I knew that I had to be brave to protect to protect my baby sister.”