How Birmingham residents defeated HMO plans in 2025
A look at how community action led to the rejection of several HMO applications in Birmingham in 2025, from Handsworth to Erdington. Read the success stories.
A look at how community action led to the rejection of several HMO applications in Birmingham in 2025, from Handsworth to Erdington. Read the success stories.
Anora Sharma condemns the 11-year jail term for Diogo Bettencourt, who murdered her brother Anthony in a Birmingham HMO. She says the justice system has failed her family.
Birmingham Hospice is opening a new community cafe, Hive In The Park, in the historic Rookery House in Erdington in early 2026. The 'warm and welcoming' space will offer cheap food and drink. Read more and find out how to volunteer.
Diogo Bettencourt, one of Birmingham's most mentally unwell men, is jailed for life for murdering neighbour Anthony Sharma. He was on clozapine, a 'last resort' medication.
West Midlands Police's Operation Skybridge team has made a major impact in Erdington, making 10 arrests and seizing over 20 vehicles. Discover how proactive policing is tackling burglary and drug crime.
West Midlands Police made ten arrests and seized over 20 vehicles in Erdington as part of Operation Skybridge. 19 charges were brought following the proactive operation.
Disability charity Scope announces plans to close 77 of its 138 UK stores, including Erdington in Birmingham, to save £4 million. Read the full list of closures and the reasons behind the decision.
Diogo Bettencourt receives life sentence for the brutal murder of neighbour Anthony Sharma in an Erdington HMO. The killer, who has schizophrenia, hid the body and tried to use the victim's bank card.
Diogo Bettencourt has been sentenced to life for the brutal murder of Anthony Sharma in an Erdington HMO. The killer, who has schizophrenia, concealed the body in a sleeping bag. Read the full court report.
Plans for a vital 20-bed safe centre in Erdington to support vulnerable West Midlands children are recommended for approval, addressing a critical regional shortage.
West Midlands Police uncover a large-scale cannabis farm across three floors of a Stockland Green property. 143 plants seized. Investigation ongoing.
Vijay Kumar, 30, died after a fatal attack in Worcester. His family describe a man who 'cared deeply'. Police continue enquiries. Call 01905 331099 with information.
A woman was pronounced dead on the M6 southbound near Coventry, leading to a major motorway closure for several hours. Emergency services attended the tragic scene.
A man has died after falling from a vessel off the Sussex coast. Coastguard led a major search operation after the incident near the Rampion Wind Farm. Read the latest details.
Exclusive accounts from survivors of the Liverpool victory parade attack reveal lasting physical and psychological trauma. Discover their stories and the road to recovery.
The M6 motorway is closed southbound in Warwickshire after a pedestrian was seriously hurt. Follow our live blog for diversion routes and updates.
An 18-year-old man has been arrested after a pensioner died in a collision on the A44 in Evesham. Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
The community mourns Joshua Travis, a 14-year-old former Nottingham Forest academy goalkeeper, who tragically died after being hit by a train in Burton Joyce. Read the heartfelt tributes.
A 44-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of drink driving after her car flipped onto its roof on Farren Road, Northfield. The road was closed for hours.
A mass shooting at a children's birthday party in California leaves four dead and 14 wounded. Police are hunting the suspects in this targeted attack. Share any information.
The family of 14-year-old Joshua Travis pay tribute after he was tragically killed by a train in Burton Joyce. Read the full story and community reaction.
Notorious Birmingham rapper Twista Cheese used aerosol flamethrower at petrol station, causing £7k damage and risking explosion. Read the shocking CCTV footage details.
Former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty was asked to leave Asda after smearing yogurt over herself in 2012. Read the full story of the supermarket incident.
Five cats were hurled from a white van in Crewe in a horrific act of animal cruelty. The RSPCA is investigating and appealing for witnesses to come forward.
A teenage boy was stabbed at Merry Hill's Eat Central food hall during Black Friday shopping chaos. West Midlands Police are investigating the incident which caused major traffic delays.
A nine-year-old girl was severely injured in a dog attack in Erdington. Her mother has launched a fundraiser for therapy and legal costs as the search for the dog's owner continues.
A teenage boy was attacked and stabbed at the Merry Hill shopping centre in Brierley Hill on one of the busiest shopping days of the year. He has been taken to hospital for treatment.
Police are appealing for witnesses after two men were punched and kicked unconscious outside the Village Hotel in Dudley. Call 101 with information.
A 76-year-old British man is missing after falling from the Marella Explorer 2 cruise ship near the Canary Islands. A major search operation has been stood down for the night. Read the latest updates.
A man in his 70s has died after being hit by a black Audi A1 in a Farmfoods car park on Holyhead Road, Telford. Police are appealing for witnesses.