Birmingham HMO murders: Tenants killed in their homes
A look at three tragic cases where Birmingham HMO tenants were killed in their own homes in 2025. Read the full story of violence in Houses in Multiple Occupation.
A look at three tragic cases where Birmingham HMO tenants were killed in their own homes in 2025. Read the full story of violence in Houses in Multiple Occupation.
Former soldier Dan Vaughan, who struggled after leaving the army, is rebuilding his life thanks to a veteran-specific HMO scheme in Solihull. Discover how the project offers housing and support.
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.
Morethan Property Ltd submits fourth planning application for 205 High Street, Brownhills, seeking to demolish a bungalow and build six one-bed apartments. Read the full story.
A developer has resubmitted plans for an 8-bed HMO in Smethwick, ignoring nearly 100 objections and a council rejection over parking and overcrowding fears. Read the full story.
Tracey Mertens was doused in petrol and set alight on church steps in 1994. With her dying breaths, she gave police a description of her attackers, who remain at large. A £30,000 reward is still active.
Fresh plans submitted to convert a Smethwick shop into a five-bed HMO after Sandwell Council slammed previous 'inadequate' proposals for 14 people. Read the latest.
A coroner ruled Michael Newton unlawfully killed his wife Heather, who had Huntington's disease, before dying by suicide. The couple were found at their Poole home.
West Midlands Police confirm a man's death at a Perry Barr HMO is not suspicious. A report is now with the coroner. Read the latest updates.
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.
Police confirm a man's death at a Perry Barr HMO is not suspicious. The man in his 40s was found in cardiac arrest on December 3. A report is being prepared for the coroner.
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.
Property magnate Liv Cooke says vandals attacked her HMO, delaying housing for vulnerable women. The 26-year-old entrepreneur reports 'No HMO' graffiti in Oldham.
Key developments in Walsall this week include a historic building conversion for NHS staff, a major green belt housing inquiry, and a row over a £50m free school. Get the full update.
Dudley Council planners are set to decide on 13 new canal-side homes in Brierley Hill, while approving one HMO and rejecting another. Read the latest local planning news.
A murder investigation is underway in Birmingham after a man's body was discovered in a Perry Barr HMO. Three people have been arrested. Police urge witnesses to come forward.
A man in his 40s was found dead at a property on Walsall Road, Perry Barr. West Midlands Police have arrested three people on suspicion of murder. Contact police with information.
A senior NHS doctor has submitted plans to convert a historic mid-19th Century Walsall building into a 17-bed HMO for healthcare staff. Read the full details of the proposal here.
From a controversial 24/7 casino approval to a rejected 'battery farm' HMO and a UK-first robotic pharmacy. Get the full update on Sandwell Council's major decisions this week.
Stockland Green residents campaign against a five-bedroom HMO conversion on Victoria Road, citing community safety fears. Sign the petition before the December 1 deadline.
Sandwell Council rejects 11-bed HMO in Smethwick High Street amid resident fears it would worsen existing rat infestations and fly-tipping problems. Read the full story.
Plans to convert a Handsworth family home into a six-bedroom HMO face local opposition over anti-social behaviour concerns. Residents say 'we don't want it here'.
Birmingham planners defer decision on Cotteridge HMO conversion amid resident objections. Councillor admits city 'needs HMOs' despite daily complaints. Read the latest.
Ann Cleeves resurrects DI Jimmy Perez in 'The Killing Stones', moving the beloved detective to Orkney. Discover the new chapter in this acclaimed crime series.
Andrew Behan killed his friend Francis Leitner following a 12-hour drinking session in Aston. The tragic incident was captured on CCTV. Read the full story.
Diogo Bettencourt found guilty of murdering Anthony Sharma in Erdington before fraudulently using his bank card. Read the full shocking details of this callous crime.
Plans to convert a Cotteridge shop into a six-bed HMO are recommended for approval, despite objections from MP Al Carns and residents over community impact.
Lisa Clarke, convicted for the sadistic torture murder of ex-soldier Brian Farmer in Birmingham, has died in custody. An independent inquiry into her death is underway.
Furious Handsworth residents celebrate as council rejects 14-bed supported housing plan. Locals say area is treated as a 'dumping ground' for HMOs. Read the full story.