Shootings halved in West Midlands as police release footage
Exclusive behind-the-scenes footage shows police's relentless fight against gun crime in Birmingham as shootings drop by half. See the dramatic raids and arrests.
Category : Community
DWP Winter Fuel Payment Increase for State Pensioners
Thousands of state pensioners will see their Winter Fuel Payment rise by £100 to £300 this winter. Find out if your birth year qualifies you for the extra DWP support.
Amazon's £10 dehumidifiers combat UK home damp
Homeowners praise ANSIO's disposable dehumidifiers for tackling mould and condensation. The 10-pack is now £9.94 on Amazon. See how they work and what users say.
Inquest date set in Hanley flat death murder probe
A coroner's inquest into the death of Stephen Lovatt, found unresponsive in a Stoke-on-Trent flat, will open on January 6. A man has been charged with murder.
Arthritis sufferers may claim £441 a month benefit
Millions of older people with arthritis could be missing out on up to £441.40 per month in Attendance Allowance. This non-means-tested benefit helps with daily living costs. Check your eligibility now.
DWP's £25 Cold Weather Payments start for benefit claimants
Thousands on Pension Credit and Universal Credit receive automatic £25 payments as freezing temperatures trigger DWP support. Find out if you're eligible.
Inside Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter: The 'Best Neighbourhood'
A resident reveals what life is really like in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, named the city's best place to live in 2026. Discover its charm, food scene, and community buzz.
Mystery Frost-Covered Items Found on Pershore Riverside
West Mercia Police are investigating after a walking stick, trolley and clothing were found 'covered in frost' near Pershore Leisure Centre. Officers urge anyone with information to come forward.
Lord's driving ban sparks over-70s road safety debate
An 82-year-old peer's second driving ban this year has reignited concerns about the self-assessment system for older drivers in the UK. Discover the details and the wider debate.
117 arrested in drink and drug driving police campaign
Police arrest 117 drivers in two-week crackdown on drink and drug driving. A tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. Read the full story.
Attempted murder charge after Mansfield New Year's Eve attack
A 25-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder following a serious assault in Mansfield town centre on New Year's Eve. The victim remains in hospital in a serious condition.
Pensioners can claim £200 emergency cost-of-living payments
Low-income state pensioners struggling with bills can apply for emergency cash grants via the Household Support Fund. Local councils are distributing funds to help with heating and food costs.
Man charged with knife possession and illegal e-bike in Sutton Coldfield
A 21-year-old Sutton Coldfield man faces charges after a police stop uncovered a knife and an illegally modified e-bike. He is due in court later this month. Read the full details.
Birmingham's 2025 Life Sentences for Murder and Terror
Birmingham Crown Court issued six life sentences in 2025 for crimes including a lone wolf terror plot and brutal murders. Discover the shocking details of the city's most severe criminal cases.
EVRI apology as parcel sent to auction 200 miles away
A Stoke-on-Trent man tracked his missing AirPods to a Sandwell auction house after EVRI lost them. He drove 200 miles to retrieve them and vows to boycott the delivery firm. Read his story.
Extra DWP Support for Private Renting Pensioners
State pensioners in private rentals may get additional DWP support if the triple lock is reformed. Experts warn the current system is unsustainable. Read the full analysis.
Pensioners issued £1,000 tax warning over frozen allowance
Exclusive: Pensioners relying solely on the state pension could be hit with a £1,000 tax bill by 2029. Chancellor's new policy offers a lifeline, but the frozen personal allowance creates a looming threshold. Read the full analysis.
Urgent Search for Missing Man with Hand Injury in Evesham
Police are urgently searching for Barry Forrester, 45, missing from Evesham. He has a hand injury requiring medical attention. Call 999 with information.
State pension to rise by 4.8% from April 2026
Millions of UK pensioners will see their income rise from April 2026, with the full state pension increasing by £575. Discover how the triple lock impacts your payments.
State pensioners can boost payments by deferring claim
UK state pensioners aged 66+ can increase their weekly DWP payments by 1% for every nine weeks they defer. Learn how automatic deferral and lump sum options work.
Driver dies after Worcestershire crash with tree
A man in his 50s has died after his blue Volvo hit a tree on Goosehill Lane. Police are appealing for witnesses to the tragic Friday morning collision.
Family's plea for witnesses after fatal Birmingham bar assault
The family of Joshua Johnson-Hector, 31, who died after an attack outside Savanna bar, urge witnesses to come forward. A 37-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter.
Coventry £160 Cost of Living Payments Announced
Coventry households can apply for £160 support payments to help with energy bills. The Household Support Fund offers aid in two periods throughout 2026. Learn eligibility and how to apply.
Petition calls for council tax exemption for all pensioners
A new parliamentary petition demands the Labour government and local councils exempt all state pensioners from council tax to ease financial pressures. Over 4,000 have signed.
Birmingham bouncer dies from meningitis aged 39
Tributes pour in for Digbeth security guard David Monteiro, 39, who died from meningitis a week before Christmas. His family raise awareness and funds.
Man prefers prison to struggle of finding work after release
Iain Macpherson, freed after 22 years for murder, claims the stigma of his life sentence makes employment and housing impossible, leaving him wishing for recall.
Sunday Quiz: Food, Animals and General Knowledge
Challenge yourself with this week's Sunday Quiz, featuring questions on food, drink, animals, and nature. Plus, find the answers to last week's general knowledge and cryptic puzzles.
Eddie Hall mourns death of strongman Pa O'Dwyer
World's Strongest Man Eddie Hall launches fundraiser after the death of 'beautiful' friend Pa O'Dwyer, the Irish strongman and mental health advocate, aged 41.
Staffordshire crimewave: Police urge 'lock homes and vehicles'
Staffordshire Police issue urgent warning after a series of burglaries targeting homes and high-end cars in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire Moorlands. Residents urged to secure properties.
Two Prisoners Escape HMP Leyhill, Public Warned
Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, absconded from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire. Police urge public not to approach and call 999 immediately if seen.
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