A gaming fan sparked an armed police alert at Birmingham Airport today – when he walked through the busy passenger hub clad in black and toting a fake rifle and ammunition. The gamer – in fancy dress – was surrounded by officers with real firearms as he headed to the giant Insomnia60 festival at the…

A man was viciously attacked with a machete during a daytime clash on a quiet residential street. The 20-year-old victim suffered a serious hand injury in the attack in Castle Bromwich on Tuesday (11th April). Armed police descended on Kennet Grove after witnesses reported the bloody assault, shortly after 5.30pm. Horrified residents said officers swarmed…

Chocolate Clothing has opened a new luxury childrenswear store at 50 Drury Arcade in Mell Square, marking a new era in the boutique’s life. To celebrate they have an Easter themed extravaganza due to be held across the bank holiday to coincide with the launch of new collections. The store houses some of the world’s…

Have you seen some areas of land in Solihull turn ‘blue’ recently – and are wondering why? The reason is that recycled denim has been used to help wildflower seeds to germinate. Solihull Council has identified sites across the borough for growing wildflower, and during April, seeds have been sown using a technique called hydro-seeding….

National Express West Midlands bus passengers have been paying by contactless for the first time. The bus company has started a trial on its X1 and X2 services between Birmingham and Solihull. Peter Coates, Managing Director of National Express West Midlands, said: “The trial is going well. Drivers tell me that passengers boarding at the…

A motorcyclist has been airlifted to a major trauma centre with critical injuries after a collision with a car. It happened near the junction of School Road and Chilton Road in the Yardley Wood area at around 6.10pm on Wednesday evening (5th April). Emergency services attended the scene, including two ambulances, a paramedic area support…

The Rotary Club of St Alphege Solihull recently teamed up with Touchwood to crown the winners of its popular Young Photographer Competition. Sponsored by Touchwood, the annual competition is open to students of Secondary Schools and Colleges within Solihull, challenging them to offer their imaginative and artistic interpretations of the subject of ‘Reflection’. Harvey Williams…

Jaguar Land Rover has opened a new visitor attraction at its Solihull manufacturing plant to celebrate 50 years of the Range Rover. The car has been manufactured in the West Midlands since 1970 – but its history goes back to 1967. The new exhibit will be a chance for visitors to see its journey from…

A robber threatened a teenager with an eight-inch knife and warned him he would get ‘stabbed up’ if he did not hand over his bike at Sheldon Country Park. Shaun McCauley’s 14-year-old stepson was targeted on Saturday (1st April) by the thug who demanded his new £370 bike The terrified victim handed him the black…

Builders who bullied frail pensioners into having unnecessary work done on their homes which was “grossly overpriced” and “extremely shoddy” have been jailed. Lee Evans, from Shirley, and Andrew Blythe, from Coleshill, would “bully” some of the victims – including a woman in her 90s – into paying out more cash. Birmingham Crown Court heard…