Traffic incident outside Redditch Bus Station now cleared
AN earlier accident outside Redditch Bus Station has now cleared. Diamond Bus Midlands tweeted earlier about the incident in Station Way, saying bus services might be subject to delays. Redditch bus services Due to a traffic incident outside Redditch bus station all services may be subject to some delays.
How many police recruits in West Mercia are female
JUST two in five recently hired police officers in West Mercia are female, according to new figures. As part of a 2019 election manifesto pledge, the Government promised an uplift of 20,000 new police officers by March 2023 – alongside a campaign to improve gender and ethnic diversity in the force.
Police search for two wanted men in Herefordshire
WEST Mercia Police has launched a search for two wanted man in relation to thefts and burglaries. Officers said David Gwillam, 41, and Matthew Harrington, 29, are wanted by police in relation to several thefts and burglaries in the Ross-on-Wye area, and they are now searching for the pair.
Live traffic updates - M5 closed after woman killed in serious crash with lorry
Tailbacks on M5 southbound as motorway police shut carriageway after crash M5 still closed as investigations continue into fatal crash M5 southbound likely to remain closed "well in to the evening" - Police West Mercia Police statement on M5 fatal crash in full West Mercia Police have issued this statement on today's M5 crash near Droitwich:
Police working to tackle gun crime in Herefordshire
POLICE in Hereford are asking people to hand in their firearms as they try to combat gun crime. This week anyone who owns a weapon will be given the opportunity to surrender it to police as part of efforts to keep weapons off our streets. “Every gun given up is one fewer that criminals could use,” said a spokesperson from West Mercia police.
Youths racially abuse and throw rocks at girl in Evesham park
Youths racially abused and threw rocks at a girl in Evesham. Police officers were called to Charity Brook Park earlier this month following reports that a group of 12- to 15-year-olds had been throwing stones and rocks at other youths. West Mercia has now confirmed that one victim was also racially abused during the altercation.
West Mercia Police confirm man bailed for firearm arrest
POLICE have confirmed a man in his 50s was arrested and subsequently bailed for a number of offences, including possession of a firearm, on Friday. One man was arrested after officers from the North Shropshire Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) attended a report of a disturbance in St Mary's Street on Friday evening.
46 people died on the roads in West Mercia last year
FORTY-six people died on the roads last year in West Mercia, according to the latest police figures. The data was released as part of a major national campaign designed to tackle the UK’s road death endemic. West Mercia saw 46 deaths and 486 people seriously injured throughout 2021, some with life-changing injuries.
Latest Herefordshire crime map
HUNDREDS of violent and sexual offences were reported to police in Herefordshire in March. As part of a monthly series the Hereford Times is charting every crime in the county on an interactive map for readers to stay on top of what is happening and where. This month, our map reveals the location of every crime reported to West Mercia Police in March 2022 (the latest available full month of data).
Peugeot and Fiat vans damaged in Pershore
A pair of vans in Pershore were damaged just minutes apart from each other. Police are now investigating the two incidents separately and appealing for information from the public. The first van, a white Peugeot, was parked on Westcott Way when the sliding door on the passenger side was damaged at 12:22am on May 1.
Police officer from Redditch denies sending grossly offensive WhatsApp messages
A WEST Mercia Police officer from Redditch has denied sending grossly offensive messages. West Mercia Police Constable Joann Jinks has pleaded not guilty to three counts of sending a grossly offensive or menacing message by a public communication network. The 41-year-old appeared alongside former West Mercia Police officer, James Watts of Clifton Road, Castle Bromwich at Birmingham Magistrates Court on May 13.
Ex West Mercia PC admits racist posts mocking George Floyd
A former police officer has admitted sharing racist memes on WhatsApp mocking the death of George Floyd. James Watts, a probationary officer with the West Mercia force at the time, posted them in a group that included colleagues at a Warwickshire prison. The 31-year-old who admitted 10 counts on Friday was warned by Birmingham magistrates he could face jail.
Shropshire: Deputy PCC leaves role after six years
THE deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) of West Mercia Police has announced she will be stepping down from the role. Tracey Onslow has served in the role for the last six years under current PCC John Campion. Deputy PCC Onslow said she was proud of the work she had done including tackling domestic abuse and work around crime prevention.
Police patrols in Herefordshire village after suspicious men
POLICE are warning villagers to remain vigilant and say they will be upping patrols after two suspicious men were seen. West Mercia Police said officers had received reports about two men acting suspiciously in the Marden area. The two men are described as hanging around the area and taking photos/videos of properties, PCSO Christina Howard said.
Deputy crime commissioner steps down
The region's deputy crime commissioner is to step down from her role. Tracey Onslow, deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia has confirmed her decision, and a recruitment process to find her replacement will start next week, Mrs Onslow has been in the post for six years and Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion paid tribute to her work.
Telford grooming gang ringleader to stay behind bars after being refused parole
was jailed in 2012 for 14 years for a string of sexual offences after he and a group of other men, including his brother, preyed on young girls Mubarek Ali A grooming gang ringleader will stay in jail for longer after the Parole Board refused to release him.
Shropshire man sentenced to 21 years for child sexual offences
A Shropshire man has been sentenced to 21 years for a string of sexual offences, including the rape of a child. Gavin Sloan formerly of Briar Close in Minsterley pleaded guilty to more than 30 offences last month including the rape of a child, possessing indecent images of children and sexual assaults against children.
Appeal for information after garage fire in Wem was started deliberately
Shropshire: Garage fire in Wem was started deliberately A FIRE in Wem was started deliberately officials have revealed. But they revealed later via Twitter that the incident, which was at a property in Grove Court, was started deliberately when a quantity of wood was set alight.
Arrest as police called to reports of man in Hereford park with a firearm
Officers attend incident in the Newton Farm area Police were called at around 7.30pm on Thursday to a park in Hereford following reports of a man with a firearm. Officers attended the scene in the Newton Farm area where a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent.