Detectives are investigating after an 19-year-old man turned up at A&E in Birmingham yesterday (Friday 2 September) having suffered a serious stab wound to the chest.
The teenager remains in a critical but stable condition after immediately undergoing emergency surgery when he arrived at hospital at around 7.40pm.
Just 15 minutes beforehand police received numerous calls to the Malvern Hill Road area of Nechells in Birmingham, which is thought to be the scene of the stabbing.
Officers now believe up to 30 men were involved in a brawl at the location in the moments leading up to the knife attack.
Two men, both aged 20, were later arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remain in custody today (Saturday) where they are being questioned about their involvement.
Detective Sergeant Adam Hicklin, from Force CID, said: “We know this was a targeted stabbing but at the moment we’re not clear on the motive behind the attack".
“There were up to 30 people on Malvern Hill Road when it happened last night and a number of vehicles were seen in and around the area.
“We’re very keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed anything so if you think you might be able to help us please get in touch now on 101."
Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Teenager critically ill after stabbing in Birmingham
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Police Dog JJ receives award after catching robber
A brave police dog who tracked down a knife-wielding robber has received an award for his devotion to duty.
German Shepherd JJ - who was named after Private Jeff Doherty who was killed while serving with the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan in 2008 - has been honoured by the vet charity PDSA after managing to sniff out the phone thief hiding in bushes.
Dog handler PC Wayne Mellings and JJ were called to Saltley, Birmingham, last December after reports a 15 year-old girl had been robbed of her iPhone at knifepoint.
PC Mellings and his canine companion set off in hot pursuit of the teenage suspect as other officers comforted the victim.
Three year-old JJ tracked his scent into a cul-de-sac where two other mobile phones and a credit card had been hidden in undergrowth.
They then followed and managed to safely scale railings during the search for the robber and found him lying low in bushes with the iPhone.
PC Mellings said: “This was typical of JJ: he is fearless and has a real nose for sniffing out evidence and catching criminals.
“JJ managed to follow the scent to a commercial estate then lead us to some bushes where the suspect was hiding in the undergrowth. He was still holding the young girl’s mobile phone.
“JJ played a vital role in catching the offender and recovering the stolen phone; he fully deserves this recognition."
The police dog was last Thursday (1 September) presented with the PDSA Commendation as part of the charity’s Animal Awards Programme.
Rebecca Thorne, Senior Vet at the charity’s Aston Pet Hospital, said: “PDSA has a long tradition of honouring animals and JJ’s story really epitomises the value that animals bring to our lives.
“The work of police dogs across the country is absolutely vital; their skills help to solve crimes and take dangerous criminals off the streets. JJ’s story serves as a reminder of just how lucky we are to have these dogs serving among us."
A 17-year-old was put on a youth rehabilitation order - including a 16-week overnight curfew - and ordered to pay compensation for the offences.
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Murder detectives arrest two men over Wolverhampton stabbing
Two people are being questioned on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed to death in Wolverhampton on Saturday morning (3 September).
The men, aged 36 and 33, were arrested at different locations in the Whitmore Reans area of the city yesterday at 12pm and 10pm respectively. Both remain in custody.
The investigation was launched after the 23-year-old victim, who is yet to be formally identified, was found in the street with multiple stab wounds on Carter Road at around 7am.
Despite the efforts of medical crews he was pronounced dead in hospital an hour later.
A forensic post-mortem is due to take place today (Sunday 4 September).
Anyone who was in the area at the time and thinks they may have seen anything which could assist police is asked to call 101.
Alternatively information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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PD Ari catches suspect on last ever shift
This is Police Dog Ari who sprang into action to catch a fleeing suspect on his last ever shift with the force.
A 999 call was received just after 2am on Friday (2 Sept) reporting a domestic incident and Ari managed to quickly sniff out the 44-year-old suspect nearby.
Ari is now set to take a ‘paws’ from a life of fighting crime and has officially retired after nearly seven years on the beat.
Ari, aged eight, was a graduate from the force’s dedicated training unit at Balsall Common and became a fully-fledged member of the police team at just 15-months old.
He’s been a great canine cop ever since and has spent the last two years pounding the beat with his handler PC Paul Birch.
Ari is now ready to put his feet up and take a well-deserved break. He’ll be enjoying retirement with Paul at home; such is the bond developed between dog and officer that the majority of our four-legged crime fighters are taken on as pets by their handlers when their operational days are over.
The crime-fighting duo are now set to welcome a new arrival. PD Gunner will start training with Paul next week and will be a welcome addition to the family.
The 44-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of causing a breach of the peace, was taken into custody but later released without charge after being questioned by officers.
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Tragic biker was “ray of sunshine” – family tribute as police probe fatal crash
A biker who died on a Black Country road in the early hours of Saturday morning (Sept 3) has been named as Elliott Beddow from Stourton.
The 20-year-old (pictured) came off his black Harley Davidson at around 2.10am in Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Crash investigators are still trying to understand what led to the fatal collision and are keen to speak to any witnesses or other motorists who were on the road at the time.
Elliott’s mum Katie Beddow has paid tribute to her son – an apprentice engineer – describing him as a “ray of sunshine” and that his passing has left “an enormous void that will never be filled”.
She added: "We have lost the brightest light, our ray of sunshine and the family joker. We are struggling to come to terms with the fact that Elliott has gone…he has left an enormous void that we will never fill.
“He was fiercely loyal and protective of those he loved. A son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and soul mate to Holly, her partner in crime, and a friend to many.
“In the words of his nephew ‘I love Uncle Brum Brum’. He will always be in our hearts and we will miss him now and forever. He lived to win…ride long and free until we all meet again.”
Sergeant Chris Ridge from West Midlands Police’s Collision Investigation Unit said police are trying to piece together the moments leading up to the fatal crash.
He added: “The circumstances leading up to the fatal crash are still unclear and we are working hard build a better picture of events in the moments before the incident.
“If you can help us with this investigation and have not yet spoken to officers at the scene, then I would please ask that you give us a call on 101."
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Women driven off in car-jacking
An investigation has been launched after armed robbers car-jacked a Ford Mondeo in Stourbridge last night (Sunday 4 September) and drove off with two women in the back.
The women, aged 88 and 37, were dumped on the roadside several yards further on after the gang realised they had unwanted passengers before speeding off towards Lye.
The drama unfolded when the masked men raided One Stop convenience store on Hungary Hill just after 9pm. They ran from the store to their waiting vehicle, which stalled, so the crooks turned to the Mondeo as the family stopped to use a cashpoint.
The same men had also raided the Co-op in Glebe Lane, Norton less than an hour before. On both occasions they threatened staff with hammers and stolen cash and cigarettes.
Investigating officer Sergeant Rich Narrowmore said: "The younger woman was slightly injured and both of them were terribly shaken by their ordeal, so we are keen to trace these men as soon as possible.
"These were violent attacks with little thought for their victims and they need to be brought to justice quickly.
"I would urge anyone with information to contact police on 101 as soon as possible."
The stolen vehicle was recovered a short while later in Bromley Street, Lye, and that and the abandoned car, a silver Volkswagen Golf, are both being forensically examined. Officers are also trawling through CCTV to see if there is any detail to help identify the men.
Anyone not wishing to speak to police directly can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Serial van thief caught out by his own routine
The regular routine of a serial van thief led to his own downfall after police were able to link him to 13 offences across the West Midlands from one CCTV camera on a country lane in Walsall.
Officers started investigating after a sharp spike in the number of Mercedes Sprinters being stolen around the region in late 2015.
Some of the vans were fitted with tracking devices and officers were able to trace them to Barr Lakes Lane in Aldridge before the signals always then disappeared.
Unbeknown to officers - and by pure coincidence - council officials had set up covert surveillance on that very road in early 2016 after the area became blighted by a spate of fly-tipping.
Officers from Walsall Council’s Community Protection and Clean and Green teams contacted police when they started reviewing the footage and saw the same man returning at different times of day changing the number plates on white Sprinter vans.
This helped to link all of the offences but there were still no clues as to who the suspect was.
A breakthrough came on 3 August this year when a van was stolen from outside a house on Merridale Avenue in Wolverhampton.
The owner made a 999 call after hearing the engine start and by sheer luck a PC in an unmarked police car spotted the vehicle on Wednesfield Road and pulled it over.
Inside was Algirdas Arbocius (pictured), complete with a torch, gloves, Stanley knife, two screwdrivers, a pair of wire clippers and a can of WD40.
The 52-year-old, of no fixed address, later admitted in interview that it was him in the CCTV footage from Barr Lakes Lane but denied committing any of the offences.
However, at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday (1 September), he pleaded guilty to 13 counts of theft and was jailed for two years.
Sergeant Matt Cooper, from Wolverhampton Police, said: “Algirdas Arbocius was creature of habit; he had a tried and tested routine, always driving the vans to the same country road in Walsall where he would change the plates and remove the trackers before taking them elsewhere.
“Modern technology, CCTV footage and good old-fashioned police work all played a part in helping to get Arbocius behind bars but ultimately it was his own routine that led to his downfall."
For advice on keeping your vehicle safe from criminals visit: https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/advice-centre/crime-reduction/vehicle-security/index.aspx
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Man named as police arrested a further two men in connection with his murder
Police have named a man who was fatally stabbed at the weekend as detectives arrest a further two men in connection with murder.
Mircea Gheorghe Cozmiuc, 23, also known to his friends as Gheorghe, was found in the street with multiple stab wounds on Carter Road at around 7am on Saturday (3 September).
Two men aged 36 and 34 were arrested at an address last night in the Pennfields area of the city in connection with the murder and will be questioned later today.
Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a grey Audi A3 speeding away from the scene in the moments after the attack.
Detective Inspector Jim Munro, from the Force CID, said: “I am really keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything out of the ordinary in Carter Road on Friday night or Saturday morning.
“We believe this assault was targeted and I would like to reassure the community that there is no risk to the wider public.
“Our thoughts are with the family of Mircea at this difficult time and we continue to keep them updated on any developments."
A 33-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday remains in police custody.
Anyone who was in the area at the time and thinks they may have seen anything which could assist police is asked to call 101.
Alternatively information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Underground online pirates sentenced to 17 years
Five members of an underground piracy group who illegally released the latest blockbusters onto the web have been jailed for more than 17 years.
Officers from West Midlands Police Economic Crime Unit and the West Midlands Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN) supported a landmark investigation which was led by the Federation Against Copyright Theft ( FACT )
Picture - clockwise from top left - Reece Baker, Ben Cooper, Sahil Rafiq and Scott Hemming
The case marks the first time that organised ’release groups’ have been prosecuted.
The five men sought on-line recognition for being the first to illegally source and release the latest films or for producing the ‘best’ illegal quality copies.
Over a number of years the groups illegally released more than 2,500 films. On just one of their sharing websites there had been millions of downloads costing the industry millions of pounds.
During the sentencing hearing all five men accepted that they had caused total losses in excess of £5 million, each accepting a loss of more than £1 million.
Sahil Rafiq, Reece Baker, Graeme Reid, Ben Cooper and Scott Hemming, all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud on 28th January 2015 and were sentenced to imprisonment at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday 17th December. The sentences are detailed below:
• Rafiq, 25 from Wolverhampton received 4 years and 6 months.
• Baker, 23 from Birmingham received 4 years and 2 months.
• Reid, 41 from Chesterfield received 3 years and 6 months.
• Cooper, 34 from Wolverhampton received 3 years and 6 months.
• Hemming, 27 from Birmingham received 2 years suspended sentence.
The five men were arrested at their homes on 1 February 2013 following an investigation by FACT with support from West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (WM ROCU) and officers from Derbyshire, Hertfordshire and GAIN.
Kieron Sharp, Director General of the Federation Against Copyright Theft, said: “This sentencing is a great success for FACT as it marks the first time a release group has been criminally prosecuted. Rafiq, Baker, Reid, Cooper and Hemming were all aware that they were engaging in criminal activity. Their actions have now cost them their liberty.
“The result of this case sends out a serious message to anyone engaging in online piracy to think twice or face getting caught, prosecuted and sent to prison.”
Regional GAIN Co-ordinator Jason Grove, from West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit commented: “This highlights how seriously we are taking this sort of criminal activity and just how closely police are working with partner agencies such as FACT to tackle organised crime.”
“The multi-agency approach adopted by WM ROCU and the GAIN Network shows just how effective we can be when sharing our information and working together.”
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Suspect sought in Sheldon road rage attack
Police investigating a suspected road rage attack have issued an image of a man they would like to speak to.
The assault took place on Coventry Road, Sheldon at around 4.20pm on Sunday 19 June.
It is believed that a row erupted at the side of the road after a red Ford B Max was driving dangerously and subsequently overtook a woman who was travelling with her fiance in a blue Renault Megane.
The Ford driver is alleged to have grabbed the 23-year-old as her fiance stepped in and pushed the offender off. The man got into his car and deliberately drove it towards the woman who was taking a picture of him on her phone.
He pinned her between her car door and his bonnet causing her to fall onto the bonnet and as she grabbed one of the windscreen wipers, he put his car into reverse and backed away.
The windscreen wiper broke in her hand leaving a nasty injury which required hospital treatment. The driver left the scene before police arrived.
Detective Constable Sam Straw, from Birmingham’s Violent Crime Team, said: "This was a vicious attack on a young woman who has been left extremely shaken by the ordeal.
"The road is really busy and we are sure that there were lots of people who would have seen what happened and we are appealing for them to come forward. We would also ask anyone who recognises the man to contact us.
"We recovered the vehicle, which was displaying false registration plates and it is in the process of being forensically examined."
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Officers commended for their actions as man threatens suicide
Four Dudley officers who calmed down a distressed man who was threatening to jump from a bridge, have been recognised by the Chief Constable for their quick-thinking actions.
Police Community Support Officer John Link was the first to arrive and found the man, who had one arm in a sling, sitting on the wrong side of the ledge in the heavy rain.
PCSO Link immediately tried to speak with the man and build up a rapport, he was joined shortly after by Inspector Steve Gordon and the pair spent over an hour trying to engage with him.
The man’s condition was quickly deteriorating and he began to drift in and out of consciousness. Concerned by his precarious position on the bridge PCSO Link held onto him and was joined by Inspector Jamie Hobday as they feared that the man would fall off.
Sergeant Rob Simpson then decided to use a belt to tie around the man’s chest in a bid to hold him safely until help arrived.
The three officers held on for several minutes until they were joined by specialist fire colleagues and paramedics who were able to lift the now unconscious man over the bridge and to safety.
The officers attended a ceremony at Tally Ho! on Tuesday 6 September where they were presented with Chief Constable’s Awards by Chief Constable Dave Thompson.
Sergeant James Harrison, who nominated the officers, said: "I am under no illusion without the brave and quick-thinking action by all involved there was a strong likelihood that the man would have slipped from the ledge and would have been seriously injured or killed.
"The officers put the needs of a vulnerable member of our community ahead of their of safety and were able to draw this incident to a safe conclusion."
Pictured left to right: Sgt Rob Simpson, Insp Jamie Hobday, Chief Constable Dave Thompson, Insp Steve Gordon, PCSO John Link
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Police appeal following robbery at Hall Green pub
West Midlands Police is appealing for information following a robbery and serious assault at The Baldwin pub in Hall Green over the bank holiday weekend.
Just after 1am on Tuesday 30 August four men arrived at the pub on Baldwin Lane on two motorbikes. Two of the men entered the pub after it closed and seriously assaulted a 20-year-old woman.
Glass bottles were repeatedly thrown at her and a knife was held to her face causing a small cut, before the men smashed open a till and stole a small amount of change.
Detective Constable Tom Lyons said: “This violent behaviour is completely unacceptable and must have been terrifying for the staff concerned. It is a cowardly act, for two men with weapons to attack an unarmed woman at her work place for a small amount of change.
“We have a facial image of one of the suspects and appeal to the public to help us identify him. I urge anyone with information to contact the police at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Police are also appealing to the two men on motorbikes who waited outside the pub and who may not know the extent of the assault that occurred to come forward before they are identified.
If anyone has any information regarding the identity of the suspects, motorbikes or the incident in general then please contact DC Tom Lyons at Stechford Police Station on 101 or email contactus@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Crime no. 20BE/168060R/16
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Two decade jail sentence for man who tried to kill his wife
A man who attempted to kill his wife has today (Wednesday 7 September) been sentenced to 20 years in prison following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Dan Draghici, aged 42, was handed the sentence after pleading not guilty to the attempted murder of Elena Draghici.
Elena, aged 31, was attacked at the family home in Fenton Street, Smethwick during the evening of Tuesday 1 March.
Draghici attacked Elena during an argument while their young daughter was upstairs with Elena's sister. After hearing the screams her sister came downstairs and jumped on Draghici’s back managing to pull him off Elena who then managed to escape.
Draghici then pushed Elena's sister on the floor and tried to stab her. She managed to get hold of the knife and bent it before Draghici ordered her to bring Elena back, threatening to kill his daughter if she didn’t.
Meanwhile Elena had managed to flag a passing taxi down and ask for help. Her sister found her moments later, she was still holding the knife she had taken from Draghici.
Draghici was found shortly after, sitting in his car with his daughter, he had stabbed himself in the leg.
The court heard how Draghici is a habitual cocaine user who was seeking treatment, he tested positive when taken into custody and had also been drinking prior to the attack.
Draghici was also convinced that Elena was seeing someone else, on the day of the attack he’d been speaking with Elena's sister about his fears and said he was going to get her out of her job. Later that evening he went to a shop in Smethwick and brought a packet of three knives and a stainless steel knife.
Following the court hearing, Detective Inspector Jason McMahon, said: “This has been a truly horrific time for Elena and her family who are trying to come to terms with what has happened to them.
“Elena sustained serious injuries during the assault which she is still recovering from, I hope that the sentence will be of some comfort to them and help them rebuild their lives.
“I would also like to thank the community, who gave crucial evidence at this trial which has undoubtedly assisted the jury reach their guilty verdict and offered tremendous support to Elena through this difficult time. The judge has told Draghici that he must serve at least two thirds of his sentence.”
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Man charged with murder over fatal Wolverhampton stabbing
A man will appear before magistrates tomorrow (8 September) charged with stabbing another man to death on Carters Road, Wolverhampton at the weekend.
Sivan Amin, of Merridale Street West, Wolverhampton, has been charged with the murder of Mircea Gheorghe Cozmiuc by detectives investigating the attack which is alleged to have happened on Saturday morning (3 September).
The 36-year-old has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Walsall Magistrates Court in the morning.
Two other men aged 36 and 34 have been released on police bail pending further enquiries. A third man has been released without charge.
A post mortem examination confirmed that Mircea died from multiple stab wounds to the chest.
Detective Inspector Jim Munro, from the West Midlands Police Force CID, said: “This is a significant development in our investigation - however we are still trying to piece together the circumstances that led up to the incident.
“I would urge anyone with information who has yet to contact police, or any witnesses, to call my team on the 101 number."
Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Four men charged with preparing for terrorist acts
West Midlands Counter Terrorism officers have today (Thursday 8 September) charged four men with terrorism offences.
They will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court tomorrow (Friday) to face charges of preparing for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 (a) of the Terrorism Act 2006.
They are charged as follows:
Naweed Ali, aged 28, of Evelyn Road, Sparkhill
Within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court jointly with, Khobaib Hussain (born 11.02.1992), Mohibur Rahman (born 19.07.1984) and Tahir Aziz (born 21.02.1979) between 26 May 2016 and 27 August 2016, with the intention of committing acts of terrorism you engaged in conduct, in preparation for giving effect to that intention. Contrary to sec 5 (a) Terrorism Act 2006.
Khobaib Hussain, aged 24, also of Evelyn Road, Sparkhill
Within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court jointly with, Naweed Ali (born 09.11.1987), Mohibur Rahman (born 19.07.1984) and Tahir Aziz (born 21.02.1979) between 26 May 2016 and 27 August 2016, with the intention of committing acts of terrorism you engaged in conduct, in preparation for giving effect to that intention. Contrary to sec 5 (a) Terrorism Act 2006.
Mohibur Rahman, aged 31, of High Lane, Stoke on Trent
Within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court jointly with, Khobaib Hussain (born 11.02.1992), Naweed Ali (born 09.11.1987) and Tahir Aziz (born 21.02.1979) between 26 May 2016 and 27 August 2016, with the intention of committing acts of terrorism you engaged in conduct, in preparation for giving effect to that intention. Contrary to sec 5 (a) Terrorism Act 2006.
Tahir Aziz, aged 37, of Wulstan Road, Stoke on Trent
Within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court jointly with, Khobaib Hussain (born 11.02.1992), Mohibur Rahman (born 19.07.1984) and Naweed Ali (born 09.11.1987) between 26 May 2016 and 27 August 2016, with the intention of committing acts of terrorism you engaged in conduct, in preparation for giving effect to that intention. Contrary to sec 5 (a) Terrorism Act 2006.
The four were arrested on Friday 26 August.
A fifth man, aged 18, also arrested on 26 August has been released without charge.
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Appeal for witnesses following a serious collision in Selly Oak
Police are appealing for witnesses after a man died in a crash in Selly Oak this afternoon (8 September).
Emergency services were called to Pershore Road at around 2.45pm following a collision involving a motorbike and a car.
The 25-year-old motorcyclist was treated by paramedics but despite their best efforts died at the scene.
Sergeant Chris Ridge, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We are also appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.
"Our thoughts remain with the family of the man who lost his life and specialist officers are supporting them at this difficult time.”
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101.
Alternatively people pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
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Motorcyclist dies in Birmingham collision
A man has been arrested after a motorcyclist died in a collision in Selly Oak yesterday (Thursday 8 September).
The collision happened on Pershore Road between Oaklands Road and Pebble Mill Road at around 2.45pm involving a motorbike, a BMW X5 and a double decker bus.
The driver from the BMW, a 45-year-old man, was arrested at his home address a short time later and released on police bail pending further enquiries.
The 25-year-old motorcyclist was treated by paramedics but despite their best efforts died at the scene.
Sergeant Alan Wood, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We have spoken to a number of witnesses at the scene, but we would still like to hear from anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to an officer.
"This is a devastating tragedy for the man’s family and his friends and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time."
The road remained closed while emergency services attended the scene and reopened several hours later.
The Collision Investigation Unit can be contacted on 101 quoting reference number 1316 08/09.
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Statement about police officers wearing the burka
Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: “We would need to consider our own rules and cultural sensitivity. We don’t have any barriers relating to the burka.
“As it stands we have not had any approaches from potential recruits asking to wear the burka, but if such an approach was made it is something we would have to consider.
“Serving the people of the West Midlands is at the heart of what we do and I would need to carefully consider anything that could be seen as standing in the way of that relationship.”
West Midlands Police has announced the recruitment of around 800 new police officers.
Around 30 per cent of the West Midlands community are from black and minority ethnic backgrounds (BME) while 9 per cent of West Midlands’ 7,000 police officers are from the BME community.
Mr Thompson added: “What’s important here is that we reflect the community we serve. We’ve already taken significant steps with a third of our current recruits from BME backgrounds but there’s far more to be done.”
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Teenage group jailed for attack on Watford fan in Wolverhampton
A group of teenagers have been jailed today (Friday 9 Septemember) for over eight years for attacking Watford fan Nic Cruwys after a football match in Wolverhampton last year.
Five teens pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 18 August, while a 15-year-old boy pleaded guilty to his involvement at an earlier hearing.
Nic was left for dead by his attackers after he left the Molineux and walked back towards Wolverhampton train station with friends on Saturday 7 March last year.
The court heard that he tried to get away from the group after they started shouting at him near Littles Lane but he fell over and was repeatedly punched and kicked as he lay unconscious on the ground.
Nic was taken to New Cross Hospital and then transferred to the QE in Birmingham where he was found to have a fractured skull and a bleed to the brain.
He was put into an induced coma and when he awoke 10 days later tests found he had suffered life changing neurological damage.
Nic spent over three months in hospital and a rehabilitation centre before returning home where he continues to receive treatment on a regular basis.
Police launched a major investigation and, after scouring CCTV and appealing to the public for witnesses to come forward, those involved were identified.
(Pictured left to right, top to bottom: Lister, Pearson, Meer, Beech, Wood, Lloyd)
Joseph Lister, aged 19 of Palmer Close, Wednesfield was handed 30 months detention and an eight year Football Banning Order; and 16-year-old Connor Pearson, of Silverbirch Road in Wolverhampton, was given eight months and an eight year Football Banning Order, both for grievous bodily harm.
Ryan Meer, aged 19, of Gailey in Staffordshire, was given an eight month sentence suspended for two years for affray and ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work and Robert Beech, aged 18, of Springhill Road in Wednesfield, was given two months detention suspended for 12 months and a three year Football Banning Order after admitting threatening behaviour.
And 15-year-old Joe Wood, of Woodstock Road in Wolverhampton, was sentenced to four years and eight months detention and a ten year Football Banning Order for grievous bodily harm with intent.
Daniel Lloyd, aged 19 from Longfellow Road, Sedgley, will be sentenced at a later date after admitting grievous bodily harm.
The judge at today’s hearing lifted reporting restrictions allowing the release of the names of the defendants under the age of 18.
And Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club has today confirmed that all six have been banned from Molineux for life.
Detective Sergeant Adam Keen, from West Midlands Force CID, said: "We are pleased with today’s sentencings and hope that the end of this case will bring some comfort to Nic and his family.
"Nic is continuing to receive regular treatment to help him recover from what happened. It was an appalling, unprovoked assault that has left lasting damage.
"During the course of the investigation we made several appeals to the public for information and received dozens of calls which have helped us to secure these convictions. I want to thank everyone who came forward and assisted us."
Nic’s family added: "We would like to say a huge thank you to West Midlands Police for their extensive work and support we have received over the past 17 months. Also, to those who came forward to assist the police and gave evidence during the trial.
"Although Nic will never fully recover, we are now hoping to try and move on with our lives and try and put the horrific situation behind us.
"We are delighted that the people involved have been charged and hope that the verdict reflects the injuries Nic suffered and our family’s pain and suffering caused by their mindless actions."
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Police launch investigation after man found with head injuries
Detectives have launched an investigation after a man was found with head injuries on New Road, Halesowen.
Officers were alerted to the incident by Ambulance colleagues at around 12:30am this morning (Friday 9 September).
The 35-year-old man was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
An investigation was launched and an area of New Road has been cordoned off whilst forensic experts examine the scene.
Detective Inspector Warren Hines, from Force CID, said: “We are in the early stages of our investigation and continue to make enquiries to establish what has happened.
“I am keen to speak to anyone who was in the William Shenstone Wetherspoons pub in Halesowen yesterday between about 4pm and 10pm.
“I believe that there may have been an incident in the pub prior to a group of men leaving, again if anyone saw anything I would urge them to get in touch.
“Finally, I’m interested to speak to anyone who was in the New Road at around 10pm and may have seen anything which left our victim with serious injuries. “
Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Inspector Warren Hines on 101. Alternatively people can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111.
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