West Mercia Police

Officers are appealing for witnesses after a woman was attacked in Malvern on Saturday evening (7 September).

The incident happened on Knapp Way around 8.30pm when the victim was struck with a bladed weapon causing injuries that required an ambulance to attend.

Detective Constable Benjamin Kings said: “We believe this to be an isolated incident and do not think there to be any risk to the wider public. I would like to hear from anybody who may have seen the incident that night or from anyone who may have any information that would help with the investigation”.

You can contact DC Kings by email [email protected] or by calling 07870 159291.

Alternatively, if you do not feel comfortable speaking with the police, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://orlo.uk/eCB7j

⚠️£17.7 million was lost last year to criminals who commit pension fraud.

Don’t let fraudsters enjoy your retirement.

🔗Follow these 5 steps on how to by visiting Action Fraud's website:
https://orlo.uk/ml4id

Update- the road has now re-opened.

PERSHORE | Station Road is currently closed at the junction of Queen Elizabeth Drive following a collision. It's likely to remain closed until at least 8pm. Please find an alternative route.

SENTENCED | Three men have been sentenced to a total of more than 26 years following their convictions for robbery at a Tesco store in Kidderminster earlier this year.

Kevin Oulton, 46, of Masefield Close, Bilston, West Midlands; Carl Ansell, 45, of Giffard Road, Stow Heath, Wolverhampton; and Wayne Madlen, 53, of Hurstbourne Crescent, Wolverhampton, were found guilty at Worcester Crown Court on Friday 6 September.

They were sentenced to nine years and seven months, nine years and one month and eight years and three months respectively.

The convictions relate to a robbery at the Tesco Express Store in Cookley, Kidderminster on March 13 this year where staff were threatened with axes and £7,000 of ci******es were stolen.

Detective Constable Stephen Lewis of Kidderminster CID said: “We are pleased to see these lengthy sentences handed out for these three robbers whose actions undoubtedly caused distress and fear for the staff at the store and members of the public at the time.

“We hope this court result sends a message of deterrent and that we will always pursue those looking to come to Wyre Forest and commit crimes, particularly such serious ones as this, and seek the maximum prison terms possible for them.”

A man has been sentenced to nine and a half years for child s*x offences.

Carl Higgins aged 30 of Widemarsh Street in Hereford was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 5 September) after he was found guilty of r**e of a child, three s*xual assaults and causing a child to engage in s*xual activity.

The offences took place between 2014 and 2017.

In addition to his custodial sentence, he has also been issued an indefinite s*xual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order.

Detective Constable Fiona Pearson said “This sentence demonstrates that the police and courts will strive to remove harmful predators from society and bring some form of justice.

“Thanks to the victim’s bravery and courage Higgins will serve a lengthy sentence. We would always encourage anyone who has been a victim of s*xual abuse, no matter how long ago, to come forward to speak with the police. We have specially trained officers, who can support throughout the process and we work with a number of agencies who can also support.”

We are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision on the A49 in Herefordshire.

The collision happened around 7.30am yesterday morning (7 September) on the A49 between the turning for the A466 and the turning for Callow when an HGV lorry collided with a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a man in his 70’s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers would like to speak to anybody who may have seen the collision or have information that would help with the investigation.

Please contact Police Sergeant Straughan by email [email protected] or by calling 07773 034327.

Alternatively, if you do not feel comfortable speaking with the police, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://orlo.uk/cn7bx

| Could you use your investigative skills to solve crimes?

We are recruiting new detective constables! As a detective constable, you will uncover the truth by analysing evidence, speaking with potential witnesses and suspects, all whilst having empathy and strong communication skills to deal with challenging situations.

You will earn a starting salary of £29,907, while developing the skills and experience to work on some of the most serious and complex crimes within our three counties.

Think you have what it takes? Apply now ➡️ https://orlo.uk/xASmh

We are appealing for any witnesses following a fatal collision yesterday morning (7 September) in Market Drayton, Shropshire.

The collision happened around midnight on the A53 between the main A41 / A53 Tern Hill roundabout and the Muller Island roundabout when a Volkswagen Passat collided with a Nissan Almera.

The drivers of both vehicles, a man in his 40s and a man in his 20s, where sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The passenger of the Passat was taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital with injuries not thought to be life threatening or life changing.

Officers investigating the collision would like to speak to anybody who saw the collision or either of the vehicles prior to it happening.

If you have any information, please contact PC Simon Fearn by email [email protected] or by calling 07870 150926.

Alternatively, if you do not feel comfortable speaking with the police, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://orlo.uk/hSJWZ

ROAD CLOSURE: A435, Worcestershire.

Due to a road traffic collision on the A435, Alcester Road to Bransons Cross, the road is currently closed.

Officers are currently at the scene and ask for you to find an alternative route.

⚠️ Watch out for fraudsters selling FAKE tickets.

ℹ️ Only buy tickets from the venue’s box office, the promoter, an official agent or a well-known and reputable ticket exchange site.

👉 https://orlo.uk/LWaV6

KIDDERMINSTER: We are currently assisting our colleagues from Hereford & Worcester Fire And Rescue Service (HWFRS) who are dealing with a building fire on Park Lane in Kidderminster.

Due to the fire, the slip road to Matalan is currently closed and smoke may make driving around this area difficult.

The fire service, said: “Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service currently have six firefighting appliances and an aerial ladder platform at Park Road, Kidderminster dealing with a significant fire in a derelict building.

“HWFRS assets have the incident surrounded, however, we would like to advise local residents to keep windows and doors shut whilst there is a smoke plume.

“Our assets have also blocked Park Lane and we would advise motorists members of the public to avoid the area due to traffic congestion.”

ROAD CLOSURE: A49 in Herefordshire

Please be aware that due to a serious road traffic collision on the A49 between the turning for the A466 and turning for Callow a road closure is currently in place.

Officers are currently at the scene and ask for you to find an alternative route.

ROAD CLOSURE: A53 Market Drayton in Shropshire.

Please be aware that due to a serious road traffic collision between the Ternhill roundabout and the Adderley Road roundabout a road closure is currently in place.

Officers are currently at the scene and ask for you to find an alternative route.

🌆 In an area where you don't feel safe?

📍 The StreetSafe tool allows you to report locations anonymously where you feel uncomfortable.

🚶‍♀️ This will help us identify places that need improving and make the streets safer for all.

👉 https://orlo.uk/XIyX0

❗ Please note: StreetSafe is not for reporting crimes. If there is a threat to life always dial 999. If non-urgent please report online ➡️

Report Report a range of issues and incidents, from road traffic matters to serious crimes, using our simple online tool.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses one month after a man died in a collision in Worcester.

The collision happened around 4.40pm on Wednesday 7 August between a grey Yamaha motorbike and red Dacia 4x4 outside the Holt Fleet pub on the A4133.

The rider of the motorbike, a man in his 60s, sadly died at the scene.

PC Saman Barzanji said: “We send our condolences to the family of the man who died, who wish for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.”

Officers are keen to speak to any witnesses who haven’t yet come forward, and ask motorists on the A4133 around the time of the collision to review dashcam footage.

Please contact PC Saman Barzanji on 07817 158069 or email [email protected] if you think you can help with enquiries.

Update: The road has now been re-opened.

Police are currently at the scene of a collision on the A449. The road is currently closed at the junction for Ombersley and Droitwich. Please seek alternative routes. Thank you for your patience.

Telford drug dealer ordered more prison time.

Read the full story on our Telford & Wrekin page.

SENTENCING | Sean Guthrie, 57, of HMP Birmingham appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Tuesday 3 September for multiple drug offences.

Guthrie pleaded guilty to four counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, including crack co***ne and he**in.

He was sentenced to four years and six months.

This is to run consecutively to a six-year prison term he is already serving, which he was handed in May this year for causing death and serious injury by driving and drug driving.

On 9 August 2022 Guthrie was involved in a fatal collision, where he was found to be in possession of class A drugs.

Nine wraps of crack co***ne and 29 wraps of he**in were seized.

This led to mobile phones being taken and the start of the investigation into Guthrie’s involvement with drugs.

More here: https://orlo.uk/yhQ7a

Did you witness a fatal collision in Herefordshire last night?

Did you witness a collision on the A40 Pencraig to Goodrich Westbound?

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man died in a collision in Herefordshire last night. (4 September)

The collision occurred at around 5.40pm on the A40 from Pencraig to Goodrich, involving a HGV and a pedestrian.

The pedestrian had left his vehicle at the side of the road before crossing the road.

A 49-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or has dashcam footage, is urged to contact PC 21777 Foster by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07970 544893 quoting incident 00343_I_04092024

🚨 10 days until Malinsgate Open Day! 🚨

👇

🚨 10 days until Malinsgate Open Day! 🚨

PD Peeler has been busy exploring Telford, and today he’s made his way to Ironbridge. But there’s more excitement just around the corner…

In 10 days, we are opening the doors at Malinsgate Police Station. Bring the whole family and help PD Peeler find his missing password 🕵️

Plus, you’ll get to explore police cars, meet our officers, and enjoy a day packed with activities.

📅 Sunday 15 September
📍 Malinsgate Police Station TF3 4HW
🕚 11am-4pm (SEND session 10-11am)
🎫 FREE

ROAD CLOSURE | A40 Herefordshire near Goodrich towards Whitchurch.

Please be aware that due to a serious road traffic collision near the junction with the A4137, there is currently a road closure in place on the A40 westbound at this location.

Officers are currently at the scene and drivers are urged to find an alternative route.

ARRESTS | Two men have been arrested after a ‘chop shop’ was discovered at a farm in Chadwick Bank, Worcestershire.

The chop shop – an illegal enterprise that deals in stolen car parts - was discovered yesterday (Tuesday 3 September) after a tracker located a stolen car at the farm in Stourport Road between Stourport-on-Severn and Crossway Green.

Officers found the stolen car near a shipping container at the site along with other stolen vehicles and property inside it.

They discovered multiple stripped vehicles, key fobs, registration plates, counterfeit vehicle identification number (VIN) plates, electric chips and nearly £1,000 in cash at the container.

Two men, aged 47 and 29, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and theft of motor vehicle. The 29-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of obstruct police officer. Both have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Read more ➡️ https://orlo.uk/OmxL3

A man has been handed an extra six months in prison after a mobile phone was found inside his cell at HMP Stoke Heath in Shropshire.

Demitrius Harris, of HMP Stoke Heath, pleaded guilty on Monday (2 September) to one charge of possessing an item in prison without authority.

The court heard how the 27-year-old, who is already serving five years for harassment, threats to kill, intentional strangulation and aggravated bodily harm, was found with a mobile phone in his cell on Tuesday 5 March.

Harris was given an extra six months at Telford Magistrates’ Court yesterday, which run consecutively with his current sentence.

Prison Crime Investigator, Detective Constable Joanne Heyes, said: “I am pleased with the sentence given to Harris, as it sends a strong message that if anyone serving time in prison, found with a mobile phone will be brought to justice, and it could mean more time is added on to your sentence if you are found with a device.”

Following a hearing at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on Friday 30th August a motorist from Telford was found guilty of failing to identify the driver of their vehicle.

The defendant was initially offered a speed awareness course following a speeding offence earlier this year, however, on two occasions failed to complete the paperwork required to identify himself as the driver.

In court the defendant was found guilty of failing to ID the driver and was fined £752 and 6 penalty points, which resulted in a disqualification of driving for 6 months due to existing points on their licence.

If you receive a notice of intended prosecution for a speeding offence it is a legal requirement for the registered keeper of the vehicle to identify who was driving. Failing to do so will result in court action.

💙 🐶

🦮 Today “Rapha” one of West Mercia Police Oscar Kilo UK Wellbeing dogs paid a visit to Evesham Police Station for a welfare visit to put a smile on the officers faces.

🐶 The Wellbeing dogs were introduced in West Mercia in 2021 and the dedicated volunteers are available to the workforce to help alleviate the stresses and pressures of 'the job'.

Visit our website for more information about the Wellbeing Dog scheme 👇 https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2021/december/the-launch-of-our-ok9-wellbeing-dogs/ #:~:text=%E2%80%9COur%20wellbeing%20dogs%20and%20their,roles%20they%20have%20taken%20on.

Day three of is Cyber Safe.

Today we're talking - keep it secret, keep it safe.

Here are some tips on how to be cyber safe.

💻 Strong Passwords: Mix letters, numbers, symbols and avoid common phrases. Change your passwords often.

📧 Protecting Personal Data: Never share sensitive information or passwords through email or unsolicited calls.

📱 Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever possible – it adds an extra layer of protection.

For more advice in staying safe online, check out National Cyber Security Centre’s website: https://orlo.uk/9oz7k

For crimes in action, call 999.

The 73-year-old woman from Bridgnorth has now been found.

Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal.

A 53-year-old man was today (Monday 2 September) sentenced to six years and eight months for manslaughter following an incident outside a pub in Malvern last year.

David Butler, of Bawdsey Avenue in Malvern, pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court where he was handed the prison term.

On New Year’s Eve last year (31 December 2023), Butler punched the victim, Robert Chadney, to the side of the head outside the Beauchamp Arms in Malvern causing him to sustain irrecoverable injuries from which he subsequently died.

Detective Inspector Mark Walters said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Robert who needlessly lost his life that night. No length of sentence will ever fully repair the huge loss they have suffered, but I hope todays sentence goes some way towards bringing closure to what has been, and continues to be, an extremely difficult time for them.

“Robert was out celebrating New Year’s Eve, like people up and down the country, but sadly, Butler’s actions that night meant he never made it home.

“This is an incredibly sad case and shows how an alcohol induced, split-second decision, and single punch can change and devastate lives forever.”

We're pleased to introduce dedicated town centre teams across ten of the towns and cities across our three counties.

Each team will focus on matters specific to the town centre, such as shoplifting and retail crime, and work closely with local shops and businesses.

They will work with partners to help prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour, and crime and disorder related to the night-time economy.

Find out more here ⬇️

https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2024/september/town-centre-teams-strengthen-local-policing/

Photographs shows some of the officers from six of the new town centre teams. Top L-R Redditch, Shrewsbury, Kidderminster. Bottom L-R Worcester, Telford, Oswestry.