Seven men who were
arrested following a fire at the Spar supermarket in
Malinslee have been bailed by police.
The fire almost completely gutted
the Spar supermarket on Brunel Road in Malinslee during
the early hours of Monday morning. The fire was started
deliberately at the rear of the premises.
Four men aged were arrested on
Monday morning and with three others arrested shortly
after.
It’s believed the fire could
be linked to two public disorder incidents that occurred
on Brunel Road close to the shop over the weekend.
The first incident involved
a number of individuals in a big fight, between 10.30pm
and 11.50pm on Friday night, while the second incident,
also described as violent disorder happened between
2pm and 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon.
Witnesses described a large group of men being involved
in both these incidents.
A disabled pensioner
from Whitchurch has fallen victim to bogus “water
board” officials who conned their way into his
home and made off with several hundred pounds.
Yesterday’s incident has prompted police to renew
advice that strangers knocking on doors should not be
allowed inside under any circumstances – even
if offering to show identity cards.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “The utility
companies and local councils will not call at your home
without advance notice nor will they ask to come inside.
Distraction burglars will claim to be from the “water
board” or some other authority and insist they
need to come in to check supplies.
“This is the ruse they use and once inside, they
will distract the occupant while an accomplice makes
a quick search of the premises. The golden rule is never
let strangers inside the home.”
At least two people are thought to have been involved
in yesterday’s burglary at the home of an elderly
disabled man in Newport Road, Whitchurch.
It happened between 11.25am and 11.40am when a man knocked
at the door and then tapped on a window to gain the
occupant’s attention.
The caller claimed to be from the “water board”
and needed to come inside to switch the water off as
the supply was contaminated.
Once inside, he turned a kitchen tap on for about 15
minutes – which helped mask the sound of an unseen
accomplice who sneaked in through the front door and
carried out a search.
The man then said he would fetch some identification
from his van, left the house and did not return. The
cash was discovered missing a short time after.
“Fortunately, this kind of incident is relatively
rare in Shropshire,” said the police spokesperson.
“Nevertheless, people should be on their guard,
especially the elderly who are the ones usually targeted.
It’s important to remember that distraction burglars
often claim they are from the “water board”,
yet water boards no longer exist.
“We are appealing for any information which might
assist our inquiry into yesterday’s incident.
The number to call for Whitchurch police station is
0300-333-3000.”
A 24-year-old man has been robbed at knifepoint in Oswestry.
He was forced to handover his mobile phone before escaping
uninjured.
The man was confronted by
a stranger while walking along Twmpath Lane in Gobowen
at around 9.35pm on Tuesday night.
Detective Constable Paul Rogers, the investigating officer,
described it as a serious incident and a frightening
experience for the victim.
“This was a completely unprovoked attack and I
am appealing for any information which might help in
tracing the offender.”
He said the victim had walked through the grounds of
Derwen College coming out onto Twmpath Lane about 100
yards from the entrance to Meadowbrook care home.
“He was heading in the direction of Oswestry and
the Orthopaedic Hospital along Twmpath Lane and on coming
to the brow of the railway bridge, he sees a youth walking
towards him.
“As the youth comes up, he produced a Stanley-type
knife holding it up and demanding he hands over his
mobile phone, which is a Blackberry 8800 curve model.”
The offender is last seen heading along Twmpath Lane
towards the old A5, Whittington to Gobowen road.
DC Rogers said: “If anyone thinks they might have
spotted this youth, or has information about his identity,
I would urge them to contact Oswestry police station
on 0300-333-3000. Details can also be given to the anonymous
Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111, for which a reward
may be paid.”
The assailant is described as white, aged 16 to 18,
about 5ft 9ins tall, of very thin build with gaunt features
and high cheek bones. He was wearing a black zipped
sweatshirt-type Nike hoodie with the hood up and dark
coloured trousers.
Police in Shrewsbury have
warned they will take a “zero tolerance”
approach to people cycling on pavements in and around
the town centre.
The warning has come from Sergeant
Claire Greenaway, the officer in charge of policing
in Shrewsbury town centre.
She said the problem had escalated
in recent months and pedestrians were being harassed
and their safety put at risk by cyclists riding on pavements.
“It has become a really
serious issue and we will not tolerate this form of
anti-social behaviour. We will be issuing non-endorsable
penalty tickets to those found cycling on pavements.
The fines are £30 and culprits have 28 days to
pay or we progress to court.”
Sergeant Greenaway said the police
had received complaints about cyclists of all ages who
showed a lack of consideration to pedestrians. “The
issue has become a PACT (Partners and Communities Together)
priority. We will be adopting a zero tolerance approach
to those who flagrantly flout the regulations.”
She added pedestrians, especially
the elderly, were fearful of people riding on pavements,
who sometimes came up behind without warning. “Pedestrians
have a right to walking on pavements in complete safety
– not to be startled and sometimes even physically
knocked by someone riding past.”
Sergeant Greenaway urged cyclists
to ride with care and with consideration for others.
“It is important they stick to the roads or designated
cycle lanes while making sure they can be easily seen,
especially at dusk, with appropriate fluorescent clothing
and good lights front and back.”
Heavy duty plant equipment worth around £25,000
has been stolen from a farm near Shrewsbury.
The Caterpillar TH255 Super Compact Telehandler was
stolen from Lower House Farm, Yockleton over the weekend.
It was reported missing yesterday and is thought to
have been taken between 5pm on Friday and 5pm Sunday.
Police today appealed for information. A spokesperson
said: “We want to hear from anyone who may have
spotted suspicious activity within this rural location
which might be connected to the theft.
“We would also welcome any information concerning
the current whereabouts of the machine, which has the
name ‘HEWDENS HIRE’ on its bodywork.”
The number to call is Shrewsbury police station on 0300-333-3000,
or the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111.
Assault, Whitchurch.
Police in Staffordshire
investigating a disorder which followed the last match
of the season between Port Vale and Shrewsbury Town
have received over 40 telephone calls from members of
the public since releasing 11 images of men wanted for
questioning about the disorder were published.
Names have been put forward for
all the men shown in the released images, six have made
contact themselves, whilst police have believe they
now know the identity of a further three men thanks
to information from the public.
Detailed investigations are underway
to identify the two remaining men, and officers are
following up enquiries to confirm the names that have
been suggested.
The officers are still urging
the men involved who haven’t made contact with
them to call the Football and Events Unit at Hanley
Police station.
The investigative team have
now begun planning to arrest and question over 30 people
suspected to have been involved in the disorder which
occurred after the match.
Eight other people arrested at the time of the incident
on May 8 remain on police bail.
A pedestrian has been injured after a crash in Ludlow.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On
arrival at the scene, crews found a car and a pedestrian
that had been in a significant collision.
“The pedestrian, a boy believed to be 16 years
old suffered head and leg injuries. The boy was immobilised
using a spinal board and neck collar and airlifted to
Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further assessment and
emergency treatment.
“The hospital had been pre alerted to the patients
arrival and his injuries.
No other person was injured in the incident.
Over 40 more premises have been added to Telford &
Wrekin Council’s popular Scores on the Doors site
at www.telford.gov.uk/scoresonthedoors
this month.
A third have five stars, the top award. These include
the Charlton School Dothill, Gallery Café in
Newport Market, Caffe Latte at Telford Central Railway
Station and Newport Cottage Hospital Trust, Upper Road,
Newport.
The Scores on the Doors website launched on 1 June
2008 and is the only such scheme in the county. It aims
to enable people to have an informed choice in where
they go to eat or buy food in Telford and Wrekin.
Scores on the Doors rates all food businesses - from
restaurants, pubs and takeaways to care homes and private
caterers with between five and zero stars for food hygiene
and safety following inspections by the Council’s
Environmental Health Officers. Premises need over two
stars to comply with the law.
Any star rating can be withdrawn if a business’s
standards are found to have dropped at a later inspection.
As well as results being open to anyone to view on the
website at www.telford.gov.uk/scoresonthedoors businesses
will be given a star rating certificate that they can
choose to display. In addition they have the facility
to comment on their scores via the website and there
is an appeal process.
Cllr Miles Hosken, Cabinet Member for Community Protection,
said: “Scores on the Doors is an excellent scheme
that helps residents and the many visitors to the area
check out the food places they are looking to visit.
“This scheme is a huge incentive to drive up
standards in the borough, which is a win-win situation
for everyone.”
To find out more and to view the star ratings, go to
www.telford.gov.uk/scoresonthedoors
AFC Telford have announced that their new first
team manager is Andy Sinton.
The former QPR, Spurs, Wolves and England midfielder
will be unveiled at the New Bucks Head yesterday afternoon.
Until recently he managed Ryman League outfit Fleet
Town.
Sinton, who is based in Solihull, takes up the reigns
for two years. He will be announcing his assistant manager,
who has good experience in the Blue Square North, over
the next week or so.
Club Chairman, Lee Carter, said "The recruitment
process was very thorough and very intensive. We spoke
to lots of people and took advice
from lots of quarters. Both the club and the Trust are
certain that the process was as good as it could have
been.
The outstanding applicant had to be someone with excellent
ability to organise a football team. They had to demonstrate
a clear appreciation
that their role as a figurehead at the club meant that
they had to embrace the community and youth activities
that we are involved in and
are aiming to grow.
The outstanding applicant had to come and prove that
they or their management team had a good knowledge of
people at this level, and what
is required to get out of this league.
They also had to be able to inspire and enthuse the
football club as we have very much lost our spark. Their
desire, commitment and work ethic had to shine through.
Andy has ticked each and every one of those boxes with
a passion, desire and determination that literally blew
us away. I hope he will have the
full support of everyone that cares for or has an interest
in this football club."
A fans forum will be held at the New Bucks Head Learning
Centre next Tuesday 1st June at 7.30pm for fans to meet
the new manager.
Police in Whitchurch are investigating an incident in
which a 12-year-old boy was struck in the face by a
stone as he walked home from school.
They are appealing for witnesses to the incident which
happened at around 3.20pm on Tuesday as the boy and
his friend were walking across the cricket club grounds
off Tilstock Road.
A police spokesperson said: “He saw a group of
boys throwing stones and was then struck in the face
by a stone causing a cut and bruising to his nose.
“We would urge anyone who saw the incident or
has information about those involved, to contact Whitchurch
police station on 0300-333-3000. Details can also be
given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111.”
Over 150 local school children from across the West
Midlands yesterday took part in the Olympics 2012 Inspire
to Aim Higher event, hosted at the RAF Museum Cosford.
This special event aims to promote participation, inclusion
and competition, whilst highlighting the values of the
Olympic and Paralympic movement.
The day commenced with an opening ceremony with music
supplied by the RAF Cosford band, a performance from
the Idsall School dance group and an introduction to
the day’s activities.
Schools participated and competed against each other
in a variety of activities during their visit, including
rockets, athletics, football, cricket and archery.
A lunchtime highlight for school children and visitors
to the Museum was a demonstration from the RAF Cosford
Field Gun Crew, led by Cdr Mark Smith RN. This sporting
tradition sees a team of 18 people racing a gun and
limber over a designated course. It takes great mental
and physical strength and is concluded with firing of
the gun.
Participating schools also completed an art competition
creating a new unique logo for the local school Olympics
to be used at next year’s event which is hoped
will be even bigger. The art competition was judged
by guest of honor John Gough, Director of Wolverhampton
Wanderers Football Club who also made the closing ceremony
speech.
Phil Clayton, Education Officer at RAF Museum Cosford
says: “We are already looking forward to next
year’s event where we hope to build upon the success
of yesterday by encouraging more schools to participate
and have a wider range of activities on site.”
During his year in office, The Mayor of Newport has
helped raise more than three thousand pounds for the
town’s Community First Responders.
Earlier this year, Cllr. Roy Scammell presented CFRs
with a cheque for £900; the money was raised through
the Tree of Light appeal during Christmas.
Today, Cllr. Scammell presented a further cheque for
£2,406 raised through numerous events, including
a jazz concert and through a collection tin at the Town
Council offices in High Street.
Describing why he chose Newport’s Community First
Responders as a Mayoral charity, Cllr. Scammell said:
“Because it’s a very worthwhile cause that
serves local people. I’ve also used them myself.
I think local charities should be supported.”
Accepting the latest donation, Cliff Medlicott, Community
Response Manager for Shropshire, said: “Thank
you very much indeed for choosing Community First Responders.
The money will go on equipment for the community of
Newport to provide them with the appropriate care.”
CFRs are everyday members of the public who are trained
in life-saving techniques, including the use of a defibrillator.
They are sent to medical emergencies while an ambulance
resource is en route.
If you interested in becoming a Community First Responder,
please contact Cliff Medlicott, Community Response Manager
for Shropshire on 07884 050877, or via the CFR admin
office on 01743 273677 or cfradmin@wmas.nhs.uk
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