Updates on Thursday 28 January 2016
News, sport, travel and weather updates to resume at 08:00 on Friday
Police have arrested a teenager in connection with a hoax call, external made to a school in Birmingham yesterday.
The 14-year-old boy was arrested by officers this morning after the call was traced to a nearby phone box and CCTV inquiries identified him as a suspect.
One of the UK's biggest insurers Royal Sun Alliance says it is to close its Birmingham office, putting 190 jobs at risk.
Union Unite said it was a "big blow" for the finance sector in Birmingham.
Image source, Google
Sarah Falkland
BBC Midlands Today
More than 1,000 disabled parking badges were lost or stolen in the region last year.
The badges allow holders to park closer to the places they need to visit.
Theft hotspots include Birmingham, where numbers have almost doubled.
The city council says it's reviewing the way it prosecutes offenders.
Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live
The top stories in the BBC WM newsroom this lunchtime include:
- The leader of Birmingham City Council says the man tipped to be the next Lord Mayor of Birmingham shouldn't get the job after calling David Cameron an Islamaphobe
- About 200 jobs are at risk at the insurance firm RSA, as it announces plans to move its office from Birmingham city centre
- Bristol City re-sign former defender Scott Golbourne from Wolves on a two-and-a-half year deal
Sarah Falkland
BBC Midlands Today
We’re looking at burglaries this lunchtime as figures show that the West Midlands has the worst detection rates in the country.
Plus, which Midlands Football club has signed ex England captain Stuart Pearce? You might have to wait until 18:30 to find out the answer to that one – but here’s a clue – it’s reputedly the worst side in all the land!
A man has been arrested after being found with 38 phones down his trouser legs at a Libertines gig in Birmingham last night.
West Midlands Police say the 30-year-old man was arrested, external alongside another man on suspicion of theft when they were "spotted acting suspiciously".
The force set up an investigation after fans of the band suggested they had been targeted at an earlier gig in Manchester.
Satnam Rana
BBC Midlands Today
The late 1960s was a time of slum clearances and redevelopment in Birmingham.
A set of photos capturing the period have gone on display in the city. See a sample of some of them here, if you're not able to get down to the Ikon Gallery between now and 3 April., external
It's a rare glimpse of everyday life in an area which was then known as the red light district.
Birmingham slums photography exhibition features at the Ikon Gallery
A man has appeared in court accused of possessing a crossbow in a Brierley Hill car park. , external
BBC Sport
Bristol City sign Wolves defender Scott Golbourne on a two-and-a-half year contract for an undisclosed fee.
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Midlands Today
Anthony Bartram, Producer
Tonight we’re on the case finding out why so few burglars are getting their collars felt in the West Midlands. Official figures released today show only seven in 100 break-ins result in arrests, the lowest rate in the country. Have you been affected? We’d love to hear from you.
Another emergency service in the news today is Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. Their pioneering new trauma kit for road accident victims is already saving lives.
Join us on BBC One from 13:30 and 18:30.
Almost half of the 22,400 burglaries in the West Midlands related to non domestic buildings such as sheds, garages and outhouses.
Figures reveal West Midlands Police has the lowest arrests to burglaries ratio in the country.
Police advise a number of ways to secure your property, including:, external
- Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you're just out in the garden
- Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox
- Install good outside lighting
Great Barr Observer
Ingrid Abrahams, head teacher at Great Barr School, has praised, external the 'maturity' and 'calmness' of her students following this morning's bomb scare call.
Image source, Great Barr Observer
Kathryn Stanczyszyn
Political Reporter, BBC WM
The new leader of Birmingham City Council, John Clancy, is in the hotseat with Danny Kelly between now and 12:00.
He’ll be answering questions on the big topics for the city - including cuts to services, security, refugees, and his plans for education.
He’ll also be taking calls from listeners, if you have one - call 08453 009956
About 200 jobs are at risk at the insurance company RSA, formally known as Royal Sun Alliance, as it announces plans to close its Birmingham office.
Unions say they have been informed and will now be entering into talks with the company.
The site on Colmore Row has been open for more than 30 years and could close before September.
Quote MessageFollowing a review into our organisational structure and geographical footprint we have concluded that we could be working much more effectively and efficiently if teams doing the same kind of work, or focused on the same kinds of customers, are situated together
Spokeswoman, RSA
BBC Midlands Today
The last of Jaguar Land Rover's classic Defenders will roll off the production line tomorrow, ending 68 years of production.
The Land Rover has been a favourite with many thousands of motorists over the decades - including the Queen, as these photographs from the Press Association archives confirm.
The top stories on the Stourbridge News, external this week includes: Villagers rally round for brave cancer victim aged 6, external.
Image source, Stourbridge NewsThe 100th anniversary of one of the heaviest air raids of World War One is being commemorated in a new exhibition.
Walsall at War, external is taking place at Walsall Leather Museum.
Thirty-five people lost their lives when Zeppelins bombed the region in January 1916.
Two horses are on the loose in Walsall after escaping, external from fields this morning.
Image source, Walsall Advertiser
Mikey Burrows
BBC WM Sport
It was a busy day yesterday for our clubs as transfer deadline day approaches.
Blues completed their chase for Diego Fabbrini from Watford (pictured) - his £1.5m move is Blues' biggest transfer deal for five years.
Image source, Getty ImagesIt also meant they allowed Andy Shinnie to join Rotherham on loan for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile Villa cancelled the contract of Phillipe Senderos, external, the former Arsenal defender had only made nine appearances in 18 months.
Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live
The top stories in the newsroom at the moment include:
- West Midlands Police is making fewer arrests for burglaries than any other force in the country when you compare ratios
- The centenary of one of the heaviest air raids of World War One is being commemorated in a new exhibition
- Wolves are in advanced talks to sign striker Joe Mason from Cardiff and former loan defender Mike Williamson from Newcastle
