The domestic cricket scene is set to burst into life as the glitz and glamour of the T20 Blast gets under way on Friday.

That's it from us on Thursday.

We're back with more news, sport, travel and weather updates from 08:00 on Friday. Join us then.

Mary Rhodes
Presenter, BBC Midlands Today

We will be back - that's the rallying cry from Aston Villa's new owner, Chinese businessman, Dr Tony Xia.

Police officers from across Europe are in the Midlands this week, as part of a major crackdown on foreign criminals.

And we look forward as Walsall need to make Football League history tonight if they're to reach the League One playoff final at Wembley.

Join us for the Midlands Today on BBC One at 18:30.

Alex Homer
BBC Local Live

A second legal challenge has further delayed the publication of a law firm's report into alleged irregularities in the sale of Sandwell Council's former properties.

Gowling WLG investigated allegations around the sale of the authority's former properties from 2011-2013, including three old public toilet blocks and a former coroner's office in Smethwick.  

Legal action had been brought to block a report of findings coming out last week, the council confirmed, but a QC said publication was "strongly in the public interest".

Image source, Google

The council vowed to press ahead and publish online at 17:00 today after calls by MPs for details to be shared.

But at 16:59, Melanie Dudley, assistant chief executive of Sandwell Council, issued a statement to say publication had been delayed "due to a High Court hearing". She added: "It is hoped a decision on the publication will be determined by a judge this evening.”

Police officers from across Europe are in the West Midlands as part of a major crackdown on foreign criminals.

Operation Trivium involves teams from the Netherlands, Romania and Lithuania working alongside officers from regional forces to help track people with criminal records. 

Shefali Oza
BBC Midlands Today

Rain continues eastwards across the region. Very mild tonight with lows of 11C (52F).

Find out more.

Birmingham Mail

A look back at the key events from Wednesday's news, external that Aston Villa have a new owner.

Alex Homer
BBC Local Live

If you are just catching up on Thursday's news, here are our headlines:

- A new owner has sealed a deal to buy relegated Aston Villa for £60m

- A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of a body in Sandwell 

- The Labour Party's first openly transgender councillor has spoken of her worries about how people would react

It was the passion of the supporters that made Aston Villa's new owner buy the club - that's what the club's chairman Steve Hollis said today.

Mr Hollis revealed the buyer Dr Tony Xia attended Villa's draw with Newcastle and that led to his decision.

Express and Star

A businessman who called police when he saw a break-in at his firm on CCTV said he was left to watch it unfold after being told officers could not attend until the next day, external.

The Labour Party's first openly transgender councillor speaks of her worries about how people would react.

The man who has agreed to buy Aston Villa has revealed the buyout was a "complex deal" costing a bit more than £100m.

Chinese businessman Dr Tony Xia said between £20m and £50m would be available to buy new players depending on discussions with a new coach, set to be chosen and appointed within the next two weeks.

He confirmed former Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo was among the candidates but said there was "one other very good choice".

BBC News UK

A driver who crashed through a bridge over a canal leaving her car hanging "precariously at a 40 degree angle" has escaped injury.  

Image source, West Midlands Ambulance Service

Her car only avoided ending up in the water in Tamworth when part of the bodywork hooked on to the bridge railing, West Midlands Ambulance Service said.

Emergency crews were called to Glascote Road at about 16:20 on Wednesday.

The driver - a woman in her 50s - climbed out through the back window.

Steve Hermon
Journalist, BBC WM

We spoke to former Villa owner Doug Ellis after its buyout by Chinese businessman Dr Tony Xia was agreed.

Birmingham City, Wolverhampton and Coventry universities are linking up , externalto provide West Midlands Combined Authority with research and training skills. 

Image source, Coventry University

Lichfield Mercury

A debate on the future of Lichfield Library and the Friary will take place at Staffordshire County Council today, external.

Here's something you don't see every day - two pairs of trainers being worn at once.

But they're not the must-have accessory for picky pooches, these trainers are to protect the working dogs' paws in emergency situations.

Dan Pallett
BBC Midlands Today Sport

The new owner of Aston Villa says he plans to make the club the most popular football team in China.

We have all the latest on the takeover of the club. Join us for the Midlands Today on BBC One at 13:30.

Alex Homer
BBC Local Live

Here is a recap of the stories we have been covering so far on Thursday:

- The buyout of relegated Aston Villa has been agreed for £60m

- A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of a body in Sandwell 

- A body has been found near a railway line, says British Transport Police which attended the scene following reports a man had been hit by a train 

Police investigating a spate of burglaries across east Birmingham over the last few months say they have today made a number of arrests, external, which include three members of the same family.

Officers visited properties in the city at about 06:00.

They say stolen goods and drugs were recovered, with suspects arrested on suspicion of offences including burglary, assisting an offender and conspiracy to commit burglary.

The raids are in connection with 10 burglaries, mostly in the Sheldon area, between February and March, in which thieves broke into houses, took car keys and then used the stolen vehicles to commit further break-ins.