Relatives of the Birmingham pub bombings' victims have today rejected an apology over the deaths of innocent people from a man who calls himself a "participant" in the group responsible.

Michael Christopher Hayes said he was a "standby volunteer" for the IRA on the night in 1974 in which 21 people died.

Jane Hambleton, whose sister Maxine was killed, said the IRA was guilty of "the same old story" in saying it "never wanted to harm people".

Of planting bombs in Birmingham, she said: "What sort of results did they expect?"

Relatives of victims of the Birmingham pub bombings have been watching a Dublin man and self-confessed IRA bomb maker say he was part of the group responsible for the killings.

But that, Michael Christopher Hayes' refusal to confirm his precise role and his apology that innocent people died has annoyed some family members.

"He's a coward, as simple as that," Julie Hambleton - whose sister Maxine was killed - told the BBC.

"He'll take collective responsibility for those unarmed, innocent people, but won't say who done it?

"He's told us nothing, he's admitted nothing."

Bombs planted in two Birmingham city centre pubs killed 21 people in November 1974.

West Midlands Police says its investigation into the Birmingham pub bombings will "respond to any new significant information to bring those responsible to justice".

The force's comments came as a Dublin man, 69, said he was part of the group responsible for the events.

Relatives of 21 people killed in 1974 react angrily to interview with self-confessed IRA bomb-maker.

A 69-year-old man says he was a participant in the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings, although Michael Christopher Hayes will not give detail on his exact role.

He says he is sorry 21 people died.

Here is the reaction of Julie Hambleton, a sister of one of the victims...

Twenty-one people were killed when bombs exploded in two city centre pubs in Birmingham on 21 November 1974.

Relatives of those killed have rejected an IRA man's apology over the deaths of 21 people in the Birmingham pub bombings as "gutless and spineless".

Michael Christopher Hayes has called himself a "participant" but added no more detail on his role, refusing to say who planted the bombs at two pubs in the city in 1974.

Image source, Getty Images

An inquest into the bombings has been re-opened following a campaign by victims' families.

Relatives have always wanted the names of the suspects to be disclosed at the inquest. But just last week the coroner ruled that suspects' identities would not be discussed - a ruling denounced by the families as a "whitewash".

Six innocent men were wrongfully convicted of the killings. No-one has ever been brought to justice.

A man who calls himself a participant in the Birmingham pub bombings – but refuses to confirm his exact role – claims he diffused a third IRA bomb on the night 21 people were killed at two sites in the city in 1974.

The bombs had not been intended to kill people, said Michael Christopher Hayes, adding there had been a crucial eight-minute delay before police were warned of the bombs' location.

Once he became aware of the death toll from the two bombs, he said, he personally defused a third bomb left on Birmingham's Hagley Road.

A pair of bombs exploded in pubs the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town – one of the worst single losses of life during the period known as The Troubles.

Self-confessed IRA bomb maker Michael Christopher Hayes has told the BBC in Northern Ireland he has no comment as to the identity of the Birmingham pub bombers, but says they were planted by two people.

But he said he took "collective responsibility" for all the IRA's actions in England - including the Birmingham pub bombings.

He says he has been speaking to the BBC “from the point of view of a participant”.

Twenty-one people were killed on 21 November 1974 when bombs exploded in two city centre pubs.

A man who says he was “a participant” in an IRA operation that killed 21 people in two Birmingham pubs in 1974 says he is sorry innocent people died.

Michael Christopher Hayes, 69, from Dublin, has refused to say who planted the bombs.

IRA bomb suspect Michael Hayes apologises for the Birmingham pub bombings that killed 21 people in 1974.

More than 100 bears have been placed around Birmingham for the official launch of the Big Sleuth bear trail, writes Elliot Hawkins.

The bears, which were unveiled at Edgbaston Cricket Ground last Tuesday, have each been given a unique and meaningful design.

The 10-week trail is organised by Wild in Art along with Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, who will receive funds raised by the event.

Celebrities, including The Vamps' lead singer Bradley Simpson and England cricketer Chris Woakes, have decorated their own bears.

The Big Hoot owl trail in 2015 raised more than £600,000 for the children’s charity.

A woman has been charged with murdering a man who was found with stab wounds in his car.

Georgina Henshaw, 35, of Alder Drive, appeared before magistrates earlier today and has been remanded in custody.

She will appear at Birmingham Crown Court tomorrow.

Philip Rolph, 65, was found with serious injuries in Alder Drive, Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, at about 01:00 on Friday.

Image source, West Midlands Police

West Midlands Fire Service have been dealing with a "severe fire" under a pavement in Sparkbrook, Birmingham.

They said it started in an "electricity chamber" beneath the pavement on Stratford Road.

We told you earlier about Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme thanking fans for their support, following his acute leukaemia diagnosis.

That support is showing no sign of stopping after we shared the 31-year-old's tweet on our Facebook page, external.

Image source, @Carl_Ikeme

Andrea Childs said: "You'll win this battle, my 19 year old daughter was diagnosed with A.L.L. Leukaemia in March - it's a battle but one she & you will win - all the best."

Ali Dowling commented: "Stay strong. You can do this. All Wolves fans are here supporting you every step of the way. Looks like lots of fans from other clubs too. WWFC."

Darren Meddings added: "Best wishes Carlo and hurry up back between the sticks."

BBC Weather Watchers

The BBC Weather Watchers have sent in these lovely pictures.

This snap was taken in Selly Park, by Dammo.

Image source, Dammo

Kings Norton is the backdrop for this early morning picture taken in Kings Norton.

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A man is in a "serious but stable condition" after he was shot in Quinton yesterday evening, police say.

Image source, @Snappersk

West Midlands Police were called to Bourne Green at 18:30 and a 26-year-old man was taken to hospital.

The area is cordoned off while forensic experts examine the scene.

With the 2017 county season here, keep up to date with the latest signings, departures and rumours ahead of next season.