Summary

  • Simon Johnson death: Teenage burglar guilty of murder

  • Drunk passengers 'risk death on railway'

  • Children's home TV film prompts inquiry

  • Car theft 'relay' devices seized in Birmingham

  • Cash and phones found in police raids

  • Small police stations 'could move to community buildings'

  • Council's 'ludicrous' threat to evict Christmas tree

  • More flood alerts for the West Midlands

  • Darts prepares to say farewell to unlikely revolutionary

  • Updates from Friday 15 December

  • Click on Related Stories to view stories from your area

Live Reporting

  1. More than 200 schools shut across Shropshire

    About 230 schools across Shropshire are closed today due to the heavy snowfall and icy temperatures.

    A full list of Shropshire Council school closures can befound on its website, while the 70 Telford and Wrekin schools also set to close can be viewed here.

    With temperatures well below 0C in places, Shropshire Council promises to "keep people moving" and care for its "most vulnerable residents", but has urged all other staff in non-essential services not to travel to work.

    Listen to BBC Radio Shropshire for the latest updates.

  2. Snow in pictures

    Sunday's snowfall left beautiful scenes across the UK.

    Here are some of the best pictures.

    Snow in Astbury, CheshireReuters

    Christmas came early to Astbury, Cheshire

    Ironbridge in ShropshirePA

    Ironbridge in Shropshire looked a picture, but power outages saw people hard at work

    The snow coated the ground in Sutton ColdfieldAnne Delaney / BBC News

    Snow coated the ground in Sutton Coldfield

    Snow in Richmond Park, LondonGetty Images

    There were picturesque views in Richmond Park to ride by

  3. Yesterday's rail tickets still valid

    Passengers with rail tickets dated yesterday can travel today, Virgin Trains say.

    Some services are still being affected by the weather.

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  4. School closures in Birmingham

    Birmingham City Council says all of its schools will be closed today because of the snow and freezing weather.

    Speaking yesterday, Children's Director Colin Diamond said: "Conditions will remain very hazardous tomorrow and the safety of our children and young people is of paramount importance.

    "Even if pupils walk to school we will not be able to guarantee enough staff on site to look after them."

    He added: "I would strongly advise all other schools within Birmingham to do the same."

  5. Flights affected at Birmingham Airport

    Flights in and out of Birmingham Airport are being affected for a second day, with many being diverted overnight.

    Snowy runwayBirmingham Airport

    It said flights have resumed, but delays are likely due to the knock-on effect of yesterday's snow and freezing temperatures overnight.

    Passengers are being advised to check with their airline and the airport's live departures board.

  6. Freezing weather closes hundreds of schools

    Hundreds of schools across the region are closed this morning following heavy snowfall yesterday and freezing temperatures overnight.

    Birmingham City Council says all council-run schools are closed, as are many in Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.

    Most schools contact parents direct via an app or text if there's a closure, but some councils also publish lists online.

    There are the council lists we're aware of and that seem to be working:

  7. Weather: A cold day in store

    A cold, frosty and icy start to this morning – ice that’s developed overnight could cause travel disruption.

    It should be a largely dry and bright day with some sunny spells in the afternoon and highs of 1C (34F)

    weather

  8. Live updates for the West Midlands

    Vanessa Pearce
    BBC News

    Welcome to our live service for Monday.

    As well as all the news relating to the snowy weather, we'll be bringing you all the sport, travel and weather for the West Midlands.

    We love to hear from you so share your snowman pictures with us via email, Twitter and Facebook.