Paedophile who 'preyed on boys' jailed for abuse
Murder arrest after woman's body found
'Serious' multi-vehicle M6 crash
Arrest over people-smuggling network
Burglar breaks into house and takes a bath
'H&M hamster' abandoned in park
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Updates from Friday 6 April
BBC News Travel
One of Shropshire's main routes has been shut in both directions after a crash between a lorry and a tractor., external
Shropshire Council said it happened between Grinshill and Hadnall and traffic was being diverted onto the A53 and A41.
Calum McKenzie
BBC News
Bosses at Twycross Zoo are warning people to expect another day of delays, as people try to access the attraction.
Image source, Katie-Louise HopkinsThe Leicestershire-based zoo was criticised by some on Thursday for leaving them queuing for "hours".
"We are busy today and there is a queue on the A444 entering the Zoo," a tweet said., external
"If you are planning on visiting us today be prepared for congestion and please check your travel alerts ahead of your journey. Thank you for your patience."
A man's been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a crash between a lorry and van on the M6, police say., external
Image source, West Midlands Fire ServiceThe injured van driver is 54.
The lorry driver, 55, is set to be questioned later today, the West Midlands force said.
The collision happened near Birmingham between junctions six and five of the motorway at about 01:15.
It's a good job the first Worcestershire County Championship match at their New Road ground isn't until 27 April - just look at this photo.
Levels on the River Severn may be dropping through the city but the ground is far from dry.
The 27 April match is against Nottinghamshire, followed by Essex on 11 May.
The top stories in the Sentinel newspaper today include:
BBC News England
A "unique" hand-cranked Victorian merry-go-round that spent 30 years in the back of a lorry has been sold for £35,000 at auction to a French buyer.
Hand-turned Victorian carousel could fetch £100,000
It was made by George Orton, Sons and Spooner of Swan Works, in Burton, but visited fairs across the Midlands.
The 18ft (5.4m) ride, which retired at Nottingham's Goose Fair in 1979, can carry nine children.
Auctioneers in Derbyshire had hoped it would fetch about £100,000.
According to Twitter users, the grinning suspect in a distraction burglary could be the most distinctive-looking person in a police hunt this side of Gotham City.
It is perhaps little wonder, then, that three days since the e-fit was issued, police say they have received a "number of calls" in connection with their investigation "and are actively working through them all".
Image source, WARWICKSHIRE POLICE/GETTYThe suspect has been compared to The Cheshire Cat
The Warwickshire force published the mock-up on Twitter, but the super-sized mouth attracted more hilarity than help, including comparisons to a range of figures such as The Joker, The Cheshire Cat, and Zippy from Rainbow.
The force said it had "anticipated the reaction" to its appeal, issued in connection with a distraction burglary in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Shrewsbury Town's footballers are making last-minute preparations for Sunday's Football League Trophy final at Wembley.
Shrewsbury are second in League One, 28 places higher in the English pyramid than Sunday's opponents - League Two play-off hopefuls Lincoln.
Shrewsbury's manager Paul Hurst won the competition as a player with Rotherham 22 years ago.
Quote MessageIt's a memory that I cherish, and this Sunday we want to see if we can make another memory for not only myself, but for the football club and everyone connected with that."
Paul Hurst, Manager, Shrewsbury Town
BBC News Travel
The M6 southbound between junctions six and five for Aston Expressway and Castle Bromwich has reopened after a serious crash.
Drivers are being warned of long delays in the area.
There are still flood alerts in place across the West Midlands with one flood warning issued for Kempsey in Worcestershire.
Water levels are beginning to fall on the lower Severn and Avon, the Environment Agency says.
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A man suffered serious injuries after a two-vehicle crash on the M6 earlier this morning, the ambulance service said.
Image source, West Midlands Fire ServiceThe motorway remains closed between junctions five and six following the collision which happened shortly after 01:15.
The injured man, in his 50s, had to be cut free from one of the vehicles, the fire service said.
The body of a young man has been found on land in Newcastle-under-Lyme, police say., external
The area remains cordoned off after the discovery on Pepper Street yesterday.
The Staffordshire force said formal identification was yet to take place.
BBC Midlands Today
Hundreds of costumes from Birmingham Repertory Theatre Productions are to be sold at auction.
Items including Cruella de Vil's coat from 101 Dalmations as well as shoes, hats, dresses, and some unusual props are being sold for the theatre's first fundraising campaign., external
People will have the chance to buy many unique pieces in the special one-off sale tomorrow.
Tributes have been paid to the five-time darts world champion Eric Bristow who died of a suspected heart attack at an event in Liverpool last night.
Bristow lived in Leek, Staffordshire.
Classic Arrows - Bristow v George
Two-time world champion Michael van Gerwen told the BBC: "It's a huge shock. He's a legend in what he did. Look at what he did for darts, how many titles he won.
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno: "Very saddened to hear the news that Eric Bristow has passed away today, God rest his soul. RIP."
A charity running a special school in Warwickshire says it is "sorry to have let down the children" in the wake of an inquiry into concerns over the safeguarding of young people.
The apology from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) came after its chief executive stepped down amid the Charity Commission investigation into the Pears Centre for Specialist Learning near Coventry.
The entire management team at the centre has been replaced.
Image source, GoogleRNIB chair Eleanor Southwood said: "We're truly sorry that the level of service we've provided has not been good enough.
"We are sorry that we have let down the children in our care and the people who loyally support RNIB."
The Charity Commission's inquiry was opened on 29 March after fears the school may have "consistently failed to comply with regulations designed to safeguard and protect vulnerable children".
Olympic champion and world record holder Adam Peaty qualifies fastest in the men's 100m breaststroke heats at the Commonwealth Games.
Read MorePC Michelle Denne appeared in court following allegations of Data Protection Act breaches.
Read MoreBBC News Travel
The M6 southbound between junction five for Castle Bromwich and six at Aston Expressway is expected to remain closed into the morning rush after a serious crash.
Diversions are in place in order for accident investigation work to be carried out.
Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter
After a cloudy start it should be a dry, bright and sunny day with highs of 15C (59F).
Latest weather for the West Midlands
Vanessa Pearce
BBC News
Welcome to our live service for Friday.
We'll be bringing you all the news, sport, travel and weather for the West Midlands.
We love to hear from you so share your news, thoughts and photos of the area with us via email, Twitter, external and Facebook, external.
