A goose has been released back into the wild after it was shot with a crossbow in Smethwick.

A member of the public contacted the RSPCA after seeing the Canada goose injured on a canal in North Bridge Road earlier this month.

It was taken to the Birmingham Animal Hospital where the bird was sedated and the crossbow bolt removed.

Image source, RSPCA

The goose was released back into the wild yesterday after being looked after at the charity's Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, in Nantwich.

RSPCA inspector Mike Scargill, who is investigating, said: "He is a very lucky goose indeed as this could very easily have been fatal.

"It is very worrying that someone has deliberately done this.

"The goose would have suffered during those hours that the crossbow was in his head."

Birmingham Live

Birmingham Live is looking at these stories today, among others:

• Birmingham's foodbank crisis - we launch BrumFeeds campaign to help feed desperate families, external
• Undercover police sting targets 'lazy selfish' school run parents , external
• Snow Hill station Big Issue seller left in coma after hit and run horror, external

Rufaro Chisango, a Nottingham Trent University student, alleges people were chanting "we hate the blacks".

BBC News Travel

Two lanes are now closed on the M5 southbound between J5 and J4A.

It follows a serious crash near Droitwich.

Highways England says queues are building, external.

Mandy Richards is not endorsed for the 2022 general election after making controversial comments.

Firefighters in the West Midlands are to be balloted for strike action in an ongoing row over new contracts.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said the changes would increase the amount of non-fire-service work firefighters would be expected to carry out.

Image source, PA

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the FBU, said strike action was "always the last option that any firefighter wants to take but sometimes it is necessary".

The FBU says new areas of work, designed to generate income, have cost the service more than has been brought in.

We are awaiting a response from the West Midlands Fire Authority.

Simeon Corry was jailed for life for attacking Garry Twist with a stolen wine bottle.

Image source, West Bromwich Albion

Goalkeeping coach for West Brom, Neil Cutler, says a recent upswing in the Baggies' form is thanks to a "strict focus on planning and preparation".

West Brom staged a magnificent comeback against Liverpool at the weekend and have gained five points from their three Premier League games.

"Basically we've all had to pull together, roll our sleeves up and dig in," said Cutler.

"I think the planning and preparation has been a massive part of it, how we plan for sessions, how we plan for games. It's been huge."

Labour MPs accompany colleague out of "solidarity" as suspended activist pleads his innocence.

Worcestershire's New Road home is fit to stage the County Championship game with Nottinghamshire, which starts on Friday.

A man who police say hit his victim with a wine bottle and stamped on his head has been jailed for life for his murder.

Simeon Corry, 32, of Gospel Lane, Acocks Green will serve a minimum of 20 years after being found guilty by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court.

Police say Corry attacked Garry Twist and his partner Rosemary Garvey in "frustration" to "having been refused a drink" at the College Arms pub in Shaftmoor Lane, Hall Green, last September.

Image source, West Midlands Police

Officers said the couple had left the pub, but were followed by Corry, from Gospel Lane in Acocks Green, who then "launched a savage and totally unprovoked attack" on them both, smashing a bottle over Mr Twist’s head.

Mr Twist, 54, suffered a bleed on the brain and passed away in hospital a few days after the attack.

Image source, West Midlands Police

Det Insp Harry Harrison said: "Corry was clearly out to cause trouble that night. Sadly Mr Twist and his partner were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"This is a desperately sad case for the victims and their families and friends."

The West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has been at Birmingham New Street station promoting the Mayor's Community Weekend.

The focus of the weekend on 30 June to 1 July will be to "celebrate diversity", with lottery grants of up to £500 available for groups to stage events

Sophie Madden
BBC News

A man has appeared in court charged with fraud after a vulnerable man from the USA was found lost in Hereford in November 2015.

Roger Curry was discovered in a Hereford bus station car park and tests showed he had dementia. He was later found to have come from Los Angeles.

Simon Hayes, 52, of Ivy House Park, Henlade, Taunton, appeared at Hereford Magistrates' Court charged with three counts of fraud and another of perverting the course of justice.

He entered no pleas and was granted bail to attend a hearing at Worcester Crown Court on 23 May.

Worcester News

The Worcester News is featuring these main stories on its website today:

• Road reopens after bus crash in Worcester city centre causes traffic chaos, external
• 'Dump your prisoner boyfriend!' judge tells woman after she smuggles drugs, external
• M5: Frustrated commuter says traffic is so bad she is considering new job, external

Tom Edwards
Reporter, BBC Hereford & Worcester

Labour has blocked a party activist from fighting the next general election in Worcester for them after making a string of controversial comments.

Image source, Mandy Richards

Mandy Richards, chosen last month to fight the seat, cast doubt on the evidence for the Manchester bombing and the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox.

She also claimed the security services had her under surveillance and were opening her mail because of her views.

She has insisted she is defending her rights and is not a "fantasist".

This afternoon, she was sacked as candidate for the seat , externalafter Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee decided to block her endorsement.

Chantell Hayles stumbled across a gospel TV channel and felt compelled to find out more about religion.

Rob Trigg
BBC Shropshire

The chief executive of Shrewsbury Town says safe standing will still be installed, even if the club's promoted to the Championship.

Work next month will create the first section of so-called rail seating in the English Football League.

Image source, PA

At present, Championship clubs must have all-seater stadiums, but clubs have three years to convert their grounds to the EFL rules and regulations after promotion.

Brian Caldwell says on the club's website, external that "no matter what happens this season", Shrewsbury will have safe standing seats for next season.

Earlier this month, sports minister Tracey Crouch rejected West Brom's proposals for safe standing, saying there are no plans to change the all-seater policy at football stadiums in the top two divisions.

Rob Trigg
BBC Shropshire

The A5 in Shropshire was completely shut this lunchtime after police say a pedestrian was hit by a lorry. , external

The closure was between Felton Butler and Nesscliffe, in Shropshire.

The air ambulance was called although no details have been released of any injuries and police in Oswestry tweeted that the road's now open., external

Aston Villa ladies are advertising for a new manager of the ladies team, external.

The team, who currently play in Women's Super League 2, are looking for a manager who will be "an integral part of the future growth of the Ladies team".

Image source, Aston Villa

Some of the skills required include: UEFA A Licence holder, FA Licensed Coach, Qualified FA Tutor is desirable, a proven track record in a managerial football position, delivering strong performance and results through outstanding leadership.

Trevor Owens
Sports Editor, BBC Hereford & Worcester

The owner of a hotel that was hit by a lorry , externalsays the front of the building's now looks "like a warzone".

The crash happened at the Burton Hotel in Kington, Herefordshire, last night - the fire service says no-one was hurt.

Owner John Richardson says it was a big shock but it's "business as usual" for them.