Press Association

A letter signed by about 100 Muslim women who wear the burka or niqab has been sent to the Tory chairman backing calls for action against Boris Johnson for his comments about Muslim women wearing burkas.

Image source, Getty Images

The letter, obtained by Sky News, said: "Given a deliberate choice was made to inflame tensions in a way which makes it easier for bigots to justify hate crimes against us, we concur with the Conservative peer Lord Sheikh who has demanded that the whip be withdrawn from Mr Johnson.

One of the letter's signatories, Nada UmmNour of Birmingham, said she had been harassed "numerous" times during her 16 years wearing the niqab, and described Mr Johnson's comments as "offensive and abusive".

"I feel that he is adding fuel to the fire, normalising anti-Muslim hatred in this country," she told Sky.

The former foreign secretary is facing a possible investigation into breaches of the Conservative Party code of conduct.

There should be some evening sunshine around before a cool clear night, with the odd shower, and lows of 9C (48F).

Stoke City sign Swansea City midfielder Sam Clucas on a four-year contract for a fee of about £6m.

Allen Cook
BBC News

Fifty firefighers are now tackling the blaze on the Roaches in the Peak District and say the area's now being evacuated. , external

Staffordshire Fire Service says there's around 500 sq m still on fire and they're urging people to avoid the site.

Image source, Staffordshire Police

League Two side Macclesfield Town sign Peter Vincenti after the midfielder is released from his contract at Coventry City.

Birmingham City sign midfielder Gary Gardner on loan from local rivals Aston Villa for the rest of the season.

Allen Cook
BBC News

A woman's reportedly been dragged by her hair, punched and kicked by a robber who then stole cash and jewellery., external

Image source, Google

The man, thought to be in his early 20s, went into the house on Salters Lane, Redditch, police say, on Sunday afternoon.

He demanded money from the victim and then attacked her, before leaving with the money and stolen goods.

The women, who's in her 50s, needed hospital treatment for broken ribs and cuts to her head and lip.

Walsall sign Leicester striker Josh Gordon on a three-year deal, while midfielder Isaiah Osbourne returns to the Saddlers.

Stratford Observer

These are some of the headlining stories on the Stratford Observer website today:

• Stratford athlete Pozzi fired up for Berlin challenge, external
• New look for Warwickshire firefighters, external
• Firefighters called to woodland fire, external

Allen Cook
BBC News

A man's needed oxygen this afternoon as firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a beauty spot in Staffordshire.

Image source, Staffordshire Fire Service

The fire service says smoke from the fire on the Roaches can be seen for some miles around and the area's been closed to the public as crews fight the blaze.

They say paramedics had to be called to help the member of the public who'd breathed in smoke., external

Tenzin Choedon said she was given 24 hours to decide whether to leave London and move her family to Kidderminster.

Allen Cook
BBC News

Work has started on a £20m, three-year scheme, aimed at "unlocking" the River Severn to fish.

The project will see six weirs rebuilt, four on the Severn and two on the Teme, to make them more fish friendly.

Image source, Environment Agency

Those behind the Unlocking the Severn for Life scheme , externalsay it's about reversing the effects of the industrial revolution, which introduced locks and weirs to the river.

As well as benefiting migrating fish, the hope is that in the long term it'll boost tourism to the Severn and its tributaries.

The Environment Agency says work's started today at Powick weir, near Worcester,, external and the first stage is expected to be finished by October on the fish passage.

Image source, Environment Agency

Worcestershire Rapids will be looking to try and retake top spot tonight in the T20 Blast north group.

Image source, Getty Images

They're hosting fifth-placed Derbyshire Falcons at New Road, after Durham moved into first place with their win over Leicestershire last night.

Also in action this evening are the Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston and they're hosting Notts Outlaws.

Allen Cook
BBC News

Police are hunting for a man in connection with an attempted murder bid as the victim struggles to recover three years after he was hit by a car.

Image source, Staffordshire Police

Mohammed Aziz can now breathe without help, Staffordshire Police says, but his injuries are still life-threatening after being knocked down in Shobnall Street in Burton in July, 2015. , external

Officers say they want to find 39-year-old Hamid Ateeke Khan, wanted for conspiracy to murder, external.

Shrewsbury's Stefan Payne joins Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee, while Rovers also add Watford's Alex Jakubiak on loan.

Lucy McNamara
BBC Radio Stoke

A large wildlfire has broken out in the Staffordshire Peak District, closing part of Roach Road, in Upper Hulme.

Image source, Staffordshire Fire

An area about 1,000 sq m (2.5 acres) is affected, said Staffordshire Fire & Rescue, which has about 25 firefighters at the scene along with rangers.

People are being told to avoid the area.

Worcester News

The Worcester News has these stories today on its website:

• Pensioner needs ambulance for romantic getaway with one-legged wife , external
• More than 10,000 expected to descend on Gheluvelt Park, Worcester this weekend, external
• Malvern councillor's petition opposes 'dreadful' bus cuts, external

Families claim that more ex-footballers are suffering brain injuries brought on by heading heavy leather footballs.

John Sellgren's departure follows a suspension in the wake of problems that left 1,500 disenfranchised.

Local Democracy Reporting Service
Carl Jackson

Birmingham’s waste boss has urged the government not to miss a "golden opportunity" in pressuring fridge and freezer retailers to dispose of used goods for free when customers buy new replacements.

Last year, about 3,000 fridges were dumped in Birmingham and the city council wrote to Environment Secretary Michael Gove suggesting manufacturers pick up the bill for clearing up fly-tipped white good.

In a response, Mr Gove said firms already had to fund the recycling of white goods left at proper collection points.

He added fly-tipping was a priority and that the government planned to hand out £400 fines for anyone passing goods on to fly-tippers.

Mr Mahmood said the response fell short of the "absolute commitment" he was looking for.