BBC Weather Watchers

Some spectacular skies have been captured by our BBC Weather Watchers this morning across the West Midlands.

To see more or get involved yourself, visit the website.

Image source, PhotoDaveA/ BBC Weather Watchers

Image source, STFC goose/ BBC Weather Watchers

Image source, Peter Steggles/ BBC Weather Watchers

Image source, paul/ BBC Weather Watchers

Image source, Sonny intervals/ BBC Weather Watchers

A man has been stabbed in the back in an underpass near a supermarket in Staffordshire.

Police said the man reported he was attacked by a stranger close to Sainsbury's store on Enderley Street, in Newcastle-under-Lyme at about 19:50 on Monday.

He suffered a one-inch (2.5cm) wound to his back.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Staffordshire Police.

Musicians and experienced marchers are being sought to help run West Midlands Police's new Cadet Corps of Drums.

The force said the unit, for up to 30 teenagers aged 13 to 17, will open as soon as it recruits enough volunteers as cadet leaders.

Image source, West Midlands Police

Liz Curran, cadet youth engagement officer, said the role may suit ex-military drummers or people with a drill background.

"We’re also keen to hear from anyone who’d like to get involved who doesn’t have specific experience, but who is interested in learning. The more people we have the better," she said.

The unit will meet in Chelmsley Wood Police Station's gym and take part in parades.

Anyone interested can email cadets@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk, external

Worcester City Council has apologised after some people who requested postal votes for Thursday's local elections are still to receive their papers.

Image source, PA Media

The council became aware of the issue after being contacted by several candidates who had been told by residents in their areas that ballot papers had not arrived.

Affected residents are now being asked to contact the council urgently, to arrange how they can still vote.

The local authority said their immediate concern was making sure that anyone who wishes to vote tomorrow can, but added an investigation was underway into how many people were affected and how it happened.

The event will include a broadcast of the opening of the British Normandy Memorial in France.

It's a nippy start to Wednesday following a cold night. Today we'll see highs of around 12C but it will feel a little bit warmer than yesterday as the winds drop.

There will be some heavy, sharp showers developing throughout the day and possibly even thunder in some areas.

By this evening those showers should stop and clear skies could leave some frost overnight but scope for lots of sunshine on Thursday.

A number of people have been injured after a two-car collision, which then saw shots fired.

West Midlands Police said a silver 4x4 crashed into a stationary black VW Golf at the junction of King Street and Cobden Street in Walsall, just after 13:00 on Tuesday.

One of the occupants of the vehicle was injured, as was a female pedestrian, the force said.

Seconds later shots were fired from another vehicle and the occupants of the 4x4 set their vehicle alight before making off, the force said.

The fire then spread to the Golf and a nearby house, it added.

A man has been taken to hospital with a gunshot injury and the woman hurt in the collision has injuries to her legs.

Both are in a serious but stable condition while two other people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

Det Insp Chris Fox said it was a "a confusing series of events, which we’re trying to understand" and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Welcome to our live service for Wednesday.

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

Dalian Atkinson was Tasered for six times longer than standard by PC Benjamin Monk, a court is told.

Kimberley Deakin, 29, was stabbed multiple times in the face, neck and chest, police say.

Our live updates have ended for the day.

We'll be back from 08:00 on Wednesday with more news, sport, weather and travel.

The Duke of Cambridge has praised Aston Villa's new elite training facilities, calling them "amazing".

Prince William, a Villa fan, opened the club's high-performance centre in Bodymoor Heath, north Warwickshire.

Image source, Reuters

He toured the facilities, which are reported to have cost £6m, and chatted and joked with staff and players.

The club says the site, external, which has several pitches and large gym areas, is suited to "21st Century elite sports".

Abbie Quinnen says trolls targeted her after she suffered burns when a social media stunt went wrong.

Hereford Times

Here are some of the stories on the Hereford Times website today:

• Fallen tree closed a road in Herefordshire this morning after heavy winds and rain hit the county, external
• Three-year ban for man who refused to give blood sample, external
• Herefordshire-born singer Ellie Goulding welcomes first child, external

A shop worker was threatened at gunpoint during a robbery in Crewe, police said.

Image source, Google

The Bargain Booze store at the corner of Tollemache Drive and Parkers Road was targeted at about 22:15 on Monday.

A man made off with a quantity of cash after making the worker open the till, said Cheshire Police.

Det Sgt Richard Johnson said: "While the victim did not sustain any physical injuries as a result of the incident, they were left shaken and we are committed to doing all that we can to trace the person responsible."

Gareeca Gordon stabbed Phoenix Netts four times and attempted to dispose of the remains in woodland.

Gunner has a rare genetic condition which means he cannot break down his body's natural sugars.

Local Democracy Reporting Service

A former pub which once housed Walsall's first cinema may be converted into 21 flats.

Image source, J Mason Associates

Walsall Council is considering an application to turn The Imperial pub, which closed five years ago, into one-bedroom flats over four floors.

Developers Lodge House Ltd said it would bring a vacant building back into life and provide high quality, affordable accommodation in the town centre.

The Darwall Street landmark was built as an agricultural hall in 1868 and was later a theatre before its role as the Imperial Picture House for 60 years.

Developers said it meant little change to the outside of the 19th century building, which was a JD Wetherspoon pub for nearly 20 years.

Planning agents J Mason Associates said the change of use would "ensure the building does not fall into disrepair" and help maintain the area's "sense of community".

The Duke of Cambridge paid tribute as he opened the club's high-performance centre in Warwickshire.

Saskia Jones told her mum she was unsure about going to the event where she died, an inquest hears.