Updates on Friday 9 December 2016
Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter
Widespread mist, fog and low cloud forming tonight, becoming dense in places and causing difficult travel conditions, with lows of 2C (36F).
Charlie Slater has your forecast
Vanessa Pearce
BBC Local Live
Here's a recap of some of our main stories today:
BBC Midlands Today
A spike in domestic abuse around the festive season is being highlighted by West Midlands Police.
Last year, the force received 30 per cent more calls over the holidays, with 153 reports on Christmas Day alone.
On New Year's day, the force dealt with 263 cases.
Victims are being urged to contact police for help and support.
Image source, ThinkstockThe Heart of England Community Foundation has launched its ‘Surviving Winter’ appeal to help those across Coventry and Warwickshire who are suffering from homelessness, food poverty and social isolation. , external
Image source, Stratford ObserverThe public has been asked to help track down Santa's lost sleighs and the Co-op staff who worked on them.
The motorised sleigh rides at Co-op stores were a Christmas tradition for families dating back more than 50 years, but many have disappeared.
Coventry Transport Museum, which has the old ride that used to entertain children at a Co-op branch in the city, is hoping to find out more about the fleet.
Hunt is on for Co-op's Santa sleighs that delighted families more than half a century ago
Vanessa Pearce
BBC Local Live
A digital artist residency is being advertised as part of Coventry's bid to become UK City of Culture 2021.
The bid team says it's keen to hear from musicians, dancers, visual artists and others who may use digital technology in their work.
To find out more and apply visit www.coventry2021.co.uk, external or email producers@coventry2021.co.uk, external.
Image source, Coventry City of Culture Bid 2021A device feared to be an unexploded Word War Two shell that closed roads following its discovery at the National Motorcycle Museum earlier is not a military device, police have confirmed.
The item - the identity of which is still to be determined - was discovered by workers at the Solihull site.
Police and explosive experts were called as an area of the museum was cordoned off.
Part of the A45 was closed in both directions, with nearby Birmingham Airport urging passengers to seek alternative routes. The road has been reopened.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (team) turned up and assessed the device.
“They confirmed it’s not a military device but we are not sure at this time what it is.”
A blind woman has slammed the decision to fine the owner of a Staffordshire bull terrier which attacked her guide dog a measly £45. , external
Image source, Coventry Telegraph
BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Sport
Weakened Wasps climbed back to within a point of Premiership leaders Saracens thanks to a determined win at relegation-threatened Worcester.
Brendan Macken's converted try after just 54 seconds set Wasps on their way.
Image source, Getty ImagesVanessa Pearce
BBC Local Live
Among our headlining stories today:
Workers in the West Midlands are most pessimistic about how the EU referendum's Leave vote affects their prospects, according to employment company Jobsite.
Workers in the North East were found to be most optimistic.
A survey of 1,000 employees found four in five believed their salary could increase.
Nick Gold, chief executive of Jobsite, said: "Many predict that the referendum result will not stifle salary increases nor improvement in work benefits.
"Businesses should see this as an opportunity to engage with a new and larger pool of skilled, optimistic workers who are looking to make a career move."
Sexual abuse charity Safeline, external says it's had a 50% increase in telephone calls and a 400% rise in online queries for help since allegations were first made about historical sexual abuse in football.
The Warwick-based national helpline said on average it was getting an additional 20 people seeking help every day.
Image source, Safeline"The abuse extends way beyond football" said chief executive Neil Henderson. "We've had calls from schools, scouts, other sports and amateur football.
"I genuinely believe this is a seminal moment for sexual abuse and rape, because the courage of these footballers is really making other people believe they can come forward and tell their story."
Police have cordoned off an area of the National Motorcycle Museum following the discovery of a suspected unexploded WW2 artillery shell.
Explosive experts have been called to the scene in Coventry Road, Solihull.
Police were called at about 11:15 today over workmen's find.
Road closures were put in place, including part of the A45 in both directions.
Highways England says it has been reopened.
Attorney General, Jeremy Wright, has opened the Government's Supreme Court appeal against a ruling that ministers have to get parliamentary approval before starting Brexit negotiations.
The Conservative MP for Kenilworth and Southam said the issues at stake were of "great constitutional significance" and that there was "understandable and legitimate" interest in the case both inside and outside the courtroom.
He went on to defend the right of the court to decide the matter saying it is "perfectly proper" for it to do so.
Follow live updates on the hearing here.
BBC Travel
Highways England says the A45 has reopened in both directions between the M42 and Stonebridge Islands.
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BBC Travel
The A45 in Warwickshire is closed in both directions between the M42 J6 and the A452, Stonebridge Island, external due to a police incident, Highway England says.
Road users for the A45 eastbound are advised to divert via the M42 northbound to J9, exit and join the A446 southbound.
Image source, Highways EnglandCharlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter
After some bright spots this afternoon, mist and fog will reform towards the end of the day, feeling cold with highs of 4C (39F).
Latest weather for the West Midlands
A yellow warning for fog's been issued by the Met Office for most of the West Midlands.
The alert runs from 18:00 this evening until tomorrow morning and the Met Office says there could be areas of dense, freezing fog around, external.
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BBC Coventry & Warwickshire
Two woman, a man and a 12-year-old girl were taken to hospital on Saturday after being involved in a two-car crash in Warwickshire.
The ambulance service says it was called to the scene of the collision on the A439 Warwick Road, Black Hill, shortly after 19:15.
Vanessa Pearce
BBC Local Live
The student occupation of a new conference facility at the University of Warwick is entering its fourth day.
They say they're demonstrating at the Slate about low-paid staff, what they call the "marketisation" of higher education and, they say, a High Court injunction against protests at the university.
Image source, Warwick for Free EducationConnor Woodman of the group Warwick for Free Education says it has around 25 students in the building, with around the same amount outside supporting the protest.
A university spokesman says they are "aware of the protest and are monitoring the situation".
