Helen Hancock and Martin Griffiths were killed in the early hours of New Year's Day.

This ewe and her lamb have been rescued after being found neck-deep in mud.

The RSPCA said they were discovered at Hanbury Woodend, near Burton-upon-Trent on Monday and could have been stuck there for up to 48 hours.

Image source, RSPCA

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service helped pull the animals free and while the mother survived, the lamb was too badly injured and had to be put to sleep.

A bomb disposal team was called out yesterday afternoon after a man's body was found at a flat in Burslem.

They were asked to attend as a precaution because an unknown substance was found at Manchester Court on Federation Road.

The man's death is being treated as unexplained.

Image source, Google

Stoke-on-Trent Live

Here are some of the stories on Stoke-on-Trent Live today:

• Stoke-on-Trent woman, 29, jailed for killing partner in knife attack, external
• Police investigating after man's body found in Stoke-on-Trent flat, external
• Stoke-on-Trent tourist dies after drowning in pool at Cyprus hotel, external

Police are appealing again for information after reports of a rape at a park in Stoke-on-Trent.

Officers cordoned off a large area of Cobridge Park on Leek New Road over the weekend after receiving a call reporting a serious sexual assault shortly after 21:00 on Saturday.

A 16-year-old boy, from Stoke-on-Trent, who was arrested on suspicion of rape, has been released on conditional bail.

Image source, Google

Det Insp Scott McGrath said: "We're currently working hard to establish the circumstances around what happened that night and are really interested in speaking with anyone who might have vital information.

"We believe there was a number of people in the area at the time and we’d ask them to get in touch."

Local Democracy Reporting Service
Kerry Ashdown

More than 270 food safety inspections are now overdue in Lichfield after the Covid-19 pandemic affected the council service.

There are about 945 premises dealing with food and drink in Lichfield district – of which more than 400 are due to be inspected during the year.

Image source, Google

The coronavirus pandemic has led to delays in completing routine inspections.

Fiona West, food, health and safety manager told a council meeting: "At this moment we are about 271 inspections overdue.

"The pandemic has created a considerable backlog of work for us but this is not unusual – this is the case with all authorities across the country."

She said officers had started to undertake routine inspections, but it had been a "very slow process".

"We are currently investigating more and more complaints about Covid compliance and we get more service advice requests every day from businesses."

Tonia Crabtree pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her partner at Derby Crown Court.

A man has been stabbed in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent.

Police were called to Snow Hill at 16:20 on Monday by colleagues at the ambulance service with reports that a 19-year-old man had received stab wounds to his hand and bottom.

His injuries were not believed to be life threatening or life changing and he was taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital for treatment.

Staffordshire Police said inquiries are continuing.

BBC Radio Stoke

Police in Stoke-on-Trent are investigating the death of a man in Burslem.

Image source, Google

Officers were called to Manchester Court on Federation Road yesterday afternoon to reports there was a body in a flat.

The man's death is being treated as unexplained - no arrests have been made.

The Woodland Trust says the early felling in Staffordshire could increase damage to eco-systems.

The centre says staff were targeted by "unacceptable and unwarranted abuse" from protesters.

BBC Radio Stoke

A man has been arrested in connection with a serious sexual assault on a teenage girl.

Officers were called to reports of the assault involving a 16-year-old near an alley at the rear of Yates Street, Crewe at about 21:00 on Sunday.

The area was cordoned off for a time but this has now been lifted.

The 60-year-old man remains in poolice custody, said Cheshire Police.

Stoke City midfielder Badou Ndiaye joins Turkish side Fatik Kragumruk on loan until the end of the season.

Two people have died after a car hit a tree near Congleton in Cheshire East.

Police discovered the vehicle on Congleton Road, Marton, at about 03:00 on Sunday.

The two occupants of the Mini Cooper died at the scene, said the Cheshire force.

Formal identification has not yet taken place but they are believed to be a 22-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman from the area, the force adds.

Neville Smith says his micropub and brewery business is no longer viable.

Lee Gregory's goal sees Stoke City win for the first time in the league this season they beat 10-man Preston North End.

Experienced striker Brett Pitman scores his first Swindon goal as Richie Wellens' side beat Burton.

Mikael Mandron and Oli Finney earn Crewe their first league win of the campaign against MK Dons.

Port Vale and Harrogate keep their unbeaten League Two records as they play out a hard-fought draw at Vale Park.

Jenny Nelson and Nick Barratt decided on Tuesday to bring forward their wedding by two weeks.