Witness Appeal After Tolladine Road Assault
Worcester police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted while walking along Tolladine Road.
The incident took place on Saturday (March 20), near to the Farmer's Boy pub, between 21:30 and 22:00.
The man was walking home from his friend's house in the direction of the city centre when he was assaulted by a group of between six and ten males, all wearing dark clothing.
They ran off from the scene leaving the man with a broken arm, facial injuries and bruising.
Local Policing Officer for the area, PC Tina Cowan, said: "This was a serious, seemingly unprovoked, assault that has left this man with nasty injuries.
"We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the assault or has any idea of the identities of any of the group to come forward.
"Some motorists may have seen the man walking up the road after the incident; he would have been bleeding from his face."
Anyone with any information is asked to call PC Cowan on 0300 333 3000, quoting 512/S/230310, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
PICTURES COURTESY OF WEST MERCIA POLICE
Drugs Warrant At Warndon
Police in Worcester have arrested a man in his 20s after conducting a warrant at an address in the Warndon area.
Officers entered and searched the Randwick Drive flat this morning (Thursday) and arrested the man on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug.
Local Policing Sergeant for the area, Paul Green, led the warrant, on which a number of officers, including a dog handler and drugs dog, attended. A number of items were seized.
Sgt Green said: "The Warndon Local Policing Team takes drug offences very seriously, listening to and acting on information and concerns we receive from members of the public as well as police intelligence.
"We would like to reassure residents that officers are dedicated to dealing with those people involved in illegal drugs and work with the community to help ensure it is a safe and enjoyable place to live."
Community Support Officers for the area Mark Dodkin and Jenny Humphries visited neighbours of the property and nearby residents after the warrant. They reassured them as to what police activity had gone on a left them with letters explaining a drugs warrant had taken place.
Any Warndon residents wanting to raise any issues or ask any questions are invited to go along to the next Partners And Communities Together (PACT) surgery.
Local Policing Officer for Warndon, PC Wayne Hurley, and CSOs Mark Dodkin and Jenny Humphries, attend the surgery at Cranham Drive Police Post every Wednesday between 10:00 and 12:00.
* A man in his 20s remains in custody at Worcester Police Station while enquires continue.
Insecure Malvern Link Cars And Homes Targeted
Police are urging Malvern Link residents in general - and drivers in particular - to ensure that their homes and vehicles are always left secure.
The call follows cars being broken into in Somers Road - where a substantial number of rail-users park daily - Richmond Road, Cromwell Road and Redland Road and properties in these areas also being targeted.
Detectives are studying CCTV footage from a number of sources as part of a concerted effort to catch the criminal - or criminals - who are thought to be responsible for both the burglaries and thefts.
A Malvern police spokesman said: "Targeted properties and vehicles were, in the main insecure, making the criminal's task so much simpler. In some instances, exterior doors were either left unlocked or entry gained using the cat-flap to reach keys. We, therefore, urge everyone to ensure that they do everything possible to stop the opportunist thief from making them a successful target too.
"We also urge motorists not to leave any valuables in vehicles when they are left un-attended, no matter how short the period, and to always check that all windows are fully wound up and all doors locked. Drivers should also always try and park in an area that is overlooked and, where possible, covered by CCTV and - at night - well lit."
Anyone who sees anything suspicious in the area, regarding property or vehicles, is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000. Information can also be given, anonymously, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Men Face Sentencing For Lorry Driver Kidnap
Five men are due to face sentence this month after being found guilty of the robbery and kidnap of a lorry driver in Worcester.
All five were found guilty of kidnap and robbery at Birmingham Crown Court on February 10 following a trial lasting nearly three weeks.
Lenny Nelson Hodgkins, 33, Mark Adam Southall, 29, John Southall, 21, Simon Smith, 30, and Timothy Michael Joyce, 24, will be sentenced at the same court on Monday, March 22 at 10am.
The incident took place at around 00:10 on October 10, 2008, as the lorry was parked in Ebrington Drive, just off Wainwright Road, Worcester.
The lorry driver was left in Throckmorton, near Pershore, and his lorry was later recovered from Hanley Castle.
Det Sgt Paul Hardman, of South Worcestershire police CID, said: "We are very pleased with the guilty verdicts in this case.
"This was a complex and lengthy investigation by Worcester CID, into a gang of organised criminals that targeted a lone lorry driver in Worcester, asleep in his cab at the time.
"He was kidnapped at knifepoint and driven away, then left in the open air near Throckmorton. His lorry and load was then stolen.
"Due to some excellent police work on that night, three of the offenders were arrested, and the lorry and load recovered. During the 14 month investigation that followed a total of five offenders were charged.
"The victim was a Polish National who spoke no English. He was understandably extremely frightened by what happened to him but we would like to thank Mr Tsuneski for his support and for returning to England to give his evidence during this trial. He is also extremely pleased with its outcome.
"I would like to emphasise and reassure people that this type of crime is very rare in West Mercia, and every effort is made to bring such offenders to justice, as in this case."
Did You See Link Assault?
Malvern police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted in Malvern Link on Friday (February 26).
The incident took place at around 18:40 when a man in his 20s was assaulted by a man thought to be in his 30s.
The victim was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Worcestershire Royal Hospital where he received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries before being discharged.
A police spokeswoman said: "Police would like to hear from anyone who has any information on this assault, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
"The exact location of the assault is not known at this time but it was on the street, somewhere in Malvern Link at around 18:40 on Friday."
Anyone with information should call Malvern Police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 600/S/260210, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Brook Murder Suspect Arrested
A man was arrested today on suspicion of murder after the body of another man was recovered from a brook near Oldbury Road, Worcester at approximately 0930 hours.
The body was reported to South Worcestershire Police by a woman walking her dog.
The arrested man remains in custody at Worcester's Castle Street Police Station.
Officers are appealing for witnesses and information from anyone who may have seen - and/or-heard - anything suspicious in the Oldbury Road area between 1700 hours on 11th February and 0900 hours today (12th).
Drug Suspects Arrested And Car Seized
Two men from the Stoke-on-Trent area of Staffordshire were arrested in Worcester early today (10th February) on suspicion of possessing cocaine, a controlled drug.
Their vehicle, a green Subaru Impreza, was also seized by South Worcestershire police officers in connection with the vehicle being uninsured and for forensic investigations to be carried out.
The men, who were arrested between the Whittington traffic island and the M5 slip road at around 0230 hours, were bailed to return to Worcester Police Station while enquiries continue.
"The detection and prosecution of users and suppliers of controlled drugs remains a high priority for South Worcestershire police officers and these further arrests demonstrate a pro-active approach to this challenge 24 hours per day," said a spokesman.
"While these arrests were made due to the diligence, quick-thinking and speedy reactions of patrolling police officers, we also rely on members of the public providing information on drugs use and supply upon which we can act."
Anyone with information they want to give to the police should ring 0300 333 3000 - or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, when they can provide information anonymously.
Suspicious Incident In Adventure Playground
Evesham police are appealing for a woman who reported a man acting suspiciously near to an adventure playground to contact them.
The woman - who could have been a local dog walker - approached staff at Evesham Adventure Playground, Woodlands, at around 11:53 today (Wednesday).
She said she had approached the man, who was also carrying a black camera, and was concerned with his behaviour.
Playground staff informed the police who immediately went and searched the area but they did not find a man matching the description given.
He is said to be white and wearing light blue trousers with a hoody.
PC Dave Howells said: "We would urgently like to speak with this lady and also anyone else who may have seen a man acting suspiciously in the area.
"We would ask also for the male in question to contact us so that we can clarify the situation."
Appeal After McDonalds Assault
Worcester police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault outside a city centre McDonalds.
The incident took place outside the Foregate Street restaurant between 02:00 and 02:30 on Friday (February 5).
A man was walking from Chicks takeaway after a night out when he was assaulted from behind.
He made his own way to Worcester Royal Hospital's Accident and Emergency department where he was treated for none-life threatening injuries to his face and a broken ankle.
PC Danian Lowe said: "This was an unprovoked attack on a young man making his way home after a night out with friends.
"He is a keen footballer so this injury will prevent him from playing sport for some time. I would urge anyone with any information to please contact police."
Information can be given by calling 0300 333 3000, quoting 754/S/060210, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Witness Appeal after Evesham Metal Theft
Police are appealing for witnesses after a trailer-load of metal was stolen from an Evesham business.
The incident took place between 18:30 on Friday, February 5 and 07:00 on Saturday February 6 at R Sinclair Transport Ltd, Davies Road, on the Four Pools Industrial Estate.
The £5,000 trailer, loaded with pre-formed fabricated steel girders (value unknown at this time), was taken from the yard, opposite Jewsons Building Supplies.
The trailer is a grey, flat bed tri-axle marked with R Sinclair Ltd, Evesham.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area between the times given, or saw the truck and load in the area, is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 183/S/060210.
Information can also be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
West Mercia Police's Operation Livewire specifically targets metal thefts across the force area. To report a metal theft or any information connected to the crime call 0300 333 3000.
Witness Appeal after Claines Assault - Did You See White Coach?
Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen an incident involving a white coach and some of its passengers in Claines, near Worcester.
The incident took place at around 17:00 on Saturday, February 6, when the coach was parked at the junction between Cornmeadow Lane and Claines Lane, facing towards Cornmeadow Lane. At least 20 men were boarding the coach at the time.
Two women in a silver Ford Focus pulled up at the junction when one of the men opened the driver's door of the car and leaned in. At the same time another man reached in and took the keys out of the ignition. A third man then assaulted the driver while a fourth opened the back door of the car and then shut it again.
Some other members of the group were also banging on the car. The whole group then boarded the coach and it drove off after the man who took the keys gave them back to the driver of the car.
PC Sarah England said: "This incident was extremely frightening and intimidating for the two woman and they were left shocked and shaken.
"We would like to speak to any witnesses to in the incident or to the passengers in the time leading up to it or to the passengers and coach that day."
The men were all white and aged between 18 and 28-years-old. Both women were uninjured during the incident.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 362/S/070210 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Man Robbed At Knifepoint - Worcester
Worcester Police are trying to identify two men who robbed their male victim at knifepoint.
The victim was threatened with what is thought to be a silver-and-black lock-knife, with a three-inch blade, in Norton Road, near St Peter's Drive between 2025 and 2030 hours on 4th February.
The victim was uninjured in the incident, but badly shaken by his ordeal during which he handed over £85 in cash, a £30 Nokia mobile phone and £5 worth of tobacco and cigarette papers.
The man who produced the knife is described as white, in his early 20s, 6ft tall and of medium build, wearing a black hooded top and black Adidas tracksuit bottoms.
The second was white, in his early 20s, 6ft tall, of medium build and wearing a black hooded top and black jeans.
Anyone who saw anything of the incident, the two men before or afterwards - or who believes they know their identity from the descriptions - is urged to call police.
They can be contacted on 0300 333 3000, quoting 580S/050210. Information can also be given, anonymously, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Victim 'Egged' - And Then Punched And Kicked
Droitwich Police are trying to identify a group of young people - including one aged 10 or under and at least one female - some of whom punched and kicked a man in an unprovoked attack after first throwing and hitting him with eggs.
The victim was walking home on a footpath linking Westbury Avenue, Ombersley Way and Celvestune Way when attacked, at approximately 2000 hours on 5th February. He was treated in the Accident & Emergency Department of Worcestershire Royal Hospital for a number of injuries to his head and body, but later released.
"This was a totally unprovoked attack on an innocent victim who did not know any of his assailants or anyone else in the group," said a police spokesman.
"He is not exactly sure of how many people were in the group - as he initially ignored them when he was hit by the eggs - and he currently cannot describe any of his assailants.
"We would like to hear from anyone who either saw the incident or the group before or afterwards, or who believes they know one or more of its members. We are also asking parents to ask their youngsters where they were, who they were with and what they were doing at the time of this vicious incident."
Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000, quoting 717S/050210. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
picture courtesy of west mercia police
A man and a woman were arrested at an address in Warndon, Worcester today (4th February) after police officers entered the premises with a search warrant issued on suspicion of the premises being used for supplying drugs.
An unspecified amount of heroin was found and the two remain in custody at Worcester Police Station while enquiries continue.
A South Worcestershire Police spokesman said: "The issuing of the warrant and the subsequent arrests follow concerns raised by local residents at PACT (Partners & Communities Together) meetings of illegal drugs activity at this location."
The arrests came less than 48 hours after three men were apprehended on warrant at an address in Mill Lane, Drakes Broughton - in an unrelated incident - in connection with suspected cannabis cultivation. They were bailed to return to Worcester Police Station while enquiries continue.
The police spokesman added: "The Drakes Broughton arrests once again demonstrate that West Mercia Police are not prepared to allow the production of illegal substances to go unhindered. We know that members of the local community who raised their concerns with us will be particularly pleased with the outcome."
Stolen Phones And Games Alert
Anyone offered a mobile phone or computer game from an unusual source should be wary and report it, South Worcestershire Police said today.
The alert follows a burglary at Worcester Phone Zone in The Shambles, Worcester in which phones and equipment, together valued at nearly £250, were between 1730 hours on 2nd February and 0800 on 3rd February.
"If anyone is at all suspicious about what they are being offered, no matter how genuine the offer seems to be, then they should report it to us," said a police spokesman.
Officers can be contacted on 0300 333 3000, quoting 60S/030210. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The stolen items were:
• Nokia 7373 mobile phone, value £40;
• Samsung mobile phone - £32;
• Vegas flat mobile phone - £30;
• LG KP500 mobile phone - £42;
• Samsung mobile phone - £40;
• Nintendo DS game console - £64