Latest news with #SteveBall
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Factory unit almost destroyed as fire takes hold
About 90% of a factory unit near a city centre has been destroyed in a fire. West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) said the blaze broke out in a three-storey building on Rea Street in Digbeth, Birmingham, shortly before 09:00 BST on Tuesday. Roads were closed at the site, near to where the city's Pride celebrations are due to be held at the weekend, and police were called in to help direct traffic. A WMFS spokesperson said the fire was mostly out by the middle of the afternoon but crews stayed on the scene into the evening to tackle several remaining hotspots. No other buildings were damaged. The spokesperson described the fire at its peak as "severe" and said it was causing a "large amount of smoke", with people living nearby urged to keep their windows and doors closed. At one point, there were nine fire engines and 50 firefighters on the scene. WMFS area commander Steve Ball said they had been working in "challenging conditions". "I want to thank our firefighters for their assertive actions which meant the fire was contained to the building of origin," he added. Chris Shepherd, from Stafford, was at the site at about 09:00 BST and saw the first fire engine arrive. "When I first saw it, there was a plume of black smoke and it spread towards the back of the building," he said. "You could see the roof was on fire and the smoke and flames were quite high." He also said he found it interesting watching the firefighters work and how they "came together" to tackle the blaze. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Firefighters tackle blaze in derelict shop Recycling centre blaze sees smoke rise over city West Midlands Fire Service
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Yahoo
Woman charged with murder over fatal flat stabbing
A woman has been charged with murder after a man was stabbed to death in a flat. The victim, in his 30s, was attacked in the property in Sherlock Avenue, Haydock at about 22:25 BST on Friday, Merseyside Police said. Kayleigh Smart, 39, is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with his murder. A 40-year-old man from Liverpool who was also arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday has been released on police bail. Det Ch Insp Steve Ball said: "This was an isolated incident, and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with his tragic death." He said the force's "thoughts and sincere condolences" were with the victim's family, who were being supported by specialist officers. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. HM Courts and Tribunals
BBC News
04-05-2025
- BBC News
Woman charged with murder after man fatally stabbed in Haydock flat
A woman has been charged with murder after a man was stabbed to death in a victim, in his 30s, was attacked in the property in Sherlock Avenue, Haydock at about 22:25 BST on Friday, Merseyside Police Smart, 39, is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with his murder.A 40-year-old man from Liverpool who was also arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday has been released on police bail. Det Ch Insp Steve Ball said: "This was an isolated incident, and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with his tragic death."He said the force's "thoughts and sincere condolences" were with the victim's family, who were being supported by specialist officers. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
