Double tragedy at Marston Green Railway Station

BRITISH Transport Police have said two deaths reported at Marston Green Railway Station in the space of a few hours are being treated as separate incidents.
The first person was struck by a train at around 5pm on Thursday (April 5), with a second fatality reported at the station some three hours later. Neither individual has been named.
Officers have confirmed that neither death is being treated as suspicious and the cases have been referred to the Birmingham and Solihull Coroner.
A British Transport Police spokesman said: "Officers are making a number of enquiries into both these incidents."
The emergency response caused major disruption to train services, with operators confirming that the lines had reopened at around 9.30pm. Journeys to Birmingham New Street, Coventry and London Euston were among those affected.

• If something is troubling you and you would like someone to talk to, call Solihull Samaritans on 0121 705 2255. For more information about the support available visit the charity's website.

Cat Show taking place in Chelmsley Wood

FELINE FINE: A Bengal cat, one of the breeds to be seen at today's show.

AN INTERNATIONAL Cat Show will continue in Chelmsley Wood today (Sunday).
The event, taking place at North Solihull Sports Centre, will feature more than 120 cats of various breeds, including Bengal, Persian, British shorthair, Devon Rex, Peterbald and Selkirk Rex.
There will also be stalls selling feline-themed items, as well as a raffle for visitors to enter.
Organisers said the event was a great opportunity to speak to breeders if someone is considering buying a pedigree cat, or a nice day out for fans of the animal generally.
The show will run from 10am-4.30pm. Admission is £3 for adults and £2 for children

Tribute after victim of Chelmsley stabbing is named

WONDERFUL MUM: Tracy Stonehouse with son
Lewis Cottrill and daughter Kerry Ann O'Connell

POLICE have today named the victim of a fatal stabbing in Chelmsley Wood, which came to light in the early hours of yesterday morning (Friday).
Tracy Stonehouse, aged 51, was pronounced dead at an address in Coralin Close - a residential road near Chelmsley town centre - at just before 1.30am.
A post mortem examination established that she had suffered multiple stab wounds and other injuries to her head and neck.
In a statement issued through West Midlands Police, Tracy’s family said: "We are absolutely devastated by the tragic loss of Tracy who was a wonderful mother, sister and grandmother.
"We ask for our privacy to be respected to allow us time to grieve as we try to come to terms with what has happened."
Det Insp Caroline Corfield, from the force's homicide team, said: "This is a tragic case and our thoughts are with Tracy’s family and friends. Specialist officers are working with them to offer support during this traumatic time.
"We’re treating this as an isolated domestic murder and a 73-year-old man remains under arrest whilst receiving treatment in hospital.
"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation."
Anyone with information should call officers on 101, quoting log 130 of April 6.

Murder investigation launched in Chelmsley Wood

A MURDER probe has been launched after a woman's body was discovered in Chelmsley Wood in the early hours of yesterday (Friday).
Officers were called to a Coralin Close address at around 1.25am. The 51-year-old was pronounced dead a short time later.
The woman had suffered a number of injuries, and a post-mortem will take place in due course to establish the cause of death.
A 73-year-old man, who was at the same property, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Police have said that he was taken ill at the scene and remains in hospital undergoing assessment.
Det Insp Caroline Corfield, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a tragic case and our thoughts are with the family affected.
"We are treating this as an isolated domestic incident, and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation."
Anyone with information should contact officers on 101.

Life-saving device acquired for Marston Green

A LIFE-saving device is being placed in the centre of Marston Green.
The defibrillator - which can help revive those who have suffered a cardiac arrest - will be located in the vicinity of the village railway station.
The scheme is a partnership between Marston Green & District Lions and the One Stop store in Station Road.
Defibrillators can allow civilians to administer vital first aid before paramedics arrive on the scene and increasingly have been installed in public places around the country.
If used in the first five minutes of someone suffering a heart attack, St John Ambulance suggest that survival rates can increase by 70 per cent.
However, a report this week warned that a spate of thefts - which have seen devices stolen from communities around the UK - could be putting lives at risks.

Dizzy Duck Race back at Babbs Mill

IT has become a staple of spring in North Solihull and today (Wednesday) those dizzy ducks will be back on the water at Babbs Mill.
The 2018 event will once again be taking place at the Local Nature Reserve, in Kingshurst, with families invited to pit their wildfowl against the currents.
There will be prizes for the first three birds to cross the finish line, with a £1 charge for every duck entered. The event gets underway at 11am.

Singers looking for new recruits

CASTLE Bromwich Singers are on the look-out for new members.
The group meets at the Baptist Church, in Timberley Lane, on Tuesday evenings (from 7.30-10pm).
For further details call Stella (0121 748 7635) or Greg (07825 969298).