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Police raid in Smethwick uncovers gun workshop

This is the moment police arrested a man suspected of converting blank-firing pistols into working guns.

Officers from the National Crime Agency raided the home of Alireza Nowbakht in Smethwick in December and found machining tools in his bedroom, as well as other items.

The 50-year-old was jailed for five years on Monday for possession of a firearm and ammunition, and theft of a motor car.

12 July 2023

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CCTV shows gang shooting way into computer store

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Flood-safe home rises above water

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Hijab-wearing boxing coach inspires new generation

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Composite image of Sir Keir Starmer and BBC Radio WM presenter Kath Stanczyszyn, who is pictured wearing headphones and speaking into a purple microphone

Will there be a Birmingham pub bombings inquiry?

The prime minister is grilled by BBC Radio WM presenter Kath Stanczyszyn on the chances of a public inquiry.

Birmingham & Black Country

Man in blue suit with green tie which has green and blue diagonal stripes. In the foreground is the back of a student's head

Pub bombings: 'These people deserve to be remembered'

BBC presenter Nick Owen talks to Birmingham school pupils about the 1974 pub bombings in the city.

Birmingham & Black Country

A group of women waving Aston Villa flags and singing

Villa fans sing for Champions League glory

Choirs sing the iconic Champions League anthem ahead of Aston Villa's Bayern Munich home game.

Birmingham & Black Country

People on edge of lake with model yachts on the water

Setting sail with city's model boat lovers

Bournville Radio Sailing and Model Boat Club is staging an open day on Saturday.

Birmingham & Black Country

Photo of former West Brom player

Cap honour for footballer killed in World War One

A charity cycle ride through France and Belgium will honour a former West Bromwich Albion player.

Birmingham & Black Country

Betty Cowley who has short blonde hair and stands in front of designs showing the past around The Roundhouse. She wears a multi-coloured scarf above a grey top with a white floral design

Volunteers keen to showcase landmark building

Special tours are being offered around The Roundhouse in Birmingham during the heritage week.

Birmingham & Black Country

Undated handout photo issued by West Midlands Police of one of the dogs police want to trace

Watch: On the hunt for dogs suspected of killing man

Police are looking for two dogs after a man was found dead in the back garden of a home in Birmingham.

Birmingham & Black Country

Dead fish in the canal

Watch: BBC reporter at scene of West Midlands sodium cyanide spill

The BBC's Jo Black reports from where a major incident was declared after the chemical affected a 12-mile stretch of canals.

Birmingham & Black Country

Community activists outside Birmingham pub

'Pub disorder isn't a true reflection of us'

Community activists visit Birmingham pub to apologise after an attack on Monday night.

Birmingham & Black Country

Eli Lane

Young actor meets the man he gave a voice

Daniel Challis uses a communications device to speak with the voice of Eli Lane.

Birmingham & Black Country

An alpaca, with cream coloured fur, in a muddy field. The backs of two other alpacas are visible

The herd of alpacas bringing joy to care homes

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Birmingham & Black Country

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Birmingham & Black Country

Cricket fan celebrates England penalty win

Rival cricket fans unite to cheer on England

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Birmingham & Black Country

A woman holding a telephone

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Birmingham & Black Country

Four children

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Birmingham & Black Country

Nick Owen

MBE a 'wow moment' for BBC presenter Nick Owen

BBC Midlands Today presenter is recognised for services to broadcasting and charity.

Birmingham & Black Country

CCTV image inside church

Church lectern thief caught on CCTV

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Birmingham & Black Country

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Narrowboats take on 24 hour canal challenge

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Birmingham & Black Country

Unai Emery

Villa's champagne moment for Champions League

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Birmingham & Black Country

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Special night celebrates 45 years of 2 Tone

Fans at the event featuring Pauline Black and Horace Panter say their love of 2 Tone has endured.

Birmingham & Black Country