Extra officers set to boost neighbourhood policing across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire will be in post by the end of the month.

Earlier this year, the force announced neighbourhood policing is set to receive an additional 29 police constables, five of whom will be dedicated rural crime officers, two sergeants and 20 police community and support officers (PCSOs).

The investment supports the delivery of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s West Mercia Safer Communities Plan, while also contributing to the national Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

West Mercia Police Local Policing Assistant Chief Constable, Grant Wills, said: “Making our communities safer and building confidence is underpinned by neighbourhood policing and we know our local communities want to see more officers in their area. Bolstering our safer neighbourhood and town centre teams across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire will help achieve this and improve the service we deliver.”

It has also been agreed that the hours PCSOs work will change following a recent consultation.

ACC Wills said: “PCSOs play a pivotal role in neighbourhood policing and community engagement, providing crucial support to our local communities as part of our safer neighbourhood and town centre teams.

“We have considered the key times when PCSOs can be most effective and visible for our communities and following a period of consultation it has been agreed they will now finish at 8pm. It is important to note, this does not reduce the hours PCSOs work but changes their hours of work to ensure they are on duty at the best times to carry out their role; officers will continue to be on duty and patrol throughout our neighbourhoods 24/7 365 and now in greater numbers.”

In March, the force launched its refreshed Local Policing Charter, which is based on three principles – visibility, accessibility and engagement – and sets out the force’s promise to ensure a two-way conversation to understand how local teams can respond to concerns and improve confidence in the service we deliver.

ACC Wills added: “We are committed to building safer, stronger communities through visible, accessible, and engaging police activity.”

Every area served by West Mercia Police has a named local officer, to find out who your local officer is visit our website www.westmercia.police.uk and enter your postcode in the ‘find your area’ section.

Earlier this month, 3 St George’s flags appeared overnight on the railings outside Hereford Cathedral, see original article here - https://hfd.news/flags

They were quickly removed the following morning by the Cathedral’s Head of Estates, Alan Reid, who explained to us that while the Cathedral proudly flies the St George’s Cross from its tower, there is a proper procedure for attaching anything to Cathedral property to prevent damage and ensure permissions are in place.

In response and following Alan’s advice and with full respect to the Cathedral, Hereford Voice submitted a formal application to display 6 flags — 3 Union Flags and 3 St George’s Cross flags — along the Cathedral railing on Broad Street. Our aim was to create a respectful and temporary display to coincide with a significant community event.

We first contacted the SSAFA Herefordshire and proposed aligning the flags with the 140th anniversary celebrations of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. As part of our proposal, we also offered to provide free advertising support across our network to help promote the SSAFA 140th anniversary concert in October, as well as pledging a donation to both SSAFA Herefordshire and Hereford Cathedral in recognition of their work. Sadly, SSAFA Herefordshire declined permission to connect the display with their concert in October, citing reputational considerations...

Following that outcome, we approached Hereford Cathedral to suggest that the flags might instead coincide with the upcoming Magna Carta weekend event., but this was also declined.

Marc Leppard, Chief Operating Officer at Hereford Cathedral, told us:

“It is very important to us that the flags which represent our country and nation should always be flown with the due respect they deserve. At the moment, we have no immediate plans to permit any additional displays of the St George’s Cross, Union Flag or any other flags, in any locations within the Cathedral Close aside from the cathedral tower.”

Hereford Voice - Although this decision is disappointing, we fully respect the positions of both SSAFA Herefordshire and Hereford Cathedral. However, we will still honour our donation pledges and continue to advertise up and coming events, as it is important to us to continue supporting these valued organisations.

Hereford Voice remains committed to supporting Herefordshire’s community, heritage, local events, charities and traditions. We will continue to seek out new ways to celebrate our history and national identity in positive and respectful ways.

A potentially lifesaving kit to help anyone suffering a severe bleed has been unveiled in Leominster by the mum of a 17-year-old stabbing victim.

Reuben Higgins, who lived in Leominster, died last October having been stabbed in the leg, arm and chest. He was chased into a shop in the Marston Green area of Solihull before being attacked. Three teenagers have been found guilty of his murder.

This week, Reuben’s mum, Sarah, unveiled an Emergency Bleed Control Kit, which is attached to the wall of the Station Yard shop in Leominster.

“My children wanted to help anyone who might be in the same situation as their brother was,” said Sarah. “So, I did a bit of research into it and then happened to be in the St Michael’s Hospice shop in Leominster and began chatting to Bob about it.”

Bob Miles is a St Michael’s volunteer at the Station Yard shop and is also a Community First Responder. As well as the Bleed Control Kit, he has also been instrumental in securing a defibrillator which is also attached to the Station Yard shop’s front wall.

Sarah and her family funded the Bleed Control Kit. She says it can play a pivotal role in providing aid to someone experiencing life-threatening external bleeding, and can be used by members of the public and medical professionals.

“I want to get as many of these kits around as possible,” added Sarah. “If there was one nearby when Reuben was stabbed, it may have saved his life. He was an amazing son; my best friend, and we miss him so much.”

Reuby’s Foundation has been set up in memory of Reuben and to support others who have experienced a sudden unexpected loss.

Reuby's Foundation - https://www.reubysfoundation.com/

A man from Hereford has been sentenced to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for five years following sexual assaults on a girl and a woman.

Sanjoy Galal, 46, of Green Street in Hereford, pled guilty and was sentenced at Hereford Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Tuesday 26 August).

On 1 April this year Galal sexually assaulted a girl in High Town. Minutes later he then followed a woman into McDonalds on Commercial Street and sexually assaulted her.

He was further handed a community order and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114, pay compensation of £300, a fine of £100, rehab activity work and was also ordered to register as a sex offender for five years.

DC Sophie Weaver, who led the investigation, said: “We take reports of sexual assault and sexual offences extremely seriously and we will continue to seek justice for those who have suffered such abhorrent crimes.

“I would like to commend the victims for their bravery and courage in what has been an extremely difficult time for them and their families.

“Behaviour such as that shown by Galal will simply not be tolerated in our communities and those who think it is acceptable to commit such crimes will be brought to justice”.

Today, Peter Isaac was given Honorary Freedom of the City.

For his dedication to Hereford United Football Club as a player and later Caretaker Manager, and for his continued support for the club, Peter Isaac was conferred Freedom of the City of Hereford, the most honourable distinction that is within the power of the City Council to bestow.

Peter Isaac, born William Henry Isaac in 1935, has a long and storied career. He served with thirteen managers; Joe Wade, Ray Daniel, Bob Dennison, John Charles, Colin Addison, John Sillett, Tony Ford, Mike Bailey, Frank Lord, Tommy Hughes, John Newman, Ian Bowyer and Greg Downs. He completed over 30 seasons at Edgar Street, and clocked up an impressive total of 353 appearances.

Now 90 years of age, Peter continues to support the club he served.

The conferring of the title ‘Honorary Freeman’ is the highest that the Council of a City can bestow. Hereford City Council may admit “persons of distinction and persons who have in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the City”, as Honorary Freemen.

For more on Peter, visit: https://www.talkingbull.org/hereford-hero-25-peter-isaac/

A decision by Herefordshire Council to acquire and refurbish the John Haider building in central Hereford will offer 28 additional self-contained apartments for people needing emergency accommodation.

The number of people presenting to the council as needing emergency accommodation has almost doubled in the past two years, and there is currently a shortage of suitable accommodation. This means that people may be housed in private sector dwellings (where available) or in budget hotel/bed-and-breakfast style accommodation.

To help address this, the council is investing nearly £3.8Million to acquire and fully refurbish the John Haider building in central Hereford, bringing the building back into good condition to provide 28 high quality, self-contained, apartments.

The decision follows Full Council approval of the outline business case in July 2024 and a detailed consultation process.

Councillor Graham Biggs, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth at Herefordshire Council, commented:

This is one of the first projects we have brought forward, working through our new cross-political working group and aiming to address the long-term social and affordable housing crisis we face across the county. The project will provide quality accommodation to some of those that need it most, while also regenerating an ageing building at a key gateway location to the city centre.

In purchasing the John Haider building not only will we be able to provide good quality, safe accommodation for people who are in need of emergency accommodation, but we are projecting cost savings in excess of £600,000 each year.

Refurbishment of the premises is expected to commence autumn 2025 with the first occupants expected to move in from autumn 2026.

Herefordshire Council’s long “year of delivery” begins as work starts on a new multi-million pound transport hub in Hereford to improve transport connections and travel choice in and around the city and wider region.

A delegation including representatives from the Council, Network Rail, Transport for Wales and contractor McPhillips gathered on Thursday (22 August) to mark the official start of construction on Hereford’s new Transport Hub.

The hub will integrate key travel connections, making it easier to move around and connect by train, bus, car, bike, taxi or on foot. This forms part of a wider Local Transport Plan shaped by public input, with strong support for better bus services, active travel options and the Bypass.

Enhancing the front of Hereford’s historic railway station, the development will support multiple modes of getting around and create an exciting urban space that ties together local heritage, public and private transport and active travel. The hub will feature:

▪️New bus stands and layovers
▪️Taxi and car parking areas (including commuter and short-term parking)
▪️Covered cycle storage and lockers
▪️Indoor welfare facilities for passengers

Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, said:

“The Transport Hub has been planned for a very long time; it is a big project and will bring lots of benefits to all users, whether they are on foot, cycling, driving or on public transport. Once completed, the hub will not only offer accessible, safe and better transport connections, it will help open up better access to Hereford’s cultural, retail and family-friendly offerings, and is expected to play a key role in supporting the county’s economic growth.

“This initiative is one of many being delivered by Herefordshire Council and our partners over the next 18 months, which together will be a significant step-forward in transforming infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities for both urban and rural areas across the county.”

Andrew Dunham, Contracts Director for McPhillips, said:

“This £10 million investment represents far more than just a construction project – it's a genuine investment in the future of Hereford and its community. The new hub will transform how people move around the city, providing modern bus facilities, improved parking, covered cycle storage, and indoor welfare facilities that will encourage a shift towards more sustainable transport options.

“What makes this project particularly special for us is our commitment to supporting local supply chains throughout the delivery. Our approach ensures that the economic benefits of this investment flow directly into the local community – from local suppliers to local skilled workers.”

The Transport Hub is part of the ‘Improving Transport in Hereford’ programme of works. It is supported by a £20.5 million investment from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, aimed at delivering a package of transport and travel measures in and around Hereford city.

Emergency crews from Hereford Fire Station were dispatched to an incident on West Street, Hereford, shortly before 3:00pm this afternoon. A silver Volkswagen car had collided with The Stables pub, prompting a swift response from fire and rescue services.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police "We were called to reports of a car being in collision with The Stables pub on West Street at around 2.50pm today (Tuesday) - No arrests were made."

A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) following a fight involving two men in Hereford last night (Saturday 16 August).

Police received multiple calls from members of the public reporting an assault in progress in the Commercial Street area of Hereford city centre around 11.30pm.

Upon arrival, it was established that an isolated violent assault had taken place with the victim – a man in his 40s - being punched and falling to the ground, hitting his head. No other persons and no weapons were involved.

The victim sustained a serious head injury and was taken to hospital.

The suspect fled the scene but was quickly tracked down thanks to the help of public witnesses and an off-duty police officer. A man was then detained by response officers.

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of assault GBH and remains in police custody helping with enquiries.

A scene guard has been lifted this morning, and we would like to thank members of the public for their patience while our investigations continue at the location.

Detective Inspector Colin Berry said: “A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault GBH following a violent attack in Hereford city centre last night.

“We would like to thank members of the public for their help in identifying a suspect in what was an isolated incident between two men which posed no wider risk to the public.

“We would also like to reassure people that there were no weapons involved despite some commentary on social media saying there were.

“A suspect was identified and promptly arrested and is helping us with our enquiries.”

Wednesday night, three striking St George flags were placed on the railings outside Hereford Cathedral, briefly adding a patriotic touch to the city centre. However, the flags were removed earlier this morning by the Cathedral’s Head of Estates.

We spoke directly with Alan Read, Head of Estates at Hereford Cathedral and a veteran himself, to understand why the flags were taken down. Alan clarified that the Cathedral is not opposed to flying the St George flag—in fact, it is regularly flown from the Cathedral’s main flagpole and was proudly on display again today.

He explained that there is a formal procedure for placing any items on Cathedral property. Unauthorised attachments, particularly those using metal rings, can damage the ironwork and its protective paint. Additionally, the railings are private property, and proper permissions are required for any public displays.

In light of this, Hereford Voice has now formally applied to display six flags on the railings in the coming months to coincide with a future event.

• 3 x St George Flags 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
• 3 x Union Flags 🇬🇧

We are also pleased to announce that Hereford Voice will be making a donation to Hereford Cathedral in support of its ongoing work and maintenance.

Emergency services responded late last night (August 14) after a vehicle collided with a residential property on Whitefriars Road in Belmont.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:44pm, when a car struck a house, causing significant structural damage.

A spokesperson from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated the property prior to their arrival.

Crews worked to secure the vehicle and established a safety cordon around the affected area.

One male casualty was assessed and transferred to the care of the ambulance service. West Mercia Police also attended the scene.

Update - A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and dangerous driving. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Police confirmed there were no injuries to the occupants of the property. Officers remain at the scene this morning to conduct further inquiries.

📷 S. Burnett

Planning permission has officially been granted for the redevelopment of Hampton Dene Primary School, Church Road, Hereford.

The decision marks a significant milestone in the delivery of modern, inclusive, and sustainable education facilities for the local community.

The approved plans include two new classrooms to enhance the learning environment, improve accessibility and will enable the school to offer additional spaces in the Language and Communication Centre for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The development will also feature an improved parking area and upgraded outdoor spaces.

Construction is expected to begin in the autumn and be completed by early summer 2026.

The project is part of a wider investment in education across the county, aimed at ensuring every child has access to high-quality learning spaces.

Further updates will be shared with parents, carers, and the wider community as the project progresses.

Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, added:

“We’re delighted that planning permission has been granted, which means the improvement works can now go ahead. This project is part of the council’s commitment to delivering high-quality inclusive education facilities that meets the needs of our children and young people.”

Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets, said:

“This is a major step forward for education in Hereford. The improvement works at Hampton Dene Primary School will provide a safe, inspiring environment for students to thrive.”

Have you seen any wild rats in the city?

Thanks to our good friend Corden Smith for sending us this video earlier.

▪️Herefordshire - That's equivalent of one in every 19 people experiencing a crime.

Home Office data shows which areas residents and visitors are most likely to fall victim to crime - and there's one hotspot that far exceeds the rest.

The most dangerous places to live in England and Wales have been revealed by new Home Office figures - and our map highlights the towns and cities where residents are most likely to fall victim to crime. In the year ending March 2025, more than 5.3 million non-fraud crimes were recorded by the 43 domestic police forces in towns and cities across England and Wales. That was about 92,000 fewer crimes than in the year ending March 2024, a 2% fall.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Devon and Cornwall Police saw the biggest drop in non-fraud crime, by 12% in both police force areas. However, crime is rising in some parts of the nation. Avon and Somerset Police who have been using AI technology and algorithms to weigh up the risk of allowing suspects out on bail, witnessed the biggest rise in non-fraud crime, at 12%, which represents around 18,000 more crimes.

Of community safety partnership areas, which are broadly similar to council areas, Derbyshire Dales saw the biggest increase in crime, by 20%.

Crime also went up by 18% in Cheltenham, 18% in Forest of Dean, by 16% in Cotswold, and 16% in Stroud, all in the Gloucestershire police force area. However, all those areas are relatively low in crime.

Crime rates, the number of crimes recorded in each area for every 1,000 people, show that either Westminster or Middlesbrough is most dangerous place to live in England and Wales - depending on how you interpret the data.

Per capita figures allow for a fairer comparison of the threats to law and order in places with widely different population sizes.

While Westminster consistently has the highest crime rate in the country, currently at 423 crimes for every 1,000 residents, that includes huge numbers of tourists who are targeted by thieves and other criminals every year. The same is likely true of Camden (195 crimes per 1,000 residents).

Outside of London, Middlesbrough remains the most crime-plagued part of the nation. Last year there were more than 23,000 crimes in the Teesside town.

While that was a 5% fall from the previous year, it still added up to a crime rate of 158 offences for every 1,000 people. That’s the equivalent of one in every six people who live in Middlesbrough falling victim to a crime last year.

After Middlesbrough, Blackpool in Lancashire has the highest crime rate (154 crimes per 1,000 people), a fraction higher than affluent Kensington and Chelsea in west London (154), followed by Manchester (152), and Hartlepool (142).

Using our interactive map below, you can check the crime rate where you live, whether crime is rising or falling, and how it compares nationally.

Separate figures from the ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales suggest people aged 16 and over experienced 9.4 million incidents of crime in the year to March 2025, up from 8.8 million in the previous 12 months.

The rise is mainly due to a 31% rise in fraud, which accounts for 4.2 million incidents and is the highest estimate for this type of crime since fraud was first measured in the survey in 2016/17.

The overall total of 9.4 million incidents in 2024/25 is 16% lower than the total of 11.2 million for 2016/17, however.

This annual poll, based on face-to-face interviews, seeks to measure the amount and impact of crime, including offences which may not have been reported to police.

The survey covers a range of personal and household victim-based crime, including theft, robbery, criminal damage, fraud, computer misuse and violence with or without injury, but does not include sexual offences, stalking, harassment and domestic abuse, which are presented separately.

Experiences of theft, criminal damage and violence with or without injury, as measured by the ONS survey, have been on a broad downwards trend since the mid-1990s.

Top 20 Community Safety Partnership (CSP) areas with the highest crime rates

▪️Westminster 423.2
▪️Camden 194.8
▪️Middlesbrough 158.3
▪️Blackpool 154.4
▪️Kensington and Chelsea 154.2
▪️Manchester 152.4
▪️Hartlepool 141.5
▪️Islington 140.8
▪️Bristol 132.3
▪️Southwark 127.6
▪️Hackney 124.4
▪️Lincoln 124.3
▪️Doncaster 124.2
▪️Bradford 124.2
▪️Southampton 124
▪️Liverpool 123.7
▪️Kingston upon Hull 122.9
▪️Leeds 122.7
▪️Newport 120.5
▪️Blaenau Gwent 119.5

▪️Herefordshire, County of West Mercia Police
▪️Rank: 272nd
▪️Total crime (excluding fraud): 9,750
▪️Annual change: -11%
▪️Crime rate: 51.7 per 1,000 people
▪️That's the equivalent of one in every 19 people experiencing a crime.

Source | https://hfd.news/aeOpn

Two men were arrested after a warrant was executed at a campsite in Herefordshire this morning (Thursday 7 August) over concerns of drug dealing.

Police were acting on intelligence surrounding suspected supply of class A and B drugs into the Hereford and Leominster areas.

Officers from Hereford CID were supported by Task Force, the Local Policing Priorities Team (LPPT), Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT) and a dog handler as they attended the site off Stonehouse Lane near Bringsty.

They arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs as they carried out a search of the caravans and outbuildings on the site.

A second man in his 20s was also arrested on suspicion of threats to cause criminal damage and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

A third person – a woman in her 20s - was arrested for failing to appear at court on a separate matter.

A quantity of cannabis was found, and mobile phones were checked as part of the investigation into suspected drug dealing in the county.

Detective Sergeant Jim Moore of Hereford Proactive CID said: “This morning, Herefordshire officers executed a warrant at a campsite near Bringsty following intelligence gathered around suspected dealing of class A and B drugs into the Hereford and Leominster areas.

 “A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs – cocaine and is currently helping us with our investigation.

 “A quantity of cannabis was seized from one of the properties and mobile phone searches conducted - further enquiries will be made.

 “We hope today’s actions shows we will always act on concerns around the supply of drugs in our county and act where appropriate to disrupt and shut down drug dealing networks where possible.”

At around 4pm yesterday afternoon (Sunday 3 August) a blue Suzuki Celerio SZ2 car and a coach collided on the A4103 at Cradley in Herefordshire.

The driver of the car, a 67-year-old man, sadly died at the scene.

Nobody else was injured and no arrests have been made.

We’d like to hear from anyone who saw, or who has dashcam footage, of the collision itself or the vehicles in the minutes before.

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact PC Ellis on 07971395290 or daniel.ellis@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident number 304 of 3 August 2025.

Lidl shoppers spot dog playing a piano in supermarket logo

Lidl shoppers have taken to social media to share their discovery which they can’t “unsee”.

But, even the keenest of shoppers are only just noticing the hidden animal in the supermarket’s logo. Have you seen it?

TikTok user @skintdad has pointed out that “when you see it, you can’t unsee it”.

Hereford Voice - That's all we see now 😂

A Hereford store has been temporarily closed following the discovery of illegal tobacco concealed in a ceiling space.

Officers from Hereford city centre team joined partners at Trading Standards, supported by sniffer dogs from BWY Canine for a visit to Liam Halal supermarket on Eign Gate, Hereford yesterday (Monday 28 July).

During the search, officers located a highly sophisticated concealment hidden in the ceiling of the shop, which was operated by hydraulic rams and locks.

With no co-operation from those working in the shop, the concealment was opened by force and a quantity of illegal tobacco was located and seized.

Illegal cigarettes with an estimated equivalent retail value of £4,275 or street value of around £1,900 and illegal hand rolling tobacco with a retail value of £190/street value of £27 were taken away. The sale of these items would amount to almost £3,400 of duty being evaded.

Trading Standards officers closed the shop under Closure Order Powers contained available within the Crime & ASB Act 2014.

They are due to attend Herefordshire Magistrates Court to apply for a three-month closure to disrupt the criminality and help protect the public from the sale of illicit tobacco products being sold there.

Police Sergeant Duncan Reynolds from Hereford city centre team said: “Yesterday we attended a shop on Eign Gate following community concerns around the sale of counterfeit and illicit tobacco.

“Working with our partners at Trading Standards and an independent drugs dog handler, we uncovered a highly sophisticated concealment hidden in the ceiling of the shop, operated by hydraulic rams and locks.

“The illegal tobacco products were seized by Trading Standards who closed the shop using their powers and are now in the process of applying for a three-month closure to disrupt the criminality and help protect the public from the sale of illicit tobacco products.

“We will continue to visit stores suspected of selling counterfeit tobacco and illicit vaping products to shield our communities from harm and act where appropriate.

“The black market of illegal products takes revenue away from the legitimate sales of legal tobacco and vapes by law-abiding retailers and such counterfeit and illicit items are often linked to organised criminal gangs and modern-day slavery.”