Police have appealed for more information after man in his 20s was left fighting for his life after a shooting in Sutton Coldfield. A woman was also injured in the attack on January 31.
Detectives are now urgently searching for a group of men seen on electric bikes (e-bikes) believed to be involved.
Detective Inspector Francis Nock stated: “A man has been very seriously injured and we’re determined to find out who was responsible. We’re working round the clock and know there will be people who can help us. Any footage, imagery or information could prove vital.” Police say this appears to be an isolated incident targeted at a specific address, but additional officers remain in the area for public reassurance.
Key details of the Sutton Coldfield shooting
Date & Time: Around 11:30 PM on Saturday, 31 January
Location: Mount View or Reddicap Hill area, Sutton Coldfield
Crime Reference: 20/132275/26
Current Status: Major investigation with increased police presence
Appeal for information
West Midlands Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who:
Saw a group of men on electric bikes in the area
Witnessed the incident or people fleeing the scene
Heard gunshots or significant disturbances
Have dashcam, doorbell, or CCTV footage from around 11:30 PM on January 31
SUTTON COLDFIELD – A major police initiative in Sutton Coldfield has slashed rates of serious crime by nearly half in its first fortnight, West Midlands Police have reported.
Operation Skybridge, a specialised deployment targeting serious and acquisitive crime (SAC), was launched in the area over two weeks ago. New data reveals a dramatic 46% reduction in overall SAC offences, including robbery, burglary, and vehicle crime, since the operation began.
Key Crime Reduction Statistics in Sutton Coldfield:
Burglary: Down 33%
Robbery: Down 42%
Theft from motor vehicle: Down 46%
Theft of motor vehicle: Down 60%
The operation’s impact follows multiple arrests for serious offences, including robbery, burglary, and drug supply. Police activity has been high, with officers conducting numerous stop-and-searches, proactive traffic stops, and generating dozens of intelligence reports to target offenders.
“While this is a promising start, we understand that behind every offence, there are victims,” stated the Operation Skybridge team. “We will continue to work alongside your local neighbourhood team to seek out those causing harm to the Sutton Coldfield community.”
Winter Security Warning for Birmingham Residents
With a week of sub-zero temperatures forecast, police issued urgent crime prevention advice to deter opportunistic thieves:
Never leave your vehicle running unattended while defrosting. Thieves target these moments and can steal a car in seconds.
Remove all valuables from your vehicle.
Ensure all windows and doors to your home are securely locked.
Consider upgrading to anti-snap locks on exterior doors to prevent a common method of forced entry.
How to Report Crime in the West Midlands
Anyone with information about robbery, burglary, vehicle crime, or drug crime in Sutton Coldfield or Birmingham is urged to contact:
Crimestoppers anonymously.
West Midlands Police via their official website webchat function.
Email the Operation Skybridge team directly at Opskybridge@westmidlands.police.uk (Note: This email is for intelligence and correspondence, not for reporting live crimes).
In an emergency, always call 999.
Operation Skybridge continues its deployment in support of local policing teams across the West Midlands.
The festive season is officially aglow in Royal Sutton Coldfield. This year’s display features 230 energy-efficient LED lights across the town, providing brighter illumination while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional bulbs. You can see the sparkling Christmas lights in the following locations:
Sutton Coldfield Town Centre
Boldmere High Street
Mere Green
Walmley
Wylde Green
Falcon Lodge
Minworth
Whitehouse Common
Chester Road, Kingsbury Road, Walsall Road
Beeches Walk, Church Hill Parade, Clarence Road, Dugdale Crescent, Hollyfield Road, Little Boldmere
King Edward Square
Festive Christmas Trees, funded by the Town Council, are also located at: Dugdale Crescent, Falcon Lodge, Harvest Fields, Mere Green, Minworth, Walmley, and Wylde Green.
🅿️ Free festive parking and travel scheme until Jan 4, 2026
To complement the lights and boost the local economy, the Town Council is running a free holiday parking and travel initiative.
Parking details:
Days & Times: Thursdays from 4pm, Fridays from 4pm, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
Participating Car Parks
Station Street
Upper & Lower Reddicroft
Mill Street
Anchorage Road
South Parade
Duke Street
The scheme also includes free bus travel and cycle hire within the area, making it seamless to visit Royal Sutton Coldfield’s town centre and local shopping parades this Christmas.
🗣️ Supporting the town centre
Cllr Simon Ward, leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, said:
“I’m pleased to see the Town Council continuing to support our town centre through initiatives like the Festive Lights and Festive Travel Scheme. This outlines our commitment to local businesses and helps attract more visitors, making travel easier for shoppers during the busiest time of year.”
Plan Your Visit: Experience the festive magic, enjoy free parking on weekends and evenings, and support Royal Sutton Coldfield’s brilliant local businesses this holiday season.
Christmas Trees are also funded by the Town Council at Dugdale Crescent, Falcon Lodge, Harvest Fields, Mere Green, Minworth, Walmley and Wylde Green.
A Sutton Coldfield care home resident has celebrated her remarkable 102nd birthday by sharing her timeless advice for a long and happy life.
Joyce McCliskie, affectionately known as Joy, marked the milestone at Care UK’s Mercia Grangeon Lichfield Road, surrounded by her loving family and the care home team.
To honour the special occasion, the team decorated the home with banners and balloons, and the head chef prepared a bespoke birthday cake.
Joy’s secrets to a long and happy life
When asked for her advice for younger generations, Joy’s simple yet powerful secret was: “Stay active, busy and connected with other people.”
Born in Oldbury on 5th November 1923, Joy dedicated eight years of her career to nursing at Birmingham’s Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Her passions for sewing, knitting, and cooking were always shared generously with her family.
Joy met her husband Douglas in their twenties. Together, they built a beautiful family, which now includes two children, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
An integral member of the community
Since moving to Mercia Grange in 2022, Joy has become a cornerstone of the community. Her fellow residents nominated her to serve as a Resident Ambassador last year, a role in which she excels.
Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Joy is a much-loved resident, and her calm, cheerful attitude is an inspiration. Celebrating her 102nd birthday was a joy for everyone. Her philosophy reminds us that the key to a fulfilling life is living in the moment and finding joy in the simple things.”
Inspired by Joy’s story? Mercia Grange is welcoming new residents. If you or a loved one is seeking exceptional full-time care or respite care in the Sutton Coldfield area, we invite you to learn more.
Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home offering premium residential, nursing, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Facilities include a luxury cinema, hair and beauty salon, and a traditional pub, all supporting a vibrant community life.
For information:
Call: Rachel Mackay, Customer Relations Manager, at 0121 314 7849
Audrey Smithem, Alan Blakeley, and Jean Greaves with artist Peter Forbes
From brushstrokes to baritones home hosts artful evening
Care UK’s Mercia Grange care home recently hosted its first-ever art exhibition, creating an unforgettable evening that blended visual art with live opera music for residents, their families, and the local community.
The event at the Lichfield Road, Four Oaks venue, showcased the remarkable artwork of Peter Forbes, a talented local artist who also serves as a valued member of the home’s maintenance team. Guests enjoyed an inspiring display of his work, featuring striking landscapes and expressive portraits, and had the opportunity to speak with Peter about his creative process.
The artistic display was complemented by a live performance from Mezzo-Soprano singer Samantha Oxborough, who captivated the audience with a selection of classic opera songs. The home’s Head Chef prepared a range of canapés and refreshments for all to enjoy.
The event was attended by Councillor Nitish Raut, Deputy Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, highlighting the home’s role within the wider community.
Resident Terry Fletcher and her son, Greg Fletcher
A Celebration of Community and Talent
Peter Forbes, the featured artist, commented: “It was a lovely evening connecting with residents and the community over art and music. It was a real privilege to share another passion of mine with everyone. A big thank you to the team and to all those who joined us.”
Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, added: “We’ve loved hosting our first art exhibition and opera evening. It is important for us to connect with the community, and art is an excellent way to craft conversations and build meaningful relationships. Peter does so much for the home, so we were overjoyed to give something back and display his masterpieces.”
About Mercia Grange Care Home
Mercia Grangeprovides full-time residential, nursing, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care and features 67 en-suite bedrooms, a cinema, a hair and beauty salon, and a pub.
Join Sutton Coldfield PCSO Gill Whittingham for a friendly, informal chat about local matters in the Four Oaks area.
Residents are invited to an upcoming Police Community Surgery. This is your chance to speak one-to-one, about any concerns or issues you may have in your neighbourhood.
When: Thursday, 27th November 2025 Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am Where: The Cosy Coffee Shop, Clarence Road
No appointment is necessary—just drop in. I am here to listen and to help.
We can discuss:
Community Concerns: Your observations about anti-social behaviour, speeding, or other local issues.
Personalised Crime Prevention Advice: Get tailored tips on how to better secure your home, vehicle, or personal property.
Local Updates: Hear about what we’re doing in your area and how we can work together.
This is an informal and confidential opportunity for you to help shape the policing priorities in our community. Your input is invaluable.
BMet (Birmingham Metropolitan College) which includes Sutton Coldfield College, James Watt College and Matthew Boulton College, honoured the outstanding achievements of its graduates, students, and staff at its annual graduation ceremony, held at the iconic Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
The celebratory event was attended by graduates, their families and friends, and BMet staff. It featured special guest appearances from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, MBE, JP, and award-winning athlete Jamie McAnsh, who delivered an inspiring keynote speech to motivate the new graduates.
Recognising Excellence: A Night of Awards
Alongside the formal graduation proceedings for Higher Education (HE) students, the ceremony saw 48 awards presented to deserving students, staff, and employer partners. These accolades celebrated a wide range of accomplishments.
Key awards presented included:
Academic Excellence Award
Inspirational Student Award
Outstanding Engagement Award
Innovation in Curriculum Award
Student Support Champion Award
The Resilience and Determination Award was proudly sponsored by the Morgan Hunt Recruitment Agency. In addition, Fellowship Awards were given to employers Roxanne Blackwood from fashion brand Kimmiu, and Louise Pinnington and Karen O’Donovan from Edge Creative, in recognition of their invaluable support in helping BMet students progress in their careers.
The event was further brought to life by two captivating performances from Performing Arts students from BMet’s Sutton Coldfield College.
Award Winner Spotlights
Karen Hemmings, Department Manager for Early Years at BMet, graduated with a Leadership Certificate in Post Compulsory Education (Cert Ed) and also received the Resilience and Determination Award.
“I’m very excited about being at this awards ceremony,” Karen said. “It means a lot to me to have achieved what I have at this later stage of my life. The support I have received whilst studying has been invaluable from teachers, as well as family – some of which are here with me today! I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped me along the way.”
Elijah Lewis graduated from his HND Cloud Networking Course and achieved an Inspirational Student Award.
“I’m so very happy to be recognised for my hard work and it has been a long time coming!” Elijah commented. “It feels like a testament to all my efforts. My action plan of studying computing at BCU is now one step closer and I feel I am on the path to securing a career in Cyber Security.”
Roxanne Blackwood, Founder and Creative Director of Kimmiu, received a Fellowship Award for her work in championing BMet and developing employability skills for students.
“Winning the award today is a huge honour in what has been a mutually beneficial journey,”Roxanne stated. “As well as helping learners on their career paths, I have learnt how to tailor my work in ways that can be meaningful and motivating to a target group of people. I have personally grown a lot and developed during my time working with BMet.”
Explore Higher Education at BMet
Their HE provision includes:
Foundation Degrees
Higher Level Apprenticeships
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
Higher National Certificates (HNCs)
Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
To find out more about the range of higher education courses at BMet, visit the official BMet website.
Sutton Coldfield visitors afre in for a magical Victorian-themed Christmas Market on The Parade in Sutton Coldfield, when it returns for its second year across two festive weekends in December.
After listening to visitor feedback, this year’s market has been condensed into two vibrant, four-day weekends to ensure a fantastic atmosphere and a bustling, fully occupied artisan marketplace.
Market dates and opening times
The Sutton Coldfield Christmas Market will take place across two weekends and will be officially opened by MP Sir Andrew Mitchell on December 11th at 4pm.
Weekend 1: Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th December
Weekend 2: Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st December
Opening Hours:
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sundays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
What to expect
Located on The Parade, the market will feature:
Over 60 Unique Stalls: Browse a wide selection of artisan gifts, handmade crafts, seasonal food, and festive treats from local traders.
Festive Victorian Theme: Stallholders will be dressed in period costume, creating a charming and immersive experience.
Brightly Lit Gazebos: The market will be beautifully illuminated, providing a warm and vibrant atmosphere after dark.
Live Family Entertainment: Enjoy stilt walkers, a walk-in snow globe, and visits from Father Christmas and his elves.
A Less Crowded Alternative: Discover a unique and more relaxed shopping experience compared to the larger Birmingham Christmas Market.
Free parking available
Enjoy Free Festive Parking! To make your visit easier, Sutton Coldfield Town Council is funding free parking in all Birmingham City Council-owned car parks in the town centre:
After 4pm on Thursdays and Fridays
All day on Saturdays and Sundays
Address: The Christmas Market is located on The Parade, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1PH.
Support local this Christmas
The Sutton Coldfield Christmas Market is a partnership between Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BIDand LSD Promotions (organisers of the Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market). The goal is to boost footfall and support the local economy.
“While you’re here, please support our local businesses in Sutton Coldfield town centre.” – Michelle Baker, BID Manager.
Music and community spirit at Sutton Coldfield retirement community
The unforgettable sounds of the 1960s and 70s filled a retirement community in Wylde Green, as residents enjoyed a special performance from singer Jane Francis and her ‘Golden Grooves’ show.
The event perfectly captured the vibrant, community-focused lifestyle enjoyed by homeowners at Broadleaf House Retirement Community.
A nostalgic and upbeat afternoon
The afternoon was a celebration of timeless favourites, with Jane Francis effortlessly switching between the iconic hits of the two decades.
The performance was a delightful blend of music, memories, and conversation, with familiar tunes sparking stories and happy recollections among the guests. The energy was so infectious that several homeowners couldn’t resist taking to the dance floor.
An interval for afternoon tea, freshly prepared by the on-site chef, added to the warm, sociable atmosphere.
Music: The heartbeat of community
Jane shared her joy in performing for the community, stating, “I love seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter when people recognise a song that takes them straight back to a happy memory. Every audience has its own personality, and that makes each event so special.”
She later added how lovely it was to visit such a friendly, welcoming community at Broadleaf House.
Alexandra Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director for Adlington Retirement Living, said: Events like this capture the community spirit that’s at the heart of Broadleaf House, where homeowners and visitors can share great company, conversation and entertainment.”
Community in later life
The sense of community was echoed by homeowner Rob, who moved to Broadleaf House recently. “Moving here was one of the best decisions I have made in later life. It has both physically and mentally improved my life in many ways,” he said.
“I have made many new friends and am socially engaging with people on a daily basis. There is always something going on—from movie nights in the restaurant and weekly cinema visits to coffee mornings and organised days out. Life here can be as full or as relaxing as you choose.”
Retirement Living
Broadleaf House offers a perfect blend of independence and security for those aged 60 and over. The community features:
57 age-exclusive apartments: A range of one, two, and three-bedroom designs.
Vibrant communal spaces: Including a homeowners’ lounge, coffee lounge, on-site restaurant, hair salon, therapy room, and activities studio.
Beautifully maintained private gardens: Providing a tranquil setting for relaxation.
Friendly 24-hour on-site team: Offering peace of mind and support.
Optional care packages: Tailored personal care for added independence.
Advanced home features: A sophisticated emergency call system and secure video entry.
If you or a loved one are considering retirement living in Sutton Coldfield, a range of beautifully furnished show apartments are open to view daily at Broadleaf House on Birmingham Road from 10am to 5pm.
For more information or to book an appointment, call 0121 817 8680 or visit the website at adlington.co.uk.
Shoppers and visitors to Royal Sutton Coldfield are set for a major festive boost, as a popular scheme offering free parking, discounted bus travel, and free cycle hire returns this November..
While the scheme will be welcome, residents are reminded that free parking only applies to council-run car parks at certain times and not private car parks in the town.
The travel initiative, which comes through a £52,000 investment from Sutton Coldfield Town Council, is supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
It is designed to support both local residents and the town’s businesses during the crucial festive trading period, making it cheaper and easier to enjoy everything the town centre has to offer.
Free parking details
In a significant move, free parking will be available in key Birmingham City Council-owned town centre car parks from Thursday, 13 November 2025, until Sunday, 4 January 2026.
The free parking schedule is as follows:
The offer applies on Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm onwards and all day Saturdays and Sundays at the following car parks in the town.
Station Street
Upper Reddicroft
Lower Reddicroft
Mill Street
Anchorage Road
South Parade
Duke Street
Expanded travel options
Building on the success of last year’s scheme, the offer extends beyond just parking. Residents have a choice of sustainable and cost-effective ways to get into town:
Free and discounted travel: Individuals* can sign up for two weeks of free bus travel followed by ongoing discounted fares through the Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) scheme.
Free cycle hire: Residents can also cycle into the town centre for free using the West Midlands Combined Authority’s public bike hire scheme, which the Town Council helps to fund.
How to acces the bus travel offer
To take advantage of the free and discounted bus travel, residents must sign up for the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council mailing list by 10am on Monday, 10th November 2025. Further details and a unique access code will be sent via an e-newsletter after this date.
*Please note: If you have applied for this specific bus transport offer in a previous year, you will not be eligible for the new free and discounted bus tickets.
Supporting Sutton’s town centre
Councillor Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, emphasised the scheme’s importance: “Whilst it’s great to see new investment with work starting on new stores and the Gateway Scheme, we fully recognise the need to support the town centre’s diverse range of businesses through the crucial festive period.”
He added, “Subsidising free car parking and promoting free bus and cycle hire will make it cheaper and easier for people to travel into the town centre and make the most of our fantastic festive offer. We also want to give visitors a choice of different ways to travel, including opportunities to try more sustainable options.”
Sutton Coldfield Life 