Wanted man believed to be in town

A spokesman for West Mercia Police has issued an appeal to members of the public in Wellington, Shropshire: "Can you help us find Callum Doyle who is wanted on recall to prison?

The 25-year-old, who is from Telford, is wanted on recall to prison for breaching his license. Doyle is believed to be in Wellington.

"Anyone who knows his whereabouts, or sees Doyle, is asked to call 999 immediately."

Uninsured drivers issued police warning

‘Operation Drive Insured’ - a week-long operation developed by MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) and supported nationally by police forces saw targeted roads policing activity across the UK, including Wellington and Shropshire, to detect and seize uninsured vehicles.

Detecting vehicles with no insurance is a year round commitment for West Mercia Police. In support of the Safer West Mercia Plan enforcement takes place across the three counties 24/7, ensuring that all our road users are kept safe. Last year they dealt with 2,054 for no insurance across the area.

Every year over 130 people are killed on the roads of Great Britain by uninsured drivers and more than 20,000 claims relating to uninsured driving are received by the Motor Insurance Bureau. Each day, at least one person is so seriously injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, they require life-long care. Every four minutes an uninsured vehicle is seized by police.

Those intentionally choosing to drive without insurance are:

• Ten times more likely to be a convicted drink driver

• Six times more likely to have defective vehicle

• Five times more likely to activate speed cameras

• Four - five times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision

The aim of the operation is to raise awareness of the issue and to encourage motorists to check when their insurance is due to avoid any lapse in cover but to also target those motorists intentionally using the roads without insurance.

Superintendent Steph Brighton of West Mercia Police said: “Whilst the majority of road users comply with the legislation around insurance for their vehicle unfortunately there are a small minority using our roads that do not. Driving without valid insurance is not only against the law, it also devastates the lives of many other road users each year. 

"Supporting this national operation is part of our commitment to help improve road safety for all, reduce the amount of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads and to deny criminals the use of the roads”.

The consequences of being caught without valid insurance can lead to drivers having their vehicle seized and potentially crushed along with a £300 fixed penalty notice and six points. They can also face court and receive a driving ban and an unlimited fine. To check if a vehicle is showing as insured drivers can look for free at www.askmid.com

Joint Christmas Fete for Hadley and Wellington parishes on Saturday 2nd December

“Hadley’s Best Christmas Fete in years!” That’s the promise of Father Stuart Howes, Vicar of the twin parishes of Christ Church in Wellington and of Holy Trinity in Hadley.

“I’m confident this will be the best Christmas fete we’ll have had in several years. I say this because last year’s fete was a great success but with all the extra hard work parishioners have put into organising this year’s fete, I feel certain this one will be even bigger and better. This is because our members were working on it all year, making Christmas items and craft items to be sold at the fete and arranging the stalls and events all year.”

He went on to say: “There'll be fantastic events and features inside and outside the church. There’s a special Angel Corner with the Angel stained glass window, an angel trail in the church, with free angel brooches for visitors, there’ll be live music including the Telford Ensemble, organ music and more.

“Food will be available including hot soup and festive treats,  there’s a Christmas-themed tombola, a cake stall and craft stalls so visitors can snap up bargains as they’ll make excellent stocking fillers, there’ll be handmade baubles, cards and knitted items.”

He added: “This is a combined Christmas Fete shared by the joint parishes of Christ Church Wellington and Holy Trinity Hadley. The Fete takes place at Holy Trinity on Saturday Second of December and everyone from both parishes, church members and public are warmly welcomed. There’s free car parking near the church in Hadley centre.

“We know times are tough for many in our parishes so we extend an invitation to everyone young and old to come and participate in an event we’re sure will spread the magic and true message of Christmas to all. And please remember, our two churches are for everyone in our parishes, members or not, so please come along and see what we are doing.”

The fete takes place on Saturday 2nd December from noon until 4pm.

Woman missing from Rodington Heath, Shropshire

29-year-old Marie Kettlewell was last seen at 4.15am on Monday 20 March at her home address in Shop Lane, Rodington Heath, in Shropshire.

It is thought that Marie left the property between 4.15am – 7.15am yesterday, Monday 20 March.

Marie is described as being 5ft 8in in height, of a slim build, with a shaven head with short dark hair that is  coming through.

Marie wearing a black woolly cap, a navy blue fleece with a navy blue anorak underneath, and grey leggings and red shoes.

If you see Marie please ring 999.

Four arrested after incident in Wellington

Four men, aged between 20 and 45-years-old, were arrested following an incident in Wellington last night.

A police spokesman said: "At around 8.00pm yesterday evening (17 June), officers were called to the scene of a multiple vehicle collision involving two cars and a bus, on Holyhead Road, Wellington. It was reported that a man in his 20s had been stabbed but had left at the scene. 

"On attendance by police and West Midlands Ambulance Service, the man was transported to hospital by ambulance where he received treatment for his injuries.

Officers learned that the suspects fled from the scene of the collision, and we then received further reports of a disorder in Market Street, Wellington.

"On arrival, officers arrested three men, aged 20, 25 and 28-years-old, on suspicion of violent disorder. A 45-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in the early hours of this morning (18 June).

All four men remain in police custody whilst enquiries are ongoing."

Detective Inspector Richard Davies said: "We'd like to reassure the communities of Wellington that we believe this to be an isolated incident, with no wider threat to the public. However, whilst our investigation is still ongoing, you will see an increased police presence on Market Street and the road will remain closed. We will update you when this is reopened.

"If anyone witnessed either the collision or the disorder, please get in contact with us via our website under the Tell us About page, or by dialling 101 quoting incident 586 i of 17 June."

Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111.

Statement from Supt Mo Lansdale to communities of Wellington

"Following two very serious but unrelated incidents in Wellington this weekend, I'd like to offer reassurance to the community that our investigating officers are dealing with the recent events with upmost severity and professionalism, to bring justice to those that have caused harm.

"I don't underestimate the impact that incidents such as these have on people and their loved ones, and I encourage anyone with any concerns to contact their local policing teams, whose contact details can be found on our website. 

"You may see more police officers around Wellington and Telford over the weekend, they are there as part of our commitment to you, to be visible and accessible when you need them the most. 

"I'd like to thank you for being understanding of the restrictions and road closures we have had to put in place, and for your continued support whilst our enquiries continue. We hope to remove all road closures as soon as possible and will update you when we can."

Man arrested after incident in Fowler Close, Wellington

A Wellington man was arrested on suspicion of murder following a tragic incident in Fowler Close, Wellington, Telford, this morning (Saturday 18 June).

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "Shortly before 11am this morning our officers were called to reports of two men fighting in the back garden of a block of flats on Fowler Close.

"Officers rapidly made their way to the scene where they found a 52 year old man with what is thought to be a stab wound. They gave e the man medical assistance and began CPR until the Ambulance Service arrived. 

"Sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene a while later. His next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specially trained officers.

"A 64-year-old man was located nearby and has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He currently remains in police custody."

Detective Inspector Lee Holehouse, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are in the very early stages of our investigation but we can reassure the public that our initial findings are that this is a contained matter involving two individuals that are known to each other.

“I am mindful that there was a separate, unrelated, incident in Wellington last night and that these two incidents happening within 24 hours may, understandably, cause concern. Thorough investigations will be carried out for both and you will see an increase presence from police across the town for your reassurance.

“We are carrying out house to house enquiries in the area but we are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or any activity leading up to it, that hasn’t yet spoken to us to get in touch.”

Information can be given to the investigation team by using the form on our website or by calling 101 and quoting incident number 243i of 18 June. If you want to give information without giving your name speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Two men arrested following attempted robbery in Wellington, Shropshire

 

Police officers were called to a property in the town of Wellington, Shropshire, at approximately 6.30am this morning (Saturday 28 May) after they received reports of an attempted robbery at the property.

A short time later armed response officers arrested two men in a vehicle near to Shrewsbury's Heathgates Roundabout in connection with the incident.

A man, aged 32, was arrested on the suspicion of possessing a firearm. A second man, aged 33, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Both men remain in police custody as investigations continue.

A police spokesman said "Anyone who may have witnessed, or captured dash-cam or CCTV footage is asked to please get in touch by visiting https://www.westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ or calling 101 quoting incident 146i of 28 May, 2022.

"Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or by calling 0800 555 111."