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He met his wife there and his son is also working at the siteGary Porter West Midlands Content Editor for StokeOnTrentLive16:00, 09 May 2026 Dave Palin (centre) with other members of the KMF team.Dedicated Dave Palin is celebrating 40 years with a multi award-winning North Staffordshire engineering firm. Over his four decades with metal fabrication leader KMF, based at High Carr Business Park in Newcastle, Dave has worked in numerous roles.He joined KMF following a work placement at Newcastle College. He was fundamental in the development of the company’s aerospace facility and also worked on a flagship project folding parts for a key customers business class seating.He has also seen huge growth in the company, moving from their original site on Florida Close in Burslem to their current location on High Carr Industrial Estate, with turnover now exceeding £30 million and millions of pounds invested in automation.Dave said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at KMF. The 40 years have flown by. As well as developing my career, I also met my wife here, who worked in the accounts department and my son also works in the weld department. It’s a great place to work.”Gary Sutton, quality and improvement manager, added: “Dave has been, and continues to be, a key member of the KMF team. He’s one of our longest serving employees and his commitment, professionalism, and willingness to pass on knowledge continue to have a lasting impact on our team.”Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google SearchGet daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREE

The woman was attacked Thursday morning on the Northwest Side by a Staffordshire terrier mix that belonged to a family member. Westend61/Getty Images/Westend61An 80-year-old woman was attacked by a dog that Animal Care Services had been trying to seize after the same dog bit a child days earlier. The woman was attacked Thursday morning on the Northwest Side by a Staffordshire terrier mix that belonged to a family member. The dog has been taken into ACS custody as of Friday, said Jon Gary, director of ACS.Article continues below this adGary said the dog had attacked a child on April 29, leaving a “pretty significant bite.” It happened in the same neighborhood where the woman was attacked, in the 8900 block of Arch Bridge, near New Guilbeau Road.READ MORE: Dog attacks 80-year-old San Antonio woman, puts her in hospital, police sayACS received a “dangerous dog” affidavit from a judge the next day and began trying to find the dog and its owner, he said.Such an affidavit consists of a sworn statement from a victim or witness that allows animal control authorities in Texas to investigate whether a dog meets the legal definition of a “dangerous dog” under state law.Article continues below this adIn legal terms, a dangerous dog is one that has previously caused unprovoked bodily injury or made a person reasonably fear for their safety.“Our investigators actually worked this case every single day,” Gary said.However, Gary said the owner was uncooperative and intentionally took the dog out of ACS’s jurisdiction, preventing officers from placing the dog in quarantine after the child was bitten.“They kept the dog from us,” Gary said.Article continues below this adOn Thursday morning, San Antonio police said the woman’s granddaughter called 911 to report the latest attack. The woman had a laceration on her head and was taken to a hospital; the injury was not life-threatening.Now that the dog is in quarantine, Gary said ACS is working with police and prosecutors to determine what charges may be filed. Possible charges include attack by dog, which can be a third-degree felony, depending on the investigation, he said.READ ALSO: ACS investigating dogs’ deaths in Northeast Side trailer home fireThe dog will remain in ACS custody during a quarantine period while investigators continue reviewing the case.Article continues below this adNeighbors have said they reported the dog before the attacks. Gary said ACS found two prior calls possibly connected to the dog in April and May 2025, but no citations were issued because officers found the dog confined when they arrived and did not have enough evidence to move forward.Dogs are considered property under Texas law, Gary said, meaning ACS cannot simply remove an animal without probable cause, a warrant to take the dog signed by a judge, or the owner’s consent.“We can’t just go into someone’s property and take it,” Gary said. “We have to have a legal reason to do so.”Article continues below this adGary said residents who witness aggressive dogs or loose dogs should make reports and be willing to provide statements, because ACS needs proof to issue citations or pursue charges.

Horses, dogs and a hen have been seized after officers carried out four warrants in north Staffordshire as part of an RSPCA investigation into animal welfare.Two houses, a farm and a field on Stadmoreslow Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Bull Lane, Stoke-on-Trent, were searched on Wednesday (6 May).In total, ten horses, 12 dogs, a hen, animal medical equipment and cannabis vegetation were seized and a number of other animals were voluntarily surrendered to the RSPCA.PC Megan Griffith, of the Newcastle-under-Lyme local policing team, said: “This was a successful day alongside partners who had gathered intelligence into and received reports of possible animal neglect in the area.”We seized more than 20 animals in total, and the premises will be visited again in the future to ensure they are complying with guidelines.”A 28-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted common assault of an emergency worker, has since been released under investigation whilst our enquiries continue.An RSPCA spokesperson said: “Our officers joined Staffordshire Police who executed four warrants on Wednesday and a number of animals were seized and are now in the care of the RSPCA and other partner organisations.”As this is now an active investigation we can’t go into any further detail at this time.”

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More than 40 candidates are vying for seats in the local council elections in Tamworth. A total of 10 of the authority’s 30 seats are up for grabs with voters electing just one candidate in each of the council wards.

Tamworth is one of two local authorities in Staffordshire to hold elections in thirds; this means voters take to the polls in three out of every four years. There are 45 candidates standing for election for the 10 vacancies.

Notably, former leader and deputy leader of Tamworth Borough Council, Paul Turner and Samuel Smith, who both sat as independent councillors after resigning from the Conservatives are now standing as Reform UK candidates. Tina Clements, who was also sitting as an independent following her resignation, is standing as an independent.

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All 10 wards are being challenged by a minimum of four candidates as Labour, Conservative, Reform and the Green Party have fielded a candidate. Three independents, one UKIP, and one Liberal Democrat candidate are also contesting the election.

Voters headed to the polls between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 7 May. To keep up to date with what’s happening in the Tamworth elections use our interactive gadget below…

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It’s just featured in an episode of the Channel 4 series Help! I Bought It at Auction with Sarah BeenyGary Porter West Midlands Content Editor for StokeOnTrentLive16:00, 07 May 2026The property on Marston Lane, Stafford(Image: Butters John Bee )A Staffordshire property with a body buried on the land has featured on Channel 4’s Help! I Bought It at Auction with Sarah Beeny. The former stables and store building on Marston Lane, Stafford, was snapped up at a Butters John Bee auction in Stoke-on-Trent last year.Speaking about the listing on a recent episode of the new property series, auctioneer Rob Oulton said: “All legal and above board but it’s not often we sell a property with a body actually buried on the property. In 29 years this is an absolute first for me.”The lot had a guide price of £32,000 and was ultimately sold at the auction to business partners Stuart and Peter for £44,000. The pair had set a budget of £40-50,000 in order to secure the property.”We thought it might go higher but I think the body in the garden may have put people off,” they told the show. The pair intended to redevelop the property into a one or two bed home.The listing on the Butters John Bee website ahead of the auction stated: “A detached single story brick building under a pitched clay tiled roof. Formerly stables and a store. Situated in the picturesque area of Marston with acres of roaming countryside.”We have just been made aware there may be a burial site of a family member interred on this plot, we advise potential buyers to obtain their own independent legal advice before bidding. A detached brick building that was subject to compulsory purchase for the HS2 Project, this offer has now been formally removed from the land and is therefore for sale by the private vendor at auction.”Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google SearchGet daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREE

BCRS Business Loans has announced the appointment of a new business development manager to support Staffordshire SMEs looking to access finance.

Charlie Sangha (pictured) joins BCRS with 25 years’ experience in the banking sector, having worked for firms including Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, Santander and more recently, Metro Bank as commercial relationship manager.

In his role as business development manager, Charlie will be working with businesses across Lichfield, Tamworth, Burton upon Trent and surrounding areas to contribute to BCRS’s mission of supporting local SMEs to grow and thrive.

Charlie said: “I’m looking forward to contributing to BCRS Business Loans’ mission to strengthen local economies by helping SMEs thrive, with a personal focus on supporting businesses across Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Lichfield, Burton-on-Trent, and surrounding areas, while also connecting and collaborating with professionals in this sector.”

Stephen Deakin BCRS Business Loans chief executive commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Charlie Sangha to our team.

His extensive background in banking and commercial finance will be invaluable as we continue our commitment to supporting SMEs across Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.

Charlie’s expertise and passion for helping businesses to grow strongly reflect our mission to strengthen local economies.”

BCRS Business Loans provides funding to businesses that are struggling to access finance from traditional lenders. Businesses can secure loans from between £10,000 and £250,000 from BCRS Business Loans to support growth and recovery plans.

Staffordshire Police seized chemicals and a homemade powderJagger StrangTeenager Jagger Strang told students he was planning to blow up their college – before police found a ‘manifesto’ and chemicals in his home. Now the 18-year-old is awaiting his fate over the treats to destroy Stafford College.Detectives with Staffordshire Police have dubbed it a ‘deeply concerning case’. Strang’s ‘plot’ came to light when the force was contacted by a safeguarding officer at the college following reports that the defendant had told fellow students he had ‘numerous weapons and had plans to blow up the site’.During a search of his Stafford home cops seized a number of chemicals along with ‘homemade black powder/gunpowder’ and thermite. A blow pipe was also found.During an examination of the teenager’s phone the force found ‘concerning material’ that included a manifesto alongside recent internet searches relating to notorious mass killers and instructions on how to make bombs and remote detonators.Items found in Jagger Strang’s Stafford homeStrang was charged and remanded in custody. Today he appeared at Leicester Crown Court where the teenager pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of an explosive substance, two counts of possession of information likely to be useful for terrorist purposes, making a threat to kill, threatening to destroy or damage property, and possession of a prohibited weapon in a private place. The pleas were entered on the day his trial was due to begin.The court heard Strang had pleaded guilty on the basis that “he had no intention to build a bomb”. The pleas were accepted by prosecutors, who said they would not be proceeding with a trial for the remaining charges.Items found in Jagger Strang’s Stafford homeHe will remain in custody ahead of a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court on June 29 where Strang is due to be sentenced.Detective Inspector Dave Rowlands said: “This was a deeply concerning case involving threats that understandably caused significant alarm to the students that Strang talked to and staff at the college. Thanks to the vigilance of the college’s students and staff and the swift actions of our officers, we were able to intervene quickly and prevent any potential harm. We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously. The outcome of this case demonstrates our commitment to working closely with partner agencies to identify risks early and to take robust action to protect the public.”Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search

The tree fell on the teenager on Holmcroft Road in StaffordA teenage boy has died after being hit by a falling tree.Paramedics, police and an air ambulance were called to Holmcroft Road in Stafford shortly after 18:30 BST on Saturday.In a social media post, Staffordshire Police said: “Tragically, nothing could be done to save the boy. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 19:30.”The force added that the boy’s family had been informed.Police said a cordon had been put in place and would remain while they completed their inquiries at the site, which is between Holmcroft Playing Field and the Stafford North End Community Centre.Several bunches of flowers were left at the scene on Sunday, following the death.Tributes were left at the sceneSt Bertelin’s Church Stafford said it remained open for people after its morning service on Sunday following the boy’s death.In its Facebook post, the church also said it would be open for anyone who wanted to light a candle for the boy or to leave flowers.Ribbons were also being tied to a wooden cross at the side of the church.Tributes were posted on Facebook with the teenager described as “a lovely polite gentle soul” by one writer and another saying they were “heartbroken” at what had happened.Stafford Rangers FC described the death as “heartbreaking”.”Everyone at the club sends their thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and all those affected at this incredibly difficult time,” they added.A post on the Stafford & District Sunday Football League Facebook group said all of their matches on Sunday would hold a one-minute silence before kick-off.Football 4 Macclesfield, which organised a tournament at Macclesfield FC on Sunday, said a minute’s silence was held in memory of “a young life taken far too soon”.They added: “As a football community, moments like this remind us that the game is about far more than competition — it is about people, friendships, and the bonds we share.”They said that the minute’s silence “was a small mark of respect, but it was observed with great sincerity and unity. He will not be forgotten”.Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Related internet links

Staffordshire Police has confirmed three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the tragic discovery in Burntwood.Police were called to a property in Hazel Grove shortly before 9am on Tuesday (May 5) wirth ambulance crews called shortly after 9am.They found a man with significant injuries and despite the efforts of medics he could not be saved.Police officers have arrested two men, aged 32 and 27, and a woman, aged 33, on suspicion of murder.Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and the force is appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information to come forward on this link, by calling 101 or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Dubickas refereed football games on the weekend (Staffordshire Police)Family have paid tribute to a “wonderful” teenage boy who was “tragically and unfairly” killed by a fallen tree in a park on Saturday.Brodan Dubickas, 15, died at the scene in Holmcroft Road, Stafford at 7.30pm while he was playing with his friends in the park.His parents and three siblings, Corey, Kayla and Amelia, put out a statement via Staffordshire Police on Monday.“He truly was the best of us. His kindness and generosity were unmatched, and he lit up a room with his humour and his smile. You won’t find any bad words said about him, he was loved by so many,” they said of the teenager.Dubickas was a talented pool player (Staffordshire Police)A fan of playing pool, Dubickas played competitively four nights a week for the Luck Penny or Staffordshire Bull, his family said. He also loved football, playing for Stafford Falcons and refereeing multiple times a weekend.“He was able to do all this whilst still prioritising spending time with family and friends.”He was described as a “wonderful big brother” whose three siblings were heartbroken to lose their eldest brother.“He was always there for them,” the family said.“As parents, are lives have been shattered and will never be the same. The pain is unbearable, and the hole that has been left can never be filled. His massive potential will now never be realised, and this is, in itself, a tragedy.Dubickas’ school put out a statement on Sunday (Staffordshire Police)“We have been overwhelmed by the support, generosity and love, sent from far and wide, to both the family and Brodan. The tributes have been vast and incredibly touching. This is a credit to our son, and it goes to show the impact Brodan was able to have on those around him in his short life. For which, we can only say thank you.”Dubickas’ old school, Tillington Manor Primary School, paid tribute on Sunday to the “kind-hearted, respectful” former pupil.“He was a truly special young man; kind-hearted, respectful and full of warmth. He approached school life with curiosity and determination, and his gentle nature and positive spirit left a lasting impression on both staff and pupils alike,” said headteacher Mrs K Brockhurst.“It is incredibly difficult to comprehend that a life with so much promise has been cut so short, and our whole community is deeply saddened by this loss.”Mrs Brockhurst continued: “Although Brodan had moved on from Tillington Manor, he will always remain a valued part of our school family. We know that many within our community will be feeling this loss deeply, and our thoughts are with everyone who knew and cared for him.“We will look to honour and remember Brodan in a way that reflects the impact he had on our school and community, and in liaison with his family, at the right time.”