James Connell

United Kingdom

Chief Reporter and Crime Reporter at Worcester News

Chief Reporter and Crime Reporter at Evesham Journal

Chief reporter, general and occasional crime/court reporter, Worcester News. Northumbrian living in Worcester.

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Articles

IOPC report into Alfie Steele death 'does not go far enough'

2 days ago | worcesternews.co.uk | James Connell

Alfie Steele died after he suffered more than 50 injuries following months of cruelty at his Droitwich home at the hands of his mother, Carla Scott, and her partner, Dirk Howell. An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) report, published on Tuesday, has provoked a mixed reaction after an investigation into how West Mercia Police responded to the plight of Alfie before his death in February 2021, revealing opportunities to intervene and protect him were missed.
Boy injured in 'vicious' attack at food and music festival

2 days ago | worcesternews.co.uk | James Connell

Details of the attack were shared on social media in which the boy's girlfriend says he was taken to hospital after being 'attacked viciously' in the Droitwich Lido Park on Saturday. The attack is understood to have taken place during the Droitwich Food and Music Festival 2025 which ran between Friday, June 20 and Sunday, June 22.
Finishing touches on new Levantine restaurant which opens soon

3 days ago | worcesternews.co.uk | James Connell

The finishing touches are being put on the Otto restaurant in Cathedral Square in Worcester which managers aim to open on the week commencing Monday, June 30. The covers have been taken off the windows, revealing a stylish, modern interior. The business was a hive of activity as tradesmen and staff on Tuesday (June 24)prepared for the grand opening. This Thursday, between 5pm and 8pm, is the VIP launch party at the venue for friends and family. The general manager will be Rui Da Silva.
Pub opening date revealed after major refurb worth thousands

3 days ago | worcesternews.co.uk | James Connell

The New Chequers in Astwood Road, Worcester has been closed temporarily while the revamp takes place but the date of its reopening has now been revealed. Work on a dramatic revamp by Star Pubs is well underway with the new look business set to open its doors next month. A spokesperson for the pub said: "The countdown has finally begun and we can confirm our opening date as Thursday, July 10, 2025. "Both Kim Mcdonough and I cannot wait to open our doors to the community.
Beggar warned 'move on' from Worcester High Street by police

3 days ago | worcesternews.co.uk | James Connell

MOVE: Two police officers moved on a suspected beggar in Worcester High Street as they issue an arrest warning (Image: Newsquest) A suspected beggar has been moved on by police after city officers who warn they will arrest those who become a nuisance. A man was moved on by two police officers in Worcester High Street near the junction with Pump Street on Saturday at around 3.30pm.
Worcestershire school and college transport deadline is soon

3 days ago | worcesternews.co.uk | James Connell

Applications need to be submitted to Worcestershire County Council by June 30. Applications received after that time may not be assessed and parents/carers may need to make alternative arrangements. Where post-16 students are unsure of which sixth form or college they will be attending until they receive their results, an application should still be made by June 30. The establishment on the application can be amended once a final decision has been made.
Driveway 'death stare' parking row leads to calls for clamping (and worse)

4 days ago | worcesternews.co.uk | James Connell

Residents have complained about not being able to get out of their homes because of people parking across or even on their driveways in Spetchley Road in Worcester, particularly at school drop-off and pick-up. Neighbours have complained about being unable to get to doctor's appointments and one widower of being late to his wife's funeral because of the poor parking on the road. The road is near two schools - Nunnery Wood High School and Worcester Sixth Form College.
Eddie Hearn bumps into fellow boxing promoter Jon DP Shaw

4 days ago | worcesternews.co.uk | James Connell

Jon DP Shaw met Hearn at Resorts World in Birmingham on Thursday at the press conference ahead of boxer Galal Yafai's 12-round defeat to Francisco Rodriguez Jr on Saturday night (June 21). Mr Shaw of DP Boxing described Hearn as 'charming' as he chatted with the chairman of Matchroom Sport who has promoted many world championship boxers, including Anthony Joshua, Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin, often known as 'GGG'.
M5 speed camera: man caught 'multiple times' due in court

4 days ago | worcesternews.co.uk | James Connell

Amrit Singh is accused of multiple speeding offences on the M5 after allegedly falling foul of the temporary 50mph speed cameras, including on consecutive days. Singh of Blackbird Leys, Droitwich, who was said to have been behind the wheel of a LEVC (a purpose-built hackney carriage), is accused of exceeding a temporary 50mph speed on the M5 southbound between junctions 4a and 6 on June 13 last year.
Hopwood magnet fisherman with hand grenades 'not in trouble'

4 days ago | worcesternews.co.uk | James Connell

On Friday West Mercia Police received a report of seven suspected hand grenades being discovered by a man who was magnet fishing in the canal on Lea End Lane in Hopwood, Worcestershire. Inspector Richard Field of West Mercia Police shared an appeal on Facebook, urging the man to get in touch because the grenades could be 'volatile'.