Birmingham headlines 8 January: Number of arrests made in West Midlands for drink or drug driving over festive period revealed

New figures show that more than 100 arrests were made in the West Midlands in December for drink or drug driving. Throughout December, officers conducted almost 700 breath tests and more than 80 drug tests. Police made 82 arrests for drink driving and 24 arrests for drug driving

Firefighters from at least four stations dealt with a blaze in Taco Bell at Oldbury retail park early on Monday morning. West Midlands Fire Service said at around 1.30am that it had four fire engines on the scene. The fire service had it all under control within two hours.

Birmingham and the West Midlands are abuzz as birdwatchers report frequent sightings of the exotic-looking waxwing bird, originating from Scandinavia. The region is experiencing a significant influx of these birds due to a berry shortage in their native lands.