Harry Leach
Verified
As seen in:
Birmingham Mail,
MSN Philippines,
MSN UK,
BBC,
The Daily Mirror,
Yahoo News UK,
Daily Express,
Daily Star (UK),
Flipboard,
South Wales Echo,
Wales on Sunday
and
Senior reporter for BirminghamLive/Mail covering breaking news and communities in the UK's second city. Contact: harry.leach@reachplc.com
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Harry Leach
Judi Dench joins Archers cast urging BBC to keep drama in Birmingham 'where it belongs'
Dame Judi Dench has joined cast members of The Archers in urging the BBC to keep the programme in Birmingham. More than 100 current and former cast members, alongside scriptwriters, directors and sound staff, have written to BBC director-general Matt Brittin following plans to scrap recording the iconic drama in the city. The appeal follows a decision to shelve plans for a dedicated studio at the broadcaster's upcoming new Midland base at the Tea Factory in Digbeth.
Two flee after car smashes into home in Halesowen
Two occupants of a car which smashed into a home in Halesowen reportedly fled the scene before police arrived. The vehicle crashed into a home in Narrow Lane at around 10.25pm last night, October 16. Two men inside the vehicle, both aged in their 20s, were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. Police believed two other occupants in the car had "fled the scene" following the smash.
'Genius' street art mural mocks Network Rail's Digbeth demolition plan
A "genius" street art mural mocking Network Rail has appeared on the side of a community hub which could be bulldozed under controversial plans. The 'Network Fail' piece, sprayed by a mystery graffiti artist overnight, depicts workers for the rail firm painting over The Warehouse's signature 'Tree Lung' mural. The original mural was painted by artist Caroline Rouge in 2013 and became a symbol of the Allison Street venue's community work.
Birmingham City FC 'concerned' by female fan's 'disturbing taxi experience'
Birmingham City FC has warned fans to "stay vigilant" after being "concerned" by a female supporter's "disturbing" account of an alleged taxi experience. The Blues fan, who had ordered a cab to St Andrew's, claimed in a viral Facebook post that her taxi driver had locked the vehicle's doors after failing to drop her off at the ground for a recent home game.
Birmingham bus passengers homophobically abused as police launch probe
Police have launched a hate crime probe after two men were subjected to a torrent of homophobic abuse on a Birmingham bus. The pair were travelling on the number 45 bus service at around 8.30am on Wednesday, September 2, when the verbal abuse happened. West Midlands Police has issued two CCTV bus images of a man the force wants to identify in connection with the incident.
Dudley drug dealer caught with wet hands after flushing evidence down toilet
The ringleader of a Dudley drug operation was caught with wet hands after flushing evidence down the toilet as police raided his home. Ali Khalid operated the drug line 'Huz' which saw him flood the town with crack cocaine and heroin. The 33-year-old drug dealer was caught when detectives carried out a raid at his address in Cook Avenue on Monday, October 12.
Creepy Midland neighbour's sick sex acts left widowed gran scared in her own bungalow
A creepy neighbour subjected a widowed grandmother to "years of hell" by exposing himself, sending her unsolicited sex texts, and even fondling her bras as they hung out to dry. Robert May, 73, made Margaret Day's life a misery shortly before her husband Brian's death in 2014 - and in the decade that followed. The sex pest reportedly sent texts demanding to see the 79-year-old's breasts and performed sex acts on himself in full view of her home in Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire.
Furious residents rally against 'naive' Edgbaston Reservoir homes plan at 'strong' protest
Dozens of residents protested against controversial plans to build 95 homes on Edgbaston Reservoir - calling on city planners to prioritise "health" over "wealth". The rally - attended by residents, families and local community groups - was held at the beauty spot on Saturday, October 10. Residents say the proposed development for 95 affordable and social homes at the water's edge would threaten wildlife, such as bats, and "destroy" the "oasis".
Concern for missing girl, 12, and boy, 13, with Birmingham link who could be together
Police are desperately trying to track down two missing children who have links to Birmingham. Isaac, 13, and Blanka, 12, have been reported missing. Officers believe the pair, who have links to Birmingham , Aylesbury, Slough and the London Bridge area of London, are together.
Man in his 90s arrested after pensioner dies in Kidderminster car collision
A man in his 90s has been arrested after a pensioner died in a fatal collision in Kidderminster. Police said the pensioner, a man aged in his 80s, was walking towards Forester Way from Hoo Road when he was struck by a car at around 10.09am today, October 13. Despite paramedics and members of the public battling to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A man, aged in his 90s, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the tragedy.
Police seal off Birchfield Road outside Perry Barr station after serious crash
Police have sealed off a major city route following a crash outside Perry Barr train station. The A34 Birchfield Road was blocked earlier tonight, October 13, following the crash near One Stop Shopping centre Drivers were warned to "expect delays". The underpass near Wellington Road and Aston Lane was also blocked. Traffic was being diverted away from the area.
New Birmingham eatery hailed 'best thing to be exported from London' opens in Grand Central
A newly-opened restaurant in Birmingham's Grand Central has been hailed as the "best thing to be exported out of London". Gopal's Corner officially launched its first venue outside the capital above New Street station yesterday, October 12. Promoting the new Malaysian eatery, the Bullring has predicted it will be Brummies' "next foodie obsession".
Police seal off Birchfield Road outside Perry Barr station after serious crash
Police have sealed off a major city route following a crash outside Perry Barr train station. The A34 Birchfield Road was blocked earlier tonight, October 13, following the crash near One Stop Shopping centre.
Man in his 90s arrested after pensioner dies in Kidderminster car collision
A man in his 90s has been arrested after a pensioner died in a fatal collision in Kidderminster. Police said the pensioner, a man aged in his 80s, was walking towards Forester Way from Hoo Road when he was struck by a car at around 10.09am today, October 13. Despite paramedics and members of the public battling to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A man, aged in his 90s, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the tragedy.
Concern for missing girl, 12, and boy, 13, with Birmingham link who could be together
Police are desperately trying to track down two missing children who have links to Birmingham. Isaac, 13, and Blanka, 12, have been reported missing. Officers believe the pair, who have links to Birmingham, Aylesbury, Slough and the London Bridge area of London, are together. Isaac, who was last seen wearing a dark grey jacket, grey jogging bottoms and black Nike trainers, is around 5ft 9ins in height and has curly hair. He also has a scar on his right eyebrow.
TikTok livestreamer attacked while filming Birmingham murder scene
A TikTok livestreamer captured the dramatic moment he was attacked and knocked to the ground as he filmed a Birmingham murder scene. He had been livestreaming the scene of a fatal stabbing on Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, for several hours yesterday, Sunday, October 11, before he was assaulted. Footage, captured on his own camera, and seen by BirminghamLive, showed members of the public confronting him over his decision to film the sensitive scene outside Beggars Bush pub.
Birmingham dad with 'best' Halloween driveway display transforms home in new twist
A Birmingham dad has transformed his driveway into a Halloween spectacle for a second year - but this time the scares don't stop at the front door. Dad-of-four Darren Mackenzie, 56, has once again spent "a small fortune" turning his driveway into a spooktacular display packed with more than a 20 animatronics. From Frankenstein and werewolves, to skeletons, clowns, a dragon and gothic creatures.
Birmingham shooting as police seal off Hodge Hill road after gunfire
Police have launched an investigation after shots were fired on a Birmingham estate. An address in Collingbourne Avenue, Hodge Hill, was damaged last night, Wednesday, October 7. The road was sealed off by police overnight, as forensic officers gathered evidence in the area. West Midlands Police said a property was damaged in the shooting but no-one was injured. Detectives were reviewing CCTV and carrying out enquiries in the area to establish who was involved.
Man punched outside Bullring and New Street station as police launch probe
Police have launched an investigation after a man was punched outside the Bullring and New Street station. The victim was attacked as he walked in Smallbrook Queensway , between the shopping centre and the station. It happened at around 7.20pm on Wednesday, September 5. READ MORE: Unique chance to get BirminghamLive Premium for under 50p a week West Midlands Police this morning issued an image of a second man officers want to identify following the attack.
Police probing final moments of Solihull e-biker's life after dying from significant head injuries
Police are trying to piece together the final moments of a Solihull biker who died after suffering "significant head injuries". The man died in hospital after coming off an e-bike on Tanworth Lane Shirley , sometime between 1.30pm and 2pm on Friday, September 11. His movements before the tragedy, and what led him to come off the bike, have not yet been established. West Midlands Police has launched an appeal asking for the public's help to confirm exactly what happened.
M5 shuts near Birmingham after serious car fire as police launch investigation
A section of the M5 northbound was shut overnight following a "collision and car fire" near Birmingham The collision happened between J4 (Rubery) and J3 (Quinton) at around 10pm yesterday, Tuesday, October 6. All three emergency services attended the incident . National Highways which said a police investigation was "underway". The northbound carriageway remained shut earlier this morning, October 7, but reopened at around 8am.
M5 tragedy as man dies in lorry crash near Birmingham
A driver died in a crash on the M5 which closed the motorway near Birmingham. The 39-year-old car driver was involved in a collision with a lorry between J3 and J4 of the northbound carriageway at around 9.40pm yesterday, Tuesday, October 6. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The carriageway was closed until around 8am today following the tragedy, which National Highways said involved a "car fire". All three emergency services attended the scene.
Police probing final moments of Solihull e-biker's life after dying from significant head injuries
Police are trying to piece together the final moments of a Solihull biker who died after suffering "significant head injuries". The man died in hospital after coming off an e-bike on Tanworth Lane, Shirley, sometime between 1.30pm and 2pm on Friday, September 11. His movements before the tragedy, and what led him to come off the bike, have not yet been established.
Birmingham shooting as police seal off Hodge Hill road after gunfire
Police have launched an investigation after shots were fired on a Birmingham estate. An address in Collingbourne Avenue, Hodge Hill, was damaged last night, Wednesday, October 7. The road was sealed off by police overnight, as forensic officers gathered evidence in the area.
Man punched outside Bullring and New Street station as police launch probe
Police have launched an investigation after a man was punched outside the Bullring and New Street station. The victim was attacked as he walked in Smallbrook Queensway, between the shopping centre and the station. It happened at around 7.20pm on Wednesday, September 5.
Twenty-six cats 'struggling to breathe' found dumped in sealed boxes in Birmingham alleyway
Twenty-six cats were "struggling to breath" when they were found dumped in sealed boxes beside rubbish in a Birmingham alleyway. The cats, including some kittens, were found by a member of the public in an alley on Hawthorn Road, near a bakery. He moved most of the cats into carriers and called the RSPCA, which has launched an investigation into the shocking September 30 discovery.
Boy hit by car outside Esso garage in Perry Barr
A boy was hit by a car outside a Birmingham petrol station. He was struck outside the Essso garage in Aston Lane, Perry Barr , at around 5.20pm on Sunday, October 4. Paramedics treated him for injuries not believed to be serious. He was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital. West Midlands Police said the driver involved stopped at the scene.
M5 tragedy as man dies in lorry crash near Birmingham
A driver died in a crash on the M5 which closed the motorway near Birmingham. The 39-year-old car driver was involved in a collision with a lorry between J3 and J4 of the northbound carriageway at around 9.40pm yesterday, Tuesday, October 6. He was pronounced dead at the scene. READ MORE: Birmingham council confirms cost of St George's flag lamppost injunction so far The carriageway was closed until around 8am today following the tragedy, which National Highways said involved a "car fire".
M5 shuts near Birmingham after serious car fire as police launch investigation
A section of the M5 northbound was shut overnight following a "collision and car fire" near Birmingham. The collision happened between J4 (Rubery) and J3 (Quinton) at around 10pm yesterday, Tuesday, October 6. All three emergency services attended the incident. National Highways which said a police investigation was "underway".
Birmingham care provider put into special measures as 'basic safety checks' ignored
A Birmingham-based care provider for vulnerable people has been placed into special measures over "safety" fears, a health watchdog has said. Baobab Care UK has been downgraded from 'good' to 'inadequate' in a bid "to keep people safe", said the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection in July.
Boy hit by car outside Esso garage in Perry Barr
A boy was hit by a car outside a Birmingham petrol station. He was struck outside the Essso garage in Aston Lane, Perry Barr, at around 5.20pm on Sunday, October 4. Paramedics treated him for injuries not believed to be serious. READ MORE: 'Teen obsessed with Dexter kept trophy after murder at Oldbury Airbnb kill room' - jury told He was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital. West Midlands Police said the driver involved stopped at the scene.
Police address 'speculation' after girl, 11, found dead in Midland park
Detectives investigating the "unexplained" death of an 11-year-old girl in a Midland park are not currently looking for a suspect, despite "speculation". The youngster's body was tragically found in Elmley Castle, near Pershore in Worcestershire, at around 11.20pm on Sunday, October 4. Her death was still being treated as "unexplained" today, West Mercia Police confirmed.
M6 rush hour traffic chaos after lorry bursts into flames near Birmingham
Drivers were stuck in huge M6 delays during rush hour today after a lorry burst into flames near Birmingham. Two lanes were closed on J6 of the northbound carriageway, near Spaghetti Junction , following the blaze earlier this morning (October 6). Traffic was also backing up towards J5 for Castle Bromwich. Delays remained for several hours after the lorry was recovered due to the road surface being damaged by the fire.
Birmingham fire mystery two months on as families still waiting for answers
Police are still investigating the cause of a devastating blaze which destroyed a row of six homes in Birmingham nearly two months ago. Families were forced to rebuild their lives after losing "everything" in the fire on Gorleston Road, Highters Heath, on August 13. But, seven weeks on, they are still waiting for answers about how the inferno started.
Birmingham road sealed off after man found seriously injured
Police sealed off a road in Birmingham after a man was found seriously injured. The man was discovered just before 10am today, Tuesday, September 29. West Midlands Police said officers were called to the scene in Barrows Lane, Stechford. Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp , click the link to join The man was taken to hospital for his injuries to be assessed. No arrests had yet been made, with the force confirming it was in the early stage of enquiries.
Care home residents to be moved out as council ends contract over 'serious concerns'
Birmingham City Council has ended its contract with a care home operator amid "serious safety concerns". Rosemary Lodge in Kings Heath is set to close next month, according to a petition aimed at saving it, leaving more than a dozen elderly residents needing alternative care. The council said it was supporting residents to find new accommodation after it ended its contract with the care home's service provider, Trust Quality Care.
Midland motorway stop named among UK's worst services
A motorway stop near Birmingham has been named among the worst services in the country. Frankley on the M5 was the fifth-lowest rated motorway service in the UK, according to new data based on drivers' Google reviews. The Moto stop, between J3 and 4, averaged 3.64 stars from 9,466 reviews across its northbound and southbound sides. Up-to-date reviews were kinder, averaging 4.32 stars across the most recent 100 with several reviewers praising named staff.
Birmingham bikers say 'we don't feel safe cycling here' as viral star calls for change
Thousands of cyclists flooded Birmingham streets for a viral ride - but organisers say the event exposed why many don't feel safe cycling in the city. Dom Whiting#s giant Drum & Bass ride attracted thousands of bikers to the city on Sunday, September 13. He called on transport chiefs to accelerate plans for more cycle routes. The internet star - known as 'the DJ on the bike' and for his mobile raves - said there was a "clear demand" for a safer network.
New Birmingham homes in 'truly unique' woodland for pensioners
Birmingham planners have approved a "UK-first" eco-pod scheme which will see pensioners living in a "truly unique" woodland. Planning permission has been granted for the Lench's Trust to build six "low-cost" eco-homes on its own woodland at the back of its existing scheme in Quinton The city's oldest charity said the affordable housing scheme was aimed at keeping older people, who might be experiencing financial hardship or social isolation, connected with nature and each other.
Birmingham artist against 'division' makes huge Union flag from tatty lamppost flags
A Birmingham artist has made a huge Union flag to celebrate the West Midlands as a "magical melting pot" – by re-using flags discarded from unauthorised lamppost displays. Textile sculptor Clare Elisabeth said the piece - 'Re-Union Jack' - was a direct response to flag-raising group such as Raise the Colours, which she said "has caused division in communities".
Detectives want to track down two men after 'serious assault' in Erdington
Detectives want to track down two men after a "serious assault" in Birmingham The victim was attacked on Slade Road in Erdington at around 6.15pm on Saturday, June 27. West Midlands Police said the victim was seriously injured. Tonight, the force has issued CCTV images of two men officers want to identify in connection with the incident. The dark-haired men were pictured with similar beard shapes. A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "Do you recognise these two men?
Armed police to patrol key Birmingham locations amid concern after Manchester terrorist plot
Police are increasing patrols at "key Jewish locations" across Birmingham and Solihull to reassure the community following a terrorsim plot in Manchester. More officers will be seen across the Jewish High Holy Days, beginning with Sukkot on September 25, until Simchat Torah which ends on October 4. West Midlands Police said the increased patrols were in response to concerns in the local Jewish community.
Detectives want to track down two men after 'serious assault' in Erdington
Detectives want to track down two men after a "serious assault" in Birmingham. The victim was attacked on Slade Road in Erdington at around 6.15pm on Saturday, June 27. West Midlands Police said the victim was seriously injured.
Armed police to patrol key Birmingham locations amid concern after Manchester terrorist plot
Police are increasing patrols at "key Jewish locations" across Birmingham and Solihull to reassure the community following a terrorsim plot in Manchester. More officers will be seen across the Jewish High Holy Days, beginning with Sukkot on September 25, until Simchat Torah which ends on October 4. West Midlands Police said the increased patrols were in response to concerns in the local Jewish community.
Crimestoppers cash reward to track down wanted man with links to Midlands town
Crimestoppers is offering a £1,000 cash reward for information leading to the location of a wanted man with links to a Midland town. Dante Kelly is wanted on recall to prison for allegedly breaching a Serious Crime Prevention Order. The 23-year-old, who has links to Leamington Spa, has been described by police as being around 5ft 8in tall.
Birmingham shop destroyed in arson attack as 'stressed' owner says 'no idea' who's responsible
A Birmingham food shop was destroyed in an arson attack, police have confirmed, leaving the devastated owner "stressed". Ajwa Exotics was torched by arsonists in Gooch Street, Highgate, shortly before 2.30am yesterday, September 22. The convenience store - which sold Caribbean, Asian, African and Arabic food - was left devastated by the fire which ripped through the building and destroyed everything inside.
Gooch Street fire leaves road closed as cause of blaze investigated
A road was closed today after an early-morning shop fire. The blaze broke out at the Ajwa Exotics supermarket in Gooch Street, Highgate , just before 2.30am today, Tuesday, September 22. Crews from four fire stations were alerted to the blaze in the store, which sells Caribbean, Asian, African and Arabic food. The first arrived within three minutes after a number of 999 calls were made.
Birmingham car workshop goes up in flames as probe into cause under way
An investigation has been launched into a Birmingham car workshop blaze after vehicles inside went up in flames. The fire ripped through a number of vehicles inside the workshop on Factory Road, Soho , at around 9pm yesterday, Sunday, September 20. Six fire crews battled the blaze overnight in a bid to bring it under control. No injuries were reported, West Midlands Fire Service said.
Birmingham Airport holiday chaos as flights delayed by another air traffic control fault
Holidaymakers were facing huge flight delays at Birmingham Airport and elsewhere in the UK today following another technical fault with air traffic control - the second this month. Several flights were delayed to and from BHX today, September 21, following the NATS technical issue. Holidaymakers were left waiting for hours in departures for their delayed flights. It happened after a NATS technical issue restricted the capacity of Scottish airspace.
Chelmsley Wood home devastated in fire as residents flee from row of homes
A row of five homes in Solihull were affected during a severe fire which left one property devastated. The blaze broke out in Winchester Drive Chelmsley Wood , at around 8.30pm yesterday, Sunday, September 20. Three residents from the worst-affected property escaped their home after the blaze broke out in a garden. They were assessed by paramedics but did not need hospital treatment. The other four homes were affected by smoke.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Harry
Contact Harry, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack