Police are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision in North Herefordshire, in which a young woman died.

The two vehicle collision happened at around 5.50 PM on Thursday, 1st February, on the B4362 near the village of Bircher.

The accident involved a silver Peugeot 106 heading towards Bircher and a silver Peugeot 307 heading towards Mortimers Cross. Both vehicles suffered extensive damage in the collision.

The 19-year-old female driver of the Peugeot 106 suffered serious head injuries and was taken by ambulance to Hereford County Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

The male driver of the second Peugeot sustained shock but was otherwise uninjured and did not require treatment. All three emergency services attended and members of the public also provided first aid to the young woman prior to paramedics arriving.

As a result of the collision the B4362 was closed for around six hours while collision investigators began an examination and the vehicles were removed.

Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or either of the vehicles as they travelled along the B4362 beforehand.

Witnesses are asked to contact PC Paul Turner at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888.

An Ace Jubilee Globetrotter caravan was stolen from a site at Trumpet, near Ledbury between 12.30 PM on Wednesday, 31st January and 8.30 am the following day.

Gate padlocks were cut open to a field and the caravan hitched to a vehicle and driven away. Other caravans in the vicinity were untouched.

The stolen caravan is off-white in colour and single axle, with the registration plates P604PRJ attached to it when stolen.

Anyone who saw the caravan being towed away or believes they know its current location should contact the Hereford Public Service Desk on 08457 444888.

Police are investigating a burglary at a house in Fownhope, which occurred between 10 am and 11 am on Thursday, 1st February.

A back door was forced open to gain entry to the property and an outbuilding was also entered. Nothing was stolen, however, and it is possible that the offender was disturbed.

Police are keen to trace a car which was seen parked in a gateway a short distance from the property. It was described as a maroon Ford Fiesta-type car with an ‘E’ prefix registration number.

Anyone with information about the car or the burglary is asked to contact PC Mark Herbert at the Hereford Burglary Investigation Unit on 08457 444888.

Police have warned householders to be on their guard against bogus officials following an attempted distraction burglary at a house in Madley.

At around 7.15 PM on Tuesday, 30th January a white man, aged between 20 and 30, knocked at the door of an elderly householder and stated he was from the police. He told the elderly householder that a neighbour’s car had been stolen and crashed nearby and that he was looking for one of the offenders who had run off.

He then persuaded the victim to check his own car, which was parked on the driveway, to make sure it was okay. The victim went with the man to his car but quickly returned to his back door, where he saw a further three similarly-described men who were standing outside the house. The four men quickly left before they could gain entry to his house and a vehicle was heard driving away.

All of the men are described as wearing woolly hats and one had a grey top with the word ‘Gap’ on the back.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have encountered these men in similar circumstances.

'Fortunately on this occasion no entry was gained to the house but the incident does illustrate the lengths to which some criminals will go to as they try and trick their way into homes,' said PC Mark Herbert from the Hereford Burglary Investigation Unit. 'We need to trace these men as quickly as possible and we want to speak to anyone who may have information that could lead to their identification or if they have seen suspicious activity around homes, particularly if the occupants are elderly.'

Many of the victims of distraction burglaries are among the most vulnerable members of the community, often elderly and living alone. The effects of becoming a victim of such a crime can be devastating for the victim. Police are urging all householders to follow the Force’s ‘Knock Knock’ code, which has helped to reduce the numbers of distraction burglaries being committed in the area by 22 percent in the past 12 months.

Anyone receiving an unexpected caller to their home should ask them for identification and make sure they are who they say they are. Never invite someone into your home without being sure of their identity and if you have any doubts keep them out and call the police.

An information leaflet has been produced to provide guidance for individuals on how they can best protect themselves against distraction crimes and further details of the ‘Knock Knock’ campaign are also available from the force website at www.westmercia.police.uk.

The public in general can help reporting any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood to the police and keeping an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives who may need help.

Anyone with information about the Madley attempted distraction burglary, or believes they know the identities of any of the four men, should contact PC Mark Herbert at the Hereford Burglary Investigation Unit on 08457 444888. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A handbag was stolen form the front seat of a Vauxhall Astra car while it was parked near to Mordiford. The passenger window was smashed and the handbag removed between 12.30pm and 1.20pm on Sunday, 28th January.

The vehicle was parked among 4 or five other cars in the gravel car park beside the B4224 between Mordiford and the Holme Lacy bridge.

Police remind all motorists to keep their valuables out of view when vehicles are left unattended - preferably remove them from the vehicles altogether, to reduce the likelihood of being a victim of car crime.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact the Hereford Public Service Desk on 08457 444888.

A Dolmar 18 inch chainsaw and a Honda 1kw ‘suitcase’ generator were stolen from a motorised mobile home in Wellington. A search of the mobile home was made while the occupant was out, some time between 5pm and 8pm on Monday, 29th January.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity or vehicles in the Wellington area, or is offered either item for sale.

They should contact PC Mark Herbert at the Burglary Investigation Unit on 08457 444888.

Around 150 litres of diesel was stolen from a lorry parked over night in Shobdon. The fuel was taken from the Volvo truck at a time between 6.30 PM on Thursday, 25th January and 6am the following morning.

Police would like to hear of any suspicious activity or vehicles in the village during that time.

Anyone with information should contact PC Richard Poyner at Leominster Police Station on 08457 444888.

Cash and three packets of ‘Classic’ cigars were stolen when an offender snuck into a house in Muir Close, Hereford through an unlocked patio door. The burglary happened some time between 11 PM on Friday, 2nd February and 9.30 am the next day.

Police are reminding householders to ensure their homes are kept secure when unattended or overnight, making sure doors and windows are locked.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the Muir Close area at the time is asked to contact PC Mark Herbert at the Hereford Burglary Investigation Unit on 08457 444888.

Police are appealing for witnesses after two cash boxes were stolen from a woman in the car park at the Belmont Community Centre in Hereford.

Between 8.45 PM and 9 PM on Wednesday, 31st January, the victim was pushing the cash boxes on a trolley across the Eastholme Avenue car park, when the metal boxes fell onto the floor. At this point a man who was also in the car park approached the woman, picked up the cash boxes and ran off, through an alleyway towards Yarlington Mill.

The cash boxes are both made of metal and open with a key. They are approximately eight inches by five inches in size and blue and brown in colour.

Anyone who finds the boxes discarded or witnessed the incident take place is asked to contact PC Andy Mowen at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888.

Police are investigating as arson a fire which caused damage at Hereford Cemetery. Several plastic flower pots were set alight some time before 3 PM on Saturday, 27th January, when a member of the public noticed the flames and put them out.

The pots were completely burnt out and there was associated damage to a gravestone. Other flower puts in the Westfaling Street cemetery were untouched.

A group of male youths on pedal cycles were seen in the area, as are thought to have been two women, who may have important information about who started the fire.

Any witnesses are asked to contact the Hereford Public Service Desk on 08457 444888.

Police are also investigating an incident in which attempts were made to set a car on fire in Hereford. Flames were seen coming from near to the fuel tank of a red BMW 518 parked at the Railway Club, just off Barton Yard/Melrose Place in Hereford, between 9.10 PM and 9.25 PM on Tuesday, 30th January.

Fortunately, the fire burnt out quickly with only singeing caused around the filler cap and the fire brigade was not needed.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the Railway Club car park, or encountered individuals leaving the area at around that time, possibly on foot.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Ian Danks at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888.

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision in which a cyclist was injured. The accident happened at around 10.24 am today (Tuesday, 6th February) on Barton Road in Hereford, at the junction with Friar Street.

The collision involved the cyclist and a blue Ford Focus car. The cyclist - a man in his 70s - suffered a minor head injury and was taken to hospital for treatment and later released. The car driver was uninjured.

Police would like to hear from any witnesses to the collision - particularly other motorists queuing for the traffic lights at the junction. Anyone with information should contact Sgt Stuart Cripps at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888.

Four men have been arrested in connection with a robbery in Hereford, in which two men were assaulted. The incident happened at around 8.45 PM on Friday, 2nd February as the victims, two young men, were walking through the subway underneath the Ring Road / New Bridge leading to the Greyfriars car park.

They were returning from an off-licence and were carrying a case of beer, when they were approached by a group of three other young men. One of them asked for a beer, and when the victims refused and tried to walk away, an altercation broke out, with the two victims being attacked. They managed to get away, still carrying the beer, and headed into Friar Street, where they were then confronted by a fourth youth. The other three offenders then caught up and a second altercation broke out. The two victims were pushed to the floor and attacked by the three of the males. All four then walked off carrying the cans of Red Stripe beer, back towards the Greyfriars car park.

Police quickly attended but officers were unable to apprehend the offenders. However subsequent enquiries led to the arrest of four youths on suspicion of robbery. They have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

One of the victims suffered a broken nose, while the other was left badly bruised.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any part of the altercation or saw the four youths carrying the case of beer away. Anyone with information should contact PC Paul Smyth or PC Paul Whaley at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888.

A car was left with around £400 of damage when it was attacked while in a Hereford City Centre car park.

The black Kia Sorento 4x4 was parked in the surface car park on Blackfriars Street, behind the multi-storey.

Offenders climbed onto the bonnet by using the front bull bar to gain access. They then either stamped or jumped onto the right side of bonnet causing over £400 of damage.

Anyone with information about the damage is asked to contact the Hereford Public Service Desk on 08457 444888.

A red Landrover Freelander was damaged by vandals while parked at the Tesco store in Bewell Street, Hereford, on Sunday, 28th January.

At a time between 10.30am and 11.45am, the front number plate was snapped off and the letters ‘wakk’ were scratched into the paintwork on the driver’s door.

The vehicle was parked in the surface car park, next to the disabled parking bays and facing the Bowling Green pub at the time.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the car park that morning is asked to contact the Hereford Public Service Desk on 08457 444888.

Around 70 bags of ‘Dengie’ horse feed were stolen form the rear of a unit on the Porthouse Industrial Estate in Bromyard. The assorted bags were taken between 1 PM on Saturday, 21st January and 9 am the following day.

Police would like to hear of anyone selling horse feed in suspicious circumstances or ‘on the cheap’. They should contact PC Ian Woolley at Bromyard Police Station on 08457 444888.

Police are investigating a burglary at a house in Westhill Gardens, Bromyard which took place on Wednesday, 24th January. Entry was made through an unsecured rear door and a search made of the house at some time between 7.45am and 5.45pm. A small quantity of jewellery was stolen in the burglary.

Police are anxious to trace the owner of a white Vauxhall Astra van that was parked in the close at about 5.05 PM that day. The driver was described as having grey hair and appeared to be looking at his satnav system within the van.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Mark Herbert at the Burglary Investigation Unit on 08457 444888.

Police are investigating a burglary at a house in Lower Thorn, Bromyard, in which figurines and jewellery were stolen.

The burglary occurred between 9 am on Wednesday, 24th January and 3.30 PM on Friday, 26th January. Entry was gained by forcing open a door at the rear and an untidy search was made of the house. More than 10 porcelain figurines and a variety of jewellery was stolen.

Police would like to hear of any suspicious activity or vehicles in the area on those days. Anyone with information should contact PC Mark Herbert at the Burglary Investigation Unit on 08457 444888.

A Shindaiwa chainsaw and a blue generator of unknown make were stolen from a trailer on a farm near Pembridge. The theft happened some time between 6 PM on Sunday, 28th January and 7 am the next day.

Police are warning that powertools - and particularly chainsaws - are attractive items for criminals to steal and should always be kept locked and secure, preferably out of sight.

Anyone with information about the theft, or who believes they have been offered either item for sale, should contact the Hereford Public Service Desk on 08457 444888.

A black BMW 3-series was damaged by vandals while parked on the corner of Pierrepoint Road and Bargates in Leominster. Wing mirrors were ripped off, dents made in a passenger door and a mark scratched in the bonnet, at some time between 8.30 PM on Saturday, 3rd February and 10.50 am the following morning.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information should contact PC Tony Shaw at Leominster Police Station on 08457 444888.

Police are investigating two assaults in Leominster which are believed to have been committed by the same offender. Both took place just after midnight on Sunday, 4th February.

The first happened in Ridgemoor Road as a man and his wife walked home after a night out in the town centre. They were approached by two men who punched the man as they drew level, without provocation. The two offenders then headed off in the direction of Bridge Street where they assaulted another man who was left on the floor bleeding and required treatment by an ambulance crew. The two men then disappeared towards the town centre.

Both offenders were said to be white and wearing white checked shirts. They were around 5ft 6ins or 5ft 7ins tall and one had a moustache.

A couple were walking their dog along Bridge Street at the time of the attack and may be important witnesses. They, or anyone else who may have witnessed the offences, are asked to contact PC Tony Shaw at Leominster Police Station on 08457 444888.

Police are investigating an altercation which took place in Etnam Street, Leominster. The incident happened at around 7.30 PM on Sunday, 28th January between a woman and a teenage girl near to the chip shop and resulted in the teenage girl being assaulted.

Police want to hear from anyone who witnesses the altercation - they are asked to contact PC Tony Shaw at Leominster Police Station on 08457 444888.

Community-spirited residents in parts of Leominster are being sought to form new Neighbourhood Watch schemes for the town.

Local Police Officer PC Paul O’Reilly is hoping to hear from interested residents on the Barons Cross Estate, Buckfield Estate and Green Lane areas, as well as the Ridgemoor Estate and surrounding roads.

'Neighbourhood Watch is one of the largest, most successful crime prevention initiatives ever. The idea behind it is simple - by getting together with your neighbours you can take action to reduce crime,' explained PC O’Reilly. 'Leominster is a very safe area to live and visit - and that’s how we want it to stay.

As a Local Police Officer I am always keen to prevent crime rather than have to react to it, and Neighbourhood Watch is a way in which the whole community can maintain and even enhance the standard of living in Leominster.'

''It can take up as much or as little time as you can give and can help greatly in our quest to reduce antisocial behaviour,' he added. Neighbourhood Watch schemes are the extra “eyes and ears” of the police out in the community.

Even with boosted numbers of officers in the division, including CSOs and Parish Officers, the police simply cannot be everywhere, all the time. That is where NHW becomes the vital link in detecting and in some cases, preventing crime being committed.'

Anyone interested in becoming involved in Neighbourhood Watch in the four Leominster estates can contact PC O’Reilly on 07974 818935 or email him at paul.oreilly@westmercia.pnn.police.uk The Herefordshire Neighbourhood Watch Association’s website also has further information about existing schemes across the county. Visit it at www.communigate.co.uk/here/hfdsneiwatch/