Meet the human CCTV: a PCSO with a memory for faces so sharp he has apprehended more than 130 suspects in the last year alone with his eagle eyed talents. Community officer Andy Pope has been dubbed West Midlands Police's 'Memory Man' for his astonishing ability to spot criminals simply by memorising their faces. He spends hours every week poring over stills taken from CCTV and images from police briefing systems before hitting the streets of Birmingham to seek out troublemakers. So far, Andy's unique crime-tackling technique has led to the arrest and conviction of thieves, sex offenders and people wanted for violent crimes. In one remarkable case he even recognised a serial robber who walked past him in the city centre a whole year after his image had appeared on BBC's Crimewatch programme. The 34-year-old, who works with the Safer Travel team policing public transport routes, is now to be honoured with an award for police staff member of the year. Andy said: "With Safer Travel I spend a lot of time in Birmingham and on arterial routes into the centre. A lot of offenders do pass through city at some point and, when they do, I want to be able to recognise them.
Animal rescue volunteers have told how a cat riddled with cancer was forced to ripped off its own ears after it was abandoned by its owners .
NATURE PAPARAZZIS prove you don't have to be Justin Bieber or Cheryl Cole to attract a pack of photographers .
A kingfisher’s bright blue and orange feathers glisten in the sunlight as the bird dives into a lake .
A baby sperm whale assumed the role of a friendly giant when faced with two awestruck divers .
More weather chaos is heading our way, with ice and snow already hitting areas across Birmingham .
SOARING through the air, this is the moment a hungry tawny owl arrives home with dinner .
These uninvited guests ELEPHANTLY make their annual trip through the reception of this welcoming lodge .
NEW DELHI, A woman activist of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party crosses a police barricade near the residence of ruling Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi during a protest against the recent rape of a five-year-old girl in New Delhi, India, April 21, 2013 .
A striped marlin means business as it spots lunch and spears a small fish .
A carefree bear cub reclines in the water with his feet raised in the air .
A pair of chicks bravely decided to befriend a python, despite being the snake's favourite choice of food .