Murder in the Black Country: Grim secrets of region's beauty spots revealed

Astra Wheeler, a photography student at Birmingham City University, has been researching and capturing pictures of the sites of historic killings in the area to look at how the landscape has been transformed.

The project titled 'Grim Deeds in the Black Country', examines famous and less well-known cases in the area, and poses questions about the crimes' legacies for offending in the region today.

It is sure to evoke both awe and horror, as the photos showcase the scenery of the local area while describing the murderous acts for which they have been the setting.

Among the images are pictures of Hagley Woods, where the remains of a woman were found in 1943, and the 1882 Emil Hindelaing case in which he drowned two of his brothers in Tipton Canal.

Other cases which the collection of photos hark back to, include the Halesowen Turnpike Murder, the death of Catherine Moore at Oldbury Canal and Sam Whitehouse's killing at Warley Woods.

Photographer Astra said: "Like most areas in the UK, the Black Country has an interesting history filled with suspicious deaths and murder.

"I wanted to visually capture this hidden side to the Black Country to understand how it has shaped the way the Black Country is now, and if these past events still have any significance today.

"For most, the links to the past are no longer evident, and the knowledge of these events have faded over time."

Many of the images show some of the Black Country's most scenic areas, putting them in stark contrast with the deeds that took place there.

The photographs were first unveiled to the public at the Inspired Festival, a celebration of the creative talents of students graduating from the University.

An online version of the project's magazine can be viewed at bit.ly/297XPY9