West Midlands Police reassure communities as PM urges police to remain on 'high alert'

West Midlands Police has said people across the region should be reassured that keeping communities safe is their top priority.

After a series of protests and violent disorder across the country, forces have been told to remain on "high alert" by Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer.

At his third emergency Cobra meeting since violence broke out, the PM is understood to have said policing in the right places and swift justice over the past week, including sentencing, have acted as a deterrent to disorder.

In a statement, West Midlands Police said: "As we head into the weekend, you can expect to see an increased number of patrols in your communities as we continue our efforts to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

"If you see our officers out in the community, please don’t hesitate to approach them with any concerns you might have. We're here to listen, provide reassurance and support.

"We understand that these are worrying times for everyone. Now, more than ever, it's crucial for our communities to come together and support one another."

The statement added: "Our response remains coordinated, proportionate and responsive - we're committed to ensuring that our communities receive the support they need.

"We'd like to take this opportunity to once again emphasise the importance of staying informed through trustworthy sources and to remain vigilant against misinformation. We encourage you to question the information you come across online, report anything suspicious, and consider the credibility of the sources."

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