Police appeal for video footage after Birmingham disorder
A man's been arrested as police investigate five incidents in Birmingham.
Last updated 7th Aug 2024
Police have appealed for video footage of criminality, including an attack on a car, during a large crowd gathered after social media rumours of a far-right march being held in Birmingham.
Officers are also treating an attack on a drinker who was punched and kicked outside a pub in the Yardley area of the city as violent disorder.
West Midlands Police said the level of policing during "sporadic incidents" of disorder on Monday night had been commensurate with intelligence assessments made before hundreds of people gathered in the Bordesley Green area.
As well as smashing a window of a car, counter-protesters broke windows at a pub and attacked a man aged in his 50s standing outside who is not believed to have suffered serious injuries.
Officers have also arrested a 46-year-old on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon after television coverage of a person apparently holding a sword, and added they are investigating attempts to slash a tyre on a Sky News vehicle.
Commenting on the police operation, West Midlands Police Superintendent Emlyn Richards rejected claims made by Elon Musk, the owner of social media platform X, that there had been "two-tier" policing for the event.
Mr Richards said of the billionaire's posts: "I don't think it's helpful at this moment in time.
"However, people have that right to express their opinions and that's what Mr Musk has done.
"What I would say in respect of two-tier policing, is it doesn't exist in the West Midlands - we are here to police without fear or favour."
Mr Richards added: "We respect people's right to protest and we will facilitate that right to protest.
"If people come and they are involved in criminality we will deal with those people.
"Protests needs to be lawful and it needs to be peaceful - if people turn up to create disorder, if people take weapons, if people are involved in criminality, West Midlands Police will relentlessly pursue you and bring you to justice."
Mr Richards added: "This is a time for communities to unite and support each other.
"My plea to communities is to be extremely mindful of the incredibly harmful spreading of misinformation on social media at the current time, do challenge what you see online, report where appropriate and consider the source of the posts.
"Always go to trusted sources for your information which includes news outlets and through our social media channels."
An online portal for witnesses to upload footage of the incidents has been set up on the West Midlands Police website.