Update after policing operation in Birmingham

Our planned policing operation in Birmingham has now concluded, following two protests in the city centre today (Saturday 20 June).

We estimate that just under 1,000 people were in the city centre to protest, and while we appreciate the protests led to some disruption, we had a significant policing presence in place to keep the public safe.

This meant that anyone coming into the city would have noticed more police than usual, including public order officers to prevent any disorder, and local officers to provide a visible and reassuring presence to communities and visitors.

Four arrests were made, including:

• A woman aged 27, on suspicion of assaulting police
• A woman aged 28, on suspicion of assaulting police
• A woman aged 42, on suspicion of assaulting police and criminal damage
• A man aged 28, on suspicion of obstructing police

The four were arrested from the counter-protest and remain in police custody.

Evidence from the day has been captured and will now be examined as we look to identify any further offences that have taken place, including any potential hate crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Burton, leading the operation, said: “Firstly I would like to thank the public for their patience, as we worked hard with our partners to keep everybody in the city centre safe.

“We have balanced the rights and concerns of the community with the need to facilitate protest, and those who came to protest have been able to exercise that right.

“We will continue to investigate any reported offences linked to the protests, and officers are reviewing video footage as enquiries continue.

“Officers have made several arrests today, ranging from assaulting police to criminal damage, and I thank colleagues for their hard work and dedication to public safety.

“We don’t underestimate the fear and anxiety that protests can cause to Birmingham’s communities, and officers remain in the city centre tonight and over the weekend to offer further reassurance.”