Birmingham City Centre latest target for violence

Whilst London is beginning to feel like a war zone with violence starting in Hackney, Lewisham and Peckham, it has been reported that they are now not alone in their suffering.

West Midlands police have confirmed that the violence has spread with incidents in Birmingham City Centre.

The BBC have reported that some shop windows have been smashed, and property stolen, apparently between the Bullring and West Midlands Police HQ. They are also reporting standoffs between youths and police outside the Pallasades Shopping Centre.

West Midlands Police have been quick to condemn the violence.

ACC Sharon Rowe said: “We will not tolerate mindless violence and damage anywhere in the West Midlands and are working to ensure that the offenders are identified and caught as soon as possible.

“A policing operation is in place with extra officers in Birmingham to restore calm in the city centre, and protect local people and businesses.

“Our communities have made it clear to us that they do not want this kind of violence in their city and we will continue to work with them to bring anybody who commits acts of crime or anti-social behaviour to justice as soon as possible.”