‘Appalling’ - Fresh police appeal to trace Birmingham McDonalds mice protest suspect Billal Hussain

A fresh appeal to local Billal Hussain over incidents of live mice being thrown into McDonalds restaurants in Birmingham has been issued by police.

Officers have arrested one suspect, but they are also searching for Hussain, aged 30 and have already executed a number of warrants in an attempt to find him. They have condemned the attacks as ‘appalling’ and said ‘this will not be tolerated’.

The incidents happened at McDonalds restaurants off Regina Drive, Perry Barr, at around 1.30pm on Tuesday (October 31) and at Star City, off Watson Road, Nechells, around 5.30pm on Monday. Police are treating the incidents as public nuisance offences.

They are also investigating a similar incident at a McDonald’s off Coventry Road, Small Heath, at just before 9pm on Tuesday - although,they say, it’s unclear if this is connected.

A video on social media showed mice dyed in the colours of the Palestinian flag being released into the Star City restaurant on Monday. A second clip also showed mice in a box in the Perry Barr branch on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We want to speak with Billal Hussain over these incidents in Birmingham during the last few days. We’re asking for anyone with information about the whereabouts of Hussain, 30, to contact us now. We’ve already executed a number of warrants in our determination to arrest Hussain, who is suspected of being involved in the unacceptable and distressing incidents.

“Our position is clear, this is appalling, and will not be tolerated. We will hunt down and prosecute anyone who commits such acts.We’re stepping up patrols across the region and will be offering reassurance to our communities. Anyone with information to trace this pair can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101.”

What has McDonalds said about the live mice protests?

McDonalds said the restaurants were temporarily closed for a full clean and visits from pest control officers.

After Hamas gunmen launched an assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, a branch of the restaurant chain in Israel reportedly donated 100,000 of free meals including to soldiers and security forces. The move sparked calls from Pro-Palestinian activists to boycott the brand, the Daily Express reported.

A spokesperson for McDonald’s said the firm was “dismayed by the disinformation and inaccurate reports regarding our position in response to the conflict in the Middle East.”

The chain added: “McDonald’s Corporation is not funding or supporting any governments involved in this conflict, and any actions from our local developmental licensee business partners were made independently without McDonald’s consent or approval.

“Our hearts are with all of the communities and families impacted by this crisis. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we will always proudly open our doors to everyone. We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our people in the region while supporting the communities where we operate.”