Police officers assaulted during Birmingham Ramadan market investigation with council

West Midlands Police officers were assaulted during a joint operation with Birmingham City Council to tackle illegal street trading in Birmingham.

The operation was launched in response to community concerns - and WMP says it demonstrates its close working relationship with their partners and the community. One officer suffered a minor injury when a bottle was thrown, as a large crowd gathered on Coventry Road and Ladypool Road in Small Heath. A number of missiles were thrown at police vehicles during the disorder, which happened at around 1.30am on Sunday (April 16).

WMP said the force had been working with Birmingham City Council after listening to councillors, MPs, Imams, local traders and residents who raised concerns around traffic, noise, litter, roads being blocked and anti-social behaviour.

Community representatives told the BBC that there had been scenes of chaos on Coventry Road last week, while others called for the area to be pedestrianised during Ramdan. As well as litter and congestion there had been complaints of loud noise in the early hours.

A WMP spokesperson explained: “Both West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council want people observing the holy month of Ramadan to enjoy the celebrations, but we want to ensure it’s done safely and within the law.

“We’re aware that some illegal traders have flouted the law, and those who continue to do so – by trading illegally or obstructing roads – will be reported and face legal action.

“Our investigators will now be examining body worn video and social media footage of Sunday night’s events, and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.”

Det Ch Insp David Sproson, from Birmingham Police, added: “It’s completely unacceptable that officers who were there last night to make the community a safer and better place were met with such hostility.

“We were there at the request of the community to deal with concerns which they had raised, and so what happened last night is intolerable. We’re now investigating a number of reports of criminal damage, as well as the assault on our officer and those responsible are being sought and will face prosecution.

“I’d urge the parents and friends of those involved in what happened last night to speak to them about the potential impact of their behaviour last night. They are risking arrest and prosecution and must be aware of the impact a criminal record can have on their future prospects. We will also be working with the community over the next few days to reaffirm our position that we are responding to the community’s concerns.”

A spokesman for Birmingham City Council also spoke out against the attacks on officers saying: “We want people observing the holy month of Ramadan to enjoy celebrations, and we want to ensure it’s done safely and within the law for the benefit of the whole community.

“What happened was totally unacceptable - officers were simply doing their job as part of this joint operation, organised in response to local concerns. We’d urge anyone with information to contact the police.”

The celebrations are due to continue for the next few days, and WMP said its officers will be visible and available to support the community and answer any questions. Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch with West Midlands Police via live chat, quoting 3488 of 15 April.