Police issue update on Birmingham St Patrick’s Day patrols in Digbeth

Birmingham police have told how the city’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Digbeth was celebrated peacefully.

They said officers were reflecting on the successful event which took place in and around Bradford Street on Sunday, March 17) - marking its landmark 50th year.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “No significant arrests were made, with thousands of revellers, families and members of the Irish community enjoying the entertainment in a safe and secure environment.”

The St Patrick’s Day parade - saw police officers, PCSOs and police staff working alongside parade organisers to keep the public safe. As well as regular patrols in and around Digbeth, officers said they worked closely with parade organisers and were able to quickly reopen arterial routes in and out of Birmingham to enable shoppers and visitors to travel freely across the city.

They also had Project Servator officers on the ground who carried out deployments in Digbeth and the city centre to keep everyone safe. These teams are specially trained to spot tell-tale signs that someone may be about to commit a crime, and they chat to the public to help them spot the signs of suspicious behaviour.

Officers also worked with British Transport Police to ensure people travelling into the city for the celebrations were safe.  Superintendent Pervez Mohammed responsible for policing the event, said: "Thanks to our work with event organisers and partner agencies, we have had a great St Patrick’s Day parade. 

"Officers worked extremely hard before, during and after the parade to keep people safe. It was great to see the parade back and everyone enjoying the celebrations in the city.”