Birmingham City Centre: extra patrols to continue after knives recovered

West Midlands Police recovered weapons from people searched after Section 60 was enforced in Birmingham City Centre temporarily. Extra patrols will still be in place this weekend with Lunar New Year celebrations ongoing in the city.

It comes after a 13-year-old boy was stabbed at Stephenson Place - the ramp leading up to the Grand Central earlier this week. Two teenagers were arrested in connection with the stabbing of the boy. The 16-year-old’s have since been released on bail with strict conditions.

Knives were recovered from the city centre and 46 people searched after temporary Section 60 powers were used this week (January 19). The police linked in with British Transport Police to conduct weapon sweeps in the city and the BTP officers successfully recovered two knives near New Street Station.

Some young people - who had persistently been causing problems - were given three Community Protection Warnings. The Section 60 powers were in place from running from 2pm to 11pm and it allowed officers the power to stop and search people suspected of being involved in violence, without the need for reasonable grounds.

West Midlands Police said: “We understand the use of these powers can cause concern and seem excessive. We use these powers to protect the public from further violence. Our priority is to keep you safe.”

You can send information, photos and videos that could help the investigation on the West Midlands Police website.

The police added: “We will be continuing to provide reassurance patrols around the city centre over the weekend alongside our colleagues at BTP, and working with youth workers to engage with the public and reduce knife crime.”