West Midlands Police speak out against West Bromwich protest social media rumours

Police say they have no information about a protest due to take place in West Bromwich today (Saturday, September 24) and ask the public to be wary of misinformation and rumours on social media
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Police have told how information about a potential protest in West Bromwich has been shared widely online and on social media regarding a potential protest in West Bromwich today (24 September).

Officers say they have no information that a demonstration is due to take place. A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We’ve received a number of calls about this too – thank you for taking the time to contact us. We’d ask people to be mindful of misinformation and rumour on social media. This can have a serious impact on communities. Please only share information you know to be true.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Currently we have no information that a protest will take place this afternoon. Therefore we are asking people not to share this and not to attend. We are monitoring the situation and have a policing plan in place should we need to respond. We will have appropriate policing resources in the area.

West Midlands Police appealWest Midlands Police appeal
West Midlands Police appeal

“We always seek to facilitate peaceful protest, upholding the right to protest, while balancing it with the rights of others to keep the public safe, prevent crime and disorder. However, we won’t accept disorder and will seek to act against anyone who attends with the intention to cause trouble, and put the safety of others at risk.”

A man was arrested for inciting religious hatred following a protest wtih around 200 people outside a hindu temple in Smethwick on Tuesday evening. West Midlands Police used special powers to disperse around 50 people that protested outside a Hindu temple in Coventry on Thursday evening (September 22).

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.