London violence spreads across the country
VIOLENT outbursts in London were replicated in Birmingham last night after looters brought havoc to parts of the city.
Police arrested more than 100 people in the Bullring area of the city centre as gangs ransacked high street shops in apparent copycat looting that has marred London for three days.
But the violence wasn’t limited to the city centre with an unmanned police station set on fire in the Handsworth area of the city.
Police said a significant number of young people had been arrested for various offences including violent disorder and aggravated burglary.
There have been no reports of any major injuries to members of the public or police officers as a result of the disorder.
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ACC Sharon Rowe from West Midlands Police said: “We will not tolerate mindless violence anywhere in the West Midlands and are working to hard to ensure that the offenders are identified and caught as soon as possible.
“Our communities have made it clear to us that they do not want this kind of violence in their city and we will continue to work with them to bring anybody who commits acts of crime or anti-social behaviour to justice as soon as possible.
“The investigation into the disorder has already started and we are proactively reviewing the CCTV to identify other offenders and bring them to justice.”
Cllr Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The City Council is making every effort possible to clear up any damage and bring normality back to the city.
“We’d stress to retailers, workers and shoppers alike that the city remains very much open for business and would encourage them to come in as normal today.”
