Update following reports of disorder outside college

Update following reports of disorder outside college

Dear Resident,

We're aware of reports of disorder outside Joseph Chamberlain College in Birmingham this week, and we wanted to update you directly.

Officers attended Belgrave Road shortly after 4pm on Wednesday (4 November) and we are investigating two assaults, where thankfully we don’t believe anyone suffered serious injuries.

We know there were a lot of people there at the time, and footage is circulating on social media, while despite reports – at this stage we don’t believe a firearm or any weapons were involved.

We take these reports seriously, and we continue to examine relevant pictures and videos, but no offences involving weapons have been disclosed to us.

We're carrying out regular high-visibility patrols around the college, meaning you will see more officers in the area this afternoon.

As well as neighbourhood officers, who are in contact with school leaders and community representatives, our Project Guardian Taskforce officers are also in the area.

In addition to their proactive patrols, operations, and targeted arrests, Guardian officers work closely with schools and colleges to help educate young people on the dangers of crime and carrying weapons.

Neighbourhood Inspector Hayley Thompson said: "We will continue to patrol the area and listen to residents' concerns, but we don't believe there is any wider risk to the public.

"Local officers are out on patrol to keep you safe and answer any questions you may have.

"We will be asking anyone who's not a student at the college to stay away from it, so that we can prevent any disorder from happening."

If you have information that could be relevant to our investigation, call 101 or use Live Chat on our website, quoting log 3677 of 4 November.

You can also stay anonymous by speaking to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Thank you.