Five people were arrested in Birmingham's Newtown area following reports of a large group of men in balaclavas acting suspiciously. West Midlands Police officers conducted a short foot chase on Friday, June 19, leading to the detention of five individuals and the seizure of four weapons and knives.
Charges and bails after the incident
Danial Ali, 23, was charged with possession of a bladed article, while a 17-year-old boy was charged with possession of an offensive weapon. Both are scheduled to appear before magistrates next month. Two 18-year-old men and a 15-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of weapon offences but have been bailed pending further inquiries.
In a statement, West Midlands Police said: "Over the weekend, Project Guardian officers have made multiple arrests as they took to the streets in Birmingham. Guardian officers were deployed to Newtown on Friday after reports of a large group of men in balaclavas acting suspiciously. After a short foot chase they were all detained for a search. Supported by our response officers, the team arrested five individuals and seized four weapons and knives."
Additional patrols and arrest in Harborne
On Saturday, June 20, officers conducted a weapons sweep in West Heath Park, where no weapons were found. Following the sweep, officers observed a vehicle driving erratically on Bunbury Road. The vehicle was stopped on Metchley Lane in Harborne. After a stop search, a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article after a lock knife was recovered.
Kruize Williams appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Monday, June 22, charged with possession of a bladed article. He pleaded not guilty and will appear again later this year.
Police added: "All over the West Midlands our Project Guardian teams work alongside neighbourhood teams to act on intelligence and information received from the public and carry out targeted patrols and deployments with a focus on tackling knife crime and youth violence. Remember to report any suspicious activity via 101 or via our website. Always call 999 in an emergency."
