Man Appears in Court Over Christmas Eve Knifepoint Robbery
A man has appeared before magistrates following a frightening knifepoint robbery in the heart of Birmingham. The incident occurred in the early hours of Christmas Eve, leaving a woman shaken but physically unharmed.
Details of the City Centre Incident
The victim was walking along Lower Trinity Street when she was approached by a man armed with a knife. The assailant demanded her mobile phone, which he then stole before fleeing the scene.
West Midlands Police responded swiftly to the report. Within a few hours, officers had arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of robbery.
Charges and Court Appearance
The suspect, identified as Mohamed Bahlwan from Smethwick, was subsequently charged in connection with the offence. He was remanded in custody to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Boxing Day.
In a statement, West Midlands Police confirmed the charge, saying: "We've charged a man following a knifepoint robbery in Birmingham city centre. We responded to a woman having her mobile phone stolen in Lower Trinity Street during the early hours of 24 December."
Police Reassure Public with Winter Safety Campaign
The force used the opportunity to highlight its ongoing efforts to tackle crime in the city. The statement added: "We’re running #SaferStreetsWinter as part of our ongoing work to crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour."
They further reassured residents and visitors, stating: "We've officers on duty 24/7 to catch crime suspects and keep visitors, residents and workers in the city centre safe." The case continues.
