A woman with two young children who was followed and intimidated by a man in Sutton Coldfield town centre has thanked a local café for providing a safe haven. The 29-year-old mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, was out running with her children in a pushchair on Saturday, May 16, when she noticed a man with his hood up staring at her repeatedly.
Incident Details
The mother had run from Mere Green to the town centre and was waiting at a bus stop on Lower Parade, opposite McDonald's, when she saw the man. She decided to walk into the Gracechurch Shopping Centre to pass the time, but the man followed her. He walked back and forth near her, stared at her, and came within arm's reach of her pram, making her feel harassed and intimidated.
In distress, she approached a delivery driver outside Silver Tree Bakery and asked for help. The staff invited her inside, gave her a coffee, and provided a safe space while the delivery driver watched the man board an X4 bus heading toward Falcon Lodge. She then called her husband, who picked her and the children up.
Community Response
The mother posted about the incident online and received comments from other women who had similar experiences. She emphasized the need for men to keep their distance, lower their hoods, and avoid staring. She stated, "I should be safe to run through my town centre, no matter when, especially in broad daylight on a Saturday morning." She described the man as white, in his early 30s, wearing a grey tracksuit and carrying a red drawstring bag possibly with a CEX logo.
Police Statement
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman confirmed they received a report of a woman being followed in Sutton Coldfield town centre on May 16. Officers have contacted the woman to ensure she is okay and are urging anyone with information to call 101 quoting log 3170 of 19 May.
