Birmingham School Issues Safety Alert After Crossbow Sightings Near Campus
West Midlands Police have issued a public appeal for information following multiple reports of a man seen carrying a crossbow in Birmingham, with incidents occurring near local schools. The police have released a CCTV image of an individual they wish to speak to in connection with these sightings, which have raised significant community concern.
Multiple Incidents Reported Across the City
The first incident occurred on Tuesday, March 10, around 2pm on Norman Road in the Northfield area, where a man was spotted walking with a longbow. Further reports emerged on Wednesday, March 11, of a man with a crossbow near St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Kings Norton. An additional sighting was reported in Rubery on Friday, March 13, intensifying local anxieties.
In response to these events, Colmers School and Sixth Form College in Rednal posted a safety alert on its Facebook page. The school advised parents and carers that students should leave in groups and avoid gathering in the local area as a precautionary measure. The message emphasized that police are aware of the situation and the school is responding proactively to ensure student safety.
Police Description and Community Reassurance
West Midlands Police have provided a detailed description of the man they are seeking. He is described as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, wearing a bobble hat, camouflage trousers, and a black jacket with a white zip. Despite the alarming nature of the sightings, police confirmed that no direct threats were made by the individual. However, they acknowledged the concern within the community and have deployed extra officers to the affected areas to offer reassurance.
A police spokesman stated, "We are appealing for information after a man was seen carrying a longbow in Northfield. We had no reports that anyone was threatened by the man, but we know the incident will have caused concern and we have extra officers in the area to offer reassurance." The police are urging anyone with information to contact them via LiveChat on their website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 20/175915/26.
School and Community Response
The safety alert from Colmers School highlights the proactive steps being taken by educational institutions to protect students in light of these incidents. The school's communication stressed that the safety and wellbeing of students remain their top priority, reflecting a broader community effort to address potential risks.
This series of events underscores the importance of vigilance and cooperation between schools, police, and residents in maintaining public safety. As investigations continue, authorities are working to identify the individual and understand the circumstances behind the sightings to prevent any escalation.
