A man, aged 45, has been arrested over a shocking assault that saw a woman kicked in the head as she lay defenceless on the floor – after an eagle-eyed West Midlands Police officer spotted the suspect in Handsworth on Saturday morning (21/10).
Officers patrolling the city centre arrested the man in Pigeon Park (Officially known as Cathedral Square), at 9.30am after a neighbourhood officer had identified him as wanted in connection with the attack.
Camera footage taken by a bus passenger at around 2pm on Tuesday 17th October caught the moment a man dressed in a camouflage jacket walked up to the woman lying on Oxhill Road in Handsworth, and kicked her head before walking away.
The video was circulated widely on social media and, though the incident wasn’t reported to West Midlands Police at the time, prompted officers to carry out quick-time enquiries.
Local police identified a potential suspect and the man is currently in police custody having been arrested on suspicion of assault. Officers patrolling Cathedral Square arrested a man on suspicion of the head kick assault
West Midlands Police Inspector Ifty Ahmed, said: “This was a fantastic spot by the Force Support officer involved – and it means we have
a suspect in custody for a shocking assault within 24 hours of us being made aware.
“The video footage understandably drew widespread condemnation on social media. The woman was lying motionless on the floor and clearly in need of help – yet a passer-by inexplicably walked past and kicked her forcefully in the head.
“Efforts are on-going to try and trace the victim, to ensure she is OK and to offer any support she may need.
“And we’d also be keen to speak to anyone else who was on that bus as it passed the scene – they could be important witnesses.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact West Midlands Police on 101, quoting log number 2017 of 20 October.
