A man has been arrested following a disturbance near a vigil in Birmingham city centre this evening (23/05).
The man, aged 39, who is known to police and is thought to have a history of mental ill-health – was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.
This is the moment the man was arrested after interrupting the vigil in Victoria Square. (Video: Olivia Marks/MadeInBirminghamTV) pic.twitter.com/1M5ovw5tZH
— Birmingham Updates (@BhamUpdates) May 23, 2017
Superintendent Andy Parsons, responsible for policing in the west of Birmingham, said: “Officers spotted the man acting suspiciously and spoke to him. At this point they have arrested him.
“The man was carrying a bag, and as a precaution, Victoria Square where the vigil was being held was cleared for around 15 minutes.
“A small axe was recovered along with a large stick.
“We will be interviewing the man to understand his intentions after mental health experts have assessed his condition.
“I’d like to thank people for the calm and collected way in which they responded to the incident. The professionalism of our officers who responded to the incident is also commendable and indicative of British policing.”
Despite the interruption, the vigil for the victims of the Manchester attack was peaceful and eloquent. (Image: @AmandaGChan) pic.twitter.com/gIPxUGUvpw
— Birmingham Updates (@BhamUpdates) May 23, 2017
