9th August, 2011 – Update on West Midlands disorder – 19.45
West Midlands Police continue to deal with some instances of disorder across the region.
Police in Birmingham are managing a large group of people causing disorder in several areas within the city centre. There have been some shops attacked, and there is also a report of a car having been set alight in Moor Street.
A large team of officers are working in the city centre to restore calm and bring the city back to normality.
Police have currently arrested three people in Birmingham city centre.
There was also some disorder in Kings Heath earlier this afternoon, but this group dispersed. There was minor damage to one police vehicle.
In West Bromwich there were reports of a large group of people in the town centre earlier this evening, but they have now dispersed, with no further incidents reported. Officers remain on the ground monitoring the situation.
Police in Wolverhampton have responded to reports of a large group of people in the city centre, with some reports of attacks on shops.
Officers remain concerned that young people are being drawn into unlawful activity and encourage families and communities to contact their children and ensure their young people are safely at home during this period.
West Midlands Police continue to work closely with our partners and key members of the community to help calm tensions.
Contingency plans in place tonight which will see 400 dedicated officers working extended shifts across the West Midlands, who will be able to respond to any situation that may develop, in addition to local officers who will continue to serve and protect their communities locally.
Police are also asking anybody with images or videos of the disorder taken on mobile phones or cameras to email them to officers. People can email directly to
tellus@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.