Category: News

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NEWS: Bagot Arms Golf Society hope to raise over £5000 for men’s mental health charity

Words & pics by Liam Smith

Preparations are being made by the Bagot Arms Golf Society ahead of their charity golf day on 21 July 2023, where organisers hope to raise over £5000 for a men’s mental health charity.

The event, which is taking place at Bromsgrove Golf Centre in Worcestershire, is in support of ‘It Takes Balls to Talk’ – a nationwide campaign ‘which uses sporting themes to encourage people, particularly men, to talk about how they feel.’

According to the charity’s website, 5% of men in the UK are suffering from one of the common mental health disorders, for example anxiety or depression. The website further states suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst males aged 15 to 29, and that three out of four of all suicides are men.

The Bagot Arms Golf Society, now operating out of Hollyfields Conference & Sports Centre in Pype Hayes, formed in 2009 out of the old Bagot Arms pub less than a mile away from Pype Hayes Golf Club.

The society have a history of organising and being a part of fundraising events and charity days, including a ’72 holes in one day’ challenge in aid of MacMillan which saw four members raise over £5,000 for the cancer charity.

They have also raised money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.

Tony Roche, founding member of the Bagot Arms Golf Society told Erdington Local: “Mental health issues can affect anyone and can be caused by several factors. Suicide continues to be three times more common in men than in women.”

Steven Smith, also a founding member and Pype Hayes resident, told: “Since our inception in 2009, we have always felt it important that we try to raise money for charities. It is an important part of our society.

“We have a day upcoming in July, which is fully booked, with 60 golfers in attendance and all 18 holes of the course generously sponsored by local businesses.”

The society are still actively raising as much as they can as the event nears.

Steven added: “We have recently set up a JustGiving page. We set an initial target of £1,000 and we have already hit £735 and it would be great if any of your readers could help.”

The Pype Hayes golf group hope to raise over £5,000 with all the money raised from the event along with online donations. A JustGiving page can be found here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bagotarms-golfsociety

For more on the Bagot Arms Golf Society visit: www.bagotarmsgs.com

For more on the ‘It Takes Balls to Talk’ campaign visit: www.ittakesballstotalk.com

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NEWS: Pype Hayes parks to get £100k through Future Parks Accelerator Programme

Words by Liam Smith / Pics supplied by Erdington Local and Cllr Mahmood

Pype Hayes residents met with Councillor Basharat Mahmood (Pype Hayes, Lab) on Tuesday 2 May to discuss funding secured for three parks in the area: Pype Hayes Park, Paget Green, and Sorrel Park.

A handful of local residents were present at Pype Hayes Park to hear the Councillor, who was joined by members of Birmingham City Council’s parks team, speak on the potential plans for the parks as part of the Future Parks Accelerator Programme.

Cllr Mahmood told Erdington Local: “I am delighted to have secured £100,000 of funding from Birmingham City Council as part of the programme to be spent on improved our much loved parks and open spaces in Pype Hayes.”

Councillor Mahmood was elected to the Pype Hayes Ward in Birmingham’s local election on 5 May 2022, beating the Conservative candidate, Clifton Welch, by 92 votes.

Mr Mahmood campaigned for Labour with objectives to tackle “crime, and antisocial behaviour. Improve youth provision” and to ensure “our parks and green spaces are maintained and well resourced.”

At the meeting this week, one of the main talking points among the residents in attendance was on Pype Hayes Hall.

Pype Hayes Hall was built in 1630 by Henry Bagot, whose family lived there for over 250 years, and eventually sold to Birmingham City Council in 1920 for use as a convalescence and children’s home.

In 2014 the Council then sold the Grade II listed building to Bromford Mill Properties for only £25,000, after the private developers outlined £11,000,000 plans for a 60 bed luxury hotel, spa, and swimming pool.

Although since being sold, the hall and its multiple buildings have remained off limits within the park – slowly decaying, whilst development on the site still yet to commence.

One resident described the hall as “an absolute blight on the park.”

Other residents suggested how it could be repurposed into facilities such as a café with toilet access as well as a community centre.

The gardens next to Pype Hayes Hall, which park visitors can still use, were also mentioned, with Danny Squire of the Sutton Coldfield & Erdington Park Rangers saying: “we would like to get the community take a more active role in the management of the gardens, and to encourage people to grow and maintain these spaces.”

Other suggestions included involving the schools in the local area to get more involved with the park, with gardening projects and groups seen as a potential solution.

Councillor Mahmood added: “All points raised at the meeting will be forwarded to the relevant departments, including the concerns raised about Pype Hayes Hall.

“These meetings give residents the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns with me.

“They help bring about change and I would encourage everyone to get involved to make Pype Hayes cleaner, greener and safer.”

Residents are to be encouraged to attend further meetings about the parks and their funding.

For more from Cllr Basharat Mahmood visit www.facebook.com/PoliticianLabourParty

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NEWS: Erdington United still “odds on to win the league” despite losing 5-1 to Trooper FC in County Cup final

Words & pics by Liam Smith

Heartbreak for Erdington United after suffering defeat in the County Cup final on Sunday 23 April, in a match which saw them lose 5-1 to Chelmsley Wood side Trooper FC.

The tournament finale took place at the Birmingham Country Football Association Headquarters in Great Barr, with a sizeable crowd present to watch the two clubs battle it out for the County Cup prize.

The game started evenly, with both teams sizing each other up in the early stages. The deadlock was broken in the 20th minute with Erdington being unable to clear their lines.

Another goal seven minutes later, and a few chances from Erdington Utd late in the first half, saw the half time whistle blow with Erdington 2-0 down but far from out of it.

Sadly for the local team from there it went downhill, as a third from the Trooper left winger, who had been a persistent threat all game, meant heads began to drop.

A 90th minute penalty smartly tucked away served very little in terms of consolation for Erdington, with Trooper FC finishing 5-1 up.

Erdington Local spoke with Tyler Ward, Erdington United’s manager after the match.

He told: “I’m obviously disappointed with the result, but the better team did win on the day. We didn’t really start to play until the match became an uphill battle, which is always difficult.

“It was a competition we had earmarked from the start of the season that we wanted to get far in. There were far more nerves heading into this one, as we knew how good a side Trooper are.”

Tyler added: “Once we started to play and create chances, we caused problems. It’s always a tough ask to claw back a 2-0 deficit in a final.”

Erdington United are still happy with their season, having earned silverware in the George Cup, and are eager to not let Sunday’s defeat deflate them.

The manager added: “we’re still odds on to win the league, and it was a good test for us to play against decent opposition.

“Full credit to Trooper FC who managed their game well and took their chances when they got them.”

For more on Erdington United visit www.erdingtonunited.org

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NEWS: “Inspiring” Castle Vale gymnast Zion Aserie wins series of awards at British Gymnastics Championships 2023

Words by Erdington Local editorial team / Pics supplied by Aserie family

Castle Vale gymnast Zion Aserie (16) has won a series of high profile awards at the recent British Gymnastics Championships 2023, held in Liverpool at the end of March.

Competing in the Under 18’s category, the Erdington athlete was awarded bronze medals in both the Floor and High Bar competitions.

Aserie went on to further win the silver medal in the U18 All Around category, and to beat athletes from across the UK to become the U18 Rings Champion – winning the top spot after fierce competition from Leeds Gymnastics Club.

With his eyes firmly set on one day reaching the Olympic podiums, Zion Aserie trains alongside world class athletes including celebrated world champion athlete Joe Fraser – also from Birmingham.

But despite his staggering success at the recent Liverpool held competition, which sees top level athletes go head to head for the coveted medals, Zion Aserie was almost not able to compete due to an acute stress fracture to his lower spine.

Nine months ago, doctors told the young athlete he had to leave the gym and spend three months recuperating, for fear of causing permanent or lasting injury.

With the crucial competition only months away, the young Aserie was forced to follow medical advice – leaving a question mark hanging over whether he could compete in the March 2023 event at all.

Having spent a decade training at City of Birmingham gymnastics club at the GMAC in Perry Barr, and with the Paris Summer Olympics scheduled for July/August 2024, the possibly permanent setback was a crushing blow to the young Castle Vale gymnast who had a promising future in the sport.

Zion Aserie is also a regular cast member of CBBC show Gym Stars, which follows the lives of some of the UK’s most promising young gymnasts.

Zion told: “I was devastated when my mum told me the results of my MRI scan.

“To think that it could have meant the end of my gymnastics career when all I’ve ever dreamed about is making it to the Olympics.”

But with the help and support of both his family and his coach, ex GB gymnast and double commonwealth champion Luke Folwell, Zion was eventually able to return to the gym – committing to 24 hours of rigorous training each week to stay at the very top of his game.

When the British Gymnastics Championships 2023 finally came round, Zion proved his fortitude by not only competing at event but taking home a bevy of medals and awards – including becoming the U18 Rings UK Champion.

Now back home in Birmingham, the young sports superstar has other challenges on the horizon – with his GCSE exams only a few weeks away.

His mum, Irene, told: “I am so proud of what Zion has achieved so far. My job is to ensure that he is able to work towards his dream of becoming an Olympic gymnast.

“He has what it takes, never makes excuses and is now reaping the rewards of his hard work. His resilience and determination are inspiring.”

Zion Aserie competing in the U18 Floor event at British Gymnastics Championships 2023

For more on Zion Aserie visit a www.linktr.ee/gymnastzion or follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/gymnastzion

For more on the British Gymnastics Championships 2023 visit www.british-gymnastics.org

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NEWS: Police investigation ongoing after man stabbed in “isolated incident” on Paget Road on Sunday night

Words & pics by Liam Smith

Police were called to Paget Road, Pype Hayes, last night after a man in his 20s was stabbed not far from an entrance to Paget Primary school.

The attack took place by the entrance to the school car park near the corner of Westmead Cresent, but the attack was reportedly an “isolated incident” unrelated to the school.

The call was made roughly at 9:30pm on Sunday, 26 March, with emergency services responding quickly and placing a cordon on the small dead end area outside the school car park gates.

A spokesperson for West Midlands ambulance service confirmed: “We were called to reports of a stabbing on Paget Road at 9:31pm, one ambulance, two paramedic officers and a trauma doctor attended the scene.

“We discovered one male patient who was treated for serious injuries before being taken to hospital for further assessment.”

Attending the scene late last night, Erdington Local arrived to see a single police van and two officers, with the scene under control and no visible threat to public safety.

Officers quickly assured the stabbing was not believed to be life threatening, despite the serious injuries sustained, explaining the “victim is in hospital now” and believed to be making “a good recovery”.

Forensics had been called to visit the crime scene.

Access to the rest of Paget Road was only possible via Westmead Crescent until the scene cleared, with officers protecting a police crime scene tent as their investigation continued.

This morning officers were again patrolling streets near the scene, assuring local residents the attack last night was “an isolated incident” and there was no danger to local residents or Paget Primary School, which neighbours the area where the attack to place.

Police were able to tell they believed the attack was carried out by people not local to Pype Hayes and again confirmed there is no threat to those in the local area.

A statement from West Midlands Police, issued today, stated: “We’re investigating after a man was found with stab wounds in Paget Road, Erdington, at just after 9:35pm yesterday (26 March).

“The man, aged in his 20s, has been taken to hospital with injures which are not believed to be life threatening.”

“It’s understood his car was taken after he was attacked and enquiries into who was involved are ongoing.”

Reports of knife crime, especially amongst young people, has been on the rise across the UK in recent years, with the cyclical nature of threat and violence seeing stabbings become more and more common place.

According to the Office for National Statistics “Knife-enabled crime recorded by the police saw a 10% increase to 49,027 offences in the year ending March 2022, from 44,642 in the year ending March 2021.”

According to www.ukcrimestats.com, the Erdington Constituency has the highest suburban crime rate across Birmingham – second only to Ladywood, which encapsulates parts of the City Centre.

From Nov ’21 to Nov ’23, there were nearly 100 more crimes in Erdington involving weapons than the next highest West Midlands constituency in Wolverhampton Soth West.

West Midlands Police are yet to confirm any arrests for the attack on Paget Road on the evening of 26 March but the investigation remains ongoing.

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NEWS: Local businesses invited to hear ‘10 point plan’ to tackle crime on Erdington High Street – meeting on Thursday 23 March

Words & pics by Ed King

On Thursday 23 March, local businesses and retailers are invited to a meeting with Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police, to hear their combined ’10 point plan’ to tackle crime on Erdington High Street and in the Town Centre.

Crime and antisocial behaviour have become key concerns in the central Erdington shopping district, with High Street retailers losing thousands each week to shoplifters and many local residents feeling unsafe to visit the area.

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) and Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton, the meeting is a continuation of consultations between the elected officials and the local business community – this month to be held at Oikos Café and Church at 6pm on Thursday 23 March.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact the EBID to register a place by emailing erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk or sending a message through their Facebook page – click here.

Local businesses and retailers can also secure a place at the meeting by emailing Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton’s office at paulette.hamilton.mp@parliament.uk

Promoting the event, a message on the Erdington BID Facebook page said: “The next police and crime meeting, focusing on Erdington Town Centre will take place on Thursday March 23rd at Oikos Church, Erdington High Street at 6pm.

“West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council will be talking through their 10 point plan to help improve the High Street moving forward.”

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton added: “At my previous meeting in February, I heard many local traders talk about the problems they are facing on the High Street. There is no doubt that something needs to be done to improve the situation if we want to prevent more shops from closing.

“This week, I have called a follow-up meeting with local businesses and look forward to hearing about Birmingham City Council’s action plan for our High Street.

“I’m pleased that we are making progress and I hope to see as many local businesses as possible at the meeting.”

Erdington suffers with a higher than average crime rate across the city, with an already stretched local police force facing a huge challenge with limited resources.

Since 2010, police teams across the region have been decimated by budget cuts – losing around 50% of officers dedicated to neighbourhood and community policing.

But in a recent meeting Chief Constable Craig Guildford maintained his force’s commitment to “…providing the best service we can to the residents, business owners, and any visitors to the High Street in Erdington.”

He added: “I definitely need people to report (crimes), to ring 999, if there’s a shoplifter detained that kicking off or assaulting anybody.

“And at the same time, I’d also encourage you to engage the BID and encourage the local businesses to work with the BID as well.”

To secure a place at the crime strategy meeting at Oikos Café on Thursday 23 March, at 6pm, email erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk or paulette.hamilton.mp@parliament.uk

For more on the Erdington BID visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk or www.facebook.com/erdingtonBID  
For more from Paulette Hamilton visit www.paulettehamilton.org

For more on Oikos Café visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk

If you have been a victim of crime on Erdington High Street we want to hear your story – please get in touch with us at: mystory@erdingtonlocal.com

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NEWS: Erdington’s Leon Edwards retains UFC Welterweight title in confident five round fight at 02 Arena

Words by Ed King

Erdington UFC star Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards (Jamaica/UK) has retained his Welterweight title, beating Kamura Usman (Nigeria/USA) in a confident five round fight– winning on points by a majority judges’ decision.

Fending off continuous attempts by Usman to grapple Edwards to the floor, the UK world champion stayed strong on his feet and out boxed his way to final victory.

The UK based UFC fight, held at the 02 Arena in London, was the third time the two UFC stars had met in the octagon – with each fighter having won one of the previous two fights.

When Edwards won the Welterweight title from Usman in August 2022, he was losing on points until a decisive head kick in the fifth round that sent Usman crashing to the mat and Edwards home wearing the belt.

This time, however, Edwards held a confident stance from the start, landing continuous leg kicks and slipping or blocking Usmans attempts at head shots.

Round one saw each man test their opponent, with Usman holding the centre of the ring and Edwards picking up points with some well placed leg kicks.

Round two saw the first of Usman’s take downs, and the first of Edwards’ resilient responses to his opponent’s attempts to pin him to the mat.

In round three Edwards lost a potentially crucial point during another attempt from Usman to grapple the Birmingham fighter onto the floor, alongside a low blow that paused the fight and saw Edwards issued with a warning.

However, out maneuvering Usman throughout the fight, Edwards went on to dominate rounds four and five – albeit a close call at every step – displaying supreme control and fortitude whilst Usman seemed to be grasping for a take down.

In a flurry of well landed punches during the tail end of round five, Edwards secured his title, with most of the audience already applauding his win before the judge’s final decision.

Through a display of controlled and professional power, Leon Edwards showed the world just why he is the deserved holder of the UFC Welterweight belt – giving the young people in Edrington a home ground role model they can both identify with and be proud of.

After the fight, Kamura Usman told BT Sports: “He (Edwards) had a great gameplan. I always said from the start we’d meet again and I’m not done. We will see each other again.

“I always gave him props for what he’s accomplished. He’s a brother like myself and great respect. London you’ve got yourself a great champion.”

Waiting in the wings, however, was cocky Colby Ray Covington – current No2 in the UFC Welterweight rankings and a likely contender to face off against Edwards in the next title fight.

For more on Leon Edwards visit

www.ufc.com/athlete/leon-edwards

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NEWS: All three men charged with Cody Fisher Boxing Day murder plead not guilty at Birmingham Crown

Words by Ed King

All three men charged with the Boxing Day murder of Cody Fisher (23) pleaded not guilty in a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court today, Friday 17 March.

Appearing via video link, Kami Carpenter (21), Remy Gordon (22), and Erdington teenager Reegan Anderson (18) also pleaded not guilty to a further charge of affray.

The three men accused have been detained in separate prisons across the West Midlands: HMP Brinsford (Wolverhampton), HMP Hewell (Worcestershire), and HMP Birmingham (Winson Green).

Presiding over the hearing, Judge Melbourne Inman KC set a trail date for 3 July, advising the court and defendants the case could take up to four weeks to be heard in full.

If found guilty of murder, all three men – tried as adults – would be looking at a mandatory life sentence.

Under the Criminal Justice Act 2003, affray refers to violent conduct in public setting ‘such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness… to fear for their own personal safety’ and could carry a sentence of up to three years following a conviction.

Cody Fisher was fatally stabbed at the Crane nightclub, Digbeth, on Boxing Day last year – pronounced dead at the scene despite the best efforts of emergency services attending the incident.

Mr Fisher was a semi-professional footballer from Redditch, who had been part of the Blues Academy and played for teams in Bromsgrove, Stourbridge, and Stratford.

Following the killing on 26 December, Kami Carpenter and Remy Gordon were initially arrested – with Erdington’s Reegan Anderson the last to be formally charged on 12 January 2023.

During the hearing on Friday 17 March, which was to establish the defendants’ pleas and for the court to outline their preparation for trial, the defence counsels for each man accused were asked if they accepted the fact each individual was at the Crane nightclub on the evening of Cody Fisher’s death.

All three defendants, answering through their counsels, admitted “presence” at the nightclub but denied “participation” in the charges brought against them.

As part of their preparation for trial, the defence counsels went on to request access to the “DNA statistics” surrounding the attack, and CCTV footage taken from the Digbeth venue from 6:30pm on the night in question.

Defending Reegan Anderson, Mr Bell also made a request for access to the “telephone evidence” regarding his client – which the court identified should be made available by the end of April.

Judge Melbourne Inman KC was also clear with the court that any witnesses required to appear should be confirmed as early as possible, as the trial will begin around the summer holidays and they would need to plan accordingly.

Kami Carpenter, Remy Gordon, and Erdington teenager Reegan Anderson have all denied the charges of murder and affray brought against them, with the trail set to begin on 3 July.

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Father and son charged with murder following “isolated incident and not gang related” attack on Cadbury Drive

Words & pics by Ed King

A father and son have been charged with murder after the fatal stabbing of a man at a house on Cadbury Drive, Castle Vale, at around 1pm on Monday 13 March.

Ahmad Alsino (42) and Bashar Alsino (20) were scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday 15, also facing charges for the attempted murder of another man and assault.

A statement issued by West Midlands Police told: “We have charged two people with murder after a stabbing at an address in Birmingham.

“Ahmad Alsino, aged 42, and his son Bashar Alsino, aged 20, have been charged after two men were stabbed at an address in Cadbury Drive, Castle Vale.

“A 56-year-old man was found with stab wounds and despite the best efforts of emergency services, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 27-year-old man remains in a critical condition in hospital.

“Both men have also been charged with attempted murder and assault.

“A 21-year-old woman has been released on police bail while further enquiries are carried out.”

Shocking scenes unfurled on Castle Vale on Monday afternoon, after emergency services were called to the quiet streets by the Castle Pool leisure centre, with reports seeing six squad cars, ambulance crews, and a police helicopter.

But thanks to the speedy response from West Midlands Police, the offenders were caught shortly after feeling the scene – tracked down to Chatham Road in Northfield.

Police were also quick to assure local residents they believed the incident to be a “targeted attack” and did not expect to see further aggression or violence on the street of the North Birmingham estate.

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin (Lab) further called for “calm” as the police began to conduct their investigation on Monday.

Cllr Goodwin, who also works supporting the Castle Vale community as CEO of Spitfire Advice and Support Services, added: “Castle Vale is full good and decent residents, and this is not a representation of this amazing community.”

In a further statement issued today, Chief Inspector Dave Sanders from West Midlands Police Homicide Team added: “Our thoughts are with the family, who are being supported by specialist officers at this very difficult time.

“We would like to reassure people in the neighbourhood that this was an isolated incident and is not gang-related.

“Our neighbourhood teams have been carrying out reassurance patrols and meeting with community leaders to provide support.

“We understand what happened might have shocked people in the surrounding area and we would again urge residents not to panic or fuel speculation until the conclusion of the court case.”

West Midlands Police are continuing their investigation and have called for any members of the public who may have useful information to get in touch.

The force previously stated: “Anyone with information should contact us via Live Chat on our website quoting log 1841 of 13/3.”

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NEWS: Murder investigation launched after believed “targeted attack” on Cadbury Drive

Words by Ed King

West Midlands Police have launched a murder investigation today after two men were stabbed at a residential property on Cadbury Drive, Castle Vale – killing one man and leaving the other fighting for his life in hospital.

Emergency services attended the scene at around 1pm on Monday 13 March, but despite the best efforts of paramedics one of the men attacked was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other man was rushed to hospital where he remains in a “critical condition”.

West Midlands Police issued the following statement following the attack: “We’ve launched a murder investigation after two men were attacked at a property in Birmingham this afternoon.

“One man suffered stab wounds and, despite the best efforts of ambulance colleagues, died at the scene in Cadbury Drive just after 1pm. Another man also suffered stab wounds and has been taken to hospital in a critical condition.

“The offenders fled the scene in a car which was picked up and tracked by the police helicopter to Chatham Road in Northfield.

“Armed police stopped the vehicle and arrested three people, two men and a woman, on suspicion of murder.”

Police went on to explain that although the investigation is only in its “early stages” it is believed this was a “targeted attack” and therefore presenting no continuing danger to local residents.

The police’s statement continued: “We have already sealed off the scene for forensic examination and begun house to house and CCTV enquiries.”

Knife crime is a growing problem across the country, with Birmingham holding some of the highest rates for weapon possession or violent assault in comparison to other areas of the West Midlands.

According to the Office for National Statistics “Knife-enabled crime recorded by the police saw a 10% increase to 49,027 offences in the year ending March 2022, from 44,642 in the year ending March 2021.”

However, some local residents were quick to praise the swift reaction from the police and ambulance crews attending the incident on Castle Vale today – telling Erdington Local they were reassured at the size and speed of the emergency service’s response and did not feel threatened by any potentially continuing violence.

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin also told Erdington Local: “I am very saddened and shocked to hear of the incident today, whilst I understand this is being treated as a murder investigation.

“I would ask that everyone remains calm and allows the police to undertake their investigations, my understand that arrests have been made this afternoon.

“Castle Vale is full good and decent residents, and this is not a representation of this amazing community.”

West Midlands Police are continuing their investigation and have called for any members of the public who may have useful information to get in touch.

The force added: “Anyone with information should contact us via Live Chat on our website quoting log 1841 of 13/3.”