Words & pics by Ed King
Castle Vale’s Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) is set to hold an emergency ‘Community Crime and Safety Summit’ following reports of shots fired and men carrying machetes on the North Birmingham estate.
On Friday 5 April at around 5pm, several people posted messages saying they heard gun fire on or around the High Street and seen men wielding large knives – with some saying they had seen armed police and emergency services attend the scene.
Cllr Goodwin posted updates on his own Facebook page, confirming he had visited the area to “make sure residents are safe” and that the police had attended, but that things were “getting back to normal”.
He further added, in response to the incident and growing concerns over crime and policing on the estate: “We will be holding another Community Safety meeting… to talk about some of the issues we’re facing (on Castle Vale) as clearly some of these issues have not gone away.”
Posts on the popular Castle Vale Community Facebook page showed that some Castle Vale locals were even almost caught up in the violence, being close enough to witness aspects of the attack and even see those involved flee the scene.
Adam Stansbie posted: “Shots fired up by Nisa… 4 lads with long blades. Speed of in a car people please get your kids in doors as there’s a lot about the high Street. Armed police now here.”
Jess Bolton quickly confirmed: “Yes seen armed police car go along Manby Road however went off the estate at speed not long ago.”
Thankfully, at the time of writing no reports of anyone being injured have yet been made.
But the reality of how easily innocent bystanders could get hurt became all too apparent to those with families in the area.
On Friday afternoon, not long after the first reports of the incident came in, one local mother posted: “My son was by St Cuthberts (Church) when he heard the shots and saw lads with machetes running into a car. The car was not far from him and he turned straight back around.”
She added: “He’s a grown man and it shook him up. My husband has just drove by to go pick him up and there’s police and kids all dressed in black hanging around. Hopefully cameras will catch something. Really hope nobody was hurt!”
In a Facebook Live video from the scene, Cllr Goodwin further identified the need for the Castle Vale police station to be reopened and for “a proper police presence on this estate”.
Castle Vale was one of the first community police stations to be closed across the West Midlands, following the announcement made by West Midlands Police in 2015 that they would be shutting an initial 28 facilities to save money.
To watch the full video from Cllr Ray Goodwin, click here.
Cllr Goodwin later issued the following statement to Erdington Local: “Castle Vale is a strong vibrant community full of amazing individuals which is why tonight’s incident is more shocking.
“I am determined to deal with this issue head on and stop crime increasing further. This is why I am announcing we will be organizing a Community Crime and Safety Summit. Time, date, and venue will be announced shortly.
“I will be inviting the Police and Crime Commissioner, other local partners, and the MP Paullette Hamilton.
“I will be rolling my sleeves up to ensure more resources and better visible policing are allocated to Castle Vale.”
Erdington Local contacted West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulence Service for any updates or information.
West Midlands have released the following initial statement: “We’re investigating after weapons were brandished during disorder in High Street, Castle Vale, at just after 5.10pm yesterday (5 April).
“Up to four masked men – understood to be carrying machetes – chased another man into a shop. They then fled and no-one was injured.
“We’re carrying out CCTV – and other enquiries – and anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote 20/380920/24.”
For more on Councillor Ray Goodwin visit www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale
When is the meeting
Hi Graham, we’ve not been told a date yet – the incident happened yesterday and we suspect Cllr Goodwin will still be making arrangements. But he has told us he’ll let us know as soon as it’s confirmed and we will publish that on our website and social media.
We do know that it won’t be until after the mayoral and PCC elections on 2 May though, to make sure the right people attend – as in those who will have been elected to office.
But as soon as we know, we’ll publish it.