Tag: stabbing

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NEWS: Police appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage after non-fatal stabbing on Coton Lane

Words by Ed King / Pics taken from Erdington Local archives

Police are appealing for help from the public after a man was stabbed on Coton Lane yesterday afternoon (10 September).

Responding to the incident, emergency services found the victim in a “serious condition” at the scene, but after rushing him to hospital it was confirmed his injuries were not fatal or “life changing”.

Now the force is calling for any information that may help them “trace who is responsible” for the attack that took place in broad daylight, just off the busy Erdington High Street.

Officers investigating are also looking for any eyewitnesses to the incident, or dashcam footage from any vehicle parked on Coton Lane or on the surrounding parts of Erdington High Street.

Following the attack, forensic teams cordoned off the quiet side street to search for clues – with officers also seeking CCTV footage that may help with their enquiries.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “We’re appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage as investigations continue after a man was stabbed in Coton [Lane], Erdington yesterday afternoon [Tuesday 10 September].

“The man in his 30s was taken for hospital treatment after the incident at around 3.15pm.

“Thankfully he is not believed to have suffered life-changing injuries and remains in a stable condition today [Wednesday 11 September].”

They added: “CCTV from around the area is being retrieved and reviewed as we work to establish what happened and trace who is responsible.

“Investigators have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and would urge anyone we’ve not yet spoken with, but who believes they can help, to come forward.

“We’d also ask that anyone who has any dashcam footage from around the time of the incident to get in contact with us. If you can help, call us on 101 or message us via Live Chat on our website, quoting crime reference number 20/832261/24.”

Members of the public who wish to pass on information anonymously have further been asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Attending the scene on Tuesday afternoon, West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to reports of a stabbing on Coton Lane in Birmingham just before 3.15pm.

“An ambulance, paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and two critical care paramedics were sent to the scene where, on arrival, crews found a man in a serious condition.

They added: “Medics provided advanced trauma care before he was conveyed under emergency conditions to hospital with MERIT travelling on board to provide continued treatment.”

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NEWS: Quick arrest made after “disorder” on Erdington High Street puts man in “life threatening condition”

Words by Erdington Local editorial team / Pics taken from archive

Police have made a quick arrest after a vicious knife attack during a “disorder” on Erdington High Street put a man in hospital in a “life threatening condition.”

Officers were called an incident near Six Ways Island at 5.10pm yesterday (Thursday, 20 June) following reports of fighting at the top end of the High Street.

Arriving at the scene, officers found a man with knife wounds who was immediately rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.

A few hours after the stabbing a man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article.

An immediate investigation began, with officers knocking on doors and closing parts of the High Street off the public. Parts of the busy retail area remained cordoned off overnight as forensic officers continued to collect evidence.

A statement from West Midlands Police said: “We’ve arrested a man after being called to reports of a disorder on Erdington High Street at about 5.10pm today.

“Officers attended and found a man who had suffered a knife injury. He was taken to hospital where we understand he’s in a life-threatening condition.

“A short time later officers arrested a man on suspicion of wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article.

“Part of Erdington High Street has been cordoned off as we remain at the scene, with forensic experts examining the area.”

The police added: “Officers are reviewing CCTV and carrying out door-to-door enquiries as the investigation continues.

“Anyone with information or footage can contact us via Live Chat or by calling 101, quoting log 3798 of 20 June.”

The stabbing on 20 June is yet another violent incident on Erdington High Street this month, as the once busy throughfare becomes more and more synonymous with crime and anti-social behaviour.

On 7 June another man was found with “life threatening injuries” after officers discovered the victim near Harrison Road during a routine patrol.

Last Wednesday, 12 June, another man was arrested in connection with a robbery and reports were made a man seen “threatening people with a hammer”.

Following the attack yesterday, social media was flooded with residents concerned about rising crime in the wake of another violent attack.

Eileen Monaghan said: “Yet another stabbing on the High St. When are the authorities going to go something about the open drug dealing and drinking on the High Street?”

She added: “There is a PSPO Public Space Protection order on the High Street yet not enforced. Why not?

“Are the police are too afraid the walk the High St or is there too much paperwork for them to fill out?”

West Midlands Police have asked the anyone with information or footage that might help their investigation into the attack on 20 June can contact the force via Live Chat – or by calling 101 and quoting log 3798 of 20 June.

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NEWS: Erdington teenager found not guilty of Cody Fisher Boxing Day murder

Words by Ed King

An Erdington teenager accused of murdering footballer Cody Fisher (23) on Boxing Day 2022 has been found not guilty, as the highly publicised trial came to an end at Birmingham Crown Court earlier today – 25 March.

Reegen Anderson (19) from Erdington was cleared of murder, but found guilty on a separate charge of affray.

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.

Anderson’s co-accused, Remy Gordon (23) from Rednal and Kami Carpenter (22) from Kings Norton, were both found guilty of murder and could be facing life imprisonment. Remy Gordon was also found guilty of affray.

All three will be sentenced at a later date.

(l-r Remy Gordon, Kami Carpenter, Reegan Anderson)

Cody Fisher was fatally stabbed at Crane nightclub, Adderley Street, Digbeth, on Boxing Day 2022 – pronounced dead at the scene despite the best efforts of emergency services attending the incident.

He had been 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, Remy Gordon and Kami Carpenter were initially arrested – with Erdington’s Reegan Anderson the last to be formally charged on 12 January 2023.

During the trial, the jury at Birmingham Crown Court heard how the defendants targeted Cody Fisher after a “minor altercation” at Popworld in Solihull, two days before the fatal stabbing.

Evidence showed Remy Gordon had used social media to try and identify Cody Fisher, and that both Gordon and Carpenter discussed how they could potentially smuggle a knife past security at Crane nightclub, where it was believed Cody Fisher would be on Boxing Day.

Further evidence showed Remy Gordon and Kami Carpenter approaching Cody Fisher on the dancefloor and “immediately being aggressive towards him”, where he has fatally stabbed through the heart and the murder weapon left “embedded” in his chest.

The jury also heard how Reegen Anderson had not known his co-accused for long and had met them through social media.

He told the jury: “I was added to a Snapchat group chat called Ravers Assemble. I’m not thinking these lads carry knives, I thought it was people who liked going out to raves.

“I had known these lads (Gordon, Carpenter) for two months.”

When questioned by Matthew Brook KC, he added: “These are not really my close friends, I have other friends I chat to on social media, I’m not always on this Snapchat group.

“I just went out for a good time.”

In a statement issued by the CPS following the verdict, David Parsons said: “Cody Fisher was an innocent party who was just trying to enjoy a night out with his girlfriend and friends when he was senselessly killed.

“The defendants showed a complete disregard for his life and their actions have robbed Cody Fisher of his future and caused immeasurable pain to his family.

“These two men (Gordon, Carpenter) lied and denied their involvement in Mr Fisher’s murder but we were able to present clear and compelling evidence including that from DNA, messaging on social media, witness testimony and CCTV footage which proved the murder was premeditated and that all three defendants were responsible for Mr Fisher’s death.

“The jury’s verdict reflects the gravity of their actions. Our thoughts are with Cody Fisher’s loved ones.”

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NEWS: Short Heath Road stabbing victim suffered ‘serious but not life-threatening’ injuries, emergency services confirm

Words by Ed King / Pics by Estelle Murphy

A man who was stabbed on Short Heath Road yesterday suffered ‘serious but not life-threatening’ injuries, emergency services have confirmed.

The victim, who has identified as 20 years old, was treated at the scene after the alarm was raised at around 5pm on Tuesday 3 July – following an attack that saw ‘injuries to his chest and arm.’

Centred around the Lifestyle Express newsagent on Short Heath Road, West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to an incident at 5.09pm – with the first ambulance arriving at the scene in only three minutes.

An unconfirmed post on Erdington Local’s social media, following our initial report of the attack, suggests the young man went into the popular convenience store seeking help after being stabbed on the street – with staff administering first aid and alerting the emergency services.

West Midlands Ambulence Service further told a second ambulance, a paramedic officer, the West Midlands Care Team, a MERIT trauma doctor, and critical care paramedic also attended – with witnesses seeing police cordon off the entrance to Short Heath Road from Station Road.

Witnesses to the response further say they saw ambulance crew attending to the victim for around 20 minutes before taking him away from the scene, presumably to hospital for further care.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman told: “On arrival, crews found a man with serious injuries.

“Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced trauma care before he was conveyed to hospital for further treatment.”

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police added: “We’re investigating after a man was found with stab injuries in Short Heath Road, Erdington, at around 5pm yesterday (Tues).

“Officers attended and the 20-year-old was being treated by paramedics for injuries to his chest and arm. He was taken to hospital and is understood to be in a serious but not life-threatening condition.

“Neighbourhood teams are patrolling in the area to offer reassurance to residents. Anyone with information can contact investigators via Live Chat on our website or call 101, quoting crime reference number 20/576105/23.”

Following the first reports of the attack by Erdington Local, many people took to social media to lament the rise in knife crime over recent years – alongside a stripped back and arguably underfunded local police force.

However, others were also quick to recognise the issue as a citywide concern.

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NEWS: Police shut off Short Heath Road after reported stabbing in local newsagent

Words by Ed King & Estelle Murphy / Pics & video by Estelle Murphy

Police shut off Short Heath Road this afternoon, following reports of a stabbing at the Lifestyle Express newsagent – next to the Facethetics beauty salon and just opposite The Red Lion Pub.

Full details of the incident are yet to be confirmed by emergency services, although Erdington Local had a reporter at the scene talking to the many local residents who were witnessing events.

Rush hour traffic was brought to a standstill after emergency services attended the scene at around 5pm, with hundreds of commuters forced to take alternative routes following a police cordon blocking the entrance to Short Heath Road from Station Road.

Pictures taken from the scene show at least four marked police cars and one ambulance in attendance, as blue police tape is extended to block off the busy thoroughfare.

Witnesses at the scene further told they saw police dog vans, a Critical Care Team vehicle, and an armed response unit also attend.

One eyewitness told Erdington Local: “I think it happened at around 5pm, I saw them (emergency services) working on a young man, possibly in his early twenties, for about 20 minutes before the took him away. I’m pretty sure he was stabbed, possibly by a machete.”

Another explained: “I was driving home, down Station Road, and the traffic was almost gridlock. Then I saw all the flashing lights and eventually the police tape.

“It’s just a regular afternoon, a Monday. You don’t expect to literally run into a crime scene on your way back from work.”

Police at the scene were not able to confirm or deny any information. Erdington Local has contacted the emergency services involved for more information or an official public statement.

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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: 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.”

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NEWS: 18 year old from Erdington is charged with Cody Fisher Boxing Day murder

Words by Ed King

An 18 year old from Erdington has been charged with murder and affray, following a police investigation into the fatal stabbing of Cody Lee Fisher (23) at a city centre nightclub on Boxing Day.

Reegan Anderson (18) from Erdington was held by West Midlands Police on 12 January and has now been officially implicated in the violent attack – which took place at Crane nightclub on Adderly Street in Digbeth.

Two other men had previously been charged with the murder of Mr Fisher, Kami Carpenter (21) and Remy Gordon (22) both appeared at the city’s Birmingham Crown Court last week.

Another man was also arrested but released on bail, making Reegan Anderson from Erdington the fourth man to be arrested and third to be charged over the horrific killing.

Cody Fisher, a semi professional footballer from Redditch, was fatally stabbed the dancefloor of Crane nightclub on Boxing Day last year.

Police were called to the popular Digbeth venue just before midnight on 26 December 2022, but despites efforts to save Mr Fisher’s life at the scene he was pronounced dead around 30 minutes later.

Security at the nightclub was questioned following the attack, with an 18-year-old man from Wolverhampton reporting the killing was a “disaster waiting to happen” and that the venue security “…didn’t even touch me whilst searching me, they just followed the outline of my body with their hands then tapped me to say go on through.”

He continued: “Obviously you want everyone to have a good time and enjoy themselves (but) when we got in I said to my friend: ‘That’s the worst search I’ve ever seen’. Anyone could have brought anything in.”

Cody Fisher was had previously played for Stourbridge, Bromsgrove Sporting, and Stratford Town football clubs.

In the days following the fatal attack, Arron Forde from Erdington based Community Interest Company Foundations 4 Future – who use sport to engage with young people and keep them away from violent crime and gang culture – took to social media to decry the brutal killing.

Mr Forde stated on his personal Twitter feed: ‘Having a son who is 2 & a half I just don’t see how I can bring him up in this lawless cesspit of a country. 0 consequence for the most horrific crimes.’

Following the arrest of Reegan Anderson, West Midlands Police issued the following statement:

“We’ve arrested a fourth man on suspicion of the murder of Cody Fisher, who was stabbed to death in a Birmingham nightclub on Boxing Day.

“The 18-year-old was held in Erdington just before 7am and will be questioned over the death of Cody.

“Cody, 23, was stabbed on the dance floor of the Crane nightclub on Adderley Street in Digbeth just before midnight on Boxing Day. He died at the scene.

“Two men have already been charged with his murder, while a third has been released on police bail while our inquiry continues.”

Det Insp Michelle Thurgood, leading the investigation, added: “We know lots of people at The Crane were using their mobile phones to take pictures and video on the night.

“If anyone has images from the evening that shows what happened before, during or after the incident, we really need to see it. It could provide vital to our investigation.”

West Midlands Police have set up a dedicated webpage for people to anonymously share any information, images, or videos that could help them with the investigation: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/20HQ22L31-PO1