COMMUNITY leaders have called for peace in Solihull following gatherings over the weekend.
West Midlands Police confirmed officers were in attendance at a “mass gathering” in the Hermitage Road area on Sunday (August 4).
The force said: “We were called to Hermitage Road, Solihull at around 8pm after receiving a number of calls from the public about a large gathering involving two groups.
“Officers attended and with the support of the local community, the groups were dispersed.”
It added they were also made aware of a gathering earlier in the day in Solihull town centre, which ‘passed off without incident’.
These far-right protests have been taking place across the UK in response to a stabbing in Southport last Monday (July 29) where three schoolgirls died.
Solihull Council leader, Councillor Ian Courts, said: “Incidents of this nature are disappointing, as Solihull has a proud history of diverse communities living in harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect. We urge and hope that civilised dialogue will prevail during this time and will do all we can to facilitate that.
“Council officers have been working closely with the police throughout the day to provide support to the affected communities.
“We fully respect the right to peaceful protest and expression. Everyone in Solihull must be free to live their life without fear, we must not follow the path seen in other parts of the country where talk has given way to violence and thuggery.
“We will continue to offer affected communities the support that they need.
“Let me say very clearly – racism, violence, and intimidation have no place in Solihull. If you experience or witness anything of this nature, please report it to the police on 101 or via their live chat. In an emergency, where you or anyone else is in danger always call 999.”
The West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker, said: “This far-tight aggression and violence is unacceptable and it will not undermine the values of understanding and tolerance that unite our communities across the West Midlands, Our region thrives on unity, leaving no room for hate. We will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks.
“I support the Government and West Midlands Police and I’m very clear that those who engage in criminal activity should face the strongest possible consequences.”
West Midlands Police Chief Constable, Craig Guildford, said: “It has been a busy weekend for the force where we have been undertaking business as usual in addition to supporting other forces as part of national contingency plans.
“This is very much a tried and tested operation and our officers helped colleagues in Nottingham, Liverpool, Rotherham and Tamworth.
“Thankfully there have been no injuries to our officers reported.
“We have been monitoring local and national intelligence since last Thursday and policed a small gathering of protestors in the Solihull area. I would like to thank the local mosque leadership for their support throughout this.”
