Police Make Plea

Councillor Phil Bateman said today "West Midlands Police have contacted me with regards to the Wednesday arrest of eight men at 4.00am in Birmingham for suspicion of the commission preparation or instigation of Acts of Terrorism under the Terrorist Act of 2000. This followed raids by the police at a number of addresses across Birmingham.

The police inform me that the arrests were made as part of a counter terrorism operation coordinated and lead by the Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.

They make the point that speculation about those arrested ,including their ages are unhelpful and could prejudice any future legal proceedings.

Twelve addresses have been secured and sealed off in Sparkhill, Washwood Heath, Kingstanding and Edgbaston . The police go onto state that they have excellent relationships with the communities within which it polices. That they will listen to the concern and will do everything within their power to reassure the communities that they police.

They also spell out that hate crimes will not be tolerated and that they will take robust action wherever necessary.

Finally they ask me if our community here in Wednesfield have any information or concerns that I would like to share with the police to contact them with the details?

This message is relayed to you because our police want to re-assure the whole conurbation about the determination they have to protect and support the people of the West Midlands. They also want you to be vigilant and patient as the legal process takes place."