Four men arrested after shocking disorder at Ramadan markets in Small Heath

Four men have been arrested in connection with Sunday night’s violent disorder in the Small Heath area of Birmingham. 

Police and Trading Standards officers were allegedly subjected to verbal and physical abuse around 1:30am on Sunday (16 April) when an operation to crackdown on illegal street vendors was in operation.  

Officers worked on a joint operation with Birmingham City Council tackling illegal street trading in Coventry Road in Small Heath, however disorder broke out resulting in missiles being thrown, say police.

One officer was struck by a bottle, and three police vehicles were damaged. Two Trading Standards officials were also kicked and spat at.

Two 16-year-old boys and a 42-year-old man have been arrested for violent disorder and a 23-year-old man has been arrested for assaulting a police officer. They remain in custody as police enquiries continue.

Following the disorder, police have continued evening patrols accompanied by religious leaders and community members to reassure local residents and traders, and ensure that Ramadan celebrations pass peacefully and safely.

Inspector Gary Everitt, said: “We are aware that the violence on Saturday evening involved a small group of people and I’d like to thank the wider community for their continued support.

“It’s been testament to the strong relationships that we have with the local community, businesses and mosques that we have been able to continue work closely together on joint patrols offering reassurance to families who are peacefully celebrating Ramadan.”