Arrest made after officer 'racially abused' during Birmingham protest
A man has been arrested on suspicion of racially abusing a police officer during a protest in Birmingham city centre.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of racially abusing a West Midlands Police officer during a demonstration on Hospital Street, Birmingham.
The suspect was arrested at around 6pm on Thursday, on Hospital Street, where he was held on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
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His arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into another demonstration on Hospital Street, this time on March 10, where the police officer was racially abused.
The 38-year-old has since been bailed while the investigation continues.
A West Midlands Police officer said: "Last night we arrested a man on suspicion of racially abusing one of our police officers at a demonstration in Birmingham on 10 March.
"The suspect, aged 38, was arrested at around 6pm yesterday on Hospital Street, Birmingham.
"He was held on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
The force added that it was 'aware' of social media comments suggesting that the arrest was connected to the burning of an Israeli flag on March 5 at another demonstration on the same street.
However, they have said that this is 'not the case', adding that they 'respect' the right to protest and express views without intimidating individuals, communities or breaking the law.
A force spokesperson said: "We are aware of social media comments suggesting that last night’s arrest was connected to the burning of an Israeli flag on 5 March at another demonstration on Hospital Street.
"That is not the case. The investigation into the flag burning continues, and we are liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service.
"We respect people’s right to protest and express views, without intimidating individuals, communities or breaking the law.
"We are committed to ensuring the West Midlands is a safe place for everyone to live, work and visit.
"We will keep communities safe, deter intimidation, and enforce the law."
