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Teen charged over car tyre slash attacks at hospital

A teenage boy has been charged with criminal damage after hospital workers' cars had their tyres slashed.

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Police responded to a call from security staff at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the early hours of Sunday reporting two men trying car door handles in the car park.

They arrived minutes later and found at least four vehicles whose tyres had been punctured, including the car of a Covid nurse who had just finished a 12-hour shift.

A 16-year-old boy from Weoley Castle was arrested and has now been charged with criminal damage, vehicle interference and going equipped to steal.

He has been bailed to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on November 16.

In the meantime he is bound by conditions including to live and sleep at a specified address and an overnight curfew.

Birmingham Police Chief Inspector Sarah Tambling described the damage of key workers’ vehicles as “disgusting”.

She added: “It’s truly shocking that vehicles belonging to NHS staff have been targeted. It appears offenders were trying door handles and if they were unable to gain access were slashing tyres as an act of spite.

“Some of these victims are putting their lives on the line to save others…they deserve the respect and support of everyone. And it’s beyond belief someone would target their property while they are at work in a hospital.

“We won’t tolerate offences against key workers and offenders can expect to be charged and put before the courts.”

Enquiries continue to identify a second suspect police believe was involved.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or message on Live Chat via the website. Quote log 719 from 1 November.

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