UPDATE: Over the weekend (June 3), West Midlands Police released an updated statement, naming three men charged. The statement read: “The men – Stephen McCallum, aged 38, David Hammond, 39, and James Bond, 58 and all from Birmingham, were charged with violent disorder and appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on Thursday.” A fourth man was released without charge.
Original story below
West Midlands Police arrested four males after a Muslim family faced racist abuse and violence from a group with weapons at Doe Bank Park in Walsall over the weekend, the force confirmed.
In a statement, the force confirmed the arrests of men aged 38, 39, 55 and 58 – on suspicion of assault.
Walsall Police tweeted, “We’ve arrested four men after a family were racially abused and attacked by a group armed with weapons at Doe Bank Park in Pheasey, Walsall.”
An investigation was launched into the appalling incident on Sunday (28 May).”
In the broader statement, Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby said: “This is a very active investigation and these arrests are a significant step forward in our enquiries.
“The victims were part of a family enjoying a picnic and we understand the concern this has caused within the community.
“We’re working very closely with the family and we’re grateful for all the support we’ve received from the wider community to enable us to fully focus on progressing the investigation.
“It’s important everyone stays calm so our officers can continue this focus, without other distractions, and look to bring those involved in this appalling incident to justice.”
Police added that they carried out additional reassurance patrols and are keen for members of the public to share video footage with them, and not on social media, to protect the investigation’s integrity.
The force added: “We’re aware of a distressing video of the attack being shared on social media and we’d ask everyone to please not share this content.
This could not only affect the victims but impact on our enquiries, and in securing justice. It’s crucial any potential evidence is sent directly to us instead.”
Tell MAMA continues to liaise with West Midlands Police and endeavours to provide more updates where possible.
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 20/466399/23, or use the West Midlands Police Live Chat function. Tell MAMA can provide information to the police on your behalf or anonymously.