A MAN was arrested following a disturbance near a vigil being held in Birmingham for the Manchester terror attack victims on Tuesday (May 23).
Crowds had gathered in Victoria Square at about 6pm to remember those killed when a suicide bomber struck at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.
The square was cleared and a 39-year-old man – who is known to police and is thought to have a history of mental ill-health – was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.
West Midlands Police said a small axe and a large stick was recovered.
Superintendent Andy Parsons, responsible for policing in the west of Birmingham, said: “Officers spotted the man acting suspiciously and spoke to him. At this point they have arrested him.
“The man was carrying a bag, and as a precaution, Victoria Square where the vigil was being held was cleared for around 15 minutes.
“A small axe was recovered along with a large stick.
“We will be interviewing the man to understand his intentions after mental health experts have assessed his condition.
“I’d like to thank people for the calm and collected way in which they responded to the incident. The professionalism of our officers who responded to the incident is also commendable and indicative of British policing.”
