Detectives investigating a serious disorder that broke out between teenagers in Dale End yesterday have released CCTV images of more than 20 suspects they want to question.
Trouble flared in High Street in the city centre, near Boots, just before 5.45pm and left three Birmingham teenagers with stab injuries.
Two men, aged 18 and 19, suffered knife injuries to the arm and leg, respectively, while a 17-year-old was stabbed in the chest; all three have now been discharged from hospital having received treatment.
West Midlands Police has trawled through CCTV in the area and identified a total of 22 people − all believed to be in their mid- or late-teens − that they want to speak to them about the violence.
Detective Inspector Greg Evans, said: “What happened was totally unacceptable: a large-scale fight involving upwards of 20 people in the city centre in broad daylight.
“We know that at least one offender was armed with a knife and believe that belts and a metal bar were also brandished as weapons.
“We have released a batch of CCTV images, some of which clearly show the people we want to speak to. What I’d say to these individuals is that ‘we’ll find you’ so do the right thing and contact us so you can give us your version of events.”
DI Evans added: “If anyone recognises any of the faces then I’d urge them to contact us directly or via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
“Our investigation is progressing at pace and I would like to thank the people who have come forward with witness accounts and also to provide mobile phone video footage of what happened.
“If anyone else has photos or video of the disorder then I’d ask them to also contact us as they could hold vital information.”
West Midlands Police now have Section 60 powers in place in the Dale End area until 9pm tonight.
This allows officers to stop and search people without reasonable grounds but where there is a risk of violence or believed weapons are being carried.
Anyone with information can contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am to midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 giving log number 1842 of 2 October.
Video which could help should be sent to: contactusnew_wmp@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk