Birmingham: Pub punter who 'incited violence' will be barred after counter-protester attack

Footage shared on social media appears to show a man attacked by counter-protesters in Birmingham on Monday night after he appeared to say something at a small group passing by.

Officers are also investigating damage done to the pub itself, after some tried to kick the door in and damaged windows.

Linda Ward, the pub's assistant manager, told Sky News she wants to ban that customer for provoking the group and inciting violence - adding Muslims have since been supportive and offered to pay for damages.

The incident was "really scary" and happened while regulars were in the pub with their families, she said, when they barricaded the doors with tables and chairs.

"After the man came outside and he got attacked, the majority of the people that were on the march put a stop to that, protected him, kept him safe," she said.

"The ones that were doing the fighting were trying to boot the door in. They cracked the glass in, damaged the handle to the doors."

Mrs Ward said other members of the counter-protest "couldn't apologise enough" on behalf of those responsible for the assault.

'Proud of multi-cultural city'

She said people on the march were "more sensible than not", adding: "The majority of people that were on the march last night stayed behind, supported us, they offered to pay for damages and everything.

"They couldn't apologise enough."

In a post on Facebook shared earlier on Tuesday, the pub condemned "mindless thugs" using "any excuse to go out causing trouble in the community".

They added a "big thank you" to a mosque in nearby Sheldon, which "reached out with apologies from their community".

"We are proud of our multi-cultural city and let's keep it that way," the pub said.

Police investigating

West Midlands Police said there was a large crowd at Bordesley Green - a short drive from the pub - following rumours on social media about a potential far-right gathering, which did not take place.

A 46-year-old male has been arrested by police investigating TV footage showing a man apparently armed with a weapon at the counter-protest.

Sky's communities correspondent Becky Johnson was approached by protesters while live on air, with a man wearing a balaclava later filmed slashing the tyre of a Sky News van.

In a statement on events in Birmingham on Monday night, the force said on Tuesday evening they are looking into a "violent disorder" at around 8.30pm on Stoney Lane, the pub's location.

"A man was assaulted and shortly after a pub window was smashed," they said.

"After speaking to the licencee, the group were apologetic about a small number of the group who caused the damage and we're told they offered to pay for the repair.

"We will be making further enquiries to find the suspects.

"Following the assault a man in his 50s was treated for injuries which thankfully are believed not to be serious.

"It's understood this involved a separate group involved in damaging the window.

"We are also working hard to find anyone that has been involved in this; and my message to you is that we will find you and we will arrest you."

-SKY NEWS