Diners and staff at Al-Qamar restaurant in Balsall Heath barricaded themselves inside the premises on Tuesday night after a man armed with a baseball bat and knife went on a violent rampage outside. The incident began when a pregnant woman ran into the restaurant screaming for help, having been attacked nearby.
Attack Unfolds Outside Restaurant
Akilah Bennett, 31, was dining with her family when the pregnant woman sought refuge. Moments later, the attacker arrived outside wielding a baseball bat. "He was waving the baseball bat around and trying to hit all of us, my uncle was brave and stood in the middle to protect the woman," Bennett told BirminghamLive.
The man initially fled after being chased away by diners and the restaurant owner. However, he returned armed with a knife, forcing everyone to barricade themselves inside while waiting for police.
Victim Hospitalized, Police Investigating
The pregnant woman sustained a serious arm injury and was taken to hospital for treatment. West Midlands Police arrived at 9.55pm and are reviewing CCTV footage of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log 6300 of 14 July.
The quick actions of diners and staff helped protect the victim and prevent further harm. The restaurant has not commented further on the incident.
