A street busker in Birmingham city centre was left unconscious after being threatened with scissors and struck with heavy objects during a violent daylight attack on Union Street. The incident, which occurred around midday on July 22, has prompted a police investigation and raised fresh concerns about safety for performers in the city.
The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, described the assault as unprovoked. He was going about his usual routine when a man approached him in an aggressive manner, allegedly threatening to obtain scissors and stab him. The busker, who was recording parts of the encounter on camera, recalled the sudden escalation.
"He was like, 'whoa, whoa, you talking to me?' and I was like, 'dude, you know, relax,'" the victim said. "The next thing you know, he's there saying, 'oh, I'm going to get the police, I'm going to get the police.' I stood back with my camera and said, 'you know what? Get the police, let's get them.' A few moments later, he said he was going to get a pair of scissors and stab me. That's all I can remember."
Attack details and immediate aftermath
According to the victim, the assailant threw glass and other heavy objects at his face and body, all while onlookers, including women and children, watched. The busker suffered memory loss and lapsed in and out of consciousness, requiring ambulance transport to hospital for treatment.
The victim claims the same individual regularly causes "alarm and distress" in the city centre, but authorities have not taken action to remove him from the streets. This has left the busker feeling vulnerable and frustrated.
"This needs to be stopped," he said. "I am a well-known character who tries to brighten up the community, and I want to prevent this from happening to anyone else. People in the city centre need to feel safe."
Victim takes extra safety measures
In the wake of the attack, the busker has invested in a 360-degree camera system for his busking setup, driven by fear for his personal safety. He hopes the equipment will serve as a deterrent and provide evidence in case of future incidents.
The incident has sparked wider conversation about the safety of street performers in Birmingham, who often work alone and in exposed public spaces. Local residents and fellow performers have expressed solidarity with the victim, calling for increased police presence in the city centre.
Police investigation underway
West Midlands Police (WMP) have confirmed they are investigating the incident. A spokesperson said: "We were called to Union Street, Birmingham, just after 12pm on 22 July, to reports of two men fighting. One of the men was taken to hospital after suffering a medical episode. Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish the details."
Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. Information can be provided via Live Chat on the WMP website or by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 20/334544/26.
Community response and calls for action
The attack has reignited concerns about anti-social behaviour in Birmingham's busy shopping and entertainment areas. Buskers and street traders often report feeling unprotected, and this case highlights the potential for sudden violence in seemingly routine situations.
The victim remains determined to continue performing but insists that more must be done to ensure public safety. "I want to prevent this from happening to anyone else," he reiterated, urging authorities to take a firmer stance against repeat offenders.
WMP have not yet made any arrests in connection with the assault. The investigation remains ongoing, and officers are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the attack.
