West Midlands Police has confirmed that a 15-year-old boy arrested after a window was smashed at a student property in Chelmsley Wood has been banned from the area under strict bail conditions. The teenager was arrested on October 14 after the property was targeted earlier in the week.
Arrest and bail conditions
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a knife. Police have now confirmed he was bailed with strict conditions, including not entering Chelmsley Wood "unless attending an education provision or in the company of an appropriate adult".
The force said its investigation into the criminal damage at the property was continuing. "Officers have spoken to the victims and appropriate safeguarding procedures have been put in place," the force told BirminghamLive.
Encounter with 'Chelmsley Wood Patriots'
International students living at the address were reportedly involved in an encounter with 'Chelmsley Wood Patriots' in Meriden Park before the attack on their accommodation. Footage of the encounter, shared online, showed members of the group interrogating and checking phones belonging to the Asian students. They were ordered by the group to return home before the students later reported criminal damage at their address.
West Midlands Police has not confirmed that the two incidents were linked. However, it said officers had been "carrying out proactive patrols around Chelmsley Wood following reports of a group operating in the area".
Police response and community engagement
The force added: "A 15-year-old who was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a knife has been bailed with strict conditions. These conditions include not to enter Chelmsley Wood unless attending an education provision or in the company of an appropriate adult."
"Keeping people within local communities safe is our priority and we will take appropriate action when a crime is reported to us. If you have any concerns, please speak to an officer or call 101. Always call 999 in an emergency."
The force said it would continue to carry out proactive patrols in the area and engage with the local community. The investigation into the criminal damage at the property remains ongoing.
