Birmingham detectives have provided a major update in the investigation into an attack on two police officers on Soho Road. A man has now been charged with multiple offences, and the case is set to be heard in court. The incident, which occurred on 3 July, left one officer with a head injury after he was struck with a baton.
What happened on Soho Road?
The attack took place on Soho Road, one of the busiest routes in Birmingham. Officers were attempting to detain a man, and during the struggle, one officer was hit on the head with a baton. The officer sustained a head injury. The suspect then fled the scene, and a second officer was also assaulted, according to the charges.
The incident is believed to have occurred in a busy area, given the road's prominence. West Midlands Police have not confirmed whether any members of the public were harmed or witnessed the attack.
Search and arrest in Selly Oak
Following the attack, police launched an investigation to identify and locate the person responsible. On 30 July, a man was arrested on Milner Road in the Selly Oak area. During this arrest, an officer was allegedly assaulted. The man, now identified as Mahroy Stephenson, was taken into custody.
Stephenson was charged on the afternoon of 31 July, according to the police statement. He was then scheduled to appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 1 August.
Additional allegations
Beyond the Soho Road attack, Stephenson faces charges from an earlier date. On 20 June, he is accused of wounding a man and a woman with intent. On the same day, he allegedly stole a necklace and a bracelet worth a combined £9,000. These separate charges add to the seriousness of the case.
Full list of charges
The charges against Stephenson are:
- Wounding an officer with intent in Soho Road (3 July)
- Assault on a second officer in Soho Road (3 July)
- Assault on an officer in Selly Oak (30 July)
- Wounding a man and woman with intent (20 June)
- Theft of a necklace and bracelet worth £9,000 (20 June)
The list includes both the Soho Road incident and the Selly Oak arrest, as well as the earlier alleged offences.
Police statement in full
West Midlands Police released the following statement: "We've charged a man with multiple offences after two officers were attacked on the Soho Road as they tried to detain a man. Mahroy Stephenson, aged 30, is accused of wounding with one of the officers with intent, and assaulting a second one."
"The charges come after an officer suffered a head injury on 3 July when he was struck with a baton by a man who then fled the scene," the statement continued. "He's also charged with assaulting an officer during his arrest on Milner Road in the Selly Oak area on Thursday (30 July). Stephenson is also accused of wounding a man and a woman with intent on 20 June, and the theft of a necklace and bracelet worth £9,000 on the same day."
The force added: "Stephenson was charged yesterday afternoon and was appearing before magistrates in Birmingham today (1 August)."
Court proceedings today
Stephenson was due to appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court this morning. At this hearing, the magistrates will consider whether to remand him in custody or grant bail. Given the multiple charges involving violence, it is possible that the case will be committed to the Crown Court for trial.
The legal process will now take its course, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The court will set out further hearing dates in due course.
Impact on the community
This incident highlights the risks that police officers face every day. Attacks on officers not only cause physical harm but also affect the wider community. The fact that this attack happened on a busy Soho Road will cause concern among local residents and businesses.
West Midlands Police have not released further details about the injuries sustained by the officers, nor have they indicated whether any other suspects are being sought. The investigation is reported to be ongoing.
Brum Daily will provide further updates as the case progresses through the courts.
