West Midlands Police is investigating assaults on five people at the NEC during Reform UK’s conference last weekend, with a number of suspects already identified.
The force said that on September 4, several individuals were removed from the conference hall by other members of the public. Footage from one incident appeared to show a protester’s hair being pulled as she was forcefully bundled away.
Victims yet to come forward
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 8, West Midlands Police confirmed that none of the victims have come forward so far. The force said: “Our investigation into a number of assaults at the NEC during Reform UK’s National Conference last week continues.
“We are investigating assaults on five people which took place on September 4, as a number of people were removed from the conference hall by other members of the public. To date, none of the victims involved have come forward. We continue to encourage them to do so.”
The statement added that “a number of suspects have been identified as the investigation progresses” and that officers have reviewed footage showing the incidents as they work to establish the full facts.
Police urge public not to speculate
West Midlands Police also addressed the circulation of names online. The force said: “We are also aware names of people allegedly involved in the assaults are circulating in the media and on social media. We would urge people not to speculate about the identity of those involved, but to pass any relevant information to our investigators.”
One protester was removed as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage shouted “boring”, with the same word flashing up on a screen behind him. The incident occurred as the conference was taking place at the NEC in Birmingham.
Police confirmed they are in touch with the security team who worked at the event and are reviewing all available information. They urged witnesses or victims to contact them via 101 or Live Chat on their website, quoting log 1106 of September 3.
