Birmingham McDonald’s mice protest suspect arrested

A man has been arrested after boxes of live mice were released into McDonald’s restaurants in Birmingham.

A 32-year-old man was detained over the apparent protests on Wednesday evening, West Midlands Police said.

Videos on social media show the rodents being released in branches in Star City, Perry Barr and Small Heath.

Police are also looking for Billal Hussain, 30, in connection with the incidents.

The force said a number of warrants had been executed in efforts to arrest Mr Hussain, suspected of being involved in the “unacceptable” and “distressing” incidents.

The force said a number of warrants had been executed in efforts to arrest Mr Hussain, suspected of being involved in the “unacceptable” and “distressing” incidents.

A video on social media showed mice dyed in the colours of the Palestinian flag being released into the Star City restaurant on Monday.

A second clip also showed mice in a box in the Perry Barr branch on Tuesday.

The incidents were being treated as public nuisance offences, police confirmed.

Both restaurants were temporarily closed for a full clean and visits from pest control officers, a McDonald’s spokesperson said

A video of a reported third incident of a similar nature was also shared on social media on Wednesday, where a group of masked people appeared to empty a box of mice in a branch in Small Heath.

West Midlands Police said it was investigating the third incident but it was unclear if it was connected.