Police this afternoon sealed off part a city street after an armed man “threw missiles” from a pub roof. A large cordon was in place on Warren Farm Road and surrounding roads were blocked off as 999 crews dealt with the incident at the Kingstanding Inn pub.
Roads in the heart of Kingstanding were sealed off this afternoon, and residents warned to avoid the area. Riot police with shields were seen entering the pub just after 1.50pm today.
West Midlands Police said a man armed with a knife was aiming missiles at officers and cars. A force spokesperson confirmed: “Officers are currently in Warrens Hall Road, Kingstanding, where a man wanted for harassment, is on the roof of a building and refusing to come down.
“The man, in his 30s, is armed with a knife and throwing missiles at officers and cars. We’re advising residents to avoid the immediate vicinity while we talk to the man in an effort to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.”
As a result of the incident, a large cordon was placed around the venue on Warren Farm Road, from the roundabout to the shops. National Express tweeted this afternoon that buses were diverting from the area.
We have a reporter at the scene this afternoon who will be bringing you live updates.
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This is a breaking live incident, we will be bringing you all the updates below.
15:26Dayna Farrington
Man seen holding fire extinguisher
The siege continues in Kingstanding this afternoon, as the man has been seen by our reporter at the scene holding a fire extinguisher on the roof of the Kingstanding Inn pub. He was seen ‘spraying the extinguisher’.
While another set of riot police have just entered the Kingstanding Inn pub. More updates to follow.
15:21Key Event
Traffic update as siege continues during school run
The school run is underway, and Warren Farm Road remains completly cordoned off. Live traffic system INRIX stated: Warren Farm Road remains closed in both directions. Slow traffic due to obstruction on the road between Hawthorn Road and Tansley Road. Diversion – National Express Bus service 33.”
Our reporter at the scene said parents with small children are looking at the man on the roof when he comes into view, as they walk home. Officers are dotted around the pavement trying to contain the situation and keep traffic flowing.
15:16Naomi DeSouza
Man pictured on roof
The siege continues this afternoon as the man, armed with a knife, remains on the roof of the Kingstanding Inn pub. Wayne Johnson, works at Birmingham Reclaimed recycling yard, just behind the pub. Mr Johnson said:” I’ve had a chat with him trying to get him to come down but he’s not. He’s got his own qualms.
“We can still operate but it’s slowed us down.”
15:11Key Event
Police deploy drone
The police have deployed a drone over the pub. Meanwhile the man is walking around the roof with his hood up and hands in his pockets. Riot police were seen entering the premises earlier this afternoon in an effort to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.
15:04Naomi DeSouza
‘Small crowd’ has gathered
A small crowd has gathered outside the parade of shops to watch the incident unfold. Police are asking the public not to interact with the man on the roof.
A nearby worker said: “I saw only police car first around 11.30am to Midday, and then there were more police cars. They are everywhere and have blocked the area.
“There’s usually a bus, number 33, which comes but nothing. Now people are watching.”
14:52Naomi DeSouza
Police to close entire crescent shortly
Our reporter has been told that the police are going to extend the cordon to include the entire crescent shortly. This means Warren Farm Road circle will be closed to the public from Danesbury Crescent. The health centre remains open.
14:47Naomi DeSouza
‘Lad on the roof shouting and throwing bricks’ – resident
A local resident called Rachel, 44, told our reporter: “It was an hour ago and I suddenly heard sirens, then I saw a lad on the roof, he was shouting and throwing bricks at the police cars.
“He had a big, green kitchen knife on it. The staff were in the cellar, they were shook up. He’s not moved. He’s got his phone, filming.”
14:40Naomi DeSouza
Picture from the scene
Police are at the scene this afternoon trying to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. The pub is closed while this takes place, our reporter at the scene confirmed.
14:32Key Event
Full police statement
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police confirmed to BirminghamLive that man armed with a knife was aiming missiles at officers and cars. A force spokesperson confirmed: “Officers are currently in Warrens Hall Road, Kingstanding, where a man wanted for harassment, is on the roof of a building and refusing to come down.
“The man, in his 30s, is armed with a knife and throwing missiles at officers and cars. We’re advising residents to avoid the immediate vicinity while we talk to the man in an effort to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.”
14:30Naomi DeSouza
Buses diverted from the area
As it stands, Warren Farm Road is now cordoned off as 999 crews deal with this major ongoing incident. A number of buses have been diverted from the area. National Express West Midlands confirmed:”Due to police incident on Warren Farm Road Kingstanding. 33 and 96 will be diverting in both directions via: Hawthorne Road, College Road and Brackenbury Road We apologise for any disruption to your journey.”
14:23Naomi DeSouza
Major ongoing incident
Good afternoon. There is a major ongoing incident this afternoon in the heart of Kingstanding as an armed man throws missiles at police officers and cars. Members of the public have been warned to avoid the area.
The man, in his 30s, is armed and striding on the roof of the Kingstanding Inn pub. West Midlands Police , including riot officers with shields, are on the scene now.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
