A Sky News reporter was interrupted during a live broadcast on a tense stand-off between far-right individuals and locals in Birmingham. A protester on a motorbike swore and made obscene gestures at the camera.
Sky News deleted their follow up video about the Sky News Reporter having to go off-air and then someone trying to slash their tyres.
Luckily, I saved the video before it was deleted.
Feel free to bookmark, it’s going nowhere. Enjoy. pic.twitter.com/OAUwLQCQNk
— Richard (@RedWallPleb) August 5, 2024
Masked groups gathered in Alum Rock and Bordesley Green after rumours in a far-right Telegram group suggested thugs were heading to the city. Some individuals, who congregated at a local McDonald’s, confronted Sky News reporter Becky Johnson. As she was reporting live to anchorman Mark Austin, a motorbike rider approached her, shouting, “Yo, free Palestine, f*** the EDL (English Defence League).”
Ms Johnson later revealed that a man attacked their Sky News van with a knife as they tried to leave the area, warning them they were not welcome. While reporting that local leaders were in talks with the police, the motorbike rider’s accomplices surrounded the camera, which then turned away to avoid capturing them on film. Ms Johnson apologised for the protester’s language before the broadcast was cut off, with Mark Austin ensuring viewers that security was being provided for her.
Ms Johnson detailed that men approached them, demanding they leave. Although older men reassured them to stay, the situation grew hostile, prompting them to depart. A masked man then attempted to puncture their vehicle’s tyre with a knife, but they managed to drive away unharmed.
Videos from Birmingham showed groups of men, some masked and waving Palestine flags, gathering near the McDonald’s. Local councillors appeared to support the community’s response to the far-right protest rumours. Yardley West and Stechford Councillor Baber Baz noted the strong community turnout, emphasising a peaceful stance against the EDL.
Labour MP Jess Phillips commented on social media that local Muslims were lured out by rumours of a far-right group’s arrival. She stressed that these rumours aimed to provoke Muslim residents into taking to the streets.
West Midlands Police has not issued a formal statement but confirmed officers were deployed in the area. Chief Constable Craig Guildford mentioned ongoing monitoring of local and national intelligence regarding further gatherings.
Rumours of far-right activity in Birmingham were discussed in a racist Telegram group linked to previous violence in Southport, where three girls were killed. One message in the group indicated a planned meeting in Alum Rock, with people ready to mobilise from Chelmsley Wood.
In Stockton-on-Tees, hundreds of Muslims guarded a mosque amid similar far-right gathering rumours. Around 400 people gathered at the Farooq E Azam Mosque and Islamic Centre. The peaceful vigil saw a brief disturbance when a white man was arrested for disorderly behaviour, causing the crowd to cheer as police took him away.
Rumours on Facebook led to the closure of a local job centre and doctor’s surgery, heightening community anxiety. Most attendees stood quietly at the mosque, ready to protect it. Volunteer Saeed Bashir explained the community’s spontaneous gathering in response to the rumours, emphasising the mosque’s importance.
Councillor Sufi Mubeen of Stockton Council praised the peaceful community effort and police assistance. He acknowledged the solidarity shown by the white community members present.
Southport has been central to recent unrest following a stabbing at a Taylor Swift dance event, resulting in the deaths of three girls. Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been charged with murder and the attempted murder of 10 others.
Sir Keir Starmer condemned the far-right exploitation of the Southport killings, which led to violence against police and mosques. The PM promised justice and announced a “standing army” of specialist police officers to tackle the rioting after an emergency Cobra meeting. Nearly 400 arrests have been made since the unrest began.