10/08/2011 Midlands Today

Hello and welcome to Midlands Today with Michael Collie and Suzanne

Virdee. The headlines tonight. A call for calm, after three men

are run over and killed, protecting their property from rioters.

He was trying to help his community. It does not matter who you are, we

are here to help every Birmingham shut down, as shops do

what they can to protect their property.

Cleaning up in Wolverhampton - young people unite, after hundreds

of thousands of pounds of damage. The Duke's we do and it lasts night,

they were writing and being a menace, so we are being for nice

side of them -- the youths were doing it.

And amidst tight security, the test Good evening and welcome to

Wednesday's Midlands Today from the BBC. Tonight, the devastated father

of one of three men killed on a second night of violence in

Birmingham asks, "What's happening to the whole of England?" The men

were hit by a car in Winson Green as they protected property shortly

after one o'clock this morning. The Prime Minister described it

this morning as a truly dreadful incident. They were taken to

hospital, where about 200 people gathered outside. The father

appealed for calm on the streets tonight.

There was violence and looting in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and West

Bromwich last night. West Midlands Police made 163 arrests, which

takes the total to around 300. Chief Constable Chris Sims said

today he has in excess of a thousand public order trained

officers at his disposal. Earlier today, Mr Sims said he had

no plans to change the tactics his officers were currently using, but

said he would like more officers on the streets.

Let me reassure people that our tactics are strong, we are putting

people before courts and that I do not feel in any mood to ask for a

different and additional resource. What I do need is additional police

officers because of the geography of what we are dealing with.

The violence has led to many Birmingham shops and businesses

closing early for a second day. Mary Rhodes is in the city centre

now, Mary, this must be having a major economic impact?

It certainly is. The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce said this loss

of revenue has cost the city to �0.5 million a date. They have

reported loss of revenue of 50% and trade is down across pubs,

restaurants and shops, as businesses close early to protect

staff and property. And it was similar today as shops closed

Keighley, including the Birmingham Bull Ring, which closed before 4pm

-- closed earlier. Along New Street, signs of shifting

up. Word spread from one business to another and they decided to play

it safe. We are to close at 4pm on the general advice of people around

us. The boring is closing, so it is probably precautionary but we have

to -- the Bull Ring shopping centres. Mid-to-late afternoon,

people do not want to be around. And it was not just shop owners

frustrated. The fact all the shops are closing seems a little dramatic.

I would rather get home safely than be in town where it gets nasty.

Keep doing what we are doing and living as we are, at no point

stopping everything because of the rioters. It was well before 4pm as

we headed to the Bull Ring shopping centre and it was closed with

barriers inside the doors. A police presence had strengthened on the

street and around. Rush hour started early as people headed home

to clear the streets of the city's. And this evening, the Institute of

Asian Businesses has said that Birmingham's Asian business

community condemns unreservedly the action of the rioters. Nasir Aswan,

who's president of the institute, said in a statement: "We will unite

to eradicate this menace and ensure that Birmingham retains the

friendly, open-for-business reputation that it enjoys

globally." I can tell you from here that traffic is gridlocked trying

to get out of the city. It is free on the way in but a lot of police

vans have headed into the city this evening. I will be back later for a

further update. News of the death of three men in

the Winson Green area of Birmingham. Our reporter has been talking to

shocked families. Three young men were not down here

by a car that did not stop. They have been named as 31-year-old

Abdul Mussavir and his brother Shazad Ali. Also with them at

Haroon Jahan, 21. This mobile phone footage captured the moment just

after the car sped away. The three friends had been here because they

had been worried about security at the businesses along Dudley Road.

The father of Haroon Jahan spoke of his family's last. I cannot

describe to anyone what it feels like to lose your son. He was

working with me at one time recently and he left, he got a job

as a mechanic. Just down the road. I miss him. I miss him deeply. But

like I said before, a day from now, maybe two days, the whole world

will forget him and nobody will care. There was solidarity and

sympathy for the family last night. Outside the City Hospital. Then

next door neighbour expressed her support. A fine young man, trying

to just protect our homes. Just to protect our homes, it is just, this

journey people have taken his mindless and. Us. It is mindless

and pointless and is getting beyond a joke. We need to stand together

and fight for peace, because this is England. Forensics experts have

spent all day at the scene as police appealed for calm. Police

say this is a complicated inquiry and facts are still emerging. They

say communities should trust police to protect them and have asked

people to act with a sense of cool calculation. A police car was used

today to carry out skit tests. It came as community workers awake for

hours in tribute. We just need to give families time to grieve and

communities time to heal and hopefully people empowered to stand

back and listen. Tonight, as a community Greaves, there were

renewed calls for restraint and, reflection. -- and reflection. And

our reporter is at the scene in Winson Green. How have the wider

community reacted today? There has been the universal shock

and sympathy and degrees felt hurt on behalf of the family, expressed

by friends, and family members. And exasperation also at the violence

and disorder in Birmingham and elsewhere, and the atmosphere in

the city in the last few days. And I think we cannot get away from the

fact there is also trepidation about what the future might hold,

and those very strongly worded pleas for calm.

They have been meetings held in the area, what happened? -- there have

been. Meetings have been held throughout

the day and attended by politicians, faith leaders, community leaders,

the police. We were at one of those meetings held at a school down the

road and the feelings were running very high. Their work and passion

speeches. The hope is people will have listened to those speeches and

there will be calm not just tonight but also over the forthcoming days.

Thank you very much indeed. Shopkeepers in the Black Country

say they've lost hundreds of thousands of pounds after mobs

rampaged through the streets of Wolverhampton and West Bromwich

last night. Businesses were attacked with hammers, and then

looted. A clean-up operation involving young people from the

community got underway today, as Bob Hockenhull reports. The

disorder is another blow for small business -- for small businesses

struggling to survive. Shops like this jewellers in

Wolverhampton -established for 40 years - bore the brunt when a crowd

went on the rampage smashing windows with hammers and stealing

merchandise. We are trying to help as soon as possible. I just do not

know, I honestly do not know what we will do. There is no money

coming in. I have got to pay wages, staff. It might be the end of us.

Youths took to the street both in Wolverhampton and in West Bromwich,

causing trouble and forcing shops to shut early and lose trade. But

one brave hairdresser in Wolverhampton stood up to the

looters - stopping them from attacking her salon.

There was a group of 300 or 400 children coming and one girl with a

hammer smashing the windows while the guys kicked the windows through,

and they were coming here and standing here and swearing. If you

are not touching my shop, I said! They were telling me not to swear

while they were smashing up the shops, so I did this. Not my shop,

please! They were shot and left me alone. -- shocked. It was a very

different crowd that took to the streets in Wolverhampton this

morning. Armed with only brushes and pans, the group of mainly young

people offered to help traders clear up. I felt like doing a nice

thing because youths were doing it lasts night writing and being a

menace, so we are being the nice side of the youths -- rioting.

Everybody on Facebook and Twitter last night were concerned about

everybody. Most of the city's streets have been cleaned up, but

by coming together like this, young people feel they are giving

businesses in the city a sense of reassurance. And reassurance was

something the Shadow Home Secretary sought to give the people of West

Bromwich, as she came to witness the aftermath of last night's

disorder for herself. People are saying, I love Sandwell,

that is coming out from people wanting to stand up against this

violence, Africa's it is unacceptable. These are criminal

elements are damaging the community and also people's livelihoods.

trade, damaged shops, stolen stock - but there was one business in the

Black Country not worrying about a drop in profits.

Obviously, we will wait -- we will make money had a bit but it is

still not good, really not good. -- ahead of it. Not a Glaser would

wish it to happen. Because, after all, this is an image which surely

must be bad for all businesses in the long run.

The Prime Minister has been in Wolverhampton and in Birmingham

this afternoon, meeting the police, business leaders and residents in

some of the worst affected areas. David Cameron said that's where

what he called the "fightback" begins. Well, our political editor,

Patrick Burns was there and he joins us now. Patrick, what did he

mean by that? He means by a fight back, the eye-

catching elements are that COBRA has given its authority for the use

with 24 hours' notice of water cannon for the first time on the

streets of mainland UK. It was seen in Northern Ireland last month.

Another aspect is a reaffirmation of the police powers, in extreme

circumstances, to use baton rounds, formerly known as plastic bullets.

Police have been remarkably reluctant to use these two things

because they are considered to be only in extreme circumstances, and

to change the nature of policing in this country. So it is not

something likely taken. Earlier today, the Prime Minister said he

did not want to see London lot down. I put it to him that is exactly

what has been happening in Birmingham. The first priority is

to increase the number of police on the streets to reclaim them for the

law abiding and to absolutely make it clear these looters and thieves

are arrested and prosecuted and convicted and imprisoned. That

needs to happened -- to happen and it will be much easier for up

centres to get back to normal and police numbers can come back down

and Birmingham will be the great city we want it to be. Parliament

has been recalled tomorrow, how significant is that and what can we

expect? It is a mark of the extreme gravity of the position we are in.

For the last time Parliament was recalled in the middle of a summer

recess, you have to go back to 2002 at the time of the start of the

Iraq war. And before that, to the attack on the twin towers and

threat of international terrorism after 9/11, so it is a mark of the

extreme position we are in. And we can expect a debate about this

aspect of the policing side of it, the cost that will attach to it at

the time when the government has very little cash to play with, so I

expect it to be a very sombre occasion tomorrow. We have heard

from some MPs who are concerned, how concerned our MPs and the Black

Country? Deep concern. We have used expressions like mindless

criminality. Andrew Mitchell, a member of the Cabinet, said, the

full force of the law will be brought to bear on this. But we

will also hear discussion in the House of Commons about the question

of the causes, whether there is an element of a completely

disconnected under class here, whether there is any link to the

cuts, very contentious and debate of these were some would say on

decent people who protest peacefully. Thank you very much

indeed. Elsewhere, 12 people were arrested in Worcestershire, after

cars were set alight in Redditch and Worcester. In Coventry, nine

people were arrested after unrest in the Cheylesmore area of the city.

There were also disturbances in Gloucester, where police were

attacked with rocks and bottles, as Steve Knibbs reports. And with no

apparent shame, some of those in the Gloucester riots last night

posed for a camera. Around 50-60 rioters fought running

battles with the police along Barton Street. Copycat crimes

triggered by disturbances across the UK. Gloucester's Chief

Constable cut short his holiday to see the damage for himself. The

Chief told me they'll make sure those responsible are brought to

justice. These people have come onto the streets and committed

criminal acts, and the only people they are hurting of the community,

so it is very disappointing. And I am very clear we want to make sure

the streets are safe and that people who commit these criminal

acts need to understand we will be looking to rest them and put them

before the courts. And it has not taken place long. 14 people have

been arrested, some as young as 16. This man was taken into custody on

suspicion of burglary after this newsagents was broken into, the

only incidents of looting related to last night's violence. The clean

up this morning was swift. Apart from the burnt-out shell of a

disused building, there was little sign of the trouble. But there was

anger. Little kids breaking down people businesses. This community

is a good community and whoever is doing this, they are sick idiots!

The people here are not complacent but they are hoping that tonight,

those intent on causing trouble have got the message and will keep

away. Pictures of the riots from a small

community television station based in Birmingham have been beamed

around the world. Sangat TV, unheard of by most

people just a few days ago, has taken viewers right to the heart of

the disorder with their own unique style of reporting and message for

calm. Joanne Writtle reports. As the full horror of writing unfolded,

a little-known TV station followed the action, with reporters

expressing their anger. I do not care if I raise my life because it

is about humanity! -- will lose my life. It is difficult what is

happening! Sangat Television at Edgbaston in

Birmingham is a charity-run station which normally broadcasts

community-based programmes, often in the Sikh community. When you see

some of what was going on, you do get emotional. And you say, this is

totally wrong what is happening here. We are helping the community,

there you go. As you can see, this is what we need to do for the

community. The police are doing their job and protecting us. You

can see it live footage, this is another live exclusive footage and

Sangat TV. The station normally broadcast community-based

programmes. But in a complete departure, it followed the violence

live to warn communities. We wanted to bring peace to the community and

take misunderstanding out of what was happening. It was mainly just

looting happening. This is an emergency radio broadcast.

Meanwhile, as writing was breaking out for his second day, a youth

radio station here at Highgate in Birmingham broadcast an appeal for

calm. We would like to say please, please, stay out of it, stay at

home and out of the scenes. Radio Youthology is run by volunteers and

aired on the internet, with programmes aimed at 15 to 25 years

olds. I am disgusted by it. Birmingham is our home and we live

as one and it brings sadness for me personally to see people's homes

and buildings being broken into. Back at Sangat TV, their attempts

to help sometimes caused frustration. Are you listening to

me? They cannot see down the road because you are blocking their

vision. What on earth are you trying to do? I know you are trying

to help us at... Overall, community television and radio took to the

airwaves to appeal for peace. A lot of media interest around the world

of what is happening here in the Midlands.

And there will be continuing coverage throughout the evening and

into the night on BBC WM, with more from us on BBC One's ten o'clock

news. Still ahead here on Midlands Today

tonight, a proud day at Edgbaston, as England take control against

India. And I'll have more on how the

weather could affect play later The West Midlands Chief Fire

Officer has been reassuring people in Birmingham not to be alarmed by

a huge plume of smoke which appeared over part of the city

today. It was generated by a huge fire at a scrap yard at the

Hawksword Metal Recycling Plant in Nechells. The smoke could be seen

from several miles away. The fire service wanted to make it clear

that it is nothing to do with the current disturbances.

The imagery from the Troubles has been a large fires and we are very

concerned that people travelling across the M C think a big fire is

going on in big -- in Birmingham and there is an issue, but there is

not, this is normal business for us and we are putting this fire out.

It produces a lot of smoke and a lot of people will see this and

think of other connections. But it really is just normal business for

Cricket now. Undeterred by the disturbances across Birmingham, the

third test between England and India has been taking place at

Edgbaston. Nick Clitheroe's there right now.

The mood was upbeat around Edgbaston and there were only a few

signs that security might have been stepped up for this match.

Generally it appeared the fans couldn't wait for the latest

chapter in an enthralling test saga. If England win, they'll go to

number one in the world. They have played awesome and deserve to be

number one in the world. If they carry on, unstoppable force stop

they are doing well against every teams are up Mack we have had

tickets for a year. My friend's but they, so very excited. They will

win, a Champions'. Sachin Tendulkar will get his century. This is the

first test match at the ground since the opening of the new �32

million pavilion. For everyone with Warwickshire cricket in their heart,

it's a special day. They have done really well and are to be

congratulated. It is a magnificent facility and I have just seen the

dressing rooms and they are so big and spacious, it almost, almost

feels like I should come out of retirement. But almost! There were

bag checks for spectators, but nothing more than in any previous

test series. A great atmosphere at Edgbaston and after a difficult

couple of days for the city, this is just what the City needs. But a

poignant moment too, as the England team took to the field in black

armbands in memory of Neal Abberley, former Warwickshire player and

coach, the man Ian Bell credits for his career.

One Indian fan had told me before the match he was mainly here to

watch Sehwag. He better not have blinked, as the Indian opener went

to his first ball. After a brief Indian fightback, the wicket of

Sachin Tendulkar meant it was definitely England's morning. But a

fightback by the captain, MS Dhoni, means this is a day both sets of

fans could enjoy. And anyway, the 20,000 fans in the ground were just

delighted that neither the rioters nor the weather had stopped the

cricket. Great stuff! And did I see superman

among the crowd! And we could do with him!

A great day at Edgbaston today. Six of our teams were in Carling

Cup first round action last night. But only two of them won. Yoann

Arquinn scored in the 92nd minute to give Hereford United a 1-nil

victory over Brentford. And League Two Shrewsbury Town

created one of the shocks of the round. They raced into a 3-nil

half-time lead at Championship club Derby and held on to win 3-2.

And all the action from our teams in the Carling Cup will be on the

BBC Sport website from tomorrow. Let's catch up on the weather

action now. So far today, the rain has been

localised - located mainly in the North of the region. It will become

more widespread over the coming days. There's no shortage of

systems passing through, but if the times in-between last any length of

time, we might get some drier interludes, Thursday into Friday

being one of them. A long pause before quite a messy situation

unfolds as we head into Saturday. So our chances of seeing the

Perseid Meteor shower on Friday night might be scuppered by the

cloud. Hopefully not though on Saturday night, as things begin to

clear up, although the light of the Moon might put it in the shade a

bit. It's set to be one of the best displays this year - with 100

meteors an hour at its peak. Tonight, the rain has a go at

pushing in from the North and West, but doesn't really affect central

and Southern parts too much. Some of it could be heavy where it does

occur and it'll be fairly humid and warm tonight, with lows of around

14 or 15 Celsius, although the winds will be starting to ease a

little. Tomorrow will be a duller day with outbreaks of rain, as a

cold front heads Southwards. But as you can see, most of it's bitty.

There could be the occasional heavier spell. Temperatures

generally a little higher - 21-22 - with brisk Southwesterly winds, but

not as strong as today's. And then tomorrow night's rain dies out.

Friday looks mostly dry with sun and warming up a little more as the

winds die down and the winds pick Tonight's main headline: The Prime

Minister, David Cameron, says a fightback is underway to restore

law and order. Whatever resources police need, they'll get -

including baton rounds and water cannon.

And the West Midlands Chief Constable says he is happy with his

tactics, but will be deploying extra officers.

Back now to the disorder on the streets of the West Midlands. Mary

Rhodes is in Birmingham City Centre now. How do things seen this

evening? As I reported before, people were

heading for the buses and trains earlier today and we have been told

Birmingham New Street are running services as normal and will do so

throughout the evening. But Bristol Street is still gridlocked and has

been for at least half an hour. There is cricket at Edgbaston and

so that could be an additional factor, but a lot of police vans

have been going past to deal with potential trouble again tonight.

It was another tough night for police last night and more officers

on the street tonight? That is right, police presence was

increased last night, around 600 officers dealing with the looting.

And we saw extraordinary pictures of an electrical shop looted and

bigger plasma screens carried away in full view of our cameras and of

the police. I was at the police press conference today and the

Chief Constable Chris Sims said those people would be dealt with

today. And there is an increase police presence -- and increased

police presence tonight, 1,000 trained officers and other forces

from outside the area. It is very windy and rain clouds are gathering