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Birmingham vigil for Manchester attack victims interrupted after man detained nearby

A man, reportedly armed with a knife and a baseball bat, has been detained close to the event.

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Man arrested following a disturbance near Birmingham vigil

The man was arrested in Birmingham city centre during the vigil. Credit: PA

A man has been arrested following a disturbance near a vigil in Birmingham city centre this evening.

The 39-year-old Birmingham man – who is known to police and is thought to have a history of mental ill-health - was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

The event was being held in support of the victims of yesterday’s Manchester terror attack.

Officers spotted the man acting suspiciously and spoke to him. At this point they have arrested him.

The man was carrying a bag, and as a precaution, Victoria Square where the vigil was being held was cleared for around 15 minutes.

A small axe was recovered along with a large stick.

We will be interviewing the man to understand his intentions after mental health experts have assessed his condition.

I’d like to thank people for the calm and collected way in which they responded to the incident.

The professionalism of our officers who responded to the incident is also commendable and indicative of British policing.

– Superintendent Andy Parsons

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