West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police cordoned off multiple roads in the Erdington and Kingstanding areas after receiving a 999 call about a man acting suspiciously in the area.
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West Midlands Fire Service later added that it was working ‘alongside other emergency services’ as they deal with ‘incidents’ in the Erdington and Perry Barr areas.
The fire service said: “West Midlands Fire Service, alongside other emergency services, are dealing with incidents in the Erdington and Perry Barr area.
“We would ask the public to keep clear of any emergency service workers or vehicles.”
The force issued a statement surrounding the incident at 6.26pm, urging people to be ‘vigilant’ and asking anyone who has seen any suspicious activity to contact 999 immediately.
The force said: “We currently have a large policing presence in the Erdington area following reports of a man acting suspiciously.
“We’re in the process of trying to locate the man. As always, our focus is on ensuring the safety of everyone. We’d ask people to be vigilant, and if you see any suspicious behaviour, contact us immediately via 999.”
National Express West Midlands warned of delays in the region, with the group warning that services 7 and 907 are both diverted.
The group announced: “Incident ongoing on College Road and Perry Common Road, Perry Common.
“Services 7 and 907 are diverting in both directions via: Warren Road and Hawthorn Road. Apologies for any disruption to your journey.”
It is unknown if the incidents are related, with both College Road and Perry Common Road having been cleared.
However, West Midlands Police have confirmed that the ‘large operation’ they had in the area turned out to be an inaccurate report made by a member of the public who was genuinely concerned.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Earlier this evening we asked for the public’s vigilance after we had received a report of a man acting suspiciously in the Erdington area.
“We have carried out a number of enquiries through the evening and we are now able to say that we believe this report was a provided out of genuine concern and with good intent but it has turned out to be inaccurate.
“We’ll continue to have officers in the area, as we regularly do as part of our daily plans, but not the substantial resources which were there earlier.
“We would like to thank the public for their support this evening as well as our partner agencies.”