"Stay out of Birmingham right now!"
One man was caught on camera holding a sword amid rumours of a far-right march in Birmingham.
Approximately 300 people, mostly Asian and male, dressed in black and wearing face coverings gathered near McDonald’s in Bordesley Green.
This came after rumours circulated that a far-right rally would be marching through Bordesley Green, Heartlands and Alum Rock.
West Midlands Police, MPs and community leaders pleaded for calm and urged people to stay away from the area.
One section of the group said they were there to protect the area from violence and thugs.
However, Sky News coverage showed the moment one young man was holding what appeared to be a sword.
As a reporter explained what was going on, one man approached on a bike and said:
“Free Palestine.”
He then said: “F**k the EDL.”
The reporter is then forced to end her coverage as more men turn up.
But one moment that has attracted attention was a man appearing to wield a sword.
On social media, netizens gave their thoughts on the matter, with one saying:
“Bring the army to the streets and make peace fast.”
Former glamour model Leilani Dowding tweeted:
“Stay out of Birmingham right now! These people are serious weapons.
“Hey #TwoTierKeir @Keir_Starmer. Live on Sky they are in the street openly carry swords. What are you going to do about it????”
Another was concerned over the apparent lack of police presence.
“It’s MENTAL, absolutely unbelievable that there isn’t armed police in Birmingham taking out anyone brandishing a weapon.”
Despite the large gathering, one person believed no trouble will happen, saying:
“It’s just empty threats. We’re just here and standing up for our community.”
Elsewhere in Birmingham, mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers were in lockdown amid fears the city was in the sights of the far-right thugs behind recent violence in Tamworth, Rotherham and Solihull.
A 45-year-old from Bordesley Green said he was here to stand up against fascism and show solidarity.
He said: “Nigel Farage is trying to make out he’s all for peace – people like him need to speak up now and end this violence not stoke the fires.
“We don’t want this portrayed as Muslim men causing trouble.
“There are hundreds of us here and we want to send a message – racists and fascists are not welcome here.”
Despite the rumours, a far-right march did not come to fruition and by 7:30 pm, crowds began dispersing.
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