Police move to reassure public after Birmingham's Broad Street closed in wake of London terror attack
West Midlands Police also see rise in number of calls to force prompting plea to residents
Armed police and heightened security met revellers as Birmingham's Broad Street was closed in the wake of the London terror attack.
Unmarked police patrols joined officers to shut access to the city's busy entertainment district late last night.
Cordons were put in place from the Five Ways junction to Paradise Circus with side roads off Broad Street also blocked by police.
Revellers spoke of their shock at the sight of the police lockdown as officers sought to reassure people on night's out.
Police confirmed Broad Street had been closed from 11.30pm until 3am 'purely as a reassurance move'.
'Key locations' across the West Midlands also saw a more visible police presence.
This will continue today as Edgbaston cricket ground hosts an ICC Champions Trophy game between India and Pakistan.
One man, who did not wish to be named, was out with his wife in the city when the police operation got under way.
"The police were reassuring people but of course people were concerned, especially those who had not seen what was happening in London," he said.
"No-one knew what was happening initially. People were concerned but were not panicking. The police were reassuring if you asked them.
"Others were just milling around."
The Broad Street taxi rank was also moved to Sheepcote Street while the main route was cordoned off.
West Midlands Police said it was seeing an increase in the number of calls to its force control centres and urged people to think before they called.
West Midlands Police chief constable Dave Thompson said: “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in London. We also think of those who witnessed terrible acts of violence.
“Among the carnage and confusion of this terror attack, the emergency services and ordinary people displayed remarkable acts of courage and human kindness.
“We’re in close contact with colleagues in the Metropolitan Police to offer our support and to understand more about the attack.
“As people would expect, we’re once again reviewing all of our already well-rehearsed plans and will take any steps necessary to keep people safe.
“Locally, we were quick to respond following Saturday’s attack and purely as a reassurance move we temporarily restricted access to Birmingham’s Broad Street while businesses remained as usual.
"The restrictions were lifted at 3am having been implemented at 11.30pm.
“Other key locations across the region also saw enhanced patrols. Again, this was simply to reassure people worried by events in the capital and not in response to any local threat.”
"Policing in the West Midlands continues as usual including the safety and security for the ICC Champions Trophy, at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham and in Coventry for MotoFest.
"People can help protect themselves and their loved ones by remaining alert at home, work and when out and about.
"Any suspicions should be reported to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or at gov.uk/ACT where online terrorist and extremist material can also be reported."
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson paid tribute to the ‘ heroism’ of the capital’s emergency services.
“After the awful terrorist attack in London my thoughts are with the victims and their families. As always the emergency services displayed heroism in the face of danger and I pay tribute to them. I am in regular contact with the Chief Constable and am working with him to ensure the people of the West Midlands continue to be protected.
“I would urge people to be vigilant, but above all else carry on with your daily lives. We should not be and will not be cowed by those who seek to divide us.”
Meanwhile Staffordshire Police also went ahead with its planned open day at force HQ in Stafford.
Staffordshire Chief Constable Jane Sawyers said: “We believe the best response to acts like this is to continue with this fantastic event that will bring the community together.”
Gavin Williamson, the Government Chief Whip, said: “It is completely disgusting what has happened in London and the callousness of the attack has shocked us all.
“Extremist views and ideology have to be given no room in our society and we need to take what action we can to root them out.
“If that means more powers for our police and security services, then so be it if that is what is required to keep us safe.
“It is not just a case of hunting down the perpetrators and those associated with them, we have to ask difficult questions over what more can be done so those that peddle hate can be dealt with.
“The security services do an amazing job. When there are 3,000 people under active surveillance and 20,000 more that the police and security services are aware of, the question is what more can be done? The Prime Minister has signalled that we need to look at this and something has to be done. In her words ‘enough is enough’.”
