Ex-parliamentary candidate in racial abuse arrest

A former political candidate said he has been arrested on suspicion of racially abusing a police officer during a demonstration.

Akhmed Yakoob, who stood as an Independent candidate for the West Midlands mayoral election and the general election in 2024, told BBC News he was arrested on Thursday.

He said it related to a live stream he was running at the demonstration on 10 March and disputed the action by police, saying he was unlawfully arrested.

West Midlands Police confirmed a 38-year-old was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence at about 18:00 GMT on Hospital Street, Birmingham, and has since been released on bail.

In a statement, the force said it was aware of social media comments suggesting the arrest was connected to the burning of an Israeli flag on 5 March at another demonstration on Hospital Street.

"That is not the case. The investigation into the flag burning continues, and we are liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service," a spokesperson said.

"We respect people's right to protest and express views, without intimidating individuals, communities or breaking the law."

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