Latest news with #Smethwick
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Firefighters tackle blaze in derelict building
Two roads in Smethwick, in the West Midlands, are set to be closed for much of the day after a huge fire in a derelict building. At its height, 12 fire crews tackled the blaze on Anderson Road, in Bearwood, after being deployed at about 01:15 BST. No casualties have been reported and the response has since been scaled back. However West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) said Bearwood and Anderson Road would remain closed for most of Sunday. West Midlands Police said it was working with fire crews to enforce road closures and help establish the cause of the blaze. A drone will be deployed to monitor the structure and "complex nature" of the building, WMFS said, adding that "good progress" was being made in the investigation into the cause of the blaze. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. West Midlands Fire Service
BBC News
18-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Firefighters tackle Smethwick blaze in derelict building
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) were called to a fire in a derelict building in the early hours of Sunday crews were sent to the incident, on Anderson Road, Bearwood, Smethwick just after 01:15 response has since been scaled back, with four remaining crews damping down hot spots. West Midlands Police are also on scene, the fire service said.A WMFS spokesperson added no casualties had been reported. A drone will be deployed to monitor the structure and "complex nature" of the and Anderson Road will remain closed for most of Sunday morning, WMFS BBC has contacted West Midlands Police for comment. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
11-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Thousands flock to Smethwick park for Vaisakhi celebrations
Thousands of people gathered in a Black Country park for an event that has been described as the UK's largest Vaisakhi open-air event took place in Smethwick's Victoria Park on Sunday as part of a celebration of Sikh heritage and community a historic first, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the central holy scripture of Sikhism, was transported from Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick in a golden palki - a palanquin carried by devotees - marking a significant moment for the event.A host of children's activities were available, and a free vegetarian meal was offered to attendees. Gurinder Kaur Athwal, the organiser, said: "This is a very special day for the Sikh community all over the world, not just in the UK."We've got the weather for it, the people are amazing, there is food for everyone, we have the stalls out and everyone is having a fantastic time celebrating this day with us." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Telegraph
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
India-Pakistan conflict ‘could spill onto Britain's streets'
The escalating conflict between India and Pakistan could culminate in clashes on British streets, an MP has warned. MPs and leaders of both the Muslim and Hindu faiths have called for calm amid fears that mounting tensions between the two nuclear powers in Asia could trigger disorder in the UK. Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr and a Pakistani-Kashmiri, said he expects widespread instability in the region to lead to protests in Britain. 'Many communities are feeling the distress emanating from the region, and it is crucial for emotions to not run high,' he said. 'British Pakistanis, Kashmiris and Indians are all worrying for loved ones overseas at present, and it is vital that we do not compare or diminish the relative pain being felt by either community. 'I expect there to be protests and rallies, but I appeal for people to stay calm. 'It is imperative that our communities come together to promote the principles of humanity and not division, and vital that the Government does its utmost to broker an immediate end to hostilities.' In 2022, Leicester and Smethwick saw numerous clashes between predominantly young men – some wearing balaclavas and hurling racial taunts – as religious violence flared following a cricket match between India and Pakistan. Hindus and Muslims blamed one another for the disorder, much of it also fuelled by inflammatory and inaccurate posts on social media. Vinod Popat, a convener for the Hindu Community Organisations Group set up after that unrest and which represents about 50 Hindu groups in Leicester, called for restraint. 'When things like this in the region happen emotions run high and it can spill out into this country, especially among the young on both sides,' he said. 'Here in Leicester and the rest of the UK we need to live in harmony and there has to be cohesion. 'But, whatever happens in south-east Asia between India and Pakistan means there's apprehension that it could have an impact on the streets here.' Shockat Adam, the independent MP for Leicester South, said there were 'genuine fears' that the military clashes between the two nuclear powers could culminate in unrest in the UK. 'Act responsibly' 'The situation in the region is alarming and there is a genuine fear that tensions from the region could spill into the streets here in Leicester,' he said. 'A great deal of work has been done by faith and community groups to address the issues that ignited previous troubles. 'The onus is on everyone to act responsibly and not take to the streets. 'I have reached out to the police, faith groups and community organisations to promote peace and unity in our vibrant communities, so we can work collaboratively to ensure we do not see any repeat of the troubles in 2022.' Anil Bhanot, the managing trustee at the Hindu Council UK, said: 'There are always some concerns when something happens in the subcontinent between Pakistan and India. 'We want calm' 'But I hope the tensions remain in that region and don't spill over here. We want calm in this country, we don't want it to flare up again like it did in Leicester.' A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said it recognised the 'profound impact' international events can have on diaspora communities, adding how recent demonstrations featuring 'heightened emotions' had been observed 'among British Indian and Pakistani communities'. Maswood Ahmed, the deputy secretary general of the MCB, said: 'Here in the UK, we must unite, upholding our shared values of peace and respect. 'The MCB urges community leaders to take proactive steps in working with local authorities to safeguard public safety and uphold community harmony.' A protest held in London last month outside the Pakistan High Commission was being investigated by police after claims that a Pakistani diplomat was seen making a throat-slitting gesture.
