Hundreds set for Birmingham demo in memory of riot dead

Hundreds of people are expected to take to the streets in Birmingham today to hold a peaceful protest in response to the deaths of three men amid violence.

Community groups from across the city have announced their intention to stage a “Peace Rally” in Winson Green, where Haroon Jahan, 21, and brothers Shazad Ali, 30, and Abdul Musavir, 31, were killed last week.

The three friends were struck by a car in Dudley Road as they were trying to protect shops from looters. All three were pronounced dead in hospital on Wednesday.

Joshua Donald, 26, from Ladywood, and a 17-year-old boy from Winson Green are due in court today each charged with three counts of murder.

Two men aged 23 and 27 who were arrested on Friday night remain in police custody.

Speaking at a press conference with the families of the three men yesterday Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe, West Midlands Police, said officers had been working with the community to ensure the event, which will be held in nearby Summerfield Park at 3pm today, remained peaceful.

She said: “We’ve been working with the community to discuss the format of the event, we’re very confident that we’re going to have the right style of policing and the approach to the event.

“Obviously I have officers on duty that will help the event organisers and there is absolutely no indication that it’s going to be anything other than a peaceful event.”

She also said that anyone planning to come to the rally who may be looking to cause trouble should learn from the violent scenes witnessed throughout the country this week and Birmingham’s response to its own tragedy.

“I think we’ve seen this week all communities coming together, all faiths coming together working with police, working with our partners.

“This is about Sunday, this is about Birmingham, this is about Birmingham standing shoulder-to-shoulder and having some time to reflect. So, come to the event, join us in the spirit of the event.”

Family members yesterday described those killed as “hard working young men” who gave their lives trying to protect their community.

The brothers’ uncle, Abdullah Khan, 58, said: “This was not about race, this was not about religion – this was about a pure criminal act.”

Mr Khan told reporters his nephews were “hard-working young men” who gave their lives trying to protect their community, adding: “We have lost two sons, which has left their family in complete shock and devastation.

“What we want is justice for our family.”

After the deaths, it emerged that Mr Jahan’s father, Tariq, attempted to revive his son after hearing the car speed away from the scene.

At a press conference yesterday Mr Jahan, 46, said he had been “humbled” by the support he had received from his community and further afield.

He said: “I would like to thank the community, especially the young people, for listening to what I have to say and staying calm. Thank you very much to the young generation.”

Detective Superintendent Richard Baker, of West Midlands Police, told the press conference officers had recovered two cars in the course of the investigation.

He said a black Mazda, registration CN06 SHZ, had been found burnt-out very close to the crime scene.

A black Ford Fiesta, registration BT11 GTY, has also been recovered, and police are interested in locating a black Audi A3 which was nearby at the time of the deaths.

Mr Baker said: “The response from the community has been overwhelming. A number of witnesses came forward and to date we have obtained over 70 witness statements.”