Incident in Ballards Lane area, update from Chief Inspector Kev Hailes

Police Statement – Incident on Friday 7 March

Late on Friday 7 March, police were called to reports of a disturbance outside a kebab shop on Ballards Lane. On arrival, officers located a man with a stab wound to the buttocks and a second victim with a minor injury above his eye. Both received prompt medical attention.

Five people have been arrested in connection with the incident, and officers are continuing to work to identify additional suspects who left the scene prior to police arrival.

We want to reassure the local community that, while early accounts suggested there may have been a disagreement involving a flag, there is currently no indication that this incident is linked to wider community tensions or international events. At this stage, the information suggests this was a localised dispute between a small number of individuals, and there is no broader threat to the public.

A full investigation is under way, with officers reviewing CCTV, speaking to witnesses, and carrying out additional patrols to provide visibility and reassurance in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously.