London: Man held after van injures pedestrian during protests over removal of flags in Birmingham

A man was arrested in London after a van struck a pedestrian following an incident linked to the removal of flags on lampposts in Birmingham. The incident took place on Thursday night, leaving a man in his 30s with broken legs that required surgery. Police later detained a 44-year-old man at Euston station near the area where the “Unite the Kingdom” march had gathered. Separately, another individual was arrested for allegedly encouraging attacks on a police officer.Reports from The Guardian cited statements from West Midlands Police about the collision, the arrests, and the ongoing investigation.The investigation is based on information provided by the detectives that the driver of the van hit the pedestrian and fled the scene. Later, the police were able to recover the vehicle from the adjacent Prince Road.According to the police spokesman, “A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of wounding following a collision involving a van and a pedestrian in Stirchley on Thursday night. Officers from the Met Police arrested the man in London this morning [Sat], and he will be questioned by our officers in due course.”“The pedestrian, a man in his 30s, suffered leg injuries in the collision on Mayfield Road and remains in hospital,” it added.Further detailing the incident the report stated, “The van failed to stop at the scene but was recovered on nearby Prince Road and is now being examined. We are viewing CCTV and social media footage as we work to identify the full circumstances of what happened.”The man in his 30s continues to be hospitalised due to the crash. Officers urged anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 5802 of 14 May.