Trouble broke out at a balloon release in honour of a young motorcyclist killed in a crash after failing to stop for police. Friends of the 18-year-old, known locally as ‘Tomo’, gathered in Heath Way, Shard End, on Friday evening (July 12) to commemorate his death.
Residents reported anti-social behaviour and a police car was damaged in the chaos. Several vehicles were also recovered and officers issued several tickets for traffic offences.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to comply with stopping rules and driving without insurance. The police helicopter is also believed to have circled the area while officers on the ground dealt with the incidents.
Read more: ‘RIP Tommy’ graffiti appears in Kingstanding after fatal cycling accident
Tomo, 18, was killed on July 4. Police said the bike, which had been reported stolen, failed to stop for officers before the collision.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “A number of bikers attended a planned balloon release in memory of an 18-year-old man who was sadly killed in a collision. Unfortunately there was some anti-social behaviour and we received complaints from residents.
“A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without insurance. He has been released under investigation while we carry out further enquiries.
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“A police car was damaged, several vehicles were recovered and we issued several tickets for traffic violations.
“We are investigating further offences that occurred last night. Anyone with information, including dash cam footage, should contact us via the live chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting log number 4065 of 13 July. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
“We understand that people want to pay tribute to the young man who lost his life, but anti-social behaviour is simply unacceptable. We ask people to remember him in a respectful way.”
The latest incident comes as a wave of graffiti has been sprayed in Shard End and Kingstanding in honour of ‘Tomo’. A wave of businesses in the Radleys shopping area woke up to find graffiti reading ‘LLT. RIP Tomo’ on shutters, doors and signs on Thursday morning, July 11.
