West Midlands Police investigate assault video

West Midlands Police are investigating an assault after a viral video showed officers arresting a man who appeared to be the victim of an attack in Birmingham, sparking widespread accusations of unequal policing. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on June 21 on Broad Street.

Video footage circulating on social media shows a man being pushed to the ground and struck by a group of individuals. As the man gets up, a female police officer intervenes, pushing him against a wall or shop shutters. The man then swings his arm, striking the officer in the head. The group involved in the initial altercation is seen walking away from the scene. Police arrested the man who struck the officer, identified as 20-year-old Cody Harper. He has been charged with assaulting a police officer and is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on July 23.

Initially, West Midlands Police stated a review found no concerns with the officer's actions, describing them as "reasonable and proportionate." The force also asked the public to stop sharing the video to allow the legal process to proceed. However, following public outcry, police later acknowledged an assault had taken place before the...