Police have reassured residents in Chelmsley Wood and Meriden they are "keeping communities safe" following concerns around the actions of a local anti-migrant group.

Solihull Police issued a public statement yesterday (October 14), thought to be relating to the activities of a group called 'Chelmsley Wood Patriots'

Videos have circulated on social media of the group "patrolling" local parks and challenging non-white men.

The force said its Chelmsley Wood neighbourhood team had spoken with a member of the group and that an "open line of contact" remained.

The group confirmed in a post on social media that it has spoken to West Midlands Police.

One video circulated on social media showed a group of men being stopped in Meriden Park.

In a statement, Solihull Police said: "We're also aware of a video on social media showing a group of men being stopped in Meriden Park.

"Stop and search powers belong exclusively to the police acting under specific statutory legislation such as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984."

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Police also confirmed enquiries were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding alleged damage to a property - but did not provide further details.

The force said: "Keeping people within local communities safe is our priority and we will take appropriate action when a crime is reported to us."

It added that contact with a member of the group was intended to help maintain peace in the area and ensure any concerns were heard.

Police urged anyone with concerns to contact them rather than carry out stop and searches themselves.

(Header image by Robin Stott via Geograph.org.uk)