Police respond after vigilante group tells students to stay away from Solihull park

West Midlands Police has responded after a group of men filmed themselves confronting Indian students in a Solihull park and warning them not to return.

The footage, which circulated on social media, showed members of a self-styled patrol group approaching the students at Meriden Park in Chelmsley Wood and telling them to leave the public space.

One man was heard giving the students a “final warning”, telling them not to come back and to return home.

The group, which calls itself the Chelmsley Wood Patriots, has said its patrols are intended to protect local families amid concerns about missing children and reported sexual offences in the area.

However, the confrontation has prompted criticism from community representatives, while police have made clear that the group has no official partnership with the force.

Police clarify position on patrol group

In a statement published through its WMnow neighbourhood messaging service on Wednesday, October 14, West Midlands Police confirmed that a neighbourhood inspector had spoken to a member of the group.

The force said contact remained open to help maintain peace in the area and ensure concerns were heard.

Police also confirmed they were aware of footage showing a group of men being stopped in Meriden Park.

The statement stressed that stop-and-search powers belong to police officers acting under specific legislation, including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

“We do not have a partnership with this group,” the force said.

Police added that they would work to ensure the group followed the appropriate laws and guidance during its activities.

The force also said enquiries were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding damage to a property.

Anyone with concerns about the group's activities was advised to contact police rather than attempt to carry out stop-and-search activities themselves.

Criticism after students confronted

The incident has drawn criticism from local political figures, including Shesh Sheshabhatter, a former councillor and community activist.

Sheshabhatter questioned why the students had been targeted, saying they had every right to meet and walk in public spaces.

He argued that there appeared to be no reason for the confrontation other than the students' ethnicity.

Solihull Green Party also criticised the treatment of the students, saying people should be able to use public spaces without being subjected to intimidation because of their background.

The incident has raised questions about the role of self-appointed patrol groups and the distinction between raising legitimate concerns about community safety and attempting to enforce rules against members of the public.