The group, calling itself the Chelmsley Wood Patriots, carried out a late-night patrol at Meriden Park in the West Midlands.
A self-styled vigilante group in the UK has sparked criticism after filming its members confronting Indian students at a public park and ordering them to stay away, telling them to “go home” and warning them not to return.According to Metro, the group, calling itself the Chelmsley Wood Patriots, carried out a late-night patrol at Meriden Park in the West Midlands, claiming it was protecting women and children. However, local activists accused its members of targeting people based on their ethnicity.In a video that was later deleted from the group's social media account but circulated elsewhere, members were seen questioning the Indian students about their presence in England.One of the men asked a student, “What made you come to England?” The student replied that they usually stayed in Birmingham and had moved to the area that day. Another man said he had come to England to pursue a master's degree and had been living there for two years.A member of the group then warned them against returning to the park.“What you need to do is stay away from a children's park. Do not come round here again. Do not be seen here again.
This is your final warning,” he said, before telling them to go home.The group later claimed on Facebook that its members had approached the men after finding them in the park at night. It alleged that the men had given different explanations for their presence and argued that parks should be reserved for children and families.However, the incident drew criticism from local political representatives and anti-racism activists, who questioned the group's decision to confront the students.Former councillor and community activist Shesh Sheshabhatter told BirminghamLive that the students had done nothing wrong and had every right to meet and walk outdoors.“We can see no reason they were targeted other than the colour of their skin,” he said, adding that nobody should be treated differently because of their skin colour or accent.Sheshabhatter also criticised the group for tarnishing Chelmsley Wood's reputation, saying that patriotism meant standing up for one's neighbours rather than intimidating them.West Midlands Police said it was aware of reports concerning the group and that an appropriate policing response was under way.In a separate statement reported by BirminghamLive, Solihull Police said it was aware of the group operating in the Chelmsley Wood area and of the footage showing men being stopped at Meriden Park.Police Inspector Jenny Willetts said that stop-and-search powers belonged exclusively to police officers acting under specific legal provisions, including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.“We do not endorse, condone or encourage its activities and do not work with its members,” she said, adding that police would take appropriate action when a crime was reported.The police requested anyone with concerns to contact them through their website or by calling 101, advising people to dial 999 in an emergency.