A man wielding a baseball bat and later a knife targeted diners at Al-Qamar restaurant on Vincent Street in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, after a pregnant woman ran inside seeking help. The incident occurred around 10pm on July 14, leaving one woman with a serious arm injury.
Pregnant woman flees into restaurant
Diner Akilah Bennett, 31, was about to leave the restaurant with her family when the pregnant woman burst through the door, screaming that she had been attacked. “She ran into our arms,” Bennett told Birmingham Live. Initially, Bennett believed the woman and her attacker were acquainted, but it soon became clear the assault was random.
Moments later, a man arrived outside with a baseball bat. “He was waving the baseball bat around and trying to hit all of us,” Bennett said. “My uncle was brave and stood in the middle to protect the woman. The owner recognised his face and believed he was local to Balsall Heath.” The woman explained that she had been walking home when the man struck her elbow with the bat.
Attacker returns with knife
Bennett’s uncle, the restaurant owner, and others chased the man away, but he allegedly returned with a knife. “Me and my cousin rounded everyone in and we shut the door to the restaurant,” Bennett recalled. “I was just standing by the door and I didn't know what would happen if he came in, we just wanted to keep everyone safe. It was nice to know the owner of the restaurant was there and protecting people.” The man eventually left after being confronted by other members of the public.
Police investigation underway
West Midlands Police confirmed they were called to Vincent Street just before 10pm on July 14. A spokesperson said: “The woman sustained a serious arm injury and was taken to hospital. Members of the public who attempted to intervene were also threatened with a knife. We are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.” Anyone with information, especially footage, is asked to call 101 quoting log 6300 of 14 July.
Bennett praised the restaurant staff: “It's a shame we had to hide in the restaurant because it was a lovely meal and the staff were amazing at how they dealt with the incident.”
