Man cautioned over Reform conference assaults in Birmingham

A man has been given a caution by police as part of an investigation into assaults on protesters at the Reform UK party conference in Birmingham earlier this month.

Footage appeared to show protesters being manhandled by audience members as they were thrown out. One woman had her hair pulled, and was was hit with a walking stick.

West Midlands Police said it was investigating assaults on five people and two other men had been voluntarily interviewed, as inquiries continued.

It said the man who was given a conditional caution had also volunteered for interview.

The force has asked alleged victims and anyone with information to come forward.

Activists disrupted the Reform leader, Nigel Farage, four times during his speech at the NEC on 4 September, before they were removed by security.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “Our investigation into a number of assaults that took place at the Reform UK national conference at the NEC continues.

“One man has been given a conditional caution after being voluntarily interviewed as part of the investigation.”

Cautions are offered by police if they have enough evidence to convict and the person involved has admitted their part in a crime.

Conditional cautions are the more severe of the two types of caution. Agreeing to a caution is an admission of guilt.

People who agree to conditional cautions can be subject to certain terms, which can include a fine, reparations to the victim or rehabilitation.