A "major incident" was declared by the British police on Sunday after several people were stabbed in the centre of England's second city Birmingham.

"We can confirm that at approximately 12:30am today (Sunday 6 September) we were called to reports of a stabbing in Birmingham city centre", West Midlands Police said in a statement.

"A number of other stabbings" were reported in the area shortly after and &nbsp;"this has been declared a major incident", the statement added.

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"We are aware of a number of injured people, but at the moment we are not in a position to say how many or how serious.

"However, all emergency services are working together at the scene, and making sure that those who are injured receive medical care."

According to the footage shown by British news channels, large areas of the city centre have been cordoned off as police officers wearing forensic suits worked at the scene.

"Work is still going on to establish what has happened, and could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything," West Midlands Police said.&nbsp;

"At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident."

(Inputs from AFP)

A "major incident" was declared by the British police on Sunday after several people were stabbed in the centre of England's second city Birmingham. "We can confirm that at approximately 12:30am today (Sunday 6 September) we were called to reports of a stabbing in Birmingham city centre", West Midlands Police said in a statement.

A "major incident" was declared by the British police on Sunday after several people were stabbed in the centre of England's second city Birmingham. "We can confirm that at approximately 12:30am today (Sunday 6 September) we were called to reports of a stabbing in Birmingham city centre", West Midlands Police said in a statement. "A number of other stabbings" were reported in the area shortly after and "this has been declared a major incident", the statement added. "We are aware of a number of injured people, but at the moment we are not in a position to say how many or how serious. "However, all emergency services are working together at the scene, and making sure that those who are injured receive medical care." According to the footage shown by British news channels, large areas of the city centre have been cordoned off as police officers wearing forensic suits worked at the scene. "Work is still going on to establish what has happened, and could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything," West Midlands Police said. "At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident." (Inputs from AFP)

'Major incident' in Birmingham after several stabbed: British police

One man was killed and two people critically injured during multiple stabbing attacks in Britain's Birmingham. Incident reported outside the night club in city centre. Police is investigation the incident.

1 man killed, 2 critically injured in stabbings in Birmingham

Police said they were searching for a man in relation to a two-hour stabbing spree in the city of Birmingham, central England, early on Sunday.&nbsp;

The stabbings left one man dead and seven people injured, two of them critically.

The knife attacks happened in four locations in the city centre starting from 00:30 (2330 GMT), police said.

The police are treating all four of those incidents as a linked series. They said there was no suggestion that the attacks were targetted at any section of the community or were gang related.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he had no information to indicate the incidents were terrorism related but the public should stay "very vigilant".

The first stabbing was in Constitution Hill, police said, and the suspect then moved from north to south, to Livery Street, Irving Street and ending at Hurst Street.

The final location is an area known as the city's Gay Village, where people had been seated at outdoor tables eating and drinking.

Police said they were searching for a man in relation to a two-hour stabbing spree in the city of Birmingham, central England, early on Sunday. The stabbings left one man dead and seven people injured, two of them critically.

Police said they were searching for a man in relation to a two-hour stabbing spree in the city of Birmingham, central England, early on Sunday. The stabbings left one man dead and seven people injured, two of them critically. The knife attacks happened in four locations in the city centre starting from 00:30 (2330 GMT), police said. The police are treating all four of those incidents as a linked series. They said there was no suggestion that the attacks were targetted at any section of the community or were gang related. Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he had no information to indicate the incidents were terrorism related but the public should stay "very vigilant". The first stabbing was in Constitution Hill, police said, and the suspect then moved from north to south, to Livery Street, Irving Street and ending at Hurst Street. The final location is an area known as the city's Gay Village, where people had been seated at outdoor tables eating and drinking.

Stabbings in Birmingham leave one dead, seven injured; police hunt on

India will participate in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said on Monday, reversing earlier plans to boycott the event over the absence of shooting as a medal sport.

"The CGF and the entire Commonwealth Sports Movement are delighted India has confirmed their intent to participate at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games..." CGF president Louise Martin said in a statement.

"Following a useful and constructive CGF visit to India in November, we felt confident and reassured that the athletes and sports community of India places huge value and importance on the Commonwealth Games," she added.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had threatened to boycott the Games after shooting -- which supplied 16 of their 66 medals at last year's Gold Coast Games -- was dropped from the Birmingham programme as it is an optional sport for host cities.

India will participate in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said on Monday, reversing earlier plans to boycott the event over the absence of shooting as a medal sport.

India will participate in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said on Monday, reversing earlier plans to boycott the event over the absence of shooting as a medal sport. "The CGF and the entire Commonwealth Sports Movement are delighted India has confirmed their intent to participate at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games..." CGF president Louise Martin said in a statement. "Following a useful and constructive CGF visit to India in November, we felt confident and reassured that the athletes and sports community of India places huge value and importance on the Commonwealth Games," she added. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had threatened to boycott the Games after shooting -- which supplied 16 of their 66 medals at last year's Gold Coast Games -- was dropped from the Birmingham programme as it is an optional sport for host cities.

In boycott reversal, India to participate in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham: CGF

India's Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has urged his British counterpart, Nicky Morgan, to have shooting included in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The Birmingham organising committee has dropped shooting from the programme because of no suitable space, prompting a threat from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to boycott the Games.

In a letter on Tuesday, Rijiju asked Morgan, secretary of state for sport, to intervene and bring back a sport that has been part of the Commonwealth Games since 1974.

"It seems the decision to exclude shooting is based on the premise that shooting had never been a compulsory sport and there is no venue available for holding shooting events," Rijiju wrote to Morgan.

"The Indian public takes a keen interest in shooting. In a constructive gesture, the International Shooting Federation (ISSF) has offered to share the cost for the inclusion of shooting in Birmingham CWG."

India topped the table for shooting at last year's edition in Australia, taking home 16 medals including seven gold for a total tally of 66 medals&nbsp;the third best performing nation in the games overall.

Rijiju noted that India makes up more than half of 2.4-billion-strong population of the 53-nation Commonwealth.

India's Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has urged his British counterpart, Nicky Morgan, to have shooting included in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The Birmingham organising committee has dropped shooting from the programme because of no suitable space, prompting a threat from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to boycott the Games.

India's Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has urged his British counterpart, Nicky Morgan, to have shooting included in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The Birmingham organising committee has dropped shooting from the programme because of no suitable space, prompting a threat from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to boycott the Games. In a letter on Tuesday, Rijiju asked Morgan, secretary of state for sport, to intervene and bring back a sport that has been part of the Commonwealth Games since 1974. "It seems the decision to exclude shooting is based on the premise that shooting had never been a compulsory sport and there is no venue available for holding shooting events," Rijiju wrote to Morgan. "The Indian public takes a keen interest in shooting. In a constructive gesture, the International Shooting Federation (ISSF) has offered to share the cost for the inclusion of shooting in Birmingham CWG." India topped the table for shooting at last year's edition in Australia, taking home 16 medals including seven gold for a total tally of 66 medals the third best performing nation in the games overall. Rijiju noted that India makes up more than half of 2.4-billion-strong population of the 53-nation Commonwealth.

India pushes for inclusion of shooting in Commonwealth Games

The weather forecast for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-new-zealands-fiery-ferguson-eager-to-unsettle-west-indies-big-hitters-229435&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiCr4Cqw4bjAhWJvI8KHf_6A9MQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0hJxbvixGNnEt3PjYkS3Ew">New Zealand</a>&nbsp;vs&nbsp;Pakistan match at Edgbaston in Birmingham looks to please the players and fans as the full game of 50-overs a side is expected without any interruptions by rain.

Kane Williamson's side are undefeated at the World Cup, with five wins in six games, plus one no result and will be looking to seal a spot in the semi-finals with a win at Edgbaston.

In contrast, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-wanted-to-commit-suicide-mickey-arthur-after-pakistans-defeat-against-india-230449&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwib9NSaw4bjAhVPinAKHQIaBasQFjAGegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1diEjgcS2yHFzvEXQD4GbF">Pakistan </a>must win this&nbsp;match at Edgbaston if they want to maintain a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals after a poor start to the tournament.

There was rain in Birmingham on Tuesday but the skies are expected to be clear for the match today.&nbsp;

Weather forecasts show that there would be cloud cover in the morning but that they shall clear away around noon and that skies will continue to clear leading up to the match.

The chances of rain are negligible and a full 50-overs a side contest will take place between Pakistan and New Zealand.

The game is likely to be played without any stoppages due to bad weather.

The weather forecast for New Zealand vs Pakistan match at Edgbaston in Birmingham looks to please the players and fans as the full game of 50-overs a side is expected without any interruptions by rain.

The weather forecast for New Zealand vs Pakistan match at Edgbaston in Birmingham looks to please the players and fans as the full game of 50-overs a side is expected without any interruptions by rain. Kane Williamson's side are undefeated at the World Cup, with five wins in six games, plus one no result and will be looking to seal a spot in the semi-finals with a win at Edgbaston. In contrast, Pakistan must win this match at Edgbaston if they want to maintain a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals after a poor start to the tournament. There was rain in Birmingham on Tuesday but the skies are expected to be clear for the match today. Weather forecasts show that there would be cloud cover in the morning but that they shall clear away around noon and that skies will continue to clear leading up to the match. The chances of rain are negligible and a full 50-overs a side contest will take place between Pakistan and New Zealand. The game is likely to be played without any stoppages due to bad weather.

World Cup: Birmingham weather forecast for New Zealand vs Pakistan clash

World number three <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/karolina-pliskova-defeat-johanna-konta-to-win-italian-open-219947&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjimqKNtPXiAhUFL48KHVpnDhMQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw37aKYfte_D6s47HWxG8bJa">Karolina Pliskova</a> says she will have to battle nerves and strange emotions when she faces her twin sister Kristyna in the main draw of a WTA event for the first time at the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham on Wednesday.

The Czech twins are set to meet in the second round at Edgbaston after former US&nbsp;Open finalist Karolina accepted a wildcard to enter and beat Mihaela Buzarnescu on Monday.

Kristyna, who is two minutes older than her twin, came through three rounds of qualifying and beat Viktoriya Tomova in the opening round of the main draw to set up a first meeting with her sister since the Eastbourne qualifiers six years ago.

"It is tough to compete at 100% when you're not really sure you want to beat your sister. We're in touch all the time and share a room here," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/second-seed-karolina-pliskova-knocked-out-of-french-open-223175&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjimqKNtPXiAhUFL48KHVpnDhMQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0_TBXvDMZMojmZYNnyf45E">Karolina </a>told reporters.

"We have been hitting every day and warming up for matches. We share a lot of things and are always on the phone if we are playing different tournaments," she said.

Kristyna, ranked 112th in the world, has not enjoyed the same success as her twin and has not won a title since her maiden triumph at the Tashkent Open in 2016, but beat Karolina the last time they faced each other across the net.

"It is (the first meeting) in like six years, so it's like from the beginning. I think it was different before and also the tournaments were small, so you don't really see it. I think this one will be more stressful," Kristyna said.

"It's family, so you don't want (to face) her... but still I want to win as well,''&nbsp;Kristyna added.

World number three Karolina Pliskova says she will have to battle nerves and strange emotions when she faces her twin sister Kristyna in the main draw of a WTA event for the first time at the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham on Wednesday.

World number three Karolina Pliskova says she will have to battle nerves and strange emotions when she faces her twin sister Kristyna in the main draw of a WTA event for the first time at the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham on Wednesday. The Czech twins are set to meet in the second round at Edgbaston after former US Open finalist Karolina accepted a wildcard to enter and beat Mihaela Buzarnescu on Monday. Kristyna, who is two minutes older than her twin, came through three rounds of qualifying and beat Viktoriya Tomova in the opening round of the main draw to set up a first meeting with her sister since the Eastbourne qualifiers six years ago. "It is tough to compete at 100% when you're not really sure you want to beat your sister. We're in touch all the time and share a room here," Karolina told reporters. "We have been hitting every day and warming up for matches. We share a lot of things and are always on the phone if we are playing different tournaments," she said. Kristyna, ranked 112th in the world, has not enjoyed the same success as her twin and has not won a title since her maiden triumph at the Tashkent Open in 2016, but beat Karolina the last time they faced each other across the net. "It is (the first meeting) in like six years, so it's like from the beginning. I think it was different before and also the tournaments were small, so you don't really see it. I think this one will be more stressful," Kristyna said. "It's family, so you don't want (to face) her... but still I want to win as well,'' Kristyna added.

Pliskova twins set to clash other at Birmingham Classic

A sledgehammer-wielding man was seen smashing windows at two mosques in Britain's second city Birmingham and three more have been similarly vandalised overnight, the police said Thursday.

Counter-terrorism officers are investigating attacks on the mosques in different areas in the central English city, West Midlands Police said in a statement.

The force added the incidents were "being treated as linked".

"We don't know the motive for last night's attacks," said Chief Constable Dave Thompson in a statement.

"The force and the counter-terrorism unit are working side-by-side to find whoever is responsible."

Officers were first alerted in the early hours of Thursday to reports of a man smashing windows with a sledgehammer at one of the places of worship, police said.

Following reports of a similar attack at another mosque in a nearby neighbourhood, officers launched targeted patrols and discovered "further damage" at two other sites.

A fifth mosque later reported that windows had been smashed.

"Forensic officers are working to identify evidence, and CCTV is being examined," the West Midlands force added.

Some 22 per cent of the Birmingham population described themselves as Muslim in the 2011 census.

British national police chiefs last week announced officers were providing "reassurance patrols" around mosques in the immediate aftermath of Friday's deadly gun rampage at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Anti-racism groups have warned that Islamophobia is on the rise in Britain and spurring a spike in far-right activity in the country.

A report released last month by the Hope Not Hate charity cited a poll which found more than a third of Britons see Islam as "generally a threat to the British way of life".

In another recent incident, Mohammed Mahmoud -- an imam who won praise for shielding the perpetrator of a 2017 deadly terror attack against a north London mosque -- reported he was spat at and abused this week.

Mahmoud said he was targeted Monday while returning home from a solidarity event for the New Zealand massacre with other religious leaders, as well as interior minister Sajid Javid and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

A sledgehammer-wielding man was seen smashing windows at two mosques in Britain's second city Birmingham and three more have been similarly vandalised overnight, the police said Thursday.

A sledgehammer-wielding man was seen smashing windows at two mosques in Britain's second city Birmingham and three more have been similarly vandalised overnight, the police said Thursday. Counter-terrorism officers are investigating attacks on the mosques in different areas in the central English city, West Midlands Police said in a statement. The force added the incidents were "being treated as linked". "We don't know the motive for last night's attacks," said Chief Constable Dave Thompson in a statement. "The force and the counter-terrorism unit are working side-by-side to find whoever is responsible." Officers were first alerted in the early hours of Thursday to reports of a man smashing windows with a sledgehammer at one of the places of worship, police said. Following reports of a similar attack at another mosque in a nearby neighbourhood, officers launched targeted patrols and discovered "further damage" at two other sites. A fifth mosque later reported that windows had been smashed. "Forensic officers are working to identify evidence, and CCTV is being examined," the West Midlands force added. Some 22 per cent of the Birmingham population described themselves as Muslim in the 2011 census. British national police chiefs last week announced officers were providing "reassurance patrols" around mosques in the immediate aftermath of Friday's deadly gun rampage at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Anti-racism groups have warned that Islamophobia is on the rise in Britain and spurring a spike in far-right activity in the country. A report released last month by the Hope Not Hate charity cited a poll which found more than a third of Britons see Islam as "generally a threat to the British way of life". In another recent incident, Mohammed Mahmoud -- an imam who won praise for shielding the perpetrator of a 2017 deadly terror attack against a north London mosque -- reported he was spat at and abused this week. Mahmoud said he was targeted Monday while returning home from a solidarity event for the New Zealand massacre with other religious leaders, as well as interior minister Sajid Javid and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

UK police probe attacks on five mosques in Birmingham

Four mosques in the central English city of Birmingham have been attacked overnight, with a man wielding a sledgehammer seen smashing windows at two places of worship, the police said on Thursday.

Counter-terrorism officers are investigating attacks on the mosques in four different areas in the north of the city, West Midlands Police said in a statement.

The force added the incidents "are being treated as linked".

"At the moment we don't know the motive for last night's attacks," said Chief Constable Dave Thompson in a statement.

"What I can say is that the force and the counter terrorism unit are working side-by-side to find whoever is responsible."

Officers were first alerted in the early hours of Thursday to reports of a man smashing windows with a sledgehammer at one of the places of worship, police said.

Following reports of a similar attack at another mosque in a nearby neighbourhood, officers launched targeted patrols and discovered "further damage" at two other sites.

"Forensic officers are working to identify evidence, and CCTV is being examined," the West Midlands force added.

Four mosques in the central English city of Birmingham have been attacked overnight, with a man wielding a sledgehammer seen smashing windows at two places of worship, the police said on Thursday.

Four mosques in the central English city of Birmingham have been attacked overnight, with a man wielding a sledgehammer seen smashing windows at two places of worship, the police said on Thursday. Counter-terrorism officers are investigating attacks on the mosques in four different areas in the north of the city, West Midlands Police said in a statement. The force added the incidents "are being treated as linked". "At the moment we don't know the motive for last night's attacks," said Chief Constable Dave Thompson in a statement. "What I can say is that the force and the counter terrorism unit are working side-by-side to find whoever is responsible." Officers were first alerted in the early hours of Thursday to reports of a man smashing windows with a sledgehammer at one of the places of worship, police said. Following reports of a similar attack at another mosque in a nearby neighbourhood, officers launched targeted patrols and discovered "further damage" at two other sites. "Forensic officers are working to identify evidence, and CCTV is being examined," the West Midlands force added.

Counter-terrorism officers probe attacks on four mosques in Birmingham

The English Football Association (FA) has penalised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-birmingham-fan-punches-aston-villas-midfielder-jack-grealish-arrested-202391">Birmingham City and Aston Villa</a> after incidents occurred in their derby clash earlier this month.&nbsp;

FA released a statement to confirm that both the clubs have accepted fines of £5,000 ($6,613) for failing to control their players during the match.&nbsp;

The flashpoint was when a confrontation followed a foul by Birmingham's Maikel Kieftenbeld on Villa captain Jack Grealish in the fifth minute.&nbsp;

Players from both teams were charged with breaching FA Rule 20.&nbsp;

"Birmingham City and Aston Villa have been fined 5,000 pounds following their EFL Championship fixture on 10 March 2019," the FA said in a statement.

"Both clubs accepted a charge and the standard penalty for failing to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the fifth minute."

In the same match, a Birmingham fan was jailed for 14 weeks and has been banned from St Andrews stadium for life for running on to the field of play and punching Grealish later on in the match.&nbsp;

The FA have yet to confirm whether Blues will face any further punishment for that incident.&nbsp;

Grealish, who escaped unhurt, eventually scored the winner as Villa won 1-0 to leapfrog their derby rivals in the standings.&nbsp;

The English Football Association (FA) has penalised Birmingham City and Aston Villa after incidents occurred in their derby clash earlier this month. FA released a statement to confirm that both the clubs have accepted fines of £5,000 ($6,613) for failing to control their players during the match.

The English Football Association (FA) has penalised Birmingham City and Aston Villa after incidents occurred in their derby clash earlier this month. FA released a statement to confirm that both the clubs have accepted fines of £5,000 ($6,613) for failing to control their players during the match. The flashpoint was when a confrontation followed a foul by Birmingham's Maikel Kieftenbeld on Villa captain Jack Grealish in the fifth minute. Players from both teams were charged with breaching FA Rule 20. "Birmingham City and Aston Villa have been fined 5,000 pounds following their EFL Championship fixture on 10 March 2019," the FA said in a statement. "Both clubs accepted a charge and the standard penalty for failing to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the fifth minute." In the same match, a Birmingham fan was jailed for 14 weeks and has been banned from St Andrews stadium for life for running on to the field of play and punching Grealish later on in the match. The FA have yet to confirm whether Blues will face any further punishment for that incident. Grealish, who escaped unhurt, eventually scored the winner as Villa won 1-0 to leapfrog their derby rivals in the standings.

FA imposes sanctions on Birmingham City and Aston Villa for failing to control players

Air India in the UK confirmed on Friday that it would be suspending all flights to and from Birmingham Airport from Saturday due to "extraordinary circumstances" involving the closure of Pakistan's airspace.

The Indian national carrier said that its daily flights to India from London Heathrow remain unaffected as the New Delhi and Amritsar services in and out of Birmingham will be grounded until further updates.

"The flight cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances, namely closure of Pakistan airspace and resultant impact which is beyond the control of Air India, said Debashis Golder, Regional Manager UK and Europe.

"In fact, besides Birmingham, many other flights in our network have been cancelled, combined or being operated with restricted payload, to reduce impact on passenger travel to the minimum, he said.

Pakistan airspace remains closed since Indian airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in the country following a terror attack claimed by the terror outfit that killed 40 jawans in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir last month.

Air India flies six times a week from Birmingham Airport three times direct to Delhi and three times direct to Amritsar.&nbsp;

The airport expressed its disappointment at the suspension of AI113 Delhi-Birmingham, AI114 Birmingham-Delhi, AI117 Delhi-Amritsar-Birmingham, and AI118 Birmingham-Amritsar-Delhi and said it was working with the airline to restore the schedule.

"The airport is very understanding of the current situation which means that Pakistan airspace cannot be overflown and the operational impact that this is having on Air India,? a Birmingham Airport spokesperson said.

"Passengers that are already booked on Air India flights from Birmingham will be contacted by the airline to re-book or to gain a refund. We are working closely with Air India to restore these flights to Birmingham Airport's schedule as soon as possible," the spokesperson said.

Among the other routes affected by Friday's announcement include Air India's Delhi-Madrid and Madrid-Delhi flights.

Air India in the UK confirmed on Friday that it would be suspending all flights to and from Birmingham Airport from Saturday due to "extraordinary circumstances" involving the closure of Pakistan's airspace.

Air India in the UK confirmed on Friday that it would be suspending all flights to and from Birmingham Airport from Saturday due to "extraordinary circumstances" involving the closure of Pakistan's airspace. The Indian national carrier said that its daily flights to India from London Heathrow remain unaffected as the New Delhi and Amritsar services in and out of Birmingham will be grounded until further updates. "The flight cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances, namely closure of Pakistan airspace and resultant impact which is beyond the control of Air India, said Debashis Golder, Regional Manager UK and Europe. "In fact, besides Birmingham, many other flights in our network have been cancelled, combined or being operated with restricted payload, to reduce impact on passenger travel to the minimum, he said. Pakistan airspace remains closed since Indian airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in the country following a terror attack claimed by the terror outfit that killed 40 jawans in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir last month. Air India flies six times a week from Birmingham Airport three times direct to Delhi and three times direct to Amritsar. The airport expressed its disappointment at the suspension of AI113 Delhi-Birmingham, AI114 Birmingham-Delhi, AI117 Delhi-Amritsar-Birmingham, and AI118 Birmingham-Amritsar-Delhi and said it was working with the airline to restore the schedule. "The airport is very understanding of the current situation which means that Pakistan airspace cannot be overflown and the operational impact that this is having on Air India,? a Birmingham Airport spokesperson said. "Passengers that are already booked on Air India flights from Birmingham will be contacted by the airline to re-book or to gain a refund. We are working closely with Air India to restore these flights to Birmingham Airport's schedule as soon as possible," the spokesperson said. Among the other routes affected by Friday's announcement include Air India's Delhi-Madrid and Madrid-Delhi flights.

Air India suspends flights to and from Birmingham

A Birmingham City fan was jailed for 14 weeks on Monday for running onto the field of play and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-birmingham-fan-punches-aston-villas-midfielder-jack-grealish-arrested-202391">punching Aston Villa's Jack Grealish</a> during a Championship (second tier) match at the weekend.

Paul Mitchell, a 27-year-old former pub employee, had pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates' Court to charges of assault and encroachment.

"The sentence must act as a punishment and a deterrent to others in order to send a message to the public and fans and players like Mr Grealish who should be protected at all times," the Birmingham Mail quoted magistrate Alison Fisher as saying.

Mitchell was also banned for 10 years from attending any soccer match in Britain and ordered to pay 100 pounds ($130.95)compensation to Grealish as part of costs amounting to 350 pounds.

The court heard that Mitchell's family had left Birmingham after receiving death threats.

The incident, coupled with two others in England and Scotland over the weekend, had raised fears for player safety.

The English Football Association said it had written to Birmingham and Arsenal, where <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-fan-arrested-for-pitch-invasion-during-arsenals-goal-celebration-against-manchester-united-202515">Manchester United defender Chris Smalling was shoved</a>, seeking details of the security measures they had in place.

Mitchell's lawyer said his client could not explain his actions and had intended initially to run onto the pitch to whip up the crowd.

Grealish was punched to the side of the face by Mitchell during Villa's 1-0 win at St Andrew's on Sunday.

The 23-year-old fell to the turf as a steward and Villa players Glenn Whelan and Tammy Abraham caught Mitchell and dragged him away.

A statement from Grealish was read out in court, saying the player had been "shocked and scared because if this person was brazen enough to get onto the pitch, what else could he do?"

Birmingham City welcomed the sentence and said they would not tolerate such incidents.

"What he did was unacceptable and has no place in football. The club can confirm that Mr Mitchell is banned from our home ground... for life," the club said in a statement.

"And nor will he have access to purchase tickets for away games involving Birmingham City Football Club, or have tickets purchased on his behalf."

City said they had also banned another supporter for life for "a series of vile and malicious Tweets on social media, relating to Jack Grealish and his family."

A Birmingham City fan was jailed for 14 weeks on Monday for running onto the field of play and punching Aston Villa's Jack Grealish during a Championship (second tier) match at the weekend.

A Birmingham City fan was jailed for 14 weeks on Monday for running onto the field of play and punching Aston Villa's Jack Grealish during a Championship (second tier) match at the weekend. Paul Mitchell, a 27-year-old former pub employee, had pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates' Court to charges of assault and encroachment. "The sentence must act as a punishment and a deterrent to others in order to send a message to the public and fans and players like Mr Grealish who should be protected at all times," the Birmingham Mail quoted magistrate Alison Fisher as saying. Mitchell was also banned for 10 years from attending any soccer match in Britain and ordered to pay 100 pounds ($130.95)compensation to Grealish as part of costs amounting to 350 pounds. The court heard that Mitchell's family had left Birmingham after receiving death threats. The incident, coupled with two others in England and Scotland over the weekend, had raised fears for player safety. The English Football Association said it had written to Birmingham and Arsenal, where Manchester United defender Chris Smalling was shoved, seeking details of the security measures they had in place. Mitchell's lawyer said his client could not explain his actions and had intended initially to run onto the pitch to whip up the crowd. Grealish was punched to the side of the face by Mitchell during Villa's 1-0 win at St Andrew's on Sunday. The 23-year-old fell to the turf as a steward and Villa players Glenn Whelan and Tammy Abraham caught Mitchell and dragged him away. A statement from Grealish was read out in court, saying the player had been "shocked and scared because if this person was brazen enough to get onto the pitch, what else could he do?" Birmingham City welcomed the sentence and said they would not tolerate such incidents. "What he did was unacceptable and has no place in football. The club can confirm that Mr Mitchell is banned from our home ground... for life," the club said in a statement. "And nor will he have access to purchase tickets for away games involving Birmingham City Football Club, or have tickets purchased on his behalf." City said they had also banned another supporter for life for "a series of vile and malicious Tweets on social media, relating to Jack Grealish and his family."

Man jailed for pitch attack on Aston Villa's Jack Grealish

In a shocking incident, Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was attacked and punched in the face by a pitch invader during Sunday's Championship clash against Birmingham.&nbsp;

The pitch invader, who was reported as a&nbsp;Birmingham fan, ran onto the field and&nbsp;threw a punch at&nbsp;Grealish from behind at St Andrew's Stadium.&nbsp;

The blow caught Grealish, who did not see the intruder coming, on the side of the head and sent him sprawling to the turf.&nbsp;

Aston Villa&nbsp;players including Tammy Abraham and Glenn Whelan responded immediately&nbsp;to stop the intruder.&nbsp;

The match continued after stewards and security personnel had ushered the man off the pitch.&nbsp;

Later, West Midlands Police said the man had been arrested and it was reported Birmingham will ban the man for life from St Andrew's stadium.&nbsp;

Watch the video:

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Disgusting doesn’t sum this coward up <a href="https://twitter.com/BCFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AVFCOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EFL</a> <a href="https://t.co/QY1KatyQh8">pic.twitter.com/QY1KatyQh8</a>
— Henry parker (@I8arsenal29) <a href="https://twitter.com/I8arsenal29/status/1104717948525203456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Omg what have I just seen bloody shocking behaviour <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/birmingham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#birmingham</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AstonVilla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AstonVilla</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/football?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#football</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shocking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shocking</a> <a href="https://t.co/w2zLrcrJqi">pic.twitter.com/w2zLrcrJqi</a>
— Kirsty Law (@Kirstylawdiscus) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kirstylawdiscus/status/1104717141889159168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The EFL condemns the mindless actions of the individual who encroached on to the pitch at St Andrews on Sunday afternoon," a Football League statement read.

"It's a situation no player should ever be faced with."&nbsp;

Grealish went on to score the only goal of the game after 67 minutes to give Villa victory.&nbsp;

In a shocking incident, Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was attacked and punched in the face by a pitch invader during Sunday's Championship clash against Birmingham.

In a shocking incident, Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was attacked and punched in the face by a pitch invader during Sunday's Championship clash against Birmingham. The pitch invader, who was reported as a Birmingham fan, ran onto the field and threw a punch at Grealish from behind at St Andrew's Stadium. The blow caught Grealish, who did not see the intruder coming, on the side of the head and sent him sprawling to the turf. Aston Villa players including Tammy Abraham and Glenn Whelan responded immediately to stop the intruder. The match continued after stewards and security personnel had ushered the man off the pitch. Later, West Midlands Police said the man had been arrested and it was reported Birmingham will ban the man for life from St Andrew's stadium. Watch the video: Disgusting doesn’t sum this coward up @BCFC @AVFCOfficial @EFL pic.twitter.com/QY1KatyQh8 — Henry parker (@I8arsenal29) March 10, 2019 × Omg what have I just seen bloody shocking behaviour #birmingham #AstonVilla #football #shocking pic.twitter.com/w2zLrcrJqi — Kirsty Law (@Kirstylawdiscus) March 10, 2019 × "The EFL condemns the mindless actions of the individual who encroached on to the pitch at St Andrews on Sunday afternoon," a Football League statement read. "It's a situation no player should ever be faced with." Grealish went on to score the only goal of the game after 67 minutes to give Villa victory.

Watch: Birmingham fan punches Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish, arrested

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has submitted a bid for the inclusion of women's Twenty20 in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the governing body said on Monday.

Cricket has not featured in the quadrennial Games since its maiden appearance in 1998 when the South African men's team won the gold medal in Kuala Lumpur.

"Cricket and the Commonwealth are inextricably linked and almost perfectly aligned with 910 million of cricket's one billion plus adult fans from Commonwealth countries," ICC chief executive David Richardson said in a statement.

"Creating a new partnership between women's cricket and the Commonwealth Games demonstrates the commitment both organisations have to growing women's sport..."

Birmingham is the perfect place to launch this partnership as 23 percent of its residents have links to cricket-playing nations outside the United Kingdom, Richardson said.

"If cricket were to be staged in these Games, we know every team competing would be guaranteed 'home' support. There’s a ready-made audience and ready-made infrastructure in the local vicinity," he added.

Cricket Australia (CA) were quick to support the bid two days after their women's team won the World Twenty20 crown in West Indies.

"It's exciting to think that cricket could potentially feature at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham," CA chief executive Kevin Roberts said in a statement.

"We are committed to cricket being a sport of choice for women and girls in Australia, and with the ICC T20 World Cup in our backyard in 2020, we know the popularity of the women’s game will continue to rise in the coming years," he said.

Cricket, which has struggled to grow beyond its traditional bases, was last played at the Olympics in the 1900 Paris Games.

The ICC has been pushing for the game's Olympic return with the 20-over format but the powerful Indian board has not been very keen on it, fearing it might lose its autonomy and be answerable to the country's Olympic committee.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has submitted a bid for the inclusion of women's Twenty20 in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the governing body said on Monday.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has submitted a bid for the inclusion of women's Twenty20 in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the governing body said on Monday. Cricket has not featured in the quadrennial Games since its maiden appearance in 1998 when the South African men's team won the gold medal in Kuala Lumpur. "Cricket and the Commonwealth are inextricably linked and almost perfectly aligned with 910 million of cricket's one billion plus adult fans from Commonwealth countries," ICC chief executive David Richardson said in a statement. "Creating a new partnership between women's cricket and the Commonwealth Games demonstrates the commitment both organisations have to growing women's sport..." Birmingham is the perfect place to launch this partnership as 23 percent of its residents have links to cricket-playing nations outside the United Kingdom, Richardson said. "If cricket were to be staged in these Games, we know every team competing would be guaranteed 'home' support. There’s a ready-made audience and ready-made infrastructure in the local vicinity," he added. Cricket Australia (CA) were quick to support the bid two days after their women's team won the World Twenty20 crown in West Indies. "It's exciting to think that cricket could potentially feature at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham," CA chief executive Kevin Roberts said in a statement. "We are committed to cricket being a sport of choice for women and girls in Australia, and with the ICC T20 World Cup in our backyard in 2020, we know the popularity of the women’s game will continue to rise in the coming years," he said. Cricket, which has struggled to grow beyond its traditional bases, was last played at the Olympics in the 1900 Paris Games. The ICC has been pushing for the game's Olympic return with the 20-over format but the powerful Indian board has not been very keen on it, fearing it might lose its autonomy and be answerable to the country's Olympic committee.

ICC bids for women's T20 in Birmingham Commonwealth Games

The English city of Birmingham is in advanced talks to host a round of the Formula E electric series next year, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said on Monday.

The street race would bring back memories of the Birmingham Superprix, a Formula 3000 race that was held between 1986 and 1990.

"Over the last year, we have been in negotiations with the organizers of the FIA Formula E Championship about bringing a road race to Birmingham, effectively reviving the Superprix," Street said.

"We are now in the advanced stages of these negotiations."

Street said Birmingham wanted to showcase its revamped city centre and also the region's position "as a world leader in next-generation automotive technologies".

Jaguar Land Rover, which has its own Formula E team, is based in nearby Coventry.

"So much of the engineering that goes into the cars already used in Formula E racing comes from the West Midlands, it makes perfect sense we should be hosting such events," added Street.

"If we are successful in concluding the deal, this Formula E race will take place next summer on a route similar to the one used in the original Superprix."

Birmingham is also due to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

Formula E officials were not immediately available for comment.

The last round of the championship to be held in England was in London's Battersea Park in July 2016.

Street said Birmingham wanted to showcase its revamped city centre and also the region's position "as a world leader in next-generation automotive technologies"

The English city of Birmingham is in advanced talks to host a round of the Formula E electric series next year, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said on Monday. The street race would bring back memories of the Birmingham Superprix, a Formula 3000 race that was held between 1986 and 1990. "Over the last year, we have been in negotiations with the organizers of the FIA Formula E Championship about bringing a road race to Birmingham, effectively reviving the Superprix," Street said. "We are now in the advanced stages of these negotiations." Street said Birmingham wanted to showcase its revamped city centre and also the region's position "as a world leader in next-generation automotive technologies". Jaguar Land Rover, which has its own Formula E team, is based in nearby Coventry. "So much of the engineering that goes into the cars already used in Formula E racing comes from the West Midlands, it makes perfect sense we should be hosting such events," added Street. "If we are successful in concluding the deal, this Formula E race will take place next summer on a route similar to the one used in the original Superprix." Birmingham is also due to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Formula E officials were not immediately available for comment. The last round of the championship to be held in England was in London's Battersea Park in July 2016.

Birmingham in advanced talks for Formula E race

A BBC documentary says Hafiz Saeed toured British mosques, where he urged jihad, in the 1990&#39;s.&nbsp;

In August 1995, the documentary says, Saeed said in Glasgow that when Muslims had the spirt of jihad, they had ruled the world but were today being humiliated.&nbsp;

India thinks of Saeed as the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Saeed though has consistently denied the accusation.&nbsp;

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<h5>There is non-stop talk about jihad, encouraging British Muslims to join him,&#39; the BBC reported Sajid Iqbal, one of the documentary&#39;s producers, as saying</h5>
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The BBC reported that Saeeds tour of the UK was recorded in a magazine published by the Lashkar-e-Taiba. The BBC added that the articles, written in Urdu, were written by the imam of a mosque in Oldham who had accompanied Saeed.&nbsp;

&quot;There is non-stop talk about jihad, encouraging British Muslims to join him,&quot; the BBC reported Sajid Iqbal, one of the documentary&#39;s producers, as saying.&nbsp;

In Glasgow, the BBC said, Saeed addressed a large gathering at Glasgow&#39;s Central Mosque.&nbsp;

There he said the Zionists were using billions of dollars to kill the spirit of jihad -- holy war -- among Muslims.&nbsp;

&quot;They are trying to entice Muslims to the politics of power through democracy,&quot; the BBC documentary quoted Saeed as saying.

&quot;They are also using the interest-based economy to keep Muslims in debt,&quot; Saeed added.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-in-releasing-hafiz-saeed-pakistan-challenges-india-and-us-25420" target="_blank">In releasing Hafiz Saeed, Pakistan challenges India and US</a>

The BBC reported that Saeed also spoke in Birmingham, where he urged his audience &quot;Let&#39;s all rise up for jihad&quot; and denounced &quot;Hindu dogs&quot;.

And in Leicester, Saeed spoke at a conference attended by 4,000 young people.

The BBC documentary is called &quot;The Dawn of British Jihad&quot;.&nbsp;

The documentary was investigating whether members of the Muslim community in Britain had been radicalised before 9/11.&nbsp;

Saeed has never been tried for the Mumbai attacks in which close to 170 people died. He was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hafiz-saeed-walks-free-vows-to-fight-for-kashmir-cause-24988" target="_blank">recently released from house arrest</a> in Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A BBC documentary says Hafiz Saeed toured British mosques, where he urged jihad, in the 1990's

A BBC documentary says Hafiz Saeed toured British mosques, where he urged jihad, in the 1990's. In August 1995, the documentary says, Saeed said in Glasgow that when Muslims had the spirt of jihad, they had ruled the world but were today being humiliated. India thinks of Saeed as the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Saeed though has consistently denied the accusation. There is non-stop talk about jihad, encouraging British Muslims to join him,' the BBC reported Sajid Iqbal, one of the documentary's producers, as saying × The BBC reported that Saeeds tour of the UK was recorded in a magazine published by the Lashkar-e-Taiba. The BBC added that the articles, written in Urdu, were written by the imam of a mosque in Oldham who had accompanied Saeed. "There is non-stop talk about jihad, encouraging British Muslims to join him," the BBC reported Sajid Iqbal, one of the documentary's producers, as saying. In Glasgow, the BBC said, Saeed addressed a large gathering at Glasgow's Central Mosque. There he said the Zionists were using billions of dollars to kill the spirit of jihad -- holy war -- among Muslims. "They are trying to entice Muslims to the politics of power through democracy," the BBC documentary quoted Saeed as saying. "They are also using the interest-based economy to keep Muslims in debt," Saeed added. Also read: In releasing Hafiz Saeed, Pakistan challenges India and US The BBC reported that Saeed also spoke in Birmingham, where he urged his audience "Let's all rise up for jihad" and denounced "Hindu dogs". And in Leicester, Saeed spoke at a conference attended by 4,000 young people. The BBC documentary is called "The Dawn of British Jihad". The documentary was investigating whether members of the Muslim community in Britain had been radicalised before 9/11. Saeed has never been tried for the Mumbai attacks in which close to 170 people died. He was recently released from house arrest in Pakistan.

Hafiz Saeed urged jihad in UK in 1990's: BBC

Birmingham, on Thursday, was confirmed as the official host city of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Louise Martin, President, Commonwealth Games Federation, made the announcement at Birmingham&#39;s Arena Academy.

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Thanks for coming to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brum</a> Commonwealth Games <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Birmingham2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Birmingham2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/kIL12SMDim">pic.twitter.com/kIL12SMDim</a>
&mdash; Birmingham 2022 (@birminghamcg22) <a href="https://twitter.com/birminghamcg22/status/943783864396369920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;After being chosen ahead of Liverpool as Britain&#39;s candidate city, Birmingham&#39;s was the only bid submitted to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) by the 30 September deadline,&quot; BBC reported.&nbsp;

&quot;Birmingham matched the vision of the Commonwealth sports movement. We believe it will bring peace, sustainability and prosperity to the Commonwealth,&quot; Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce tweeted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Louise Martin, President, Commonwealth Games Federation, made the announcement at Birmingham's Arena Academy

Birmingham, on Thursday, was confirmed as the official host city of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Louise Martin, President, Commonwealth Games Federation, made the announcement at Birmingham's Arena Academy. Thanks for coming to #Brum Commonwealth Games #Birmingham2022 pic.twitter.com/kIL12SMDim — Birmingham 2022 (@birminghamcg22) December 21, 2017 × "After being chosen ahead of Liverpool as Britain's candidate city, Birmingham's was the only bid submitted to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) by the 30 September deadline," BBC reported. "Birmingham matched the vision of the Commonwealth sports movement. We believe it will bring peace, sustainability and prosperity to the Commonwealth," Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

Birmingham to host 2022 Commonwealth Games

Britain was recovering Monday after heavy snow brought freezing temperatures, shutting hundreds of schools and disrupting flights for a second day.

Power was restored to more than 100,000 homes, while airports tried to recover their schedules following the winter`s first major snowfall -- the biggest in four years.

The last time Britain saw this much heavy snow nationwide was in March 2013 and during the winter of 2010.

Newspaper front pages were filled with pictures of people either enjoying the snow or stuck in gridlock on the roads.

Some 32 centimetres (12.5 inches) of snow fell in Sennybridge in south Wales on Sunday.

And temperatures overnight dropped to minus 11.6 degrees Celsius (11 degrees Fahrenheit) in Northumberland, northeast England.

The Western Power Distribution network said it has restored power to more than 99,500 customers, while a further 7,000 were still without electricity, largely in west central England.

Meanwhile, disruption continued on the roads and at airports.

London Heathrow, Europe`s busiest airport by passenger numbers, said it was still experiencing problems.

&quot;Some flights at Heathrow will be disrupted on Monday due to crew and aircraft being out of position following yesterday`s weather,&quot; it said.

&quot;We`re working with our airline partners to return aircraft to where they need to be, and full-service recovery remains the focus.&quot;

Hundreds of schools were closed in western England and north Wales, while much of the kingdom was on a yellow weather warning for snow and ice.

All local authority-run schools in the central city of Birmingham were also shut.

London Heathrow, Europe`s busiest airport by passenger numbers, said it was still experiencing problems

Britain was recovering Monday after heavy snow brought freezing temperatures, shutting hundreds of schools and disrupting flights for a second day. Power was restored to more than 100,000 homes, while airports tried to recover their schedules following the winter`s first major snowfall -- the biggest in four years. The last time Britain saw this much heavy snow nationwide was in March 2013 and during the winter of 2010. Newspaper front pages were filled with pictures of people either enjoying the snow or stuck in gridlock on the roads. Some 32 centimetres (12.5 inches) of snow fell in Sennybridge in south Wales on Sunday. And temperatures overnight dropped to minus 11.6 degrees Celsius (11 degrees Fahrenheit) in Northumberland, northeast England. The Western Power Distribution network said it has restored power to more than 99,500 customers, while a further 7,000 were still without electricity, largely in west central England. Meanwhile, disruption continued on the roads and at airports. London Heathrow, Europe`s busiest airport by passenger numbers, said it was still experiencing problems. "Some flights at Heathrow will be disrupted on Monday due to crew and aircraft being out of position following yesterday`s weather," it said. "We`re working with our airline partners to return aircraft to where they need to be, and full-service recovery remains the focus." Hundreds of schools were closed in western England and north Wales, while much of the kingdom was on a yellow weather warning for snow and ice. All local authority-run schools in the central city of Birmingham were also shut.

Schools closed, flights delayed after United Kingdom snowfall

British police investigating a deadly attack on parliament made a new arrest Sunday as officials set their sights on accessing WhatsApp, the heavily-encrypted messaging service that was used by the killer.

The arrest came four days after the lightening assault that unfolded in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament, in which an apparently lone attacker killed four people and wounded 50 before being shot dead by armed police.

The latest arrest was a 30-year-old man who was detained in the central city of Birmingham on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, London&#39;s Metropolitan Police said.

A dozen people have been arrested since Wednesday&#39;s attack by 52-year-old Khalid Masood, who deliberately ran down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge then stabbed a policeman just inside the gates of parliament.&nbsp;

Nine people have been released without charge, while a 58-year-old man remains in custody and a 32-year-old woman has been released on bail.

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<h5>&#39;You can&#39;t have a situation where you have terrorists talking to each other -- where this terrorist sent a WhatsApp message -- and it can&#39;t be accessed,&#39; home secretary Amber Rudd said</h5>
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The arrest came as the government confirmed Masood had used the WhatsApp messaging service, saying it was crucial that the security services be allowed to access the heavily-encrypted app.&nbsp;

Media reports said Masood used the Facebook-owned service just minutes before staging his assault, although it was unclear whether he sent any messages or just looked at the app.&nbsp;

Speaking to Sky News, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said it was &quot;completely unacceptable&quot; that police and security services had not been able to crack the heavily-encrypted service.

&quot;You can&#39;t have a situation where you have terrorists talking to each other -- where this terrorist sent a WhatsApp message -- and it can&#39;t be accessed,&quot; she said.

Police had on Saturday acknowledged they may never know why Masood, a Muslim convert with a violent criminal past, carried out the attack and that he probably acted alone, despite a claim of responsibility by the Islamic State group.

&quot;We must all accept that there is a possibility we will never understand why he did this. That understanding may have died with him,&quot; said senior counter-terrorism officer Neil Basu.

Although police believe he acted alone on the day, investigators are still trying to find out whether he was encouraged or directed by others.

Jason Burke at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/mar/23/no-surprise-that-london-attacker-was-born-in-uk" target="_blank">The Guardian</a> made a point of distinction regarding the role Islamic State may have played&nbsp;in the attack: &quot;Significantly, Isis described a &#39;soldier&#39; who responded to its &#39;call&#39;, indicating the group probably did not have prior contact with Masood before the killings.&quot;

&quot;There should be no place for terrorists to hide,&quot; Rudd said in a separate interview with the BBC.&nbsp;

&quot;We need to make sure that organisations like WhatsApp -- and there are plenty of others like that -- don&#39;t provide a secret place for terrorists to communicate with each other.&quot;

WhatsApp said it was &quot;horrified&quot; by the attack and was working with the investigating authorities without saying whether it would change its encryption policy.

&quot;We are horrified at the attack carried out in London earlier this week and are cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigations,&quot; a spokeswoman told AFP.Rudd acknowledged that end-to-end encryption was vital to cyber security, to ensure that business, banking and other transactions were safe -- but said it must also be accessible.

&quot;It&#39;s not incompatible. You can have a system whereby they can build it so that we can have access to it when it is absolutely necessary,&quot; she told Sky News.

Rudd said she did not yet intend to force the industry&#39;s hand with new legislation, but would meet key players on Thursday to discuss this issue, as well as the &quot;constant battle&quot; against extremist videos posted online.

Tech firms and social media players are coming under increasing pressure over extremists using their websites, applications and technology to communicate extremist content.

Last year, US authorities fought a legal battle with tech giant Apple to get it to unlock a smartphone used by one of the shooters in a 2015 attack in San Bernardino, California.

The FBI&#39;s own experts ended up breaking into the device.

And Google has faced a boycott by companies whose adverts appear alongside extremist content on its internet platforms, particularly its video-sharing site YouTube.

(AFP)

The government said it was crucial they be allowed to access Khalid Masood's WhatsApp

British police investigating a deadly attack on parliament made a new arrest Sunday as officials set their sights on accessing WhatsApp, the heavily-encrypted messaging service that was used by the killer. The arrest came four days after the lightening assault that unfolded in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament, in which an apparently lone attacker killed four people and wounded 50 before being shot dead by armed police. The latest arrest was a 30-year-old man who was detained in the central city of Birmingham on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, London's Metropolitan Police said. A dozen people have been arrested since Wednesday's attack by 52-year-old Khalid Masood, who deliberately ran down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge then stabbed a policeman just inside the gates of parliament. Nine people have been released without charge, while a 58-year-old man remains in custody and a 32-year-old woman has been released on bail. 'You can't have a situation where you have terrorists talking to each other -- where this terrorist sent a WhatsApp message -- and it can't be accessed,' home secretary Amber Rudd said × The arrest came as the government confirmed Masood had used the WhatsApp messaging service, saying it was crucial that the security services be allowed to access the heavily-encrypted app. Media reports said Masood used the Facebook-owned service just minutes before staging his assault, although it was unclear whether he sent any messages or just looked at the app. Speaking to Sky News, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said it was "completely unacceptable" that police and security services had not been able to crack the heavily-encrypted service. "You can't have a situation where you have terrorists talking to each other -- where this terrorist sent a WhatsApp message -- and it can't be accessed," she said. Police had on Saturday acknowledged they may never know why Masood, a Muslim convert with a violent criminal past, carried out the attack and that he probably acted alone, despite a claim of responsibility by the Islamic State group. "We must all accept that there is a possibility we will never understand why he did this. That understanding may have died with him," said senior counter-terrorism officer Neil Basu. Although police believe he acted alone on the day, investigators are still trying to find out whether he was encouraged or directed by others. Jason Burke at The Guardian made a point of distinction regarding the role Islamic State may have played in the attack: "Significantly, Isis described a 'soldier' who responded to its 'call', indicating the group probably did not have prior contact with Masood before the killings." "There should be no place for terrorists to hide," Rudd said in a separate interview with the BBC. "We need to make sure that organisations like WhatsApp -- and there are plenty of others like that -- don't provide a secret place for terrorists to communicate with each other." WhatsApp said it was "horrified" by the attack and was working with the investigating authorities without saying whether it would change its encryption policy. "We are horrified at the attack carried out in London earlier this week and are cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigations," a spokeswoman told AFP.Rudd acknowledged that end-to-end encryption was vital to cyber security, to ensure that business, banking and other transactions were safe -- but said it must also be accessible. "It's not incompatible. You can have a system whereby they can build it so that we can have access to it when it is absolutely necessary," she told Sky News. Rudd said she did not yet intend to force the industry's hand with new legislation, but would meet key players on Thursday to discuss this issue, as well as the "constant battle" against extremist videos posted online. Tech firms and social media players are coming under increasing pressure over extremists using their websites, applications and technology to communicate extremist content. Last year, US authorities fought a legal battle with tech giant Apple to get it to unlock a smartphone used by one of the shooters in a 2015 attack in San Bernardino, California. The FBI's own experts ended up breaking into the device. And Google has faced a boycott by companies whose adverts appear alongside extremist content on its internet platforms, particularly its video-sharing site YouTube. (AFP)

Another arrest  in connection with London Parliament attack as government eyes WhatsApp

Police searched a number of residential properties in Birmingham on Thursday,&nbsp;a day after British-born Khalid Masood killed four people in central London in the worst attack on the capital since 2005.

Since the attack in London, police have raided a number of addresses across the city, arresting five men and two women on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-claims-london-terror-attack-13717"> Islamic State</a> has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Birmingham has been one of the hotbeds for British Islamists. According to a study by the Henry Jackson think tank earlier this month, 39 of 269 people convicted in Britain of terrorism offences from 1998 to 2015 came from the city.

There are over 213,000 Muslims in Birmingham, making up over a fifth of the population, according to the 2011 census, and there has been growing concern about divisions in the diverse city.

The car Masood used in Wednesday&#39;s attack had been hired from rental firm Enterprise&#39;s Spring Hill branch in Birmingham, suggesting he still had connections to the area.

In Luton, a former neighbour said she had minimal interactions with Masood and voiced regret for not being more vigilant towards Masood.

 
London&#39;s response

London mayor Sadiq Khan reassured citizens and visitors to London, <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/sadiq-khan-london-attack-response-westminster-parliament-terror-a7644761.html" target="_blank">saying </a>&quot;our city remains one of the safest in the world...we stand together against those who seek to harm us and destroy our way of&nbsp;life&quot;.

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Londoners will never be cowed by terrorism. <a href="https://t.co/LTLhgZ7OLQ">pic.twitter.com/LTLhgZ7OLQ</a>
&mdash; Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SadiqKhan/status/844633197191335936">March 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Whenever a terror attack occurs there is&nbsp;a range of reactions. The pro-Brexit, anti-immigrant former leader of UKIP Nigel Farrage took the opportunity to fear monger:

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/Nigel_Farage">@Nigel_Farage</a>: &ldquo;If you open your door to uncontrolled immigration from Middle Eastern countries you are inviting in terrorism.&rdquo; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hannity?src=hash">#Hannity</a> <a href="https://t.co/p9QQgAkpbD">pic.twitter.com/p9QQgAkpbD</a>
&mdash; Fox News (@FoxNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/844740679955873792">March 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Not everybody&#39;s reaction was cynical or opportunistic.&nbsp;

Perhaps embodying the famous dry humour of the British,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/youre-not-even-in-our-top-five-worries-londoners-tell-extremists-20151207104505" target="_blank">The Daily Mash</a> found London-resident 32-year-old Tom Booker,&nbsp;who is far more terrified of other things in London:

&quot;I already have nightmares on a rotating basis about my barely-affordable rent, work-related exhaustion, meeting a partner who isn&#39;t weird, growing older in a lonely city and a lingering stomach ache that I reckon is an ulcer.

&quot;If terrorists think they can make me more scared than I already am, good luck with that. As far as nagging daily anxieties go, I&#39;m afraid they&#39;ll have to take a number and join the back of the queue.&quot;

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Birmingham has been one of the hotbeds for British Islamists, but many Londoners remain defiant in the face of terrorism

Police searched a number of residential properties in Birmingham on Thursday, a day after British-born Khalid Masood killed four people in central London in the worst attack on the capital since 2005. Since the attack in London, police have raided a number of addresses across the city, arresting five men and two women on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack. Birmingham has been one of the hotbeds for British Islamists. According to a study by the Henry Jackson think tank earlier this month, 39 of 269 people convicted in Britain of terrorism offences from 1998 to 2015 came from the city. There are over 213,000 Muslims in Birmingham, making up over a fifth of the population, according to the 2011 census, and there has been growing concern about divisions in the diverse city. The car Masood used in Wednesday's attack had been hired from rental firm Enterprise's Spring Hill branch in Birmingham, suggesting he still had connections to the area. In Luton, a former neighbour said she had minimal interactions with Masood and voiced regret for not being more vigilant towards Masood. London's response London mayor Sadiq Khan reassured citizens and visitors to London, saying "our city remains one of the safest in the world...we stand together against those who seek to harm us and destroy our way of life". Londoners will never be cowed by terrorism. pic.twitter.com/LTLhgZ7OLQ — Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) March 22, 2017 × Whenever a terror attack occurs there is a range of reactions. The pro-Brexit, anti-immigrant former leader of UKIP Nigel Farrage took the opportunity to fear monger: .@Nigel_Farage: “If you open your door to uncontrolled immigration from Middle Eastern countries you are inviting in terrorism.” #Hannity pic.twitter.com/p9QQgAkpbD — Fox News (@FoxNews) March 23, 2017 × Not everybody's reaction was cynical or opportunistic. Perhaps embodying the famous dry humour of the British, The Daily Mash found London-resident 32-year-old Tom Booker, who is far more terrified of other things in London: "I already have nightmares on a rotating basis about my barely-affordable rent, work-related exhaustion, meeting a partner who isn't weird, growing older in a lonely city and a lingering stomach ache that I reckon is an ulcer. "If terrorists think they can make me more scared than I already am, good luck with that. As far as nagging daily anxieties go, I'm afraid they'll have to take a number and join the back of the queue." (WION with inputs from Reuters)

London terrorist attack: Police search for clues in Birmingham

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