A bystander used a fire extinguisher to confront a knife-wielding man who had entered a takeaway in Erdington, Birmingham, on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred at Mammas African Kitchen on High Street at around 4pm, when staff were forced to flee the premises.
Footage of the episode shows a man behind the counter repeatedly slamming a large knife on the surface while shouting aggressively. The man had reportedly been chased into the takeaway by members of the public who were angry about his behaviour in other nearby shops.
Bystander intervention captured on video
In the video, another man, who may have had prior interaction with the suspect, is seen entering the takeaway doorway while holding a fire extinguisher. The armed man responds angrily and at one point threatens to throw food at him. Other members of the public appeal for calm, and the man with the extinguisher leaves the shop a short time later.
One witness, who did not want to be named, said the man was causing problems in other shops along the High Street. The witness added: 'I don't know if he was going to harm anyone but I think he would have done had a couple of people not chased him. He was chased into the shop so didn't work there or have anything to do with the place. If people hadn't confronted him then something bad would have happened I'm sure.'
Police response and arrest
Officers from West Midlands Police arrived at the scene shortly after the footage was recorded and arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of criminal damage and assault. A spokesperson said one person suffered a minor hand injury during the episode. They were treated by paramedics at the scene and did not go to hospital, they added.
The suspect remained in custody as of yesterday and enquiries are continuing, the force said. It urged anyone with information to contact it on 101 or via Live Chat, quoting crime reference 20/404325/26.
Witness describes 'scary' scene
The witness described the incident as 'scary' but said such events are not uncommon in the area. They said: 'The staff had to flee and he was acting really erratic so it was pretty worrying on a busy high street in broad daylight. Police were there quickly to take him away. It was scary but you're kind of used to seeing these sort of things in Erdington and Birmingham generally. It's a sign of the times sadly.'
The incident highlights concerns about public safety in the area, though police have not indicated any wider threat. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
