Birmingham police officers are in hospital after being ‘sprayed with liquid’ on a ‘suspected arson’ call.

Several police officers were rushed to hospital after a mystery substance was sprayed on them during a call to a small fire in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police responded to an incident in Tyburn at around 2.20am today after a man barricaded himself in a property. When they arrived they found a small fire on a staircase in the apartment building and managed to put it out.

However, seconds later, an unknown liquid – believed to be ammonia – was sprayed over the four officers. A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and assault on police and is currently in custody. The policemen were transported to the hospital.

Superintendent Sam Batey, from Birmingham Police, said: “Our number one priority was to ensure the safety of residents and from the body-worn video we feel our officers showed serious bravery given what they faced presented. They are being treated for their injuries and we hope they will make a full recovery.

“We have a man in custody and he will be interviewed this morning and our inquiries are progressing.”

West Midlands Police Federation chairman Rich Cook said on X, formerly Twitter: “Thoughts are with four of our officers in Birmingham who were attacked with ammonia last night and ended up in the eye hospital as a result. Violence against police officers is relentless and completely unnecessary.”