Balsall Heath rush hour plea as man seriously injured in police chase

A man has been seriously injured after a police chase in suburban Birmingham in a crash, with two arrests made and a hunt underway for a third suspect. It happened in Clevedon Road in Balsall Heath, at the junction with Lincoln Street, shortly before 1pm today, Friday May 17.

A Nissan Micra was being pursued by officers after it failed to stop for them, the West Midlands force said. The Nissan collided with another vehicle just before 12.50pm. A man from the Micra was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

He was also arrested. A second man was also arrested at the scene. Police were hunting for a third man who fled the scene.

READ MORE: Road closed and cordon in place after ‘police incident’

A witness reported hearing sirens and seeing a number of police in nearby Edward Road, which was part of the cordon. A pharmacy worker confirmed the crash involved a car being chased by police which crashed into “several cars”.

West Midlands Police said a large police cordon has been put in place and is likely to remain in place for some time. Motorists were urged to avoid the area. The force said: “We have road closures in Birmingham this afternoon following a serious collision following a police pursuit in Balsall Heath.

“A Nissan Micra was being pursued by officers after failing to stop a short time earlier when it collided with another vehicle on Clevedon Road at the junction with Lincoln Street just before 12.50pm.

“A man who was in the Micra was taken to hospital with serious injuries and is under arrest. A second man was also arrested at the scene, while police are searching for a third suspect believed to be in the car.

“Officers are expected to remain at the scene for some time and motorists are being urged to avoid the area as there is a large cordon. Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk or via 101. Please quote log 1869.”

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National Express West Midlands has confirmed it has diverted its 35 service from Willows Road following the incident. One tweet said: “Service interruption. Due to a police incident on Willows Road, Balsall Heath. Bus number 35 will be diverted in both directions via: Belgrave Middleway, Pershore Road and Edgbaston Road.

“We apologize for any disruption to your journey.” West Midlands Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.