West Midlands Police raid workshop turned nightclub with “Covid Arms” sign

West Midlands Police raided a workshop in Birmingham in the early hours of Sunday that had been turned into a nightclub complete with a sign on the wall saying ‘The Covid Arms’.

The police force said its officers found 150 people across two floors at the site in the city’s Jewellery Quarter. It included a VIP area, DJ, recording studio and gym.

The raid came after WMP had spotted taxis dropping people off at the building.

The force said some officers “were pelted with bottles and one suffered a minor injury as a door was smashed open by people trying to break out”.

Thermal imaging from the force’s drones captured people trying to flee via the roof in the early hours of Sunday.

In all, 50 people are believed to have fled when police arrived, but 70 were issued with £200 fines and the DJ could now face a £10,000 fine. The owner was hit with a £1,000 fine.

Footage of the raid can be seen on YouTube here.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said: “Our officers continue to work long and hard to protect the public and reduce the spread of this deadly virus by breaking up these gatherings, often in really difficult circumstances.

“It’s unacceptable that our officers came under attack, and that one suffered a minor injury, just for doing their job and enforcing laws that are in place to keep us all safe.”

He added: “While there’s much to be hopeful of in terms of the rollout of coronavirus vaccines, people must remember that we are still in lockdown and the virus is still a real threat to communities across the West Midlands.

“We thank those people who are supporting our efforts to keep the public safe by sticking to the rules and staying home. They are saving lives.”