Families in protest after alleged kidnap

More than 300 people gathered in Oldbury for a protest following the alleged kidnap of a 10-year-old boy.

Neighbours lined Bristnall Hall Road last night, waving banners.

Many of the protesters are members of a campaign group called Sandwell United Parents, which has concerns for child safety in the area. The group has amassed more than 1,400 members on website Facebook.

Tenants of flats in Lowrey Court, where the boy was found by police, were moved out of their homes earlier yesterday.

The joint decision was taken by residents at Lowrey Court and the Adullam Homes Housing Association. People have been moved to other association properties, leaving the block empty.

Tenants had feared recrimination attacks by people who believe the block is used a halfway house for offenders, even though this is something that has been denied by police.

Michael Jackson, aged 49, has been remanded on charges of kidnap and sexual assault of a 10-year-old boy, threats to kill, false imprisonment and child abduction.

Read the full story in the Express & Star.