Seven arrested as violence breaks out after Pelsall Carnival

Police were called to Norton Road, in the Pelsall area of Walsall at 5pm on Saturday.

Officers arrested seven men on suspicion of violent disorder.

The arrests followed Pelsall Carnival in the area which passed off with no incidents.

Organisers said in a statement today that the disorder was not connected to the carnival.

All of the men have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Hundreds of people attended Pelsall Carnival, which featured a procession of floats going through the village centre.

But after the event, problems broke out with more than 20 police officers called to deal with a disturbance.

Witnesses described how drunken arguments spiralled out of the control and bottles were thrown in the street.

Pelsall Mayor Marco Longhi was invited to the carnival as a special guest.

Although he did not see the disturbance, he has criticised those involved.

He said: “So many people work so hard to create a happy, family atmosphere in the village, then so few people can cause such mayhem.”

He added: “I have been made aware of what happened, although I did not see anything and I’m not in a position to comment about the details.

“What I can say is the carnival is a wonderful event that so many people from across the borough enjoy.

“This incident is not what Pelsall is all about.

“I am sure the police will be following this up, I personally feel incredibly saddened and angered by what happened.”

Carnival organiser Stephen Swain said: “I know it happened in the village centre.

“We were out on the field packing away when we heard the police sirens.

“I had no idea what was going on.”

In a statement, he added: “The incident was dealt with rapidly and professionally by police, and those involved were swiftly moved away from the scene.

“Although not connected with the carnival, incidents such as this reflect on the event as a whole.”

However, he added: “ A very big thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s carnival a massive success.

"The efforts of many, made the day a very memorable and happy event.

"Sincere thanks go to all the committee members and marshalling team, without whom the event couldn’t go ahead.

"Thanks have to go to the many thousands of you who made the effort to be a part of the show. It makes me proud to say I live in Pelsall, and this is what you call a community. “

Officers are aware of images and videos circulating online of the altercation and would urge anyone who was there to send them through to Det Cons Gerry Maley on g.maley@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk