A video showing members of the self-styled Chelmsley Wood Patriots ordering Indian students to leave a public park in the West Midlands has triggered criticism, with police stressing that enforcement powers belong to authorised officers
A self-appointed patrol group in the West Midlands has faced widespread criticism after a video emerged showing its members confronting Indian students in a public park and warning them not to return.
The incident took place at Meriden Park in Chelmsley Wood, where members of a group calling itself the Chelmsley Wood Patriots reportedly conducted a late-night patrol, claiming they wanted to protect women and children. The footage, circulated on social media, showed the men approaching people in the park and recording their interactions.
According to media reports, the group challenged a group of Indian students who were spending time outdoors. One of the men questioned why they had come to England. A student explained that he had been in the country for two years to pursue a master’s degree.
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The group subsequently ordered the students to leave, warning them against returning to the park
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The confrontation drew criticism online, with several people questioning the group’s authority to police public spaces and target individuals in this manner
The video was initially posted online and later deleted, but copies continued to circulate on other platforms.
Police reject association with patrol group
Solihull Police confirmed that they were aware of the group operating in the Chelmsley Wood area and had seen footage of men stopping people in Meriden Park.
Police Inspector Jenny Willetts said stop-and-search powers belonged exclusively to the police and could be exercised only under specific legal provisions, including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
She stressed that the force did not endorse, condone or encourage the group’s activities and had no working relationship with its members. Police said they would take appropriate action when a crime was reported and urged anyone with concerns to contact them.
Community voices raise concerns
Former councillor and community activist Shesh Sheshabhatter criticised the confrontation, saying the students had done nothing wrong by meeting or walking in a public park.
He suggested that their appearance may have influenced the group’s actions and emphasised that people should not face different treatment because of their skin colour or accent.
The incident has renewed debate over vigilantism, discrimination and the rights of international students to use public spaces without intimidation. Police have reiterated that public safety is their responsibility and that private groups do not possess police powers.
