Hundreds gather for Palestine march as protestors take to Birmingham streets

Images and videos shared online show protestors blocking the road as they march towards the city centre

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets of Birmingham today in a packed march calling for 'peace'. Protesters gathered in Small Heath Park at 11am before marching, armed with placards and banners.

Images and videos shared online show huge crowds marching down Coventry Road en route to the city centre. Protesters can be seen playing music, chanting, and setting off flares, with traffic brought to a standstill.

One placard, held by an individual seemingly dressed in traditional Orthodox Jewish attire, read, "Judaism condemns the State of Israel and its atrocities." West Midlands Police said they were 'aware' of the protest and were 'closely monitoring' the situation.

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Iqbal Mohamed, Independent MP for Dewsbury and Batley, attended today's protest and said the demonstration was to 'protest against the genocide and push for peace.' He added: "In Birmingham, with people of all faiths and none, from all over the country, on the Big Birmingham Demo to protest against the genocide and push for peace."

West Midlands Police said it would be 'closely monitoring' the protest this afternoon. A spokesperson for the force said: "We're aware of a protest taking place in Birmingham city centre this afternoon. We are closely monitoring and have officers in the city to engage with the community."

In a statement, Transport for West Midlands said earlier: "A demo march is scheduled for today between Small Heath and Birmingham city centre. There may be some rolling traffic management in place along Coventry Road, Digbeth High Street, Park Street, Lower Bull Street, Corporation Street, and Edgbaston Street from 11am onwards."