This week police have seen protest groups gathering in Smethwick and Coventry.
Last night (22 September) police saw around 50 people gather near the Mandir (Hindu temple) in Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry.
Officers engaged with the group and they were dispersed using special powers which were granted to us. No arrests were made.
On Tuesday (20 September) around 150 people gathered in Smethwick which resulted in some minor disorder. One person was arrested, he has since been released with no further action.
The reasons surrounding the protests are complex but WMP are working closely with community leaders to understand and manage the issues.
Police continue to ask you to be mindful of misinformation and rumour on social media. This can have a serious impact on communities.
Police will continue to monitor and keep you informed of any further fake news or unsubstantiated claims that are being shared.
Officers also will not tolerate social media being used to commit hate crime offences.
A criminal investigation was launched into a widely shared video appearing to show a man making threats. Any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice towards people because of their faith, race, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity is a hate crime.
This morning (23 September) Police arrested a 37-year-old man from Birmingham on suspicion of publishing material with intent to incite religious hatred. The man handed himself in and will be questioned in due course.
A further video has been identified and is currently being assessed.
Police have local officers on the streets, and are engaging with faith leaders and other key stakeholders in our communities, to keep us informed and better understand how people are feeling. Feel free to talk to them if you need to, or contact us via Live Chat or by calling 101 if you have concerns.
WMP have appropriate policing plans in place to deal with any further incidents should they occur, and will continue to closely monitor what is happening.
Police have seen several incidences fake news and unsubstantiated claims being spread widely online and through messaging apps. This includes:
Rumours that a shopkeeper in the Dudley area was involved in the protests, prompting him to be racially abused. The shopkeeper was not involved in the protest, and two people have been arrested for racially aggravated public order offences.
Reports that two young men were attacked in Oldbury during a protest. officers have had no reports of this happening.
A picture of a police officer at a mosque is being used to suggest that police are not impartial. This is not true, and the image was taken at the start of this month during a routine visit by officers in Birmingham.
Coaches from other parts of the region were planning to arrive in the West Midlands on Wednesday night to cause problems. This did not happen.