Traffic warden dragged from moped and stamped on in 'sickening' attack

Level of violence used 'truly shocking', say police as one man is arrested and five others sought

One man has been arrested and five more are being hunted after a traffic warden was dragged from his moped and repeatedly stamped on in an attack caught on camera which police described as “sickening”.

The victim’s vehicle was stolen as he lay in the road following the assault in Birmingham. Footage was later posted online.

“I was absolutely furious when I saw,” said DS Tom Lyons of West Midlands Police. “The level of violence used is truly shocking, and I know every right-minded person who views it will share that anger.”

The force said one man – a 20-year-old – had been detained following the incident on Friday evening.

But it also released pictures of four others officers wanted to speak to in connection with the attack: three potential suspects and two who “could assist the investigation”. A sixth man not pictured is also of interest.

DS Lyons said: “We’ve already spoken to the victim. CCTV and other enquiries have already begun, but people in the community will know who these men are. I’d urge them to examine their conscience and do the right thing and give us the names.”

He added the 21-year-old warden – an employee with Birmingham City Council – was “going about his job” before the robbery happened on Hartopp Road in the Alum Rock area of the city.

It is believed his helmet and clothing protected him during the attack. He was taken to hospital with non-serious injuries.

Waseem Zaffar, the council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, later tweeted: "I’ve seen videos of a parking enforcement officer being attacked by thugs in Birmingham. This horrendous attack will not be tolerated.”