Three charged over Liberal Democrat protest

Three people have been charged with causing a danger to road users after a protest near the venue hosting the Liberal Democrats' autumn conference.

The men - a 19-year-old from Leeds, a 21-year-old from Doncaster and a 22-year-old from Fleet in Hampshire - were arrested last night after an incident near Birmingham's International Convention Centre (ICC).

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said the men had been charged this afternoon after they allegedly scaled a bridge which connects the Hyatt Hotel to the ICC last night to unfurl a banner.

The spokeswoman said: "As a result of these actions debris fell into Broad Street, creating a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.

"West Midlands Police continues to monitor a small peaceful protest near to the ICC. Whilst we recognise and support the democratic right for people to peacefully protest, we continue to balance this with ensuring the safety and security of all those attending these events, as well as the wider Birmingham community."

Those charged will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday.