Key Points
- Police are appealing for information following an assault at a bar on Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, on 21 December 2025, around midnight.
- A man was assaulted and had a glass smashed in his face, requiring over a dozen stitches.
- CCTV enquiries have been carried out, but the offender has not yet been identified.
- Members of the public who can help are urged to contact police via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website or call 101, quoting crime reference number 20/485650/25.
- No further details about the offender have been released to protect the investigation.
- The incident has prompted a call for witnesses to come forward to assist police.
City Centre (Oxford Daily News), January 30, 2026 – West Midlands Police are appealing for assistance from the public after a man was assaulted at a bar on Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, around midnight on 21 December 2025. The victim sustained serious facial injuries after a glass was smashed into his face, requiring more than a dozen stitches.
Despite carrying out CCTV enquiries, officers have not yet been able to identify the offender responsible for the attack, prompting a renewed public appeal for information.
Who was the victim and what injuries did he sustain?
As reported by West Midlands Police, the victim was assaulted in a violent incident inside a bar on Bennetts Hill. The attack resulted in significant facial trauma, with the man requiring over twelve stitches.
Police have not released the victim’s name, citing privacy and ongoing investigative procedures. However, they confirmed the injuries were serious and required urgent medical attention.
What happened during the attack?
According to the statement from West Midlands Police, the assault occurred at approximately midnight on 21 December 2025. During the incident, the offender smashed a glass into the victim’s face, causing lacerations and significant blood loss.
The circumstances of the attack, including the motive and whether the victim knew the assailant, remain under investigation. Officers are seeking anyone who witnessed the incident to provide information to help identify the perpetrator.
What efforts have police made to identify the offender?
West Midlands Police have conducted CCTV enquiries from the bar and surrounding areas since the attack. Despite these efforts, the offender has not been identified.
As reported by the force:
“We have carried out CCTV enquiries since the attack but have been unable to identify the offender.”
Police continue to review footage and urge members of the public to provide any additional information or recordings that might assist with the investigation.
How can the public assist the investigation?
Authorities are asking for witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Members of the public can provide information by:
- Using the Live Chat service on the West Midlands Police website.
- Calling 101, quoting crime reference number 20/485650/25.
Police emphasise that even small details could be critical to identifying the assailant and bringing them to justice.
What is the significance of Bennetts Hill in Birmingham?
Bennetts Hill is a central area in Birmingham, known for its bars and nightlife. As reported by West Midlands Police, assaults in busy nightlife areas can pose significant risks to both patrons and staff.
The location of the incident highlights the importance of CCTV, witness cooperation, and prompt police response to ensure public safety and reduce violent crime in city centre venues.
Why has no offender been identified yet?
Despite CCTV enquiries and investigative efforts, West Midlands Police have not yet been able to identify the individual responsible. As reported by West Midlands Police, ongoing investigations continue, and officers are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The lack of identification may be due to factors such as poor lighting, limited footage angles, or the offender wearing disguising clothing at the time of the incident.
What are police advising for future safety in nightlife areas?
Although the investigation is ongoing, authorities continue to advise:
- Be vigilant in nightlife venues and report any suspicious behaviour.
- Cooperate with bar staff and police if incidents occur.
- Ensure CCTV systems are operational and accessible for potential investigations.
These measures are designed to prevent similar assaults and ensure that perpetrators can be identified and prosecuted efficiently.
What is the broader impact of this attack on the community?
As reported by West Midlands Police, violent incidents in city centre nightlife locations can have a significant effect on the local community. Beyond the immediate harm to the victim, such attacks:
- Raise concerns about public safety in popular nightlife areas.
- Place pressure on local law enforcement to maintain vigilance.
- Highlight the importance of CCTV and community cooperation in preventing crime.
Police have reiterated the need for public involvement to ensure that offenders are apprehended swiftly and safely.
What is the legal context for assault with a weapon in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, assault causing actual bodily harm or assault with a weapon is a serious criminal offence. Convictions can lead to substantial custodial sentences, depending on the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the attack.
As highlighted by West Midlands Police, identifying and prosecuting offenders is critical not only for justice for the victim but also for deterring future attacks in public spaces.
What is the current status of the investigation?
West Midlands Police confirmed that the investigation into the Bennetts Hill assault is ongoing. Officers are actively reviewing CCTV, interviewing potential witnesses, and following up on any tips from the public.
As reported by the force:
“If you can help with our investigation you can contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting crime reference number 20/485650/25.”
Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area on 21 December 2025 or who may have relevant footage or information to come forward.
What should people do if they witnessed the incident?
Police have emphasised the importance of immediate reporting. Witnesses should:
- Contact West Midlands Police directly via Live Chat or 101.
- Quote the crime reference number 20/485650/25.
- Avoid sharing details publicly on social media to prevent compromising the investigation.
The cooperation of the public is crucial to ensure a speedy resolution and the identification of the offender.
