Two arrests after rodents thrown into McDonald's restaurants

Two men have been arrested after live rodents were thrown into two McDonald's restaurants in Birmingham.

Videos shared on social media show the incidents in Regina Drive, Perry Barr and off Watson Road, Nechells.

One showed a man, with what appears to be a Palestinian flag wrapped around his head, carrying a box containing rodents dyed green, red and black into a restaurant. He then tipped the rodents, which appear to be mice, at the McDonald's entrance in front of customers.

West Midlands Police have arrested two men aged 32 and 30 and are continuing their investigation..

"Our position is clear, this is appalling, and will not be tolerated," West Midlands Police said in a statement.

"We will hunt down and prosecute anyone who commits such acts. We're stepping up patrols across the region and will be offering reassurance to our communities."

Following the incidents on 31 October, McDonald's said: "We are extremely disturbed by the disinformation and inaccurate reports regarding our position in response to the conflict in the Middle East.

"McDonald's Corporation is not funding or supporting any governments involved in this conflict, and any actions from our local Developmental Licensee business partners were made independently without McDonald's consent or approval.

"Our hearts are with all of the communities and families impacted by this crisis. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we will always proudly open our doors to everyone.

"We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our people in the region while supporting the communities where we operate."

Reports of a third incident in Small Heath were shared on social media but this has yet to be formally linked to the investigation by West Midlands Police

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