Man killed, policeman injured in Birmingham riot

LONDON - A man was killed and a police officer injured on Saturday when clashes erupted in the central English city of Birmingham, police said.

The disturbance broke out after a public meeting to address community concerns over an alleged sex attack on a teenage girl.

Gangs of youths wielding baseball bats were reported to have run amok in the Lozells area of the city.

"There was a public meeting earlier today responding to the local concerns," a police spokeswoman said.

"Officers met with local people and community leaders to address people's concerns over an alleged incident said to have taken place towards the later part of last week."

"I can confirm there have been sporadic incidents of disorder and there has been a fatality," the spokeswoman said.

- REUTERS