POLICE are maintaining a high profile presence on the streets in Perry Barr to help ease tensions created by the alleged rape of a teenager.
Emotions have been running high since rumours of the attack on a girl of 14 emerged at the weekend, sending hundreds of people onto the streets in protest.
Dozens of bobbies patrolled the streets of Lozells and Perry Barr last night to reassure the worried community.
The normally busy Lozells Road was unusually quiet as teams of officers walked the beat chatting to those still on the streets at 11pm.
Three people were arrested for minor public order offences.
It is understood the incidents were verbal arguments. Noone was injured.
A force spokesman said: "Police have increased patrols in Perry Barr following a number of minor incidents in the area.
"Police have dealt with those incidents quickly. Officers will continue to patrol the area to reassure the local community."
Senior officers from Thornhill Road have met with community leaders and pleaded for calm throughout the week amid concerns over the unconfirmed reports of the attack.
The girl was rumoured to have been attacked by several men and later taken to City Hospital.
She has failed to come forward and give a statement to police because she is an illegal immigrant and fears being deported, say community members.
Police are studying CCTV footage and have carried out forensic tests in the area of the alleged attack.
"Police are following several lines of inquiry in connection with the situation," said a police spokesman.
