Two men arrested in Birmingham after Afro-Asian rioting

Police arrested two men early Monday after an 18-year-old man was shot dead in the central England city of Birmingham, where rioting broke out during the weekend. The fatal shooting happened about a mile (2 kilometers) from the Lozells area, where sporadic incidents occurred overnight following more serious violence Saturday night.

West Midlands police said it was unclear whether the fatal shooting was linked to the earlier disturbances.

Riots erupted after members of the Afro-Caribbean and South Asian communities held a meeting Saturday over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old black girl by an Asian man. The meeting was partially meant to calm tension and encourage the alleged victim to come forward.

Police said a group of people tried to force their way into the church where the meeting was being held and were prevented from doing so.

A series of "minor disorders" followed, police said. Shops were vandalized and at least one car was set ablaze, and hundreds of police in riot gear were attacked with bricks and bottles, according to the AP.

Four people were stabbed, including a 23-year-old black man, who died from his injuries at Birmingham's City Hospital. A police officer was shot in the leg with a ball-bearing gun.

Police arrested five people for suspected public disorder offenses. Officers received reports of 80 crimes, and 35 people were taken to hospital.

T.E.