Two petrol bombs were thrown at a shop today but the fire was put out soon, no one was injured and little stock was damaged. Other than that, things seem to have calmed.
I walked home today and saw not a single hooded figure. The police are still patrolling on foot and in riot vans but are more low-key. Most shops and restaurants are closed early--just in case. The Arcadian Centre had the gates mostly raised so customers could get in to visit the restaurants that were open. Occasional sirens, a helicopter on patrol, plywood on some storefronts below--these are the only remnants of the riots here on Bromsgrove Street tonight.
I'm beginning to hear the sounds of the city I first met now rising again through the open balcony doors. With well over a thousand arrests made country-wide and police presence increased, it seems that the menace in Birmingham, at least, has hopefully ended.
