Who you gonna call? Cllr Khan!
Two young 13-year-old school girls went missing after school at 3:15pm on Wednesday 20th March 2024. Parents of both school children, who live in Great Barr, reported the missing children to West Midlands Police at around 4:30pm. By around 9:30pm no Police officer had even been out to speak to the parents and that’s when the parents contacted Councillor Ayoub Khan who represents the Aston Ward.
Councillor Ayoub Khan contacted the Police and was informed that whilst the matter had been reported; the Police had another emergency to respond to. By 10:30pm still no response from the Police the parents and members from the community including the secretary of Masjid Al- Falah had congregated outside a large house in Mill Lane Great Barr. This was the last location identified by the Apple find my friend app.
Councillor Khan contacted the police again around 11pm and was informed the Police would come to the location. In the meantime, Councillor Khan sent a message to the mobile phone of one of the young girl’s phone. Shortly after a response was received from the young girl to state they were alright and that they would come out of their hiding. An enormous sigh of relief for everyone that had congregated on Mill Lane in Great Barr. The young girls were found safe and sound.
Both parents thanked Councillor Ayoub Khan but were extremely disappointed with West Midlands Police.
Councillor Ayoub Khan stated “this must have been a gut-wrenching experience for the families of both young girls. It had been approximately 8 hours of torment and with all sorts running through their minds. It is no doubt the worst nightmare for any parent. The shortage in Police officers and the cuts to the Police departments up and down the country have left a service that is not fit for purpose. Put simply it is not good enough. I would like to thank all the residents that came out to help search for these two children and it really demonstrates the community unity when faced with challenging circumstances. I shall also be formally complaining to the West Midlands Police Crime Commissioner about the failure of Police to respond.”