By JamRadio News | Social Affairs
A viral video showing West Midlands Police officers attempting to seize a teenage girl’s mobile phone has ignited public backlash and raised serious legal questions about police powers and due process.
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The footage, widely circulated on X, appears to show officers at the girl’s home in Walsall demanding her phone without a warrant or arrest. The officers reportedly threatened to arrest the girl if the device was not surrendered—despite her not being detained or charged at the time.
We are aware of reports that we are investigating a child for 'viewing a social media post'. This is completely incorrect.
— West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) September 21, 2025
We're investigating the creation of a fake social media account which has been used to send indecent messages.
Full facts ???? https://t.co/eczmQ3MQYl
West Midlands Police released a statement calling the viral clip “heavily edited” and “completely incorrect” in its portrayal of the incident. According to the force, the phone seizure was part of an investigation into malicious communications, after a member of the public reported that a fake social media account had been created in their name and used to send indecent or grossly offensive messages.
The girl later attended a voluntary interview at a police station, and the phone was handed over as part of the inquiry. Police emphasized that their body-worn footage shows a longer, more accurate exchange than what appears in the viral clip.
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Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), police typically require a search warrant to enter a private residence and seize property. Exceptions exist—such as during an arrest or with consent—but in this case, the girl was not arrested, and the seizure appears to have been compelled through the threat of arrest.
Legal experts say this could constitute coercion and may violate the girl's rights under PACE and potentially Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to privacy.
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The incident has sparked calls for greater transparency around police powers and digital rights, especially when minors are involved. Civil liberties groups are urging West Midlands Police to release the full bodycam footage and clarify the legal basis for the seizure.