A local councillor has commented on an “increasingly disturbing” political climate – stressing he ‘will not be deterred’ from serving residents – after emergency services responded to a suspicious package delivered to his home address.
Dr. Charlie Latchford is a Birmingham City Councillor, representing Longbridge and West Heath ward. He is also deputy leader of Reform UK Birmingham.
He said he had returned to his home to find a package left by his front door yesterday evening (Thursday 15th October). The incident led to a full response from emergency services, with the road being cordoned off, residents asked to remain in their homes and Dr Latchford having to stand outside in a dressing gown while the package was investigated.
‘Powder-like substance’
Dr Latchford described: “The package itself was an envelope encased in a folded cardboard. Inside the envelope was a powder-like substance. I rang 101 who sent a response unit to inspect the substance. The Police then alerted emergency services including the Fire Service and a Forensic Unit who removed the substance from my home and inspected it outside.
“During this time, I was asked to strip off all clothing and made to stand outside wearing a gown only. My road was cordoned off and no one was permitted to leave their homes within the vicinity of the cordon until forensics gave the all clear.
“Testing was inconclusive and it has been sent for further analysis. A live Police investigation is ongoing and is being treated as Sending indecent or grossly offensive communication to cause distress or anxiety.”
Cllr Latchford took to social media last night after the incident to thank emergency services, saying: “Let’s be absolutely clear: no disagreement, no difference of opinion and no political or personal grievance justifies deliberately putting someone’s health or life at risk.”
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said enquiries were ongoing, confirming: “We attended an address in Birmingham at around 7.30pm yesterday (15 October) to reports of a suspicious package.
“The package was tested by specialist fire service colleagues and showed no signs of hazardous materials.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed they had attended the incident but were stood down: “We were called to an incident […] in Birmingham at 8.24pm, yesterday, and sent an ambulance and two paramedic officers to the scene. On arrival crews found a man who did not wish to be assessed and we were stood down.
‘This act will not deter me’
“Targeting and singling out politicians of one political party ultimately has consequences, and it is unsurprising the relentless media attacks are subsequently putting elected officials lives at risk.
“This act will not deter me from carrying on serving the residents who elected me in May this year.”
Safeguarding local democracy
Operation Ford is a national policing policy, introduced in March 2025, aimed at safeguarding local democracy by protecting councillors and other locally elected representatives from intimidation, harassment, and violence.
Ongoing investigation
West Midlands Police are appealing for anyone with information to call 101 quoting log 4436 of 15 October.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Images courtesy Dr Charlie Latchford
