A video filmed on March 12 showed eight men in black uniforms approaching a cluster of international students in Meriden Park.
The men, who called themselves the Chelmsley Wood Patriots, shouted that the park was reserved for families and children after dark and demanded the students leave immediately—an accusation that the students denied, citing their right to public space.
Solihull Police Inspector Jenny Willetts confirmed the group is not authorized by law and said any stop‑search powers belong to the police under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
Former councillor Shesh Sheshabhatter slammed the incident as a form of racial profiling, saying the students were targeted solely for their skin colour and that no law was broken.
The police have opened an investigation and warned the group that further acts will be treated as hate‑crime offences.
Rahul, a 23‑year‑old postgraduate from Chennai, said he felt humiliated, insisting he had been simply enjoying a walk after a long week of lectures.
Authorities will review the footage and issue a statement by end of day. The group’s future is uncertain as local councils consider tightening park security.