A man wearing a balaclava and wielding a knife ‘stabbed’ the tyre of a Sky News van after its reporter was forced off air, it has been reported. Sky News had to cut short its broadcast in Bordesley Green after its reporter was sworn at on TV.

Hundreds had gathered in the city suburb following rumours of a ‘far-right rally’. There had been calls for calm from community leaders after the rumour spread.

No protest took place in Bordesley Green as a councillor said the community ‘would not be divided’. During Sky’s broadcast from Bordesley Green a man wearing a mask and riding a bike came up to the camera and said: “Free Palestine, f*** EDL,” as he made hand gestures.

Taking to X, Sky News said in an update: “The Sky News crew was followed by a man in a balaclava holding a knife after speaking live from Birmingham.

“The man stabbed the tyre of Sky broadcast van but didn’t damage it, so the crew was able to drive away.” The broadcaster shared footage of a man who appeared to run up to a dark grey-coloured van before bending down and stabbing at the back left wheel.

The incident was captured on camera in which someone said “no, no, no” and a car horn beeps before they add: “He’s going to do the same to us.”