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Four held over festival stabbing Four held over festival stabbing
(about 2 hours later)
Four people have been arrested in connection with the stabbing of a 44-year-old man at celebrations in Birmingham to mark the Sikh new year.Four people have been arrested in connection with the stabbing of a 44-year-old man at celebrations in Birmingham to mark the Sikh new year.
He was stabbed three times in the chest when large scale disorder broke out at Handsworth Park, where the Vaisakhi event was being held on Sunday.He was stabbed three times in the chest when large scale disorder broke out at Handsworth Park, where the Vaisakhi event was being held on Sunday.
The man remains in a critical condition in hospital, West Midlands Police said.The man remains in a critical condition in hospital, West Midlands Police said.
Five other people arrested after fighting in which several people were hurt have since been released on bail.Five other people arrested after fighting in which several people were hurt have since been released on bail.
Grown men were carrying big sticks Jay Singh, eyewitness
About 70,000 people had gone to the park for the celebrations, but West Midlands Police had to close it after trouble flared.About 70,000 people had gone to the park for the celebrations, but West Midlands Police had to close it after trouble flared.
'Let him die'
Witnesses reported seeing ceremonial swords being drawn and men carrying sticks.Witnesses reported seeing ceremonial swords being drawn and men carrying sticks.
A paramedic said people tried to rock their ambulance and open the doors as they made their way through the crowds to treat the stabbing victim.
He said one man stood in front of the vehicle and said: "Leave him, let him die."
A police spokesman said two processions to the park - from Smethwick and Lozells - passed off peacefully.A police spokesman said two processions to the park - from Smethwick and Lozells - passed off peacefully.
'Significant injuries' Police were forced to close the park due to the trouble
But then sporadic disorder resulted in five people being arrested for various offences including affray, possessing offensive weapons and assault.But then sporadic disorder resulted in five people being arrested for various offences including affray, possessing offensive weapons and assault.
At about 1530 BST, larger scale fighting took place in the park, close to the main event, during which the man was stabbed.At about 1530 BST, larger scale fighting took place in the park, close to the main event, during which the man was stabbed.
Four people were arrested and remain in custody, police said.Four people were arrested and remain in custody, police said.
Six other people suffered significant injuries, including head wounds, and two more received hospital treatment for cuts and bruising.Six other people suffered significant injuries, including head wounds, and two more received hospital treatment for cuts and bruising.
'Nasty experience'
A paramedic motorcyclist had to be escorted from the park and an ambulance was also damaged during the disturbance.A paramedic motorcyclist had to be escorted from the park and an ambulance was also damaged during the disturbance.
Jay Singh, who went with his wife and two young sons, said he regretted taking his children. A girl, who had attended the event with a friend, told BBC News that a man covered in blood fell at their feet as they walked along a road before a "bunch of guys piled on top of him".
"A sword was drawn. I can't recall.. if anybody was attacked with a sword, but I did moments later see a Sikh man sheathing that sword again, " he said. "It was very violent," she added.
"There was obviously scuffling, fighting. Grown men were carrying big sticks - it was a nasty experience."