West Midlands Police launch investigation after coach allegedly assaulted at Birmingham Open

West Midlands Police has launched an investigation after a coach was allegedly assaulted at the Birmingham Open.

Australian player James McCabe claimed the incident occurred following an argument between his father, a coach and a staff member at Edgbaston Priory Club.

McCabe said: "My dad has previous C5/C6 cervical spine surgery. Since the incident, he has had worsening arm pain, pins and needles, shooting pain, dizziness and severe pain that stopped him sleeping.

"We called 999 multiple times and attended Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. He has urgent care follow-up today [Wednesday]."

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McCabe said the altercation was a "serious police-reported player/coach safety incident at the tournament venue.

"My account is that he was followed, physically handled by a staff member, and left in pain afterwards."

The tennis player has asked for the adults who saw the incident to be identified with CCTV and camera footage.

West Midlands Police released a statement, saying: "We received a report of a man being assaulted at a venue in Sir Harry's Road, Birmingham, on June 1.

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"No arrests have been made, and enquiries are ongoing."

The tournament marks the beginning of the British grass-court season and includes events on the ATP Challenger and WTA 125 tours.

The Lawn Tennis Association, which runs the event, and the ATP and Edgbaston Priory Club released a joint statement, reading: "There is an ongoing investigation being led by Edgbaston Priory Club with support from the ATP and LTA in relation to an incident during the Lexus Birmingham Open on Monday, June 1.

"This incident involves an allegation made against a member of Edgbaston Priory Club staff by a player's coach and is currently being reviewed by an investigating officer.

"We will be making no further comment whilst the investigation is ongoing."

Last year, the Birmingham Open announced it would host male players on its grass courts for the first time in 150 years.

The courts were initially reserved for women's players, and were moved from a WTA 250 to a WTA 125.

Leyla Ogan, director of racquets at the Priory, said at the time: "We don't view the tournament as a downgrade or relegation, as it's a brand-new event, welcoming both men and women to the club for the first time in our 150-year history.

"The combined format offers a completely new atmosphere and environment for young fans and aspiring players to be inspired by the game in their city."

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