Footage has emerged of a man abusing military personnel distributing coronavirus tests in Birmingham as cases continue to rise.
A clip of the resident repeatedly shouting abuse at RAF officers has gone viral, showing the man saying it's "disgusting" that they're handing out tests.
Around 100 military personnel have been drafted in to support Birmingham City Council’s efforts to curb the rising coronavirus rates.
Officers were knocking doors on Station Road, Handsworth, and asking residents if they wanted a test when the man kicked off, Birmingham Live reports.
The man, who has not been identified, can be heard saying: “I think it is absolutely disgusting, is this what this country has come to now?
"It’s absolutely disgraceful, knocking on peoples’ doors to ask if they want to be tested.
"There’s nothing wrong with people, if they did want to be tested, they could go to one of these centres if they want that. This is intimidation you know that? Absolute tyranny.”
He is then filmed swearing and shouting at the team to leave saying it is not 'communist f****** China' and urges one resident to tell them to p*** off.
Local councillor Paulette Hamilton said she has escalated the matter to the council’s community safety partnership and the local police to see if any action could be taken.
She said: “I understand that members of the community felt they are not being given enough information but I’m saddened at the behaviour of a few within my ward.
“The military have been phenomenal and work really hard to support us.
“They do not have to take the test and we do not need the rudeness.”
Councillor Majid Mahmood said: “I was disgusted with the verbal abuse that our frontline Birmingham City Council officers and Royal Air Force personnel were subjected to in a video that has gone viral.
“It was agreed with the government that the RAF would support the council delivering home Covid-19 test kits when the infection rates rose rapidly last month.
“This method of dropping off test kits has taken place elsewhere in the country and I would like to reassure residents that the tests are entirely voluntary.
“I would like to thank both the frontline council officers and the RAF who are working tirelessly to help stop the spread of the virus and saving the lives of Brummies.”
An RAF spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident where a member of the public offered his views to RAF personnel in support of the NHS and local authorities in Birmingham in the fight against Covid-19. RAF personnel are dedicated to this work and will continue to offer support when required.”
