Police are appealing for a female protester to contact them after social media footage showed audience members grabbing her hair and head during the Reform UK annual conference in Birmingham.

The incident took place at the NEC as disorder broke out when demonstrators interrupted party leader Nigel Farage's keynote speech. Demonstrators were subsequently thrown out of the venue after disrupting the event.

West Midlands Police have confirmed that they are investigating the video, though they have not yet received an official report from the individual shown in the clip.

In an official statement, the force said: "We're aware of a video circulating from the Reform UK Conference showing an incident with a protester. We haven't received a complaint but would ask the woman involved to come forward and contact us so we can carry out enquiries."

The activist group Climate Resistance has claimed responsibility for the protest. The organisation said they were "horrified at the violence" directed at the protester by members of the audience, adding that the woman involved is currently considering whether to formally come forward to police.

Disruptions occurred across the end of the first main day of the conference. Earlier in the session, a protest banner was displayed during an address by deputy leader Richard Tice.

That banner, referencing a scandal around a donation to Farage, depicted the Reform UK leader wearing a top hat and holding a bag of money. It remained visible for several minutes before being taken down.

Reform UK's home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, condemned the actions of the attendees who pulled the heckler's hair. When asked whether he condemned what happened, Yusuf said: "On the question of whether I condemn people punching people, yes, I condemn people punching people."

Questions also arose over a delay to Farage's appearance on stage. As he walked out to address delegates, Farage told the room that the hold-up was down to a "security alert." Reports from some media outlets indicated that a Reform UK source claimed counter-terrorism officers would not allow him on stage.

West Midlands Police directly disputed that claim, clarifying that the "decision to delay the commencement of the leader of Reform UK's keynote speech was made by Reform UK." The force added: "We can confirm that Counter Terrorism Policing have had no involvement in the delivery of the Reform UK Party Conference 2026."

What we don't know yet is whether the protester will choose to make a formal statement to officers, or what steps investigators might take next regarding those involved in the altercation.

I'll be following this one and keeping an eye on any formal steps from the police — check back for updates as the investigation develops.