'Rivals started riot rape rumour'
The owner of a shop where a teenage girl was allegedly raped, sparking riots in Birmingham, says it was just a rumour to harm his business.

Ajaib Hussein, who owns a beauty shop in the city, told BBC Asian Network he believes the rumour was deliberately started by commercial rivals.

The rape allegation was broadcast on a pirate radio station, but police say no crime has been reported to them.

Two men have died since rioting in Lozells started on Saturday evening.

Officers from West Midlands Police have conducted a forensic examination of the beauty salon.

Mr Hussein told the BBC on Monday he plans to re-open his shop "as soon as possible".

'Playing politics'

He said "There is no truth (in the allegations). No one would do that kind of thing in their own business.

"It is all a business problem. I tried to do my best and I tried to sell my stuff very cheap and that's why the people cannot take it.

"Some of the small businesses were out of business, that is why they created this.

"They are just playing politics and spoiling my business."

West Midlands Police said one man was stabbed to death by a gang of up to 11 men on Saturday.

A second man was shot dead on Sunday near to the scene of further rioting.

Two men have been arrested over the shooting in the Newtown area, but police do not yet know if it is linked to the weekend violence.