Nine arrested after yobs shoot fireworks at people in Birmingham
Videos online show a group of hooded figures aiming fireworks at buildings and other people.
Last updated 1st Nov 2023
Nine people have been arrested after fireworks were set off in Birmingham City Centre. They were being launched directly at people and buildings.
Two officers were injured when they became targets during the ordeal after arriving at the scene to tackle the disorder.
Videos circulating online show a group of hooded people launching fireworks in the streets of Birmingham.
Police say they started receiving reports of anti-social behaviour yesterday afternoon (31 Oct).
It took place along Bagot Street and Staniforth Street, which are near Aston University and the University of Birmingham.
There are claims on social media that student accommodation was targeted, as well as students themselves.
Some people commented online saying they were "running for their lives."
Others dubbed it "the battle of Brum."
West Midlands Police said: "We won't tolerate such appalling behaviour which we know is frightening for people and puts them at risk of harm. We'll use all powers available to us to stop it and we'll seek to prosecute anyone involved.
We'll have another tough focused policing operation in place today, and over the coming days, to ensure such deplorable actions are prevented and to keep our communities safe."
In an earlier statement, the force said: "A Section 35 dispersal order was put in place yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) following calls from the public who were concerned about groups of people launching fireworks at each other and neighbouring buildings.
"The calls have continued to come in throughout the evening which has resulted in fireworks being fired at attending officers.
"We are aware of videos circulating on social media and will be taking action against anyone involved in public order offences or any other criminality that is reported to us."
We have contacted Aston University and the University of Birmingham for a comment.