Four teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder after a night of unrest in Birmingham. Police said they also seized weapons in response to officers being attacked
The streets of Birmingham this morning (Image: @X)
Police officers have been attacked with fireworks overnight as as mobs of youths took to the streets of Birmingham.
Late on Wednesday night, West Midlands Police said four teenage boys had been arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of violent disorder. Police said they also seized weapons in response to officers being attacked in the Dale End area of the city.
West Midlands Police were granted new stop and search powers over 15 hours amid firework gang trouble. Officers were able to use Section 60 powers in parts of Birmingham from 3pm yesterday to 6am this morning.
Police took to the streets with shields for protection(Image: @X)
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Footage shared on social media in the early hours of this morning showed clashes with masked young men appearing to hurl flares dangerously in the street at cars, police – and each other. Writing on X one user wrote: “Police have been with riot shields and these kids dont care, theyre throwing fireworks at them and water at them.” Another wrote: “Set a flare off at Birmingham city football ground at 3 PM on a Saturday and you would get a different response.”
In a statement, police said: “Our message is clear: we do not tolerate this appalling action. Not only is it anti-social, but it is also incredibly dangerous and potentially putting lives at risk.”
An update from police late last night confirmed four teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in the Dale End area of the city last night. They have been since been taken into custody as police continue with their enquiries.
Police at the scene (Image: @X)
Inspector Matthew Minton said: “We made four arrests this evening as violent disorder broke out where members of the public and our officers were attacked with fireworks. Fortunately no-one has been seriously hurt. We also seized weapons and fireworks as we deployed our Section 60 powers to stop and search.
“We had robust plans in place tonight to respond to any Bonfire Night disorder. Behaviour like what we have seen this evening simply won’t be tolerated.”
Witnesses or anyone with any information about the disorder this evening should call us on 101 quoting log 4026 of 5 November. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.