Seven arrested after fireworks fired at crowds and police in Birmingham
Fireworks were fired towards shoppers, bystanders and police in Birmingham city centre during Halloween, prompting a crowd to flee and officers to pursue suspects. The incident led to seven arrests and renewed warnings about the danger and illegality of misusing fireworks in public.
West Midlands Police said those arrested were aged 15 to 26 and were being questioned over offences including assault, possessing fireworks and possessing an offensive weapon. Officers used section 60 powers, which permit stop and searches without reasonable grounds, and extra staff had been deployed for Halloween and Bonfire Night.
In short
- Fireworks caused panic in Birmingham city centre on Halloween.
- Police arrested seven people aged 15 to 26.
- Officers used extra search powers amid disorder warnings.
Explained simply
Halloween and Bonfire Night are occasions when people in the UK often set off fireworks, but fireworks can cause serious injuries if they are aimed at people or used in crowded public places. Their sale and use are subject to legal restrictions, and firing them at others may lead to criminal charges.
West Midlands Police is the force responsible for policing Birmingham and the surrounding area. Section 60 powers allow officers, for a limited time and in a specified area, to search people for weapons without needing individual reasonable grounds.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Halloween hooligans spray fireworks at shoppers and police in city centre as seven arrested”.