Fireworks disorder leaves city centre resembling ‘warzone’

Birmingham Council’s leader has vowed to work with police to tackle ‘disorder’ involving fireworks following recent scenes which left the city centre ‘almost a warzone’.

Several arrests were made after police responded to “pockets of disorder” in the city centre on Halloween night amid reports of fireworks being set off in a dangerous manner.

Footage posted on social media shows people in central Birmingham screaming and running as fireworks whizz through the air.

Speaking at a meeting earlier this week, Conservative group leader Cllr Robert Alden said such scenes were becoming an annual occurance in the city centre.

“Last week saw for another year the centre of Birmingham turned into almost a warzone, with people rampaging around shooting fireworks,” he told the council chamber on Tuesday, November 3.

“With businesses and cultural organisations already struggling due to the wider financial picture, what is the council doing to tackle this now yearly issue and ensure law-abiding residents are safe and not put off coming into the city centre for an evening out?”

“This is indeed a very serious issue,” council leader Cllr Roger Harmer (Liberal Democrat) responded.

“As we approach Bonfire Night and other seasonal celebrations, it’s really important people in Birmingham enjoy fireworks safely, responsibly and with consideration for others.

“The anti-social behaviour that we saw over the weekend is absolutely unacceptable and people must not use fireworks in a dangerous or threatening way.

“Fireworks can bring communities together. However, their misuse can cause distress, injury, damage to property and significant disruption to our communities.

“I encourage residents to be considerate of their neighbours. We encourage residents to attend organised displays where possible and show respect for those around them.

“Celebrations [should not be] a cause for fear, nuisance or harm.”

He added that the council will continue to work closely with police, the fire service and other partners to support “safe celebrations across the city” and “tackle behaviour that threatens the safety and wellbeing of residents”.

“If any resident sees fireworks out on the street, the first thing to do straight away is call 999 and ask the police to intervene,” Cllr Harmer went on to say.

Three days on from that meeting, West Midlands Police today confirmed that there was disorder involving fireworks in the Bagot Street area of the city in the early hours of this morning, November 6.

Section 60 powers, which allow the force to stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds, were in place until 8am.

“We won’t tolerate such appalling behaviour which we know is frightening for people and puts them at risk of harm,” a police spokesperson said.

“The safety of our communities is paramount, and we’ll do all we can to ensure this.

“Misusing fireworks is not only dangerous: it’s illegal. Throwing fireworks in public places, targeting people or property, or causing distress can lead to fines, arrest and criminal charges.

“If you witness fireworks being misused or any other form of ASB, you can report it to us by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

By Alexander Brock | Local Democracy Reporting Service