City Bonfire Night Trouble Results in Over 20 Arrests Including a 14-Year-Old
On Bonfire Night, Wednesday, November 5, Birmingham experienced significant disturbances involving the dangerous use of fireworks and attacks on police and the public. The disorder continued into the early hours of the next day.
Key Incidents and Police Response
Fireworks were deliberately aimed at officers and members of the public. The West Midlands Police reported that groups of youths were seen carrying weapons and wandering aggressively in the area.
"Fireworks were let off dangerously and deliberately aimed at police and members of the public on Bonfire Night."
The trouble primarily occurred around Dale End and Staniforth Street, located between Aston Expressway and the busy fireworks hotspot near Bagot Street, known for its many student flats.
Arrests and Charges
- Police arrested 21 individuals aged between 14 and 25, including a 14-year-old child.
- Charges included violent disorder, assaulting a police officer, breach of the peace, and firing fireworks in public.
- All detainees were held in police custody for questioning.
Police Powers and Measures
A Section 60 order was in place from Wednesday night through to early Thursday morning, granting police enhanced stop and search powers. This resulted in multiple proactive arrests and the seizure of weapons and fireworks.
"The Section 60 order led to multiple proactive arrests being made, along with the seizures of weapons and fireworks."
Summary
The police acted decisively to control the dangerous behavior on Bonfire Night, which involved violent disorder and threats to public safety in Birmingham.
Author's summary: Over 20 arrests on Birmingham’s Bonfire Night highlight serious public safety risks, with youth violence and illegal fireworks prompting strong police action.