City Bonfire Night Trouble Leads to Over 20 Arrests
Police reported more than 20 arrests after violent scenes erupted in Birmingham during Bonfire Night celebrations on November 5. Officers and bystanders were attacked with fireworks deliberately fired into crowds late Wednesday and into the early hours of Thursday.
Authorities described how groups of youths roamed the Dale End area and nearby Staniforth Street between Aston Expressway and Bagot Street, where student flats are located. Some suspects were armed, prompting a strong police response.
“Officers made 21 arrests, including children as young as 14, in connection with the trouble,” the West Midlands Police confirmed.
The offences included violent disorder, assaulting a police officer, disturbing the peace, and discharging fireworks in public. Those detained, aged 14 to 25, remained in custody for questioning.
A Section 60 order, granting police enhanced stop-and-search powers, was enforced through the night. This measure led to several proactive arrests and the seizure of weapons and fireworks, police said.
Author’s Summary
Youth violence and reckless firework use on Birmingham’s Bonfire Night forced police to make 21 arrests, highlighting issues of public safety and disorder.