Police in Birmingham have been granted increased stop and search powers following a week of significant disorder involving fireworks being launched at members of the public, buses, and officers.
Weekend of Disruption Leads to Increased Police Powers
The new authority, known as a Section 60 order, was activated from 3pm on Saturday, November 8, until 8am on Sunday, November 9. This measure allows officers to search individuals without needing reasonable suspicion, a direct response to dangerous incidents occurring over the previous week, including on Halloween and Bonfire Night.
The designated area covers a large swathe of the city, stretching from Hockley and the Jewellery Quarter in the north, through the city centre, Brindleyplace, and Broad Street, down to Highgate and Bordesley in the south.
A Pattern of Dangerous Behaviour
The trouble began on Halloween (Friday, October 31), when yobs were seen dangerously lobbing fireworks around New Street Station around 9pm. The situation escalated in the early hours of Saturday, November 1, when a group attacked police by aiming fireworks at them on Bagot Street, near student accommodation.
Shocking footage also emerged of a yob launching multiple fireworks at a National Express West Midlands double-decker bus in the city centre. Further incidents saw fireworks aimed at police in Corporation Street, with one exploding directly in front of an officer.
The disorder continued on Bonfire Night (Wednesday, November 5), with further attacks on police in the Dale End and Staniforth Street areas. Weapons were seized and a significant number of arrests were made in connection with the violent disorder.
Arrests and Police Response
West Midlands Police confirmed a series of arrests in response to the incidents. Following the Bonfire Night trouble, 20 people were arrested, with the youngest individual being just 14 years old. From the previous weekend's Halloween mayhem, nine arrests were made, with ages ranging from 13 to 23.
One teenager, Mohammed Zerfa, of Eastfield Road, Bordesley Green, was charged with threatening behaviour and assaulting a police officer.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police stated: "We won't tolerate such appalling behaviour which we know is frightening for people and puts them at risk of harm. The safety of our communities is paramount." They emphasised that misusing fireworks is not only dangerous but also illegal, and can lead to fines, arrest, and criminal charges.
The police are urging the public to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour or firework misuse by calling 101, reporting online, or always calling 999 in an emergency where there is immediate danger.
