Five petrol bombs were thrown at partygoers and two supercars during a terrifying attack outside a city banqueting venue hosting a wedding. Three blazing missiles were hurled towards guests outside the Royal Shalimar venue in Highgate Road, Sparkbrook, last night, Wednesday, August 19. Two more were thrown at the high-value cars, thought to be a Lamborghini and a McLaren.
Attack details and venue response
One of the missiles struck the front of the venue, where hundreds of guests were dining. Disaster was averted only by the quick actions of venue staff who tackled the flames before fire crews arrived. Young partygoers dressed in traditional thube and a baby were among those outside who were narrowly missed.
CCTV footage seen by BirminghamLive showed three people, all dressed in black, standing across the road from the venue. One of them set three missiles alight before throwing them towards the venue. Another of the trio then crossed the road and appeared to start two further petrol bombs that were thrown into the cars parked outside. All three then fled.
Witness account and aftermath
Shocked partygoers scattered, some jumping in other supercars to drive them out of harm's way. Venue staff later raced to put out the flames with fire extinguishers before fire crews and police arrived, said diner Fahim Kayani. Inside were around 500 guests attending a wedding, with more diners eating in the main restaurant below.
Footage, also seen by BirminghamLive, was captured by a passing motorist. It showed the horror of the aftermath, with people trying to kick the burning missiles away from the cars while a burst of flame streaked across the road. Among the diners downstairs was Mr Kayani, president of the all party international Kashmir coordination committee, who was eating when the terrifying incident happened.
Witness statement and police involvement
Fahim Kayani, president Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK, said: "I was inside enjoying my meal when this very serious incident took place. I was aware of a disturbance outside. The restaurant staff responded very quickly and put the flames out using fire extinguishers before the emergency services arrived. Everyone stayed very calm but it could have been a lot worse. There was a big wedding and lots of people around. Young people were stood not far from the cars that were firebombed, one kicked one of the missiles away before it could roll under one of the cars. One young child was just a few metres away. It could have been very bad indeed. The police need to find those responsible."
West Midlands Police has been approached for a statement.
