Dealing with firework-related disorder in Birmingham

Dealing with firework-related disorder in Birmingham

Dear Resident,

Five people were arrested overnight, as part of our robust operation tackling firework-related disorder in Birmingham.

Extra officers were on duty in key areas and appropriate powers including Section 60 orders were utilised as we worked hard to keep the public safe.

As part of our continuing operation and subsequent response to calls about groups gathering in the city centre last night, we dispersed dozens of people who would have been arrested if they had returned, and we carried out a number of stop and searches.

Two teenage boys were arrested for public order offences and failing to disperse, while a third was detained on suspicion of possessing fireworks.

We also dispersed several people who had been gathering around Bagot Street in Aston.

We returned to the Bagot Street area in the early hours of this morning, having issued a further Section 60 order due to reports of disorder involving fireworks.

Several people were again dispersed, and two, aged 21 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting police.

This evening, from 4pm, we will again be using Section 60 powers, allowing us to stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds. The powers include a Section 60AA authorisation, which means we can also tell people to remove face coverings.

These powers will be in place in the area shown on the map, until 7am tomorrow (6 November), and officers will be remaining in the area through the night.

Birmingham Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce, said: “This kind of behaviour is irresponsible and dangerous, and misusing fireworks is against the law.

“If you are misusing fireworks, you can expect to be dealt with and prosecuted, and if you’re gathering to watch this kind of behaviour, you’re putting yourself at risk of injury.

“Our priority is the safety of the public, and we will continue to use all the appropriate powers and resources at our disposal to protect people and prevent crime and disorder.

“As part of our continuing operation tonight and over the weekend, you can expect to see more officers on duty, carrying out high-visibility patrols and ready to respond quickly in key locations.”

If you have concerns or information about this type of crime, call 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Call 999 in an emergency.