Police get extra powers for Bonfire Night in Birmingham amid concerns over 'potential planned disorder'
Police have said that they will be using Section 60 powers on Bonfire Night in Birmingham in response to potential planned disorder.
West Midlands Police has announced that officers will be using Section 60 (stop and search) powers today and tomorrow in response to the potential for 'planned disorder' in the region.
It follows 'pockets of disorder' involving young people around the Birmingham area that saw several fireworks released in a dangerous manner, leading to members of the public and officers being attacked.
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Later the same day, there were also fireworks launched by a group towards buildings, officers and other people in Bagot Street, Birmingham.
The force said that they are continuing to investigate the incidents, and have made several arrests, adding that they 'do not tolerate this appalling action'.
The Section 60 powers will be in place for the areas pictured from 3pm today until 6am tomorrow.
The powers allow police to stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds, and are usually put in place to safeguard the public from dangerous behaviour.
West Midlands Police Superintendent Lucas Cole said: "We have robust plans in place to respond to any Bonfire Night disorder, as we will not compromise in our mission to make Birmingham and the whole of the West Midlands as safe as possible at all times.
"While organised firework displays can be great fun for families, I would urge parents and carers to speak with young people about the dangers of fireworks and their unsupervised use.
"It's vital you know where your children are and who they are with, as anyone involved in disorder faces being arrested.
"We are also working with schools, colleges, and universities, and we understand they will be implementing measures against students taking part in disorder - measures which could have a severe impact on their studies."
The force added that extra police patrols will be in place in key locations around the region, and urged anyone with information on any planned disorder to contact them via their 101number.
