'Hugely reckless': Thugs blast fireworks at pedestrians in 'drive-by shooting'
Shocking footage showing a large firework being used to launch rockets at people in a 'drive-by shooting', has sparked a police investigation.
The clip emerged on social media, showing up to 40 flares being fired from a display-size firework as a car is driven along Coventry Road, Birmingham.
People are seen ducking for cover as the rockets are shot through the car window near the Old Bill & Bull pub.
West Midlands Police believe the footage was filmed in the last few days.
Officers have already carried out local enquiries and will be seizing CCTV for examination. Anyone with information should contact police on live chat online or call 101 quoting log number 2696 from November 3.
It is the latest in a series of shocking incidents, including one on October 31, when rockets were launched at motorists and a police car in Cape Hill.
A 16-year-old boy was detained and taken home after he was caught carrying fireworks; he will be voluntary interviewed at a later date.
Dangerous
Inspector Simon Graham, in charge of policing in Yardley constituency, said: “The footage shows a large firework – the kind that would be used at public displays – effectively being used in a drive-by shooting as a potentially lethal weapon.
“Letting off fireworks in the street is hugely reckless. Had one of those rockets exploded in someone’s face we could be looking at a wounding investigation or even worse.
“This is not just people having some fun. What I’ve seen on the video is really dangerous and we will take action. Offenders are putting people in danger and they run the risk of being arrested and jailed.”
It’s against the law to set off or throw fireworks in the street or a public place, and for under 18s to buy or possess fireworks.
Steve Vincent, area commander of West Midlands Fire Service, added: “Fireworks are explosives, with the potential to cause serious burns and injury.
"People misusing them in this way need to think about the very real dangers to themselves and others.
“Our health colleagues are again under mounting pressure because of the pandemic. That’s why we’re asking everyone to think twice about using fireworks at all this year.”
