Watch: Call for fireworks ban after rockets fired at police in Smethwick

Councillor Mohammad Rouf has spoken out after horrendous scenes of youths launching explosive pyrotechnics at buildings and cars on Saturday evening.

Motorists and passers-by had to endure a barrage of rockets and Roman candles as youngsters aimed fireworks across busy roads.

A video shows youths deliberately targeting a police car which was forced speed off as it came under fire.

Fireworks were also thrown at police officers in Sutton Coldfield on Sunday. Police received reports that some 400 people had congregated in Churchill Parade, in Sutton Coldfield. While trying to disperse the crowds, officers were attacked with fireworks and bottles.

No one was injured.

Watch the video: Courtesy of imjustbrum

Saying someone could have been killed, Councillor Rouf said fireworks sales should be banned while emergency services have to cope with a pandemic.

He said: “The police are doing a brilliant job and if they were not there where would we be?

Prosecutions

“This not acceptable. I think, that especially at this time with organised displays being cancelled, I’m a hundred per cent against the sale of fireworks.

“Those selling them should be given stern warnings and possibly even prosecutions because this is causing enormous problems for the community.”

West Midlands Police said they were stepping up patrols in the area and asked the public to contact them if they had any information.

Sergeant Mike Bradley from Sandwell Police, said: “We received several calls at around 6.30pm and as officers arrived in Cape Hill, fireworks were thrown at one of our police cars.

“A 16-year-old boy was detained and taken home after he was caught carrying fireworks. He will be voluntarily interviewed.

“Letting off fireworks in the street and throwing objects into the road is reckless behaviour which could easily have led to serious injury. It’s lucky no one was hurt.

“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.”

In response to the Sutton Coldfield incident, Neighbourhood Police Inspector Haroon Chughtai, said: "We received numerous calls from concerned residents regarding a large gathering and disorder in Churchill Parade, Sutton Coldfield.

“It’s understood people began to gather from around 2pm and by 6pm some 400 people had congregated.

“We received reports of the clear Covid-19 breach, plus vehicles being driven recklessly in the street, cars doing donuts and motorbikes pulling wheelies in the street.

“Local officers, response units and operational support colleagues attended to disperse the crowd. They came under attack as bottles and fireworks thrown in their direction. Fortunately no-one was injured.

“We are investigating and will take action against anyone involved in the trouble. We will also have additional officers patrolling the area in the next few days."

Anyone with information about the Cape Hill incident can contact the police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or by ringing 101, quoting log number 3531, of October 31.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org