People flee as fireworks thrown in city centre street

Three teenagers have been arrested after fireworks were thrown in a street on Bonfire Night.

Shocking footage shared on social media showed people running for cover as fireworks were aimed at buildings, members of the public and police officers, on Staniforth Street, near Aston University.

It comes less than a week after similar scenes unfolded during Halloween celebrations in Birmingham city centre. Seven people, aged between 15 and 26, were arrested after fireworks were set off close to police officers and vehicles on Corporation Street.

Birmingham Police Commander Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce described the latest incidents as "irresponsible and dangerous".

"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," he said.

"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."

Two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of public order offences and failing to disperse, while a third was detained on suspicion of possessing fireworks during Thursday night's incident.

It prompted a major police response, with scores of officers and vehicles deployed to the area.

About 60 public order officers wearing riot helmets were sent to the scene, later joined by about 25 response officers, as tensions escalated.

Dozens of people were dispersed from areas including Bagot Street and warned they could be arrested if they returned.

Officers also carried out a number of stop-and-searches before returning to the area in the early hours following further reports of firework-related incidents. Two men, aged 21 and 22, were later arrested on suspicion of assaulting police officers.

Police have since introduced another dispersal order covering a large part of Birmingham city centre from 16:00 GMT on Friday until 07:00 on Saturday.

The order gives officers enhanced powers, including the ability to stop and search people without reasonable grounds. A Section 60AA authorisation also allows officers to require people to remove face coverings.

Joyce said residents could expect to see more officers carrying out high-visibility patrols throughout the weekend.

West Midlands Police had already warned that firm action would be taken against anyone involved in firework-related disorder following serious incidents during Bonfire Night celebrations last year.

On 6 November 2025, 21 people were arrested after officers were attacked with fireworks on Dale End and Staniforth Street.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.