“Violent disorder” has erupted in Birmingham as mobs of youths hurled fireworks at police officers.
Late on Wednesday night, West Midlands Police said four teenage boys had been arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of violent disorder.
Police said they also seized weapons in response to officers being attacked in the Dale End area of the city.
The force said: “Disorder involving young people saw fireworks released in a dangerous manner, as member of the public and our officers were attacked.”
Officers added that the chaos would “not be tolerated” – but later, live-streamed footage showed another flare-up on the Second City’s Staniforth Street.
Hundreds of youths were seen rampaging around, some hurling fireworks, with police officers and cars then arriving at the scene.
Social media footage showed clashes deep into the early hours, with masked young men appearing to hurl flares at cars, police – and each other.
One video showed groups of youths around an underpass near to Staniforth House, a Unite students accommodation.
Fireworks could be seen shooting down the street as people in dark clothing with their faces covered ran through the road.
Another video showed police arriving on the scene as hundreds of people fled.
A Section 60 order had earlier been put in place until 6am on Thursday to allow police to stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds.
PICTURED: Police arrived on the scene as fireworks continued to go off and people fled
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Confirming no one had been seriously hurt, Inspector Matthew Minton said: “We had robust plans in place tonight to respond to any Bonfire Night disorder.
“Behaviour like what we have seen this evening simply won’t be tolerated.”
GB News has approached West Midlands Police for further comment regarding events in Staniforth Street.
More to follow…