Man with rocket launcher shoots fireworks at passers-by in Birmingham
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This is the moment a man with a “rocket launcher” shot fireworks at a passer-by in Birmingham.
Footage shows a hooded man walking down a road with the device on his shoulder, indiscriminately shooting fireworks in all directions. He then turns his attention to a passer-by, chasing him as he tries to run for cover.
The hooded man was captured on camera in Birmingham city centre, near Aston University, on Friday. It is unclear if anybody was injured in the incident.
Police said that groups involved in firework-related incidents on the same night had also targeted officers and police vehicles.
West Midlands Police said three people were arrested and officers later seized illegal fireworks from a van in the Handsworth area of the city.
Two men, aged 18 and 19, and a boy, 17, were detained after fireworks were launched at officers and police cars. They were all arrested on different counts, including suspicion of violent disorder, fireworks offences and assaulting an officer.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “We have made arrests and seized illegal fireworks after further disorder in Birmingham city centre.
“Overnight, groups launched fireworks in the street and from buildings, with some aiming towards police officers and police vehicles. Officers were stationed around Bagot Street and Staniforth Street and a dispersal order was introduced.”
The force said it used police drones to identify suspects who it believed had been throwing fireworks.
Police also said they had seized fireworks in Handsworth after they spotted a man selling fireworks from a van.
“Further checks revealed his storage licence was expired and we seized both the van and fireworks,” the force said.
“Officers are now investigating to see if this is linked to the disorder in Birmingham. The van was also seized. We won’t tolerate such appalling behaviour which we know is frightening for people and puts them at risk of harm.
“We have an investigation team reviewing footage and we will seek to prosecute anyone involved. We’ll have another tough focused policing operation in place today, and over the coming days, to keep our communities safe.”
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