Police to crackdown hard on Bonfire Night yobs after fireworks hurled at cops and buses in West Midlands

A Bonfire Night crackdown is underway after yobs turned Birmingham city centre into a "warzone" and launched fireworks at cops in shocking scenes last year.

West Midlands Police has vowed to come down hard on troublemakers this November, with extra officers set to flood hotspot areas as part of a "robust" operation to prevent a repeat of the chaos.

The warning comes after 21 people were arrested on November 6 last year when officers came under attack from fireworks in Dale End and Staniforth Street in Birmingham.

Those arrested, aged between 14 and 25, were suspected of offences including violent disorder, assaulting police officers, breach of the peace and firing fireworks in a public place.

Chief Inspector Dan Lowe condemned the disorder and warned there was a "zero tolerance" towards anyone causing trouble this year.

He said: "The scenes we saw last year were appalling, and we will not tolerate a repeat.

"That's why we're being clear: anyone who is involved in this irresponsible behaviour risks being arrested and prosecuted."

Nineteen people have since been charged, while a number of cases are still making their way through the courts.

Police also brought in Section 60 stop-and-search powers during last year's operation, allowing officers to search people without reasonable grounds. Fireworks and weapons were seized.

Students were also warned they could be kicked out of university if they were caught setting off fireworks illegally.

Bonfire Night has become an increasing flashpoint in Birmingham in recent years.

Last November, shocking footage showed a yob firing dozens of fireworks at a double-decker bus as it waited at traffic lights in the city centre.

In 2024, another terrifying video captured a hooded thug rampaging through the city armed with a firework "rocket launcher".

The yob was filmed blasting at least 50 fireworks towards revellers near Aston University.

Three teenagers aged 17, 18 and 19 were also arrested for launching fireworks at police cars.

And in 2023, nine people were arrested after a night of mayhem around Aston University which witnesses described as being like a "warzone".

A National Express West Midlands spokesperson said: "There was an incident involving a National Express West Midlands 87 service on the evening of 31 October at Great Charles Street.

"Thankfully, no injuries were sustained by the driver or passengers on this service.