Five arrested as police tackle firework disorder in Birmingham
Dozens of people were dispersed from Birmingham city centre
Five people were arrested overnight as police launched a crackdown on firework-related disorder across Birmingham.
Extra officers were deployed to key areas of the city as West Midlands Police responded to reports of groups gathering and fireworks being misused.
Dozens of people were dispersed from Birmingham city centre, while officers also carried out a number of stop and searches.
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.
Officers also dispersed several people who had gathered around Bagot Street in Aston.
Police returned to the area in the early hours following further reports of disorder involving fireworks, with additional stop and search powers authorised.
Several more people were dispersed, while two men, aged 21 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting police officers.
Section 60 powers, allowing officers to stop and search people without reasonable suspicion, will again be in place from 4pm, alongside Section 60AA powers allowing police to order people to remove face coverings.
The measures will remain in force until 7am the following morning, with additional officers patrolling the area overnight.
Birmingham Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce, said: "This kind of behaviour is irresponsible and dangerous, and misusing fireworks is against the law.
"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.
"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.
"As part of our continuing operation tonight and over the weekend, you can expect to see more officers on duty, carrying out high-visibility patrols and ready to respond quickly in key locations."
Anyone with information or concerns about firework-related disorder is urged to contact West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, call 999.