Halloween hooligans spray fireworks at shoppers and police in city centre as seven arrested

Published: 11:33 EDT, 1 November 2026 | Updated: 11:53 EDT, 1 November 2026 This is the moment mindless yobs are seen launching fireworks towards innocent bystanders and police in a night of chaos in Birmingham city centre.A harmless Halloween night out soon turned into a horror scene as crowds of people ran from New Street, screaming in terror after rockets were set off in front of them.Police rushed to calm the scene after the city centre was turned into a 'war zone' by thugs shooting fireworks from their hands into the watching public.Video footage captured the terrifying moment the youths began launching the rockets, creating huge explosions just above people's heads.In another clip, officers are seen chasing the suspects, with one falling to the ground as they tried to keep pace with the escapees.The brazen yobs then set blasts off around the riot vans as the thugs attempted to undermine the authority of the police.West Midlands Police said seven people - aged between 15 and 26 - had been arrested for a variety of offences. Mindless yobs are seen launching fireworks towards innocent bystanders and police in a night of chaos Fireworks were set off around the police riot vans in a brazen show of defiance from the thugsOne onlooker said: 'It was like a warzone. People were just letting off fireworks at each other like it was just a bit of harmless fun.'I didn't see anyone getting hurt, but I would be amazed if nobody was injured during that as fireworks were exploding next to people in the street. It was mayhem.'Other residents expressed their shock and dismay on social media, with one person writing: 'Absolute morons, somebody could have been killed.'Another added: 'That is absolutely crazy, Fair play to that one woman on her phone walking by as if nothing is happening. I would have been running for my life.'A third commented on Facebook: 'When will people learn fireworks are not toys. Incredibly dangerous.'One witness wrote on X: 'Came out of Digbeth to catch the train at Grand Central, fireworks everywhere. Kids screaming, panic everywhere.'Security guards locked the doors which heightened the panic. Absolute jokers.'Another put: 'The fireworks in Birmingham... my heart goes out to those affected if they hit anyone... what a world we live in man, its honestly petrifying I can't even enjoy Halloween without something kicking off.'A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: 'We responded to reports of fireworks being set off in a dangerous manner.'In total we arrested seven people (aged between 15 and 26) for a number of offences including assault, possession of fireworks and possession of an offensive weapon.'They all remain in custody for questioning.'Police enforced a notice which gave officers extra powers to carry out stop and searches of those suspected of carrying weapons or fireworks as they battled to regain control of the city. Officers were seen chasing the suspects, with one falling to the ground as they tried to keep pace with the escapeesChief Superintendent Tom Joyce, from Birmingham Police, added: 'We have had a robust plan in place for this weekend to deal with any disorder, including section 60 powers which allows us to stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds.'The safety of our communities is paramount, and we'll do all we can to ensure this.'Misusing fireworks is not only dangerous: it's illegal and can lead to fines, arrest and criminal charges.'We're working closely with local partners to respond to reports of anti-social behaviour and keep our communities safe.'West Midlands Police had warned of a zero-tolerance approach to fireworks-related disorder over Halloween and Bonfire Night with extra officers deployed across the city.