Bonfire Night celebrations in Birmingham turned violent on Wednesday evening (November 5) as masked youths unleashed fireworks across the city centre, targeting police vehicles, buildings, and members of the public in a wave of chaos. Videos circulating online show groups of young people lighting and firing fireworks along Bagot Street, a bustling area near several student housing complexes.

According to West Midlands Police, the disturbances began shortly after nightfall, when large groups of masked individuals began launching fireworks indiscriminately. Officers responding to the scene reported fireworks aimed directly at police vehicles and nearby crowds, forcing them to take cover and establish control zones. Eyewitnesses described the scene as “like a war zone,” with bursts of color lighting up the night amid the sound of explosions and shouting.

Authorities confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, but several vehicles and nearby properties sustained minor damage. Police have since launched an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those involved. Additional patrols have been deployed around central Birmingham to prevent further unrest during the Bonfire Night period.

The incident has reignited concerns over lawlessness and the growing boldness of youth gangs across major UK cities. Critics have pointed to a broader decline in policing standards and social discipline, arguing that such scenes highlight the consequences of weak enforcement and lack of accountability.  

As the investigation continues, city officials have urged residents to remain calm and avoid confrontation with disorderly groups. West Midlands Police have vowed to “identify and prosecute” all those involved, calling the attacks “reckless, dangerous, and unacceptable.”