Nine people have been arrested after England’s second city descended into a ‘war zone’ as unruly yobs launched fireworks at a packed double-decker bus.
A terrifying clip emerged on social media last night of hooded thugs hurling dozens of rockets in rapid succession at the vehicle.
As the bus slowly made its way through the unrelenting fireworks, the camera slowly panned to a group of darkly dressed youths terrorising oncoming traffic.
Another video showed the yobs filming as they launch a series of fireworks while pedestrians walked by on Corporation Street, Birmingham.
Two police vans quickly emerged as sparks burst into the road and seemingly one of the vehicles, with the dark-clothed youths quickly making a run for it.
West Midlands Police has since arrested nine people amid ‘pockets of disorder’ across the city centre from yesterday evening into the early morning.
A force spokesperson said: ‘We arrested nine people after tackling unacceptable disorder where fireworks were launched in Birmingham city centre.
‘We took strong action following a number of incidents where fireworks were set off last night and into this morning (1 November).
Nine people have been arrested after Birmingham descended into what has been described as a ‘war zone’ last night
Videos emerged on social media of dark-clothed yobs hurling fireworks into a packed double decker bus as well as into the streets of England’s city centre
‘From around 9pm there were pockets of disorder where some were thrown dangerously near New Street.
‘Then at around 2.15am there were fireworks launched by a group towards buildings, police officers and each other in Bagot Street.
‘Thankfully, no-one was injured as a result of a firework being thrown.
‘We detained nine people – aged between 13 and 23 – in connection with public order, throwing fireworks and possession of an offensive weapon.
‘We won’t tolerate such appalling actions and we’ll continue to have a visible police presence in and around the city centre. We also have a dispersal order in place.
‘We want to be clear; anyone who is involved in such irresponsible behaviour risks being arrested and prosecuted.
‘We’re focussed on ensuring the city centre remains a safe place for residents, visitors and those who work in the area.’