An update from West Midlands Police

Message from West Midlands Police:-

We are continuing to investigate after fireworks were thrown at officers and members of the public in West Bromwich town centre on Tuesday (20 October).

 

Officers were called to West Bromwich High Street and surrounding roads at around 3.30pm, where a group of people were throwing fireworks into a crowd.

 

One of our officers was hit in the face with a firework and was taken to hospital to be treated. Fortunately, his injuries are not thought to be serious.

 

There are not believed to be any other injuries to any members of the public.

 

We understand the distress this has caused local business owners and members of the community and assure you that we are doing all we can to identify those involved and keep the people of West Bromwich safe.

 

We are continuing to trawl CCTV to find those responsible and have now stepped up extra patrols in the area.

 

Additionally, we are working with Sandwell Council Trading Standards officials to reduce the illegal sale of fireworks to those who are underage and we will make sure any stores found to be doing so will be visited, advised and prosecuted if appropriate.

 

We are speaking with local schools and colleges as they break up for half term to ensure they are being sensible and enjoying upcoming Halloween and bonfire night safely.

 

West Bromwich neighbourhood police team continues to work hard to reduce incidents of this nature and we encourage anyone with information or concerns to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime. Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime reference 20SW/256450T/20