Appeal for information following youths targeting officers with fireworks

Officers are appealing for witnesses following reports of two separate incidents involving youths throwing fireworks at officers in Perton.

The first of these incidents took place on October 22 at around 9.40pm outside Sainsbury’s, Anders Square. It is reported five/six youths set off fireworks outside the store and targeted officers on their arrival to the scene.

The second incident saw officers called to The Wrottesley Arms, Perton, at around 7.30pm on October 31.

It is believed 60-70 youths were outside the pub and on arrival at the scene, officers had eggs and fireworks thrown at them. Thankfully, no one was injured.

It is also reported the youths were aged between 12 and 15-years-old. One of the youths is described to be a white male, 6’1 in height, around 16 years of age, and was seen wearing a black puffer jacket, black bottoms and trainers. It is reported he was last seen at Anders Square.

David Wain, Chief Inspector at South Staffordshire Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “While these are isolated incidents, attacks on emergency services worker will never be tolerated and those responsible will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

“We are working in partnership with the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to raise awareness locally of the danger of fireworks as we approach the festive season."

Mark Walchester, Head of Prevent and Protect at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Playing with fireworks is dangerous and can easily get out of hand causing significant injuries.

“We can all have fun at this time of year without causing anti-social behaviour and without putting ourselves or others at risk by not understanding the dangers that fireworks can pose.”

Anyone with any information that could help the police with their enquiries, is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 731 of October 22 and 750 of October 31. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.