Scenes of chaos erupted outside a reception venue in Birmingham when three men launched an attack on a location where a wedding celebration was taking place. The attackers hurled five incendiary devices outside the building, setting two luxury cars ablaze, while hundreds of guests were inside the venue.
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Panic in Birmingham as incendiary devices are thrown at wedding venue
According to the Daily Mail, the incident took place on Wednesday (19/08) at around 8:30 PM, outside the Royal Shalimar banquet hall on Highgate Road in the Sparkbrook area. No injuries were reported from the attack, despite the fact that the incendiary devices reportedly passed very close to people who were standing outside the building.
Shocking footage circulating on social media captures the panic experienced by the wedding guests. Terrified attendees are seen fleeing for safety, while two supercars — reported to be a Lamborghini and a McLaren — were engulfed in flames, blanketing the surrounding area in thick black smoke.
The three men dressed in black
According to reports, West Midlands Police announced that an investigation has been launched into the attack, with officers reviewing CCTV footage and taking statements from eyewitnesses. “Fortunately, no injuries have been reported,” a police spokesperson confirmed.
According to details reported by British media, three men — all dressed in black — were captured on CCTV cameras outside the venue prior to the attack.
One of the suspects allegedly lit three incendiary devices and threw them toward the Royal Shalimar building, where hundreds of people were gathered at the time. One of the devices struck the front facade of the venue. Subsequently, one of the three men crossed the road and hurled two more lit incendiary devices at the two supercars parked outside.
Both vehicles caught fire, with footage from the scene showing dramatic flames and billowing clouds of smoke.
Lives put at risk
Particularly alarming was the fact that the incendiary devices reportedly passed dangerously close to young guests and a baby who were standing outside the venue. One attendee reportedly kicked one of the devices to prevent it from rolling underneath a parked car.
Venue staff responded immediately, using fire extinguishers to contain the flames before emergency services arrived. Following the attack, the three suspects allegedly fled toward Mole Street, where they boarded a white Volkswagen Golf and made their getaway.
West Midlands Fire Service confirmed it was called to Highgate Road shortly after 8:30 PM, following the deliberate torching of the two vehicles. A fire engine from Highgate station attended the scene, and firefighters brought the blaze under control, making one of the vehicles safe.
No one was trapped and no injuries were sustained, according to the fire service, with police also remaining on scene. Firefighting crews left the area at 9:07 PM. Police are urging anyone with information about the attack, or who can help identify the suspects, to come forward and contact the authorities.
