Guests at a wedding in Birmingham fled when incendiary devices were thrown toward cars parked outside the Royal Shalimar, leaving two supercars ablaze and prompting an emergency response.
West Midlands Police said the incident took place in the Sparkbrook area on Highgate Road at around 8.30pm on Wednesday. Videos shared online show people running from the venue as flames and smoke engulfed the vehicles near the entrance.
Footage circulating on social media appears to show three devices being hurled toward the venue and the parked cars. Two of the vehicles, reported to be a Lamborghini and a McLaren, were set on fire, and three men dressed in black were then seen entering a white Volkswagen Golf and driving off.
Other clips show the front of one car alight and a man kicking one of the incendiary devices away from the area as others moved to safety. The scenes forced a rapid evacuation of the building and drew firefighters and police to the street.
A spokesperson for West Midlands fire service said: “A fire engine from Highgate station attended after two vehicles were deliberately set alight. One vehicle was made safe by firefighters. No one was trapped or injured.”
A statement from the Royal Shalimar said: “Our immediate priority was the safety of our guests, and we are grateful that no one was injured. Our staff responded quickly and the situation was dealt with promptly alongside the emergency services and police.” It added: “Royal Shalimar has always been a place for families, celebrations and the wider Birmingham community, and we remain committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for our guests.”
West Midlands Police said officers have spoken to witnesses and examined CCTV as part of an active investigation. They asked anyone with information to pass it on through the force website or by calling 101, as inquiries continue into who carried out the attack and why.
