A police manhunt is underway following the incident.
CCTV footage of the incident (Image: Instagram)
Two cars were set on fire in Birmingham after suspected petrol bombs were launched at a wedding venue, CCTV footage shows. West Midlands Police officers were called at around 8.30pm on Wednesday, August 19, to reports of an incident in Royal Shalimar Banqueting Hall, in Highgate Road. Footage shows one of the petrol bombs smashing through the front of the venue, where hundreds were dining. Another two were hurled at supercars parked outside, believed to be a Lamborghini and a McLaren.
Staff diverted the disaster by tackling the flames with fire extinguishers before emergency services arrived at the scene. A police manhunt is currently underway following the incident. Authorities say three men were spotted running down Mole Street before getting into a white Volkswagen Golf and driving off. The footage, which circulated on social media, also shows several people scattering from the scene, including one man carrying a toddler, but police say no injuries were reported.
The bombs nearly missed young partygoers in traditional thobes and a baby, all among those outside.
Fahim Kayani, president of the All Parties International Kashmir Coordination Committee (APIKCC), a political advocacy group in the UK, was at the wedding with 500 attendees.
He said: “I was inside enjoying my meal when this very serious incident took place.
“I was aware of a disturbance outside.
“The restaurant staff responded very quickly and put the flames out using fire extinguishers before the emergency services arrived.”
“It could have been very bad indeed,” he added. “The police need to find those responsible.”
CCTV footage shows three people dressed in black lingering across the road from the venue. Officers are urging anyone with information is asked to get in touch via Live Chat on their website or by calling 101, quoting log 5308 of 18 August.