4 charged after car petrol bombed in CoventryPolice have charged 4 men after a car was set alight in Coventry by a group armed with petrol bombs.
West Midlands have confirmed to Mercia that five others arrested on Daventry Road in Cheylesmore on Tuesday night have been released on police bail.
A group of up to 40 people gathered there at around 10:30pm, setting a car alight and then trying to throw petrol bombs at others driving past.
More than 20 police officers attended and managed to get the driver out of the burning car.
They were attacked but quickly managed to get the situation under control.
Coventry Police Chief Inspector Kerry Blakeman, said: “Coventry has remained relatively quiet over recent days when viewed against the disorder that has broken out in other parts of the country.
“This incident shows that we will respond swiftly and decisively to anyone intent on causing trouble in our communities.
“We will not tolerate violent behaviour and will arrest any people who commit acts of violence or criminality; offenders can expect to be put before the courts and punished appropriately.”
Chief Insp Blakeman went on to praise the bravery of his officers: “We had a large police presence on the scene quickly…they tackled the offenders head-on. This was a hazardous situation for the officers but they brought it under control quickly, chased down key suspects and made several arrests.
“My officers are committed to protecting members of the public, their homes and their businesses.”
No-one was injured.
Local police will this evening hold a meeting for people in Cheylesmore who are worried about the incident. It will happen at 6pm at the Cheylesmore Community Centre.