West Midlands Police are investigating a petrol bomb attack outside a wedding venue in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, in which two luxury supercars were set alight; no injuries were reported and the motive remains unclear - UKJNews

 

 

On the evening of Wednesday 19 August 2026, around 8.30–8.50pm, three men dressed in black or hooded clothing threw multiple petrol bombs (reports describe three to five) at the Royal Shalimar on Highgate Road while a Pakistani wedding with approximately 500 guests was underway inside. Projectiles targeted a row of parked supercars—described across accounts as including a McLaren and either a Ferrari or Lamborghini—setting two vehicles on fire. At least one bomb struck near the front of the venue, and smaller fires broke out nearby. Guests, including young people and a child or baby who were close by, scattered; some kicked missiles away or moved other cars. Venue staff quickly used fire extinguishers to tackle the flames before emergency services arrived. 

 

CCTV and social media footage captured the attackers positioned across the street, lighting and hurling the devices, then fleeing on foot down Mole Street before getting into a white Volkswagen Golf and driving off. West Midlands Police confirmed they were called to the scene, are reviewing CCTV, speaking to witnesses, and appealing for information (via Live Chat on their website or 101, quoting log 5308 of 18/19 August). West Midlands Fire Service attended, made one vehicle safe, and reported no one trapped or injured; crews left around 9.07pm.

 

 

Local community members expressed shock. A nearby resident on Mole Street described hearing screaming and seeing people panicking, with the fire still visible when she came outside. Another heard banging and commotion. Councillor (deputy cabinet member for community safety) described the attack as reckless anti-social behaviour that “could have gone very wrong,” noting children were nearby and urging anyone with information or footage to contact police. He referenced prior discussions with the venue about loud fireworks during celebrations but stressed this was different. Wedding guest Fahim Kayani (president of an all-party Kashmir coordination committee), who was dining inside, praised staff for their rapid response with extinguishers, said people stayed calm, and noted how close young people and a child came to danger: “It could have been a lot worse… The police need to find those responsible.”  

 

 

Police statements treat the incident as a deliberate setting of vehicles on fire and do not describe it as gang warfare, organised criminal gang activity, or any other specific category. No official motive has been given. While Sparkbrook has a documented history of occasional family or group feuds involving violence or arson in the broader British Asian community, nothing in current police updates or verified local reports links this specific attack to ongoing gang conflict. Speculation online remains unconfirmed; investigators are focusing on identifying the three suspects through CCTV and witnesses.  

 

 

The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police.