Express & Star

Fresh appeal launched over firework death

A fresh appeal has been launched by police a year on after a man died as a result of a firework attack.

Published
Tony Nicholls

Tony Nicholls suffered serious injuries after a group are believed to have burst into his Tile Cross house and set off an industrial-sized firework at around 11.20pm on November 2, 2017.

The 56-year-old was taken to hospital following the blaze in Birchtrees Drive, Birmingham, but died five days later leading to the launch of a murder investigation.

Five men aged 31, 30, 23, 22 and 19 - along with a 19-year-old woman - were previously arrested on suspicion of murder and released under investigation.

Detectives are convinced the answer to what happened to the father-of-one is within the local community and are urging anyone with information to come forward a year on from the tragedy.

The firework is thought to have contained around 200 tubes of explosives which gutted the open plan living accommodation.

Detective Inspector Stuart Mobberley, from West Midlands Police’s homicide team, said: "We are still as determined now, a year on, to find whoever was responsible for sparking the fire which led to Tony’s death.

"A family has been left devastated and we are committed to bringing those who caused this pain to justice.

"We have followed, and continue to follow, a number of lines of enquiry but we need the help of the public to help us crack this case.

"We know there are people out there who can provide crucial information to help us and I am urging them to do the right thing and speak to us."

Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am to midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.