Firebomb attack sets two supercars ablaze outside Birmingham wedding venue

Updated 24 August 2026, 14:00 CEST — Suspected firebombs set two high-end cars alight outside the Royal Shalimar wedding venue in Sparkbrook, Birmingham

Place

Birmingham

English city where the suspected firebomb attack occurred.

Why it matters

English city where the suspected firebomb attack occurred.

About

Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the centre of the West Midlands region of England. It is the largest local authority district in England by population and the second-largest city in Britain – commonly referred to as the second city of the United Kingdom – with a population of 1.2 million people in the city proper in 2024.

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ITV News Central reported that CCTV showed burning objects being thrown towards vehicles and people outside the Highgate Road venue. Several people scattered, including a man carrying a toddler. The broadcaster said the two cars caught fire while a wedding celebration was under way inside.

The Guardian reported that three incendiary devices were thrown towards the entrance and parked cars. It identified the damaged vehicles as a Lamborghini and a McLaren, although reporting elsewhere has differed over the exact models. The makes therefore remain unconfirmed by police.

West Midlands Fire Service told The Guardian that a crew from Highgate attended after two vehicles were deliberately set alight. Firefighters made one vehicle safe, and the service confirmed that nobody was trapped or injured.

The venue said in a statement carried by The Guardian that staff prioritised guests’ safety and responded quickly alongside the emergency services. Royal Shalimar added that it remained committed to providing a safe setting for families and community celebrations.

Police have spoken to witnesses and reviewed CCTV, according to The Guardian. ITV reported that the three men ran down Mole Street before entering the white Golf. Authorities have not announced arrests, identified suspects or established a motive. Claims circulating online about who was responsible or why the cars were targeted remain unsupported and are not included as fact.

The immediate significance lies in the danger posed to wedding guests and passers-by, rather than the value of the damaged cars. Burning devices landed close to a busy venue, creating a clear risk of serious injury despite the absence of casualties.

The incident has no confirmed direct impact on Belgium. It remains relevant to Belgian residents travelling to Birmingham and to event operators because the police investigation concerns an attack in a crowded public setting. West Midlands Police is expected to continue examining footage and tracing the getaway vehicle; the principal questions are the attackers’ identities, their motive and whether the cars, venue or wedding party were the intended target.