Police warn of fake news about firework displays

Police have urged people to treat social media posts advertising large-scale events with "caution" after false firework claims left huge crowds disappointed last year.

Thousands gathered in Birmingham's Centenary Square on New Year's Eve last year after claims of food vendors, performances and a "magnificent firework display" were shared online.

West Midlands Police said the claims led to confusion and frustration when nothing happened and they did not "want that to happen again".

"Families made unnecessary journeys and ended up disappointed after discovering the event wasn't taking place," it said.

Rumours of the display last year were widely shared on social media, including on the some corporate accounts, claiming that the event was to have been held between 20:00 and 00:30 GMT.

The force stated that no official firework displays or city-organised events were happening in Birmingham city centre on New Year's Eve.

It urged people to only share accurate information from trusted sources to help keep everyone safe.

"When large crowds gather for an event that doesn't exist, it puts pressure on public transport, emergency services, and can lead to congestion in the city centre," it said.

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