SHORT FUSE
Watch as mindless yob takes aim at cops with FIREWORKS after vigil for teen biker descended into chaos
A MINDLESS yob shot at police with fireworks after a vigil for a teen biker descended into lawless chaos.
The masked thug fired at a police van with a smoking mortar tube in each hand while other shots are heard going off in the background.
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Several bright fireworks are then seen being hurled and exploding on the ground and in the air just inches from the vehicle, other cars and residential terraced homes in Coventry.
West Midlands Police Detective Inspector Stew Lewis warned: “This could so easily have resulted in people being seriously injured.”
Eight people, aged between 15 and 48, have already been arrested after police officers were hurt on Sunday.
Huge crowds had gathered to remember Luke Cleary, 19, who died when his motorbike collided with a car last Wednesday.
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Police warned people to avoid the planned ride-out, which bikers from across the county wanted to attend.
Blue flares were set off in the road and fireworks were let off into the sky during the day before being aimed at officers at night.
Bikers were also filmed driving in circles around the street and honking horns as the fireworks went off.
Police officers watched on with sirens sounding before moving in after the display to clear the road.
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Flowers and balloons were also taken to the vigil last week to remember Luke, who friend Cory Ben described as always smiling.
Officers had warned the event would endanger other road users and said vehicles would be seized. Some bikers blocked the road and several bus services were diverted, it was reported.
A 30-year-old man from Coventry has since been charged with dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving without a valid licence.
Seven other people were released on police bail with stringent conditions including a night time curfew and banning them from entering the area the disorder took place.
Police also released pictures of two other men they wish to speak with.
DI Lewis added: "We have released footage of fireworks being hurled at police vans and into the air not only to identify those responsible, but also to show the real risk to members of the public."
Luke died at the scene after suffering serious injuries.
At least two motorbikes had been riding around the area for some time before the crash, police said. The other left the scene after the incident.
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Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes last week urged the other motorcyclist to reach out, adding: "You left as your friend was dying at the roadside."
The driver of the Ford Kuga which collided with Luke has been cooperating with enquiries.
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