UPDATE: New CCTV footage has just been released in a desperate bid to catch the killers behind a devastating firework arson attack that claimed the life of Tony Nicholls eight years ago. The footage shows a group fleeing the scene moments after an industrial-sized firework exploded in Nicholls’ home in Tile Cross, Birmingham, on November 2, 2017.
Nicholls, 56, suffered severe injuries when the group burst into his home and ignited a firework containing approximately 200 tubes of explosives in the hallway around 11:20 PM. He was trapped in an upstairs bedroom as flames engulfed the property, ultimately succumbing to his injuries five days later in the hospital, as confirmed by an inquest in 2019.
West Midlands Police has released the new footage as detectives intensify their efforts to bring justice to Nicholls’ family. The CCTV captures moments before the firework detonated and shows individuals approaching the house before fleeing as the explosion occurred.
Detective Superintendent Jim Munro from the homicide team stated, “You can see from the size of the firework that it was always going to cause significant damage if let off indoors.” He added, “It’s hard to imagine just how awful Tony’s final moments must have been, and we are determined to get justice for him and his family.”
In an ongoing investigation, five men aged 31, 30, 23, 22, and 19, along with a 19-year-old woman, were previously arrested on suspicion of murder but released under investigation. Munro urged anyone with information to step forward, emphasizing that “allegiances can change over time.”
Following this urgent release, Crimestoppers is offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in Nicholls’ case.
Fiona Nicholls, Tony’s daughter, expressed the ongoing trauma of her father’s death, saying, “The last eight years have been hell. Every bonfire night, I’m anxious; it just brings back trauma of what happened to my dad.” She implores anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward, stating, “They know something, and they’ve got to come forward and tell the police what they know.”
Authorities stress that even seemingly minor information could be pivotal in solving this case. To report information anonymously, call Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or visit their website. For direct communication with police, dial 101 or use the live chat feature at westmidlands.police.uk.
As this investigation continues, the community remains on alert as police strive for answers in this tragic case, seeking to finally deliver justice for Tony Nicholls and his grieving family.
