Scammers lure THOUSANDS to Birmingham City Centre
Published: 02:14 GMT, 1 January 2025
Social media scammers lured thousands of people to Birmingham City Centre to watch a New Year's 'fireworks spectacular' that was never going to happen.
Huge crowds gathered at Centenary Square last night excited to welcome 2025 with a bang - only to be told reports about the display were fake.
The confusion came as revellers elsewhere across the country did get to enjoy fireworks to see in the New Year - although stormy weather warnings saw other events called off in advance.
Images show would-be spectators wrapped up warm and waiting for the show to begin before West Midlands Police revealed there would be nothing to see.
Earlier in the day the force addressed rumours of a New Year's Eve firework display and issued a warning to those heading there.
Birmingham Superintendent Emlyn Richards said: 'There are rumours online that a fireworks display will take place in Centenary Square but there isn't a planned event this year.
'We don't want people travelling into the city to be disappointed when they arrive and discover this is the case.
'There will be thousands of people travelling into the city to enjoy themselves at venues across the city.
'We will be visible on the streets tonight to ensure everything runs smoothly and people have a wonderful evening.'
Although many Brummies went home disappointed, crowds in London were stunned by a 'world-first' Paddington Bear cameo appearance within the London Eye.
The beloved bear's appearance at London's New Year fireworks thrilled fans but left many wondering about how it all worked and what the cost was.
This year millions watching at home on the BBC were treated to a world-first use of hologauze animations to celebrate the new year.
These created holographic illusions of British icons and memorable events as the fireworks were taking place.
The special animations included the London Eye being filled with the Union flag in honour of the 80th anniversary of D-Day last year, Olympic medals to celebrate the success of Team GB at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, and wishing a happy upcoming 25th birthday to the London Eye.