An investigation has been launched after two cars were deliberately set on fire in Birmingham, with police appealing for information following the incident in Sparkbrook. West Midlands Police said officers were called to Royal Shalimar on Highgate Road at around 8.30pm on Wednesday, 19 August, after the two vehicles were set alight.

The force said three men were seen running down nearby Mole Street before getting into a white Volkswagen Golf and driving away from the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported following the incident, while officers have since begun enquiries to establish exactly what happened, who was responsible and what may have led to the vehicles being targeted.

Police are currently speaking with witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage as part of the investigation. The incident took place at Royal Shalimar, a venue on Highgate Road in Sparkbrook, and officers are working to establish whether the vehicles were specifically targeted or whether there was another reason behind the deliberate fires.

At this stage, West Midlands Police has not publicly confirmed a motive for the incident. It has also not confirmed the identities of the owners of the two cars or whether the vehicles were connected to the venue, meaning speculation about why they were targeted remains unconfirmed while enquiries continue.

According to police, the movements of three men seen shortly after the cars were set alight are now an important part of the investigation. The men were reportedly seen running along Mole Street before entering a white Volkswagen Golf, which they then used to leave the area.

The description of the vehicle could prove significant as officers attempt to establish the route taken by those involved and identify any additional CCTV footage that could assist their enquiries. Investigators will also be working to establish a timeline of events around the moment the cars were set alight, including how the individuals involved arrived in the area and whether they had any prior connection to the vehicles.

Although the three men were reportedly seen leaving the scene, police have not confirmed that they were responsible for starting the fires. No arrests or charges have been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing as officers continue to gather evidence and speak to potential witnesses.

West Midlands Police is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information that could help identify those involved to come forward. Officers are particularly interested in information relating to the three men seen running from the area and the white Volkswagen Golf they reportedly entered.

Despite two vehicles being set alight, West Midlands Police confirmed that no injuries were reported. The circumstances surrounding the fires have not been fully established, and officers have not indicated whether anyone was inside either vehicle when they were targeted.

The incident has nevertheless prompted a criminal investigation because the fires are being treated as deliberate. Vehicle fires can cause significant damage and can potentially place members of the public, nearby properties and emergency responders at risk, particularly when they occur in a built-up area.

The incident has also prompted reactions online, with some commenters expressing shock at what happened and appearing to believe the cars were targeted in connection with a wedding. One person wrote:

“This is so dark! At someone’s wedding too!?”

Another commenter appeared to speculate about the people allegedly responsible, writing:

“Of course they drive off in a VW Polo…jealousy kills!

A third person also gave their view on what they believed may have motivated the incident, writing:

“Being poor is one thing, but being poor and envious is a whole different type of person..”

However, police have not confirmed that the incident was connected to a wedding, jealousy or envy, and there is currently no publicly confirmed motive for why the two vehicles were targeted. The police account states that the cars were set alight at Royal Shalimar on Highgate Road, with three men then seen running down Mole Street before leaving in a white Volkswagen Golf.

At present, police have not disclosed further details about the two vehicles, including their make, model or the extent of the damage caused. They have also not announced any arrests in connection with the incident, with detectives continuing to rely on information from members of the public to help establish what happened.

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity around Highgate Road, Mole Street or the surrounding area at around 8.30pm on Wednesday, 19 August, is being encouraged to contact West Midlands Police. Those with information can speak to officers through Live Chat or by calling 101 and quoting log 5308 of 18 August.

The appeal comes as officers continue to examine CCTV footage and speak to witnesses in an effort to identify the individuals involved and determine the circumstances behind the deliberate fires. With no motive confirmed and no arrests announced, police are continuing to piece together the events leading up to the incident and the subsequent departure of the three men from the area.