Firework riddle of ex-JLR dad murder probe as 'someone in Tile Cross' knows

A Birmingham community has been urged to end its silence over the death of a much-loved dad who was murdered when a firework exploded 200 times inside his home. The industrial explosive sparked a fire when a gang broke into Anthony Nicholls' Tile Cross address and ignited it on November 2, 2017.

Six people have been arrested in connection with the tragedy but no-one has been charged. West Midlands Police is still investigating and, in a new appeal, said there would still be people living nearby who could give the victim's family the justice they deserved.

Mr Nicholls, who was 56 and an ex-Jaguar Land Rover worker, and his partner, then 50, had been enjoying a Chinese takeaway when they were caught up in the horrific blaze. His partner suffered multiple leg fractures after jumping to safety from a first floor window.

READ MORE: Vehicle stolen in knifepoint carjacking prompts Birmingham police helicopter chase

But he suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation. He was placed in an induced coma at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital but never regained consciousness and died five days later.

In a tribute at the time Tony's daughter, Fiona Nicholls, said: “He was a fun-loving, funny man. He was retired but worked hard all his life.”

In a new appeal, Det Supt Shaun Edwards, head of the police's homicide team, told BirminghamLive: “Our investigation into the murder of Anthony continues. While a number of people have been arrested over the years, no-one has been charged.

“His family deserves justice and we believe there are people in the community who can help us secure this. I would urge them to do the right thing and come forward and provide us with those vital pieces of information."

"Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk between 8am to midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”