Eight years after the tragic death of Anthony “Tony” Nicholls, a former Jaguar Land Rover worker, his daughter Fiona Nicholls continues to endure the pain and trauma from the unsolved firework attack that took his life. Tony, 56, died in hospital following a deliberate arson attack on his home on Birchtrees Drive in Tile Cross, Birmingham, in November 2017. Despite extensive investigations, no one has yet been held accountable.
West Midlands Police recently issued a fresh appeal for information and released new CCTV footage showing three individuals igniting a box of industrial fireworks after breaking into Tony’s home on the night of the attack. Fiona described how the anniversary of the incident, particularly around Bonfire Night, reawakens her anguish.
“My dad was my everything. He was funny, witty, and worked hard all his life,” she said. “The last eight years have been hell. I relive it every day. Every Bonfire Night, I’m anxious—it just brings back the trauma of what happened to my dad. It’s horrible, I live a nightmare every day.”
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Fiona urges anyone with information about the attack to come forward. “They need to do the right thing. They know something, and they’ve got to tell the police what they know. I need answers and justice for me and my dad.”
The firework used in the attack, identified as a Colossus Finale 600 Series, reportedly contained around 200 explosive tubes and caused severe damage to the open-plan living area of the house. Several individuals—including five men aged between 19 and 31 and a 19-year-old woman—have been arrested on suspicion of murder but later released under investigation.
Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, leading the homicide investigation, believes the attack was targeted and continues to appeal to the community for help. Crimestoppers has now offered a £20,000 reward for information leading to a breakthrough in the case.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or through their website. Police can also be reached via 101 or live chat at westmidlands.police.uk.