Fireworks aimed at police after fighting at Coventry stab victim's vigil - The Coventry Observer

Fireworks aimed at police after fighting at Coventry stab victim's vigil

Coventry Editorial 17th Jun, 2019 Updated: 17th Jun, 2019   0

POLICE say fireworks were fired at officers as they responded to violence at a vigil for Emmanuel Lukenga – who was fatally stabbed in Coventry.

They were called to Jardine Crescent where a memorial service was being held for Mr Lukenga around a basketball court behind Tile Hill Library.

Police slammed the behaviour of some at the scene, after a fight was sparked and fireworks were directed at officers.

They also said they had received a report that a male was carrying a knife.




Coventry Police tweeted: “We responded to a fight in Jardine Crescent, Tile Hill, at a vigil for Emmanuel Lukenga only to be met by a group of youths who shot fireworks at us.

“Luckily no-one was injured. Appreciate emotions are high but this is no excuse.


“Very disappointing to say the least. One report even came in that a male had been seen with knife.

“Given what people were there to remember you would hope they’d think twice.

“Thank you to those who conducted themselves respectfully.”

Later a spokesperson added: “No arrests were made, however one male was injured when a firework blew up in his hand, he was treated by paramedics at home.

“And we were told by someone at the scene one male was injured when he fell off the library roof but we can’t confirm that.

“We had a report that someone was seen carrying a knife but we weren’t able to locate any weapons.

“Due to the fireworks and large volatile crowd we had to pull back temporarily.”

Mr Lukenga was found with a serious leg injury after being stabbed in Franklin Grove, Tile Hill, just after 2.30pm last Wednesday (June 12).

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Enroy Ruddock, 18, has been charged with his murder.

He is due to appear at Warwick Crown Court on Wednesday (June 19) and has been remanded in custody.

Two other men were arrested in connection to the tragic incident and have since been bailed.

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