Police have released dramatic video of yobs shooting at unarmed police on the ground and in a hovering helicopter during the height of the riots.
An attempted murder investigation has been launched after 11 shots were fired as police as they tried to control the disorder in the Birmingham suburb of Newtown late on August 9.
Officers had to duck for cover as petrol bombs were also thrown after money and alcohol was stolen from the Bartons Arms and it was set alight.
![Dangerous: This footage, taken from a police helicopter, shows a masked man pointing a gun up at officers](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/20/article-2028208-0D80290B00000578-8_468x286.jpg)
Dangerous: This footage, taken from a police helicopter, shows a masked man pointing a gun up at officers
![Who is he? Police have released the footage in the hope members of the public will identify the suspects](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/20/article-2028208-0D802AA300000578-934_468x286.jpg)
Who is he? Police have released the footage in the hope members of the public will identify the suspects
The footage shows about 40 masked men all wearing dark clothing, throwing chairs onto the road to create a barricade between them and police as they smash the windows of shops.
The crowd can then be seen running to another area, before one man holding a gun stops in the middle of the road.
He points the weapon up at the police helicopter, fires, and a puff of smoke is seen discharging as he stumbles back.
The yobs around him stand and watch.
![On the hunt: Police launched an attempted murder investigation after this man, watched by dozens of other yobs, shot at police](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/20/article-2028208-0D80288E00000578-185_468x286.jpg)
On the hunt: Police launched an attempted murder investigation after this man, watched by dozens of other yobs, shot at police
![Escape: The rioters disappeared down a side road after smashing shop windows on the High Street](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/20/article-2028208-0D80280C00000578-387_468x286.jpg)
Escape: The rioters disappeared down a side road after smashing shop windows on the High Street
The video then cuts to footage taken from inside the helicopter.
The man can be seen holding the gun up at least twice before running off.
The aircraft was not hit.
The Birmingham Mail reported that four spent 9mm bullet casings were found in the area by forensic teams the next day.
A number of bullets were understood to have been found in a nearby building and four cartridges were also found.
Police hope by releasing the footage members of the public will come forward with information on the identity of the offenders.
Chief Constable Chris Sims police had trawled through CCTV and conducted house-to-house enquiries.
'Releasing footage that is so disturbing in nature is an unusual step for us as a force, however the potential for serious harm, or worse, in this incident has led us to this decision.
![Rioters: About 40 masked men in dark clothing gathered in the Newton suburb of Birmingham, with some throwing petrol bombs at masked police cars](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/20/article-2028208-0D8027EC00000578-163_468x286.jpg)
Rioters: About 40 masked men in dark clothing gathered in the Newton suburb of Birmingham, with some throwing petrol bombs at masked police cars
![Barricade: Chairs were thrown across the road by rioters in an attempt to create a barrier between them and police](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/20/article-2028208-0D8027D700000578-688_468x286.jpg)
Barricade: Chairs were thrown across the road by rioters in an attempt to create a barrier between them and police
'This footage shows seemingly coordinated criminal behaviour with no regard for people's lives, whether it be through the setting of a fire, shooting at unarmed officers or shooting at the police helicopter.
'This investigation is being treated as attempted murder and arson, and I am only thankful that this is not a murder inquiry.
'This was not only police officers' lives that were put at risk, but also members of the public who may have been passing by.
'To date the public reaction to this operation has been overwhelming and we thank people for their continued support.
![Tragic: Haroon Jahan, 21, Shazad Ali, 30, and Abdul Musavir, 31, were mowed down by a car while protecting their community from looters in Birmingham](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/20/article-2028208-0D79590900000578-659_468x232.jpg)
Tragic: Haroon Jahan, 21, Shazad Ali, 30, and Abdul Musavir, 31, were mowed down by a car while protecting their community from looters in Birmingham
![Tribute: About 20,000 people gathered in Summerfield Park on Thursday for the three men killed during the height of the riots in Birmingham](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/20/article-2028208-0D7AF11D00000578-323_468x303.jpg)
Tribute: About 20,000 people gathered in Summerfield Park on Thursday for the three men killed during the height of the riots in Birmingham
'However, I must ask once again that anyone who can help our investigation to come forward.'
Birmingham has seen some of the worst violence since riots began after the police shooting of Mark Duggan in Tottenham on August 4.
Three men were killed trying to defend local shops in the area of Winson Green.
Haroon Jahan, 21, Shahzad Ali, 30, and Abdul Musavir, 31, died as a car swerved into them.
About 20,000 people gathered in Summerfield Park for their funeral on Thursday.
Nine men have been arrested in connection with their deaths.
The latest is a 28-year-old man from Winson Green on suspicion of murder.
A 33-year-old man was arrested yesterday and has since been released on police bail.
Four men - Ian Beckford, 30, Joshua Donald, 26, Adam King, 23, and a 17-year-old who cannot be named - have already been charged.
Three other males - aged 17, 23, and 32 - have been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.
Days after the riots, Birmingham had made 330 arrests and Magistrates in Solihull have been working through the night to hear cases.
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