Fireworks have been thrown at police officers in Gorton, Greater Manchester, by a large crowd of up to 30 youths who made a barricade in the street during Bonfire Night
A large mob of up to 30 youths have pelted police with fireworks in chaotic scenes in east Manchester during Bonfire Night.
The teenagers are understood to have built a barricade on Vine Street, in Gorton, using wooden pallets and mattresses, before starting to attack officers in the road. First they built an illegal bonfire and then fireworks were launched towards police officers who arrived at the scene and passing cars as disorder broke out.
Tactical Aid Officers and fire crews descended on the scene at around 6pm and two arrests were made for public order offences. Pictures from the incident showed a number of police vans in attendance in attempt to bring the situation under control, disperse the crowds and put out the illegal bonfire.
It is thought a number of innocent motorists were caught up in the crossfire as the flares were lit and thrown towards police vans this evening. It comes as emergency services were put on high alert across Halloween and Bonfire Night, with police and fire crews on hand to tackle incidents of anti-social behaviour erupting across the region.
Officers were said to be out on patrol in ‘hotspot areas’ to tackle issues including nuisance fireworks, fires and crowds. Specialist resources are also on hand to be deployed, reported the Manchester Evening News.
Previously, Superintendent John-Paul Ruffle, force lead for anti-social behaviour at Greater Manchester Police, said that they would not put up with anti-social behaviour and that offenders can expect to “be met with the full force of the law”.
He stated: “Quite simply, we want to put the message out there that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, and especially attacks or abuse against emergency service workers simply doing their jobs during this period. Anyone who engages in such behaviour can expect to be met with the full force of the law.
“Anti-social behaviour is not a low-level crime – it can cause people misery and we are absolutely committed to tackling it in whatever way we can.”
