Bonfire Night chaos breaks out as firefighters attacked and child virtually hit
Bonfire Night saw chaos reign supreme in a number of UK towns and cities with kids engaging in anti-social behaviour such as throwing fire works at police, firefighters and even a baby
Chaos reigned in a number of UK towns and cities last night with fireworks being thrown at firefighters, police officers and even a baby. In Huyton, Merseyside, emergency service personnel fighting a blaze in an apartment block came under from a barrage of fireworks on Bonfire Night.
Shocking social media footage shows a firework being shot in the direction of a firefighter while he is next to a fire engine. The fire engine, parked outside the tower block, is shot at from the other side of a metal fence where a small bonfire has been lit.
The firework misses the firefighter and ricochets off the vehicle and back in the direction it was shot from. A teenager at the scene has received treatment after being injured by a firework, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said.
Huyton
Crews were called at 6.57pm and five engines were on the scene within minutes to tackle the blaze on the third floor balcony at the Knowsley Heights tower block. Social media footage shows the flames filling the night sky.
The fire service said none of its crew were injured during the attack. The service added that all fire engines are fitted with CCTV and that footage from the incident will be shared with Merseyside Police to assist with their investigation.
A spokesman said: “Crews were alerted at 6.57pm and on scene at 7.04pm Five fire engines and an aerial appliance are on the scene. Crews arrived to find a balcony fire on the third floor of a high-rise building. Firefighters quickly gained entry to the property and extinguished the fire using a main jet and a hose reel jet.
“While in attendance, fire crews were targeted and attacked with fireworks. A teenager at the scene sustained an injury caused by a firework and is being treated by the North West Ambulance Service.
“Thankfully, none of the firefighters were injured during the incident. However, MFRS is urging people to respect emergency service workers this evening. Fire crews are out protecting our communities and do not deserve to be attacked.
“All fire engines are equipped with CCTV, and the footage will be shared with Merseyside Police to assist with their investigation.”
Greater Manchester
Meanwhile in Greater Manchester, a dispersal order was issued over Bonfire Night anti-social behaviour in Greater Manchester. It’s been reported that groups of youths were setting off fireworks into the road, narrowly missing cars and buses close to Halliwell Road. One woman claimed on social media that a firework almost hit her baby.
Emergency crews responded to numerous incidents, including unregulated bonfires in Gorton and on Wardle Road in the Smallbridge area of Rochdale. Earlier on Wednesday (November 5), Greater Manchester Police issued two separate orders to boost officers’ powers during responses to incidents. Both orders cover parts of Gorton and Abbey Hey, in east Manchester, until 3am on Thursday.
The area includes Vine Street, which was the scene of major disorder last Bonfire Night – with a car set alight and officers pelted with fireworks. It gave police the powers to remove face coverings and stop and search people within a specified area.
During the evening, Greater Manchester Police said a dispersal order had also been issued in the Halliwell area of Bolton due to anti-social behaviour.
One person claimed on a social media post that her one-year-old child was almost struck by a firework at the junction with nearby Thicketford Road.
“I understand it’s Bonfire Night but sure they meant be set off into the sky,” the post read. “If you kids are out playing with fireworks near Thicketford Road shops then have serious words. A fireworks nearly hit me and my one year old son!!!!!”
Knife arrest
In an undisclosed location in Merseyside, police officers shot at with fireworks, leading to the arrest of a man who was found to be in possession of a knife in a park. Merseyside Police said officers were targeted with fireworks tonight, Bonfire Night, before pursuing two motorcycles.
The force posted the update on social media, although it did not disclose the area this took place. A spokesperson for the force said how a National Police Air Service helicopter assisted officers in tracking the motorcycles to a nearby park.
Officers then pursued them on foot before arresting one male who was found to have a knife. Two bikes have also been seized as a result.
The force posted on X: “After aiming fireworks at police, RPU deployed to locate the riders of these motorcycles. NPAS deployed and observed them, following them to a park.
“RPU officers deployed on foot, arresting one male who also had a knife, and seized these two bikes.”
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