Arrests have been carried out in various parts of the United Kingdom following a tumultuous Bonfire Night where troublemakers targeted police, firefighters, and members of the public with fireworks.
Law enforcement in multiple towns and cities had to issue dispersal orders to disband large unruly crowds engaging in anti-social behavior. Incidents of youths causing chaos and instilling fear among onlookers were reported. Some arrests included individuals as young as 14 years old.
Several noteworthy events from the previous night include:
– In the Dale End area of the city, West Midlands Police arrested four teenage boys on suspicion of violent disorder. Authorities also confiscated weapons in response to attacks on officers.
– Social media footage showed masked young individuals throwing flares recklessly at vehicles, law enforcement, and each other.
– A tower block in the Huyton region of Merseyside witnessed flames rising from a balcony due to reports of youths directing fireworks at the building.
– Firefighters responding to the incident were targeted with fireworks, resulting in a female police officer sustaining a minor leg injury. Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton condemned the actions as “disgraceful” and highlighted the fortunate absence of serious injuries.
– Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service reported crews being assaulted with fireworks while attending to a balcony fire in a high-rise building, leading to a teenager’s injury. The injured individual received treatment from the North West Ambulance Service.
– A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
– Dispersal orders were enforced in various locations in Greater Manchester due to anti-social behavior during Bonfire Night.
Further incidents reported included youths in Bolton firing fireworks onto roads, narrowly missing vehicles, and buses, prompting a dispersal order in the Halliwell area of Bolton by Greater Manchester Police.
In Edinburgh, authorities responded to reports of youths throwing fireworks in the Calder Road and Sighthill Park areas, with the situation diffusing upon police arrival without any major offenses reported.
In Anniesland, Glasgow, officers and firefighters encountered fireworks aimed at their vehicles, resulting in damage to a police car that needed removal.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dealt with nearly 700 emergency calls nationwide during the evening, leading to two arrests. This response followed the launch of Operation Moonbeam by Police Scotland, an annual initiative addressing violence and disorder during Bonfire Night.
