Officers in Gorton respond to incident on Bonfire Night

Yesterday evening (5/11/2023), neighbourhood police officers were patrolling the Abbey Hey area of Gorton and responded to reports of anti-social behaviour, a large bonfire and fireworks on Vine Street.

Fireworks started to be aimed responding officers which also caused a risk to members of the public who were in the area at the time.

To maintain public safety, specialist officers were deployed to disperse the large group which was believed to be over 100 people.

Thankfully no injuries were reported to us following the incident.

Superintendent Chris Downey of GMP’s City of Manchester North district, said: "It is shocking to see fireworks being used in an irresponsible manner. Our officers are just doing their job protecting the public from harm and should not be subject to attacks like this.

“Local residents, quite rightly, were upset and concerned at the behaviour and the danger they were causing by setting off fireworks in the street.

“Thankfully no one was injured, but this incident highlights the dangers both officers and our colleagues in the fire service face when tackling such behaviour like this on Bonfire Night.

"An investigation is underway in connection with this incident, our detectives are still pursuing several lines of enquiry to ensure that those responsible for this are brought to justice."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 2174 of 05/11/2023.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111