Police issue message and urge public to stay safe this Bonfire Night

As many will be getting ready to attend bonfire night and firework displays this weekend, officers urge the public to stay safe and think about vulnerable members of their community.

Neighbourhood officers will be patrolling communities across Greater Manchester to ensure that people celebrate responsibly and to make sure that everyone in our communities is kept safe.

In addition, the public are urged to be cautious before holding a firework display at home and instead encourage you to attend organised displays across the city-region.

If you are holding one at home please follow the simple bonfire safety advice from Greater Manchester Fire Service to help reduce the potential for injury and fire.

• Please be aware that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess or use fireworks in a public place.
• It is an offence to set fireworks off between 11pm and 7am.
• Using fireworks in public places such as on streets or in parks is illegal.

Inspector Beverly Catterall of GMP’s Prevention branch, said: “As a partnership we are committed to tackling and reducing instances of anti-social behaviour that unfortunately occur in our communities, especially at this time of year.

“We understand how distressing this type of behaviour can be and the lasting impact it can have on individuals, as well as the wider community and we work hard with partners especially working closely with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service over the coming days to keep the public safe.

“We understand that many people look forward to the 5 November, however, we ask people to be mindful that irresponsible behaviour can cause distress to the most vulnerable in our society.

“Just like with Halloween, Bonfire Night is a fun occasion, and we'd like people to enjoy themselves, but also to celebrate safely and behave in a responsible manner."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Prevention and Protection, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Leon Parkes, said: “I am encouraging everyone to support the emergency services during this Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

"This is an incredibly busy period for our staff. They deal with many dangerous incidents and they should never feel under threat of attack or be sent to a hoax call when we’re so busy with real incidents. Setting fires, throwing fireworks and making hoax calls can cost lives and keep our firefighters away from dealing with life-threatening incidents. These actions are bang out of order and will not be tolerated.

“Please speak to your children and young people about the consequences of anti-social behaviour and attacks on emergency service workers who are just doing their jobs and working in potentially dangerous situations to save others. No one should be attacked for trying to keep you, your families and your communities safe.

"I remind people that there is clear legislation in place to protect all our emergency workers, and we will pursue prosecution for anyone who seeks to attack our staff, which can result in a prison sentence.”

Report & Support

As with any time of the year, ASB has no place in our communities, and we are working hard to combat all crime in neighbourhoods across Greater Manchester.

To report anti-social behaviour or any crime/information, please report through 101 or use the LiveChat facility on our website: www.gmp.police.uk

You can also report any information or crime anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency.