Huge fight in Rochdale town centre after teenagers 'throw fireworks at people'

The police presence in Rochdale town centre

A large police presence was seen in Rochdale town centre on Thursday afternoon after reports of ‘teenagers throwing fireworks at people’ from the Metrolink tram stop.

The incident took place at around 4pm, with onlookers reporting a huge fight had broken out between as many as 50-60 individuals after a group of teenagers began 'throwing fireworks at people from the platform'.

It is understood that several similar instances of teenagers throwing fireworks have been reported in Rochdale town centre over the last fortnight at around a similar time each day.

One mum reported on 10 October how a group had thrown a firework directly at her baby's pram when they walked past and "continued shooting more fireworks." She confirmed her baby was okay but "shocked from the bang."

The brawl is believed to have started after 'a few members of the public stood up for themselves' before the police arrived.

Police confirmed one male – age unknown – was arrested on suspicion of assault.

A GMP spokesperson said: “At around 4pm, police were called to reports of a group of youths throwing fireworks in Rochdale town centre.

“Officers attended and one male was arrested on suspicion of assault.

“GMP will not tolerate anti-social behavior such as this which puts others at risk of injury.

“You can report incidents to police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.”