Firefighters attacked by ‘mindless minority’

Thousands attend organised displays but firefighters attacked by ‘mindless minority

Thousands of people heeded safety warnings and enjoyed a happy bonfire night at one of Greater Manchester’s organised events – whilst a mindless minority attacked firefighters and set fires across the county.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said more than 300 calls were received between 4.30pm and midnight despite heavy rain.

Among them, a number of wheelie bin fires, fires on waste grounds and a worrying number of fires set in children’s play areas right across the city region.

The worst incidents included one in Sabden Close, Miles Platting, where youths hammered firefighters from Blackley Fire Station with bricks after ripping fences down to start a fire close to electricity sub-station.

And in a second shocking incident police were called when hose was deliberately slashed as firefighters tackled a fire in Melrose Avenue, Leigh.

Elsewhere a total of more than 68,000 people enjoyed a safe and happy bonfire night at organised events where fires and firework displays were properly managed and hugely successful.

Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Councillor David Acton said he was hugely disappointed to hear of the attack on crew.

“It is so disappointing that whilst thousands of people were enjoying bonfire night as a family night a mindless minority were behaving with such shocking disregard for our staff.

“Firefighters work incredibly hard to keep people in this city safe – especially on bonfire night – and to be greeted by violence, aggression and unnecessary danger in this way is completely outrageous.”