‘It won’t be tolerated’: Warning to parents ahead of Bonfire Night and Halloween

Greater Manchester fire service (GMFRS) says assaults on emergency workers around Halloween and Bonfire Night surged by a FIFTH last year. More than 10,000 incidents of anti-social behaviour took place in Greater Manchester from the start of September to mid-November 2023, figures show.

Some 22 firefighters were attacked, GMFRS added, as they dealt with 1,167 deliberately-started blazes. As well as dealing with dangerous onslaughts on their staff, 999 services also took 1,017 hoax calls.

The horrendous statistics have prompted deputy mayor, Kate Green, to remind trouble-makers anti-social behaviour ‘will not be tolerated’.

She said: “We know that most people in Greater Manchester will enjoy the Halloween and Bonfire period safely and respectfully. 

“Unfortunately, there will be a minority causing distress to residents, communities and emergency services through their anti-social behaviour, hoax calls that distract firefighters from attending more serious incidents, and attacks on emergency service workers who are trying to help. 

“Our fire, police, and ambulance services have once again joined forces with local authorities to say this behaviour is ‘Bang out of Order’ – it will not be tolerated, and offenders could be jailed or fined.

“If your child is planning to go out during this period, make sure you know where they are, what they are doing and how to contact them.”

The advice from authorities remains to attend a professionally-organised display, with dozens of events already ready-to-go. If you want to buy your own fireworks, the fire service says they need to have ‘UKCA’ or ‘CE’ mark.

They should be kept in a closed metal box, used one at a time by following the manufacturer’s instructions, lit at arm’s length, and not be returned to after they have been lit.

Fireworks should never be placed in your pocket, or be thrown. Sparklers should be lit one at a time, and be used while wearing gloves. A bucket of water should be nearby at all times, and introducing alcohol can lead to injury.