Emergency services in Greater Manchester are urging communities to help prevent attacks on emergency workers and anti-social behaviour during this year’s Bonfire Night period.

And this comes at a fitting time for residents in Bolton who have had concerns over fireworks in Farnworth and Harwood.

Elderly people, people with Alzheimer’s Syndrome and people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder have all raised concerns, prompting Kearsley councillor Debbie Newall to propose major changes in how fireworks are sold to Bolton Council.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) figures from September 1 to November 10 last year show 27 firefighters were attacked, police and firefighters received 940 hoax calls and 1,318 fires were started deliberately.

And now GMFRS are once again joining forces with Greater Manchester Police, the North West Ambulance Service and wider partners to ask for the public’s help in preventing incidents this autumn.

They are warning that assaults, anti-social behaviour and arson are all “bang out of order” and could see offenders jailed or fined.

The “bang out of order” campaign aims to highlight the consequences of anti-social behaviour; encourage parents to have conversations with their children about their behaviour during the Bonfire Night period; and inform residents about the ways to report anti-social behaviour incidents.

The campaign will be seen on social media, online, and outdoor digital ad displays in targeted areas of Greater Manchester.

In addition, GMFRS will be visiting schools to share safety advice on bonfires, fireworks and anti-social behaviour to ensure young people enjoy the autumn safely.

GMFRS’s Director of Prevention and Protection, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Leon Parkes, said: “I am urging members of the public to support the emergency services during this Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

“Please speak to your children and young people about the consequences of anti-social behaviour and attacks on emergency service workers who are just out there doing their jobs.

“No one should be attacked for trying to keep you, your families, and your communities safe.

“Setting light to 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.”

GMP Superintendent, Roger Pegram, said: "This Halloween and Bonfire Night, we are urging our communities to celebrate safely and behave in a responsible way.

“Throughout this period, we will be working alongside partners to prevent fireworks-related disorder and other forms of anti-social behaviour but nevertheless, we still anticipate a very busy period for ourselves and the other emergency services.

“There will be increased patrols in place across ASB hotspots, and we urge members of the public not to suffer in silence; contact us if you need help.

“We are committed to keeping not only the public, but our officers and emergency service colleagues safe, and we are grateful that our officers will be supported by the specialist resources and partners. 

“Finally, we would like to appeal to parents and guardians to have frank conversations with young people and to be aware of what they are doing and who with, and where possible, to accompany them if they are out trick or treating, to ensure they are acting in a safe and respectful manner.”

NWAS Operations Manager, Sarah Scullion, said: “It goes without saying that anti-social behaviour can have a lasting impact on our staff and our emergency service colleagues, who dedicate themselves to attending to people who need help.

“At this time of year, unfortunately we deal with patients who have preventable injuries, such as burns from fireworks, which in many cases can have life changing consequences.

"So, we urge people to please think twice about taking part in unofficial events around Bonfire Night. 

"We do want people to have fun but urge everyone to put safety first and always treat our staff with respect.”

Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Bev Hughes, said: “Please respect our firefighters, police officers and paramedics this Bonfire Night period – they put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe and they should never be attacked.

“We want everyone to enjoy the Halloween and Bonfire Night period safely. 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.”

Emergency services are also warning people about the dangers of Halloween costumes.

ACFO Parkes added: “Parents should check Halloween costumes meet the required safety standard and are always kept away from naked flames.

“Please go along to an official organised firework display if you can. If you are celebrating Bonfire Night at a private event or at home, please do so safely by following our safety advice.”

As fireworks have legally gone on sale in the UK from today, advice is never to have fireworks at home, but if you do, ensure you follow the Firework Safety Code.