Bonfire night in Bolton as police called to gathering

The incident was one of more than 500 calls received by Greater Manchester Police on bonfire night.

Police put in force a dispersal order, following the incident on Boardman Street, which gives officers extra powers to order people who are causing, or very likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to leave an area immediately.

The incident was said to have ended after that.

Police made 11 arrests throughout Greater Manchester on the night for a number of offences, ranging from violent disorder to drugs and possession of a bladed article.

Officers responded to 507 calls for service around ASB, of which 203 were firework related.

In comparison to the same day last month police were called out to 363 ASB incidents with just 10 of those jobs being firework related.

Superintendent John Paul Ruffle, head of prevention, and force lead for ASB said: “Every year we understand bonfire night can come with increased incidents of ASB, and we are always prepared to deal with those proactively.

“We know that ASB can have a significant impact on our communities, and those trying to enjoy the festivities lawfully. We have been working particularly hard with partners to address issues that have been raised to us by members of the public as quickly and robustly as possible.

“What we saw on bonfire night from a small number of individuals across the evening is completely unacceptable. We work tremendously hard to protect and serve those in our local communities and myself and my colleagues should not be going out to incidents having to deal with missiles being thrown at us.

“There are several ongoing investigation related to anti-social behaviour incidents that occurred on Bonfire night, and those involved in incidents of disorder can expect a knock at the door over the coming days.

“We are committed to tackling ASB year-round, to ensure that our communities feel safe in their own homes and neighbourhoods.”