Riot police tackle yobs in fireworks rampage
WHEELIE BINS TORCHED IN ‘TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE’ NIGHT OF DISORDER
POLICE and firefighters came under attack from a gang of 25 yobs who hurled fireworks and set wheelie bins alight.
Patrols have been stepped up in the Brinnington area of Stockport as a result of the chaos on Sunday night.
Police in riot gear were called in and a road was closed as fireworks and other missiles were thrown in a stand-off.
GMP bosses called the Halloween disorder ‘totally unacceptable’ – and vowed to ‘make sure these offenders are caught and face the full force of the law.’
A special 24-hour dispersal order was put in place to combat troublemakers – and it could be extended.
The order gives police and police community support officers the power to disperse crowds and prevent nuisance.
According to reports on social media, fireworks were also thrown into residents’ gardens and at passing cars, with one member of the public said to have suffered a panic attack. There were also reports of wheelie bins being stolen and set alight in the street. There were no reported injuries. Trouble flared around Northumberland Road from 8.30pm.
Northumberland Road was closed to Brinnington Road during the incident.
Inspector Martin Baker, of GMP’s Stockport division, said: “We are aware of an antisocial behaviour incident involving a large group of young people in the Brinnington area of Stockport.
“While the majority of people have acted safely and responsibly this Halloween, the behaviour we have seen from this group of young people in Brinnington is totally unacceptable.
“Halloween is no excuse for anti-social behaviour. Launching fireworks and throwing objects at members of the public and members of the emergency services is incredibly reckless and has the potential to cause serious injury.
“We will have increased patrols... to make sure these offenders are caught and face the full force of the law.”