Youths target officer with firework

A LIT firework was “aimed” and thrown at a PCSO in Bristol while they were on patrol on Halloween.

A group of youths lit the firework and “aimed” it at the uniformed police support officer while they patrolled the Bradley Stoke area on Wednesday night.

Although the officer escaped uninjured, a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police described the incident as “totally unacceptable”.

It is one of several fireworkrelated incidents to have happened in the area on Halloween, with reports a lit firecracker was also posted through the letterbox of a resident in Diana Gardens nearby.

“Last night a group of youths lit fireworks and aimed them in the direction of a PCSO while he was on patrol at Baileys Court Activity Centre in Bradley Stoke at about 9.30pm,” the force spokesperson said.

“Thankfully our officer was not injured in the incident. This behaviour is totally unacceptable.

“We are working with our emergency services partners to highlight the increase in assaults on staff.

“Our officers put themselves at risk of assault on duty every day but any assault is one too many.”

In addition to the incident involving the PCSO, reports on social media suggested a group of youths were seen throwing fireworks at the Willow Brook Centre.

The Avon and Somerset Police call centre Twitter account, meanwhile, said a 75-year-old had called 999 after yobs posted a firework through her front door.

ASP Call Centre tweeted: “Neither a trick nor a treat! Serious offence that will be dealt with.”