Emergency Services Describe Firework Attacks as “Like Gotham City” Amidst Disorder

Firefighters, subjected to attacks by masked individuals throwing fireworks, characterized the chaotic scenes as “like Gotham City.” Emergency personnel in Salford reported being targeted by rockets that detonated merely 20 yards (18m) from them while they were extinguishing a car fire on Liverpool Street within the city. Concurrently, three teenagers faced arrest in Gorton, Manchester, following incidents where fireworks were deployed as projectiles against police officers and firefighters. A member of the emergency crew noted that the events brought to mind the fictional urban environment associated with the superhero Batman, humorously adding that he “wouldn’t use the q-word” to characterize this year’s Bonfire Night. Superintendent Richard McNamara confirmed that three males, aged between 16 and 18, had been apprehended on suspicion of violent disorder in Gorton, indicating that additional arrests were anticipated. He stated, “It is shocking that we are seeing fireworks being used as weapons towards emergency services as they try and keep our communities safe.” He further added, “Thankfully, there were no reported injuries made to us and, despite fireworks being aimed at our officers, I am pleased to say that none were injured.” These assaults occurred subsequent to a warning issued by the fire service regarding repercussions for individuals targeting emergency personnel during what is consistently one of the year’s busiest periods. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, emergency teams in Salford were, at one juncture, managing 33 active incidents. In one instance, a team of four firefighters faced threats while attempting to address a substantial bonfire located near residences, prompting concerns about its potential to spread. They reported being encircled by approximately 20 individuals, with a man in a balaclava stating, “we’re like a pack of wolves ready to attack.” Subsequently, a different group obstructed their vehicle by throwing a shopping trolley in its path, preventing it from responding to another fire on Goodiers Drive. Superintendent McNamara indicated that officers were investigating multiple leads following the attacks in Gorton. He also mentioned that Greater Manchester Police had collaborated with other local entities throughout the evening, implementing joint patrols with youth services and the Greater Manchester Fire Service.