A total of 27 arrests were made across Greater Manchester over Halloween and Bonfire Night, with four weapons seized.
Police responded in total to 798 incidents and on Bonfire Night alone we responded to 350 calls to incidents which related to fireworks, an increase from 203 last year.
– Over 500 officers were deployed during the operation and across the force, 143 fireworks were seized.
There were fewer incidents of ASB reported than in 2024 however operational demand was up 11% on the previous year, with 4,500 incident logs created by 11pm. By comparison in the past year across Greater Manchester, 3,800 incident logs are created on average per day.
We received more 999 calls across the whole day – up from 1,875 last year to 2,093, with the average speed of answer for both years being just four seconds. Non-emergency calls were also up marginally by eight this year, to 2,178, but average speed of answer improved drastically – 47 seconds last night compared to one minute and 15 seconds last year.
Section 60 dispersal orders were in place across Bolton, Gorton and Rochdale in response to prior incidents to assist officers in reducing serious ASB and criminality during bonfire night.
In Stockport, Neighbourhood officers were called to reports of bonfires in Brinnington with people throwing gas cannisters onto the blaze. Alongside our GMFRS colleagues, we managed to extinguish the fire and kept people a safe distance away from any potential harm.
Officers were also called to reports of youths setting off fireworks and aiming them at passing cars in Offerton. The fireworks were taken off the group, who were given a warning for their behaviour.
We are also investigating a fire which was started near a war memorial in Marple. A fire was started in a bin and wooden pallets had been set alight, and the ground nearby damaged.
Marple neighbourhood officers are investigating and are appealing for information in relation to this incident.
Elsewhere across the force, officers in Bury had fireworks fired at them but thankfully no officers were injured.
The Neighbourhood team also managed to seize a vehicle which had no insurance and conducted 46 stop searches following ASB in hotspot areas.
Chief Superintendent John-Paul Ruffle, Head of the Prevention Branch, said: “We recognise that Bonfire Night often brings a rise in anti-social behaviour and we are always ready to respond proactively.
“Anti-social behaviour can seriously affect our communities and disrupt the enjoyment of those celebrating responsibly. That’s why we’ve worked closely with our partners in the fire service to deal with incidents quickly and with a safe resolution.
“Unfortunately, the behaviour we witnessed from a small number of individuals on Bonfire Night was completely unacceptable. Our officers work tirelessly to protect and serve the public, and they should never be subjected to having fireworks thrown at them while responding to incidents.
“We had an enhanced policing response in place this year and provided additional reassurance to our communities across Halloween and Bonfire Night.
“Several investigations are now underway in relation to the incidents that occurred, and those involved can expect a visit from us in the coming days.
“We remain committed to tackling anti-social behaviour throughout the year, ensuring our communities feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods.”
