Police have issued an urgent warning to parents ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations over the coming days.
The force has warned that anti-social behaviour 'will not be tolerated', including attacks or abuse against emergency workers across the region.
Earlier this week, Greater Manchester fire service (GMFRS) said assaults on their staff, along with police and paramedics, surged by a fifth last year during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.
READ MORE Horror moment fireworks explode in street after being launched at screaming children
It comes after the Manchester Evening News reported how youths have been wreaking havoc on the streets of Collyhurst and Miles Platting in recent weeks, with bins set alight and fireworks hurled at people.
In a recent incident, captured in terrifying footage, a child appeared to have been struck by one of the flares before it exploded in the street beside a garden.
Last year, more than 10,000 incidents of anti-social behaviour took place in Greater Manchester from the start of September to mid-November, according to figures.
Some 22 firefighters were attacked as they dealt with 1,167 deliberately-started blazes. As well as dealing with dangerous onslaughts on their staff, 999 services also took 1,017 hoax calls.
Greater Manchester Police has said officers will be out on patrol across the region, particularly in areas most affected by anti-social behaviour incidents.
Superintendent John-Paul Ruffle, force lead for anti-social behaviour at Greater Manchester Police, said: “Quite simply, we want to put the message out there that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, and especially attacks or abuse against emergency service workers simply doing their jobs during this period. Anyone who engages in such behaviour can expect to be met with the full force of the law.
“Anti-social behaviour is not a low-level crime – it can cause people misery and we are absolutely committed to tackling it in whatever way we can. Whether this is through preventative work with partners, or making early-morning visits to offenders, neighbourhood teams across Greater Manchester work hard throughout the year to tackle the nuisance and disruption of ASB.
“In particular for this period, numerous officers will be working closely with fire and ambulance colleagues to ensure smooth communication and the best response to any ongoing issues.
“I hope that people enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night safely, and would urge anyone with any issues to get in touch with their local policing team.”
In light of the horrendous new statistics from last year, deputy mayor, Kate Green, has reminded trouble-makers anti-social behaviour ‘will not be tolerated’.
She said: “We know that most people in Greater Manchester will enjoy the Halloween and Bonfire period safely and respectfully.
“Unfortunately, there will be a minority causing distress to residents, communities and emergency services through their anti-social behaviour, hoax calls that distract firefighters from attending more serious incidents, and attacks on emergency service workers who are trying to help.
“Our fire, police, and ambulance services have once again joined forces with local authorities to say this behaviour is ‘Bang out of Order’ – it will not be tolerated, and offenders could be jailed or fined.
“If your child is planning to go out during this period, make sure you know where they are, what they are doing and how to contact them.”
The advice from authorities remains to attend a professionally-organised display, with dozens of events already ready-to-go. If you want to buy your own fireworks, the fire service says they need to have ‘UKCA’ or ‘CE’ mark.
They should be kept in a closed metal box, used one at a time by following the manufacturer’s instructions, lit at arm’s length, and not be returned to after they have been lit.
Fireworks should never be placed in your pocket, or be thrown. Sparklers should be lit one at a time, and be used while wearing gloves. A bucket of water should be nearby at all times, and introducing alcohol can lead to injury.
You can report anti-social behaviour through GMP’s LiveChat service or call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
