Bonfire Night disorder leads to arrests and injuries across Britain

Police and fire crews across Britain faced targeted attacks with fireworks and widespread antisocial behaviour on Bonfire Night, November 5, prompting dozens of arrests, multiple dispersal orders and strengthened police powers in several cities. Incidents ranged from fireworks and flares being hurled at officers and firefighters to a balcony fire at a high-rise in Merseyside, while at least two children were reported seriously injured by fireworks on a North Yorkshire beach.

West Midlands Police said officers made 21 arrests in Birmingham after groups in the Dale End and Staniforth Street areas set off fireworks and deliberately aimed them at members of the public and emergency workers. The detainees, aged between 14 and 25, remained in custody and face a range of alleged offences including violent disorder, assaulting an officer and firing fireworks in a public place. Inspector Matthew Minton said, "We made 21 arrests overnight as violent disorder broke out where members of the public and our officers were attacked with fireworks. Fortunately, noone has been seriously hurt. We also seized weapons and fireworks as we deployed our Section 60 powers to stop and search. Behaviour...