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Yobs launched fireworks to emergency services after “hundreds of people” broke Covid rules to attend an illegal bonfire on a Wirral estate.
Police said today that the organizer of the bonfire was being searched after the horrific scenes at Woodchurch Estate last night.
Merseyside Police said the youth began setting off fireworks at firefighters and police officers when they arrived at the mass gathering in Meadow Crescent just before 9 p.m.
They said “hundreds of people” were present “drinking alcohol, mingling with other households and ignoring social distancing.”
Police said several vehicles were also at the scene, one of which was seized by officers after it was found to contain a large number of fireworks and was uninsured.
The driver fled the scene and remains at large.
Fortunately, none of the emergency services workers were injured, but police said it could have had “catastrophic” results.
They said it was one of a “series of bonfires” they were summoned to last night, but highlighted “the vast majority of our communities” followed by Covid-19 restrictions.
Elsewhere, fire crews were called to a fire on Western Avenue, Speke shortly before 7 p.m., and were greeted by a group of angry adults when they arrived.
Crowds launched missiles at the crews and their fire trucks and verbally abused them as well.
On the Wirral incident, Chief Inspector Gary O’Rourke said: “Overall, we are incredibly pleased with the behavior of our communities in Merseyside tonight and it is encouraging to see that people are joining in and following the government’s lead as we We are heading for another national blockade.
Despite this, there were a small number of incidents in which restrictions were violated, including a bonfire on public land in Wirral.
“At 8.50 p.m., large crowds of people were reported to have gathered for a bonfire in Meadow Crescent, Woodchurch. Officers from the Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended and upon arrival, fireworks were fired at them by several youths, which fortunately did not result in injury.
Several vehicles were also at the scene, one of which was seized by officers after it was found to contain a large number of fireworks and was uninsured. The driver left and investigations are underway to locate them. “
He added: “I want to make it clear that the events in Woodchurch were simply unacceptable and an extensive investigation is now underway to identify those involved in antisocial behavior at the scene as well as those involved in organizing the bonfire.
“Not only were police and fire patrols attacked upon arrival, which could have had catastrophic results, but there was blatant disregard for covid-19 restrictions, with hundreds of people present drinking alcohol, mixing with other households. and ignoring social distancing.
“We will not tolerate this behavior and we are now looking at a number of lines of investigation, including examining images and speaking with witnesses, to ensure robust enforcement action is taken.
“We know how frustrating it is to not be able to enjoy these celebrations with family and friends, but it is crucial that we continue to unite and abide by restrictions in order to stop the spread of the virus and protect each other.
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“As we get closer to Bonfire Night tomorrow, we remind people to follow the fireworks code, make sure you know where your children are and what they are doing, and not hold community bonfires on public land. .
“The Halloween and Bonfire Night period is a busy time for emergency services every year, but even more so this year with the increase in calls due to Covid-19. We want you to enjoy Bonfire Night tomorrow, but do so safely, responsibly and in accordance with Covid-19 legislation. We will again have more patrols across Merseyside and incidents of antisocial behavior and criminality will be addressed quickly. “
If you have information about crime, antisocial behavior or events and meetings, you can contact @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555111.
For information on the Woodchurch bonfire, cite ref. 20000670819.
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