Police to step up patrols ahead of bonfire night

Police are urging people to use fireworks responsibly

Police are setting up more frequent patrols in criminal hotspots across Lancashire ahead of bonfire night.

Lancashire Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) are joining forces to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the run up to celebrations on 5 November.

Ch Insp Steph Armes said communities would see "increased patrols across our ASB hotspot areas" and would take "firm action" against anyone behaving irresponsibly.

Jason Eddings, North West Ambulance Service Group Manager, said several crews had been targeted with fireworks over the last few years.

He said: "Collaboration between the emergency services over this period is essential.

"The consequences of these attacks are not just the adverse effects on our staff’s health and well-being, but they also reduce our ability to respond to the public when they need us most by taking resources off the road."

As part of the ongoing work, local policing teams and partner agencies are visiting schools across Lancashire to raise awareness about the dangers of fireworks and the importance of behaving responsibly during the festivities.

Ch Insp Armes added: "Fireworks are dangerous, and one night of carelessness could lead to devastating consequences – both for the victims and for the individuals responsible.

"We would like to ask all parents to think about their children and their whereabouts in the coming weeks, to be aware of what they are doing and who with."