Attacks on 999 crews condemned ahead of Bonfire Night

The run-up to Bonfire Night is one of the busiest periods of the year for emergency crews

A senior fire official has said it is "not acceptable" that emergency service workers are attacked during one of their busiest periods of the year.

Attacks on firefighters, hoax emergency calls and other anti-social behaviour rose in the run-up to the bonfire period in Greater Manchester last year, when 1,167 fires were started deliberately.

Across the area, there were also 731 reports of anti-social behaviour involving fireworks, and emergency services dealt with 1,017 hoax calls.

Ben Levy, head of operations at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “That's just not acceptable - that our firefighters go to work to serve their communities and are subject to attacks.”

He said 22 GMFRS firefighters were attacked ahead of the Bonfire period in 2023.

Deputy mayor Kate Green said it was a “minority” of people causing trouble, adding: “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.”

Under the law, it is illegal to buy or use fireworks for those under 18, while people who assault firefighters can be jailed for up to two years.