Bonfire organiser 'devastated' by stabbing

The bonfire, a popular annual event in Telford, was celebrating its 40th anniversary

The organiser of an annual bonfire and fireworks display has said he is "devastated" that a man was stabbed at the event on Saturday.

Three people were arrested after the 20-year-old was hurt at Donnington Bonfire in Telford.

Mark Mitchell, the organiser of the event, said it was the first time there had been a police incident at the event in its 40-year history, adding "false social media statements" had been upsetting.

He also promised to work with the police to improve security for future events.

Jenny Urey, councillor for Muxton, said she was talking to Mr Mitchell about event security and believed "a bit more can be done".

She suggested the use of metal detectors, but also said Mr Mitchell and his father before him had been "absolutely brilliant in organising" the occasion.

Mr Mitchell said there had been "a handful of small scuffles over the years" but they had been "dealt with swiftly by security".

He said his thoughts were with the family of the victim, who has since been discharged from hospital.

The bonfire was "for the community", Mr Mitchell said, adding it should be a fun event for the family and for good causes.

Some people working in nearby businesses said there was a need for greater security.

Simon Haywood from the Oasis fish bar said the event was "a bit of a free-for-all" and needed "better policing and more marshals".

Bobbie Fernandez from House of Beauty said the bonfire "could be something amazing and it could be something that has a good effect on the area" but also believed security was lacking.

Telford and Wrekin Council said it remained "committed to supporting the community and ensuring that public events continue to be safe and welcoming for everyone".

The three men arrested by the police on suspicion of attempted murder are aged 17, 18 and 19 and have been released on police bail while inquiries continue.