Stoke-on-Trent Bonfire Night criminal damage spree probed

A fire was started at Hanley Masonic Hall after a fire was thrown through a broken window

An investigation has been launched into a spate of criminal damage on Bonfire Night.

Buildings and vehicles were targeted in the Snow Hill area of Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Police said.

Between 20:45 and 21:15 GMT, masked youths were seen throwing stones, bricks and launching fireworks.

A fire broke out in Hanley Masonic Hall, after a firework was thrown through a window, but no-one was in the building and there were no injuries.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire, it added.

'We will take action'

"This spate of dangerous behaviour has caused understandable concern within the local community and costly damages to a number of local businesses and organisations," Det Insp Laura Agu said.

"Bonfire Night has never been an excuse to behave recklessly and commit acts of deliberate criminal damage. We will take action against those who think it's acceptable to do so.

"Work is continuing at pace to look through CCTV from the area, speak to those with information and carry out enquiries to identify those involved and find out more about what happened.

"I urge anyone who may have footage from the area last night or those with any information which can help with our investigation to get in touch."