Bonfire Night disorder: Shocking footage shows police being targeted with fireworks in West Yorkshire

An investigation has been launched into a series of incidents that took place on Bonfire Night in Park Area, Halifax. Police received multiple reports regarding large groups of youths with fireworks on November 5, with criminal damage, public order and firework offences among the incidents reported.

It was reported that youths were lighting fireworks and throwing them at moving vehicles and in the direction of residential properties. When police officers arrived, footage shows they were targeted with fireworks. 18 males aged between 12 and 23, 15 of them from the Halifax area, were arrested for violent disorder in connection with these incidents and all have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Police are gathering footage of incidents which occurred between 5pm and midnight in the vicinity of Plum Street, Hopwood Lane and Parkinson Lane. Calderdale District Police are appealing for anyone with information that could aid enquiries to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Lindsay of Calderdale District Police said: "Some of the behaviour witnessed in the Park Ward area of Halifax on Sunday was totally unacceptable and undermines the hard work, which was undertaken by a host of agencies, which led to otherwise peaceful celebrations across the district.

“Initial enquiries suggest most of those involved in the disorder are members of our community and not from other areas of the county. We were clear in our run up to Bonfire night that we would fully investigate any anti-social behaviour by those who seek to risk the safety of the wider community.

“The test purchase operation last week, was a key step in ensuring local businesses and retailers were abiding by the law and regulations around the sale of fireworks. A full investigation has now commenced by a dedicated team of detectives to identify those involved in the disorder in the Park Ward area, so we can take appropriate action. I would ask anyone who can assist our efforts to come forward.

“This type of behaviour is not going to be tolerated on our streets, we work alongside partners to help our communities feel safe and we need our communities to support our investigation to bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Calderdale District Police via live chat or 101, quoting crime reference 13220612085. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.