FIREBERKS

YOBS USE FIREWORKS AS MISSILES AND SET BLAZES ON 'WARZONE' NIGHT

- STEPHEN TOPPING

BONFIRE Night descended into chaos as flames soared and emergency crews came under attack.

Festivities turned sour in several incidents across Greater Manchester on Tuesday night.

Salford, east Manchester and Tameside saw some of the most serious incidents, with fireworks used as missiles and fires 'started deliberately'.

In Gorton, Vine Street 'turned into a warzone' as a car was set alight before police and firefighters responding to the mob of '20 or 30' were attacked with fireworks.

Youths were reportedly seen throwing fireworks and missiles at each other. Some passing vehicles were narrowly avoided, while others were 'caught in the crossfire'.

Three males, aged 16 to 18, were arrested and officers warned that more will be detained. Later on in Gorton, fire crews were also seen in attendance off Hyde Road, near to the old Gorton Tub.

Supt Richard McNamara, of GMP's City of Manchester north district, said it was 'shocking' fireworks had been 'used as a weapon towards emergency services' as he promised a 'thorough investigation' into the Vine Road disorder.