Three arrested as east Manchester street 'turns into warzone' on Bonfire Night

Three people have been arrested after Bonfire Night turned to chaos on an east Manchester street. Vine Street, between Gorton and Abbey Hey, turned into a 'warzone' after a large group of youths gathered, set a car alight and pelted police with fireworks.

Officers were called out at around 4.15pm on Tuesday (November 5). Three males, aged 16 to 18, were arrested on suspicion of causing violent disorder.

They remain in custody for questioning this morning (Wednesday). Greater Manchester Police says there will be 'further arrests to follow' in connection with the disorder.

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Superintendent Richard McNamara, of GMP’s City of Manchester north district, said: "Thankfully, there were no reported injuries made to us and despite fireworks being aimed at our officers, I am also pleased to say that no officers were injured. It is shocking that we are seeing fireworks being used as a weapon towards emergency services as they try and keep our communities safe.

"A thorough investigation is underway, and while we have made three arrests in connection with this incident, further arrests will follow. Investigating officers are pursuing several lines of enquiry that will ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice."

GMP says it received reports of a large group of young people lighting a fire on waste ground at Vine Street and throwing fireworks and missiles, causing 'disorder and damage'. Firefighters were also targeted as they responded to the incident.

A mob of 'around 20 or 30' had gathered in the afternoon, creating makeshift barricades with mattresses and pallets. An illegal bonfire, consisting of waste and a motorbike, was set alight as well as the car.

Eyewitnesses said passing cars and people were narrowly avoided as fireworks and objects were launched - although some were reportedly caught in the crossfire. "Looks like a full scale war zone down there," one person said on social media.

Another added: "They were at it from four o'clock. They barricaded the street off. I had to climb over pallets and boards to get home and wouldn't let cars through, hurling fireworks and wood and bricks at cars."

GMP says the incident was 'isolated' and is moving to reassure the community. Supt McNamara added: "As part of our planned operational response to Bonfire Night, to safeguard communities, police patrols were quickly deployed to Vine Street within minutes of the report being made to us and the incident quickly dealt with and targeted arrests made to stop escalation.

“We know incidents like this will rightly cause concern to members of the local community and those people who enjoyed Bonfire Night safely - I want to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident, which was dealt with very quickly by local neighbourhood officers with assistance from officers from our Specialist Operations branch, who brought the incident to a safe conclusion. We have also worked alongside our partners in the area throughout the evening by deploying joint patrols with youth services and colleagues in the fire service."

Witnesses are being urged to come forward by calling GMP on 101, quoting incident number 2294 of November 5, 2024. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.