Several residents in Salford have reported incidents of fireworks being launched at their homes or at themselves, including at student accommodation buildings.
It comes after Greater Manchester Police were allowed to issue a dispersal order last Saturday (1st November) due to “recent incidents involving the antisocial use of fireworks by youths”.
People targeted by the incidents include students from the University of Salford who have experienced fireworks being launched at their windows at their student accommodation on the Peel Park Campus and nearby residential area Waterside Village, causing damage to their homes.
Student Sophie Milligan, who is one of the people impacted by the incidents, said, “there were bangs getting louder and louder, and when I went to have a look, there was smoke coming through the kitchen window and two people were standing with a box of fireworks on the fence outside the house”
Fireworks have also been launched at people, including one at Student Rose Lonsdale, who said, “I walked through Salford Shopping Centre and got hit with a firework, and they decided to record it”.
Greater Manchester police responded to over 200 firework-related incidents on Bonfire Night alone last year, and with 5th November approaching, many students are left feeling unsafe and worried about what will happen on the night.
One of those worried is TV and Radio Production student Olivia, who said, ” A bunch of fireworks were set off near me and my friends when we were outside McDonald’s, and I was absolutely terrified. I am quite worried about what Bonfire Night will bring this year”
We contacted Greater Manchester Police about what procedures they would be putting in place to protect students from firework attacks on bonfire night, but we have yet to receive a comment from them.