This was the moment fireworks were 'used as weapons' and launched in the street of a Tameside town - terrorising neighbours and being 'aimed at homes'. Ugly scenes returned to Ashton-under-Lyne on Bonfire Night (November 5).
Councillor Kaleel Khan, Tameside councillor for Ashton St Peter's, shared terrifying footage of fireworks being launched from the Millennium Green and Holy Trinity areas, near Bentinck Street. He said residential streets had been turned into 'warzones' as huge groups descended to cause chaos.
Coun Khan told the Manchester Evening News there had been a 'massive explosion' in the problem this year - with more than 200 used fireworks collected from the ground this morning (November 6). He says fireworks were launched in the street, dangerously close to passers-by, and towards homes.
READ MORE: 'Dangerous' moment fireworks were let off from BALCONY on Bonfire Night
"It was horrific," he said. "It was very, very scary. People have been traumatised. One constituent contacted me saying their kids were not able to sleep because of the fireworks.
"One said their animals were scared and they didn't know what to do. A lady who lives on her own said fireworks were being thrown at her house. Young people have had access to very expensive fireworks - who is supplying them?"
Coun Khan shared the footage on his Facebook page on Tuesday night (November 5). He wrote: "Are we living in a war zone? This is happening right now in Holy Trinity area. My constitutions are terrified. People are misusing fireworks to throw at each other and into people's homes."
The footage shows streets filled with smoke as loud fireworks can be heard exploding in the street outside a row of houses, with groups of youths seen running around.
Mr Khan asked whether more should be done to restrict access to fireworks. It comes as Edinburgh Council banned their use in certain parts of the city this year - including on Bonfire Night.
Coun Khan believes more should be done to stop fireworks being 'used as weapons'. "I knew what was coming," he added.
"Fireworks have been going off since September. Constituents have told me they have seen people drop off fireworks out of the boot of their car to give to youths, to cause anti-social behaviour. They are being exploited."
It's not the first time the St Peter's area of Ashton has been affected by the problem. Back in 2017, a mob of around 60 youths surrounded a police van before hurling fireworks in Burlington Street.
And youths launched fireworks in the street in October 2021, sparking a warning from the council. Ashton was not the only hotspot for trouble this Bonfire Night either - with scenes of disorder in other parts of Greater Manchester, including Gorton and Salford.
Superintendent John Paul Ruffle, Head of Prevention, and force lead for ASB at Greater Manchester Police said: “Every year we understand bonfire night can come with increased incidents of ASB, and we are always prepared to deal with those proactively.
“We know that ASB can have a significant impact on our communities, and those trying to enjoy the festivities lawfully. We have been working particularly hard with partners to address issues that have been raised to us by members of the public as quickly and robustly as possible.
“What we saw on bonfire night from a small number of individuals across the evening is completely unacceptable. We work tremendously hard to protect and serve those in our local communities and myself and my colleagues should not be going out to incidents having to deal with missiles being thrown at us.
“There are several ongoing investigation related to anti-social behaviour incidents that occurred on Bonfire night, and those involved in incidents of disorder can expect a knock at the door over the coming days.
“We are committed to tackling ASB year-round, to ensure that our communities feel safe in their own homes and neighbourhoods.”
