"The whole house could have been blown up " - shocking footage of bonfire night chaos in Gorton

Fireworks were lobbed at police and motorists after a large group of teenagers barricaded a street in Gorton on Bonfire Night

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 6th Nov 2024

Residents living on a street in Gorton tell us they are living in fear after shocking scenes unfolded on Bonfire Night.

A large group of around 20-30 teenagers barricaded Vine Street in Gorton on Tuesday night (05 November), using mattresses, wheelie bins and wooden pallets.

Fireworks were lobbed at passing motorists, before being aimed at police who arrived to break up the group at around 16:15GMT.

Police arrive on Vine Street in Gorton

Julie, who has lived on the street for 30 years, said she was left fearing for her life after a bag of lighter fuel in her outhouse was set alight by a stray spark.

"People were just throwing fireworks everywhere and obviously one landed in my outhouse and set fire to a basket I kept barbecue ignition stuff," she told Hits Radio.

"I only just managed to stop the house setting on fire.. Or worse.

"Thank God I noticed the smoke coming in through the Cat flap on my back door.

"My home could have been burnt down.

"I feel so scared living here.

"I Might have to move after the 30 years I've lived here.

"It's unbelievable how it's changed for the worse".

Pictures from the aftermath of the scene show a burnt out car on a field, which had been driven around the street erratically just hours before.

Three teenage boys, aged between 16 and 18, have since been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder offences.

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."

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