Firework hits girl in face, crews pelted

A 14-YEAR-OLD girl was seriously injured when she was hit in the face by a firework in Pitt Street, Glodwick.

She was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital with an injury to her left eye, shortly before 5pm on Saturday.

Bonfire night was very busy for fire services in Greater Manchester, with 300 calls being made between 3-10pm - an increase of 20 per cent on last year.

By midnight, another 50 calls had been added to the work of busy firefighters and although the emergencies dropped off throughout the night, fire crews were still attending bonfire-related incidents until gone 6am yesterday.

One of the largest incidents broke out at a scrapyard in Nelstrop Road North, Manchester, which was reported at 4.45pm and was not completely extinguished until after 11pm on Saturday.

Councillor David Acton, chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, condemned the youths who created unnecessary incidents on an already busy night and had a strong message for those who had turned on firefighters trying to keep communities safe.

He said: "Our message is clear: We won't tolerate attacks on our firefighters of any description or of any nature.

"It is unacceptable behaviour and those responsible should be ashamed.

"Firefighters have a difficult job and it is utterly abhorrent to me that anyone would put them into dangerous situations they have deliberately created.

"To then hurl fireworks and other missiles at them is despicable.

"Attending an organised display is safer and helps us cut down the number of private bonfires that cause people concern.

"We would like to thank everyone who acted responsibly and enjoyed bonfire night. It is a great tradition in this country but unfortunately spoiled by a few thoughtless people and mindless youths."