Cops clamp down on Woolwich after fireworks chaos
The Met police put Woolwich under special security measures for Bonfire Night after the firework chaos which took over the town centre, writes Kiro Evans, Local Democracy Reporter.
Four police officers were badly injured and 30 people were arrested after allegedly throwing lit fireworks at each other and innocent bystanders on Halloween (October 31).
Emergency service workers were prevented from helping a man who had a suspected heart attack as people allegedly threw fireworks in their direction.
A woman and her two young children were also believed to have been targeted in the incident.
Close to the incident, a 14-year-old was stabbed around the same time as the Met scrambled to address both incidents.
Police chiefs were attempting to shut down any repeat of the ugly scenes by issuing a dispersal order, which was operational until 7am on November 6.
This gave officers the power to break up groups of two or more people who are causing a nuisance, harassment or distress.
The dispersal order covered Woolwich and the surrounding areas, stretching all the way to Plumstead station in the east to Charlton station in the west.
A previous issue with fireworks at the end of last month led to police and the council cordoning off Gordon General Square at the heart of the town centre.
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