Met police put Woolwich under ‘special measures’ to avoid more firework chaos this Bonfire Night

By Kiro Evans, local democracy reporter

The Met police put Woolwich under special security measures for Bonfire Night after the firework chaos which took over the town centre.

Four police officers were badly injured and 30 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 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.

Greenwich council leader Daniel Thorpe said in reaction to the Halloween violence: “I am shocked and appalled by the senseless violence that broke out in Woolwich last night caused by a minority of young people, particularly that members of the public and the police were injured.

“There is clearly a risk of further disorder, so I am asking all families to work with us and make sure your children are kept as safe as possible.

“This kind of violence is just as serious as any knife or firearm crime. The effects of fireworks are extremely dangerous when used illegally. They can cause serious and life-changing injuries, and in some cases, death.”

Cllr Jackie Smith, cabinet member for community safety and enforcement, said: “We have had reports that fireworks were thrown at members of the public including a woman and her two small children and that police officers were attacked while others prevented help being given.

“At one point, emergency workers were prevented  from helping a man who had a suspected heart attack after a firework was thrown at him too. Even as he received urgent care, people continued to throw fireworks in his direction.”

A spokesperson for Greenwich Police, said: “This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. The officers who were injured yesterday were just trying to do their jobs and prevent disorder. We will be on patrol this evening, on foot and in marked police vehicles in the area, as an extra precaution.”