Police in Preston have condemned the actions of youths who repeatedly fired fireworks at officers and members of the public during a “hectic” weekend of patrols.

Special Constables from Lancashire Constabulary were called to a string of urgent incidents, including reports of young people deliberately shooting fireworks in the city centre—marking the second consecutive weekend officers have been targeted.

Sgt. Connor, from the Lancashire Constabulary Specials team, described a terrifying close call: “One group of young males thought it was appropriate to fire one at myself while I was outside my vehicle, with it landing and exploding dangerously close.” Following reports, officers seized fireworks from two children, both aged 13, before returning the youths to their “very disappointed parents.”

The fireworks incidents were just part of a busy weekend for the Specials team, who reported several successful operations:

• Illegal Goods Seized: A multi-agency operation with Trading Standards saw several shops fail a test purchase, selling cigarettes and vapes to a child. The subsequent investigation resulted in the seizure of over 800 illicit cigarettes and 150 illegal vapes.
• Assault on Officer: Officers were deployed to assist a regular colleague and arrived first on the scene to help detain an aggressive male, who was subsequently arrested for Assault on Police and Drunk and Disorderly.
• Drug Driving Arrest: Following intelligence that a male was in possession of a “zombie knife” and had entered a vehicle, police located and stopped the car. While the bladed article was not found, the driver was arrested on suspicion of Drug Driving.
• City Centre Stop: During a foot patrol, police detected the strong odour of a controlled substance and carried out a stop and search on an individual, followed by moving on several “unhappy customers” to prevent further issues.