An incident earlier in the week has prompted officers to be on ‘high-visibility’ patrols over the weekend
Police at Cabot Circus.(Image: FPS Images)
Police will be on high alert in Bristol City Centre over Halloween weekend after a large group of teenagers was reported for letting off fireworks in Cabot Circus. The incident happened at the shopping centre in Bristol on Wednesday night (October 29), and Avon and Somerset Police said they were investigating.
The force said no one was injured in the incident that took place around 8.20pm on Wednesday night. A spokesperson added: “We were called to an incident involving a group of children, estimated to be aged around 14-15, and wearing mostly dark colours.
“They were reported for letting off fireworks in George White Street, Cabot Circus, at around 8.20pm on Wednesday (29 October). Officers attended the scene and while nobody was injured in the incident.
“We are aware of concerns surrounding anti-social behaviour of this nature in the area, and CCTV enquiries and reassurance patrols will be carried out.”
As a result of the incident, officers will be carrying out “high-visibility” patrols in the city centre during Halloween night tonight (Friday) and over the weekend. Police have been granted powers to order any youths causing nuisance in the area to move along.
Neighbourhood policing Sgt Sean Underwood said: “Our Neighbourhood officers will carry out high-visibility patrols tonight and over the weekend around Cabot Circus, the Horsefair, Castle Park, and other areas of the city centre.
“With the support of specialist units, we will be seeking to disrupt nuisance behaviour and to provide assurance to the community.
“Following that incident, we secured an order under section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act meaning we could disperse those youths causing a nuisance from the area.
Sgt Underwood said police officers were also working to make sure fireworks were not being sold illegally to young people, with Guy Fawkes Night fast approaching. He slammed the behaviour of anyone who thought it was a good idea to let off fireworks in busy parts of the city.
“Not only is the release of fireworks in populated areas and in the direction of people, buildings and vehicles very dangerous, but it is also incredibly reckless and shows complete disregard for personal safety and that of the wider public,” he said.
“Fireworks can cause significant injuries, ranging from burns through to blindness should they be handled incorrectly.
“We will be seeking to work in partnership with our colleagues at Trading Standards to ensure fireworks are being sold correctly, ages are being challenged, and vendors are taking responsibility for the selling of fireworks.”
The fireworks incident rounded off a dramatic day at Cabot Circus. Earlier on Wednesday a branch of HSBC in the shopping centre was evacuated after a woman was allegedly assaulted.