While many people were enjoying last night’s Bonfire Night celebrations responsibly, we are sad to report that a small number of people behaved in a totally unacceptable way. 

In areas of both Blackburn and Burnley emergency services crews from the fire service, ambulance and police received a number of hoax calls only to be subjected to yobs attacking them with fireworks and other missiles. 

A number of police vehicles were damaged and are now out of action. Fortunately no-one was injured. 

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible. 

Chief Constable Chris Rowley said: “It makes me incredibly sad, angry and disappointed that people feel they can behave in this way towards my officers and the emergency services in general. 

“The events of last night were totally inexcusable and show an utter lack of respect for emergency service workers who are going above and beyond day in and day out to keep our communities safe. 

“Police officers are human beings and many of them live in the communities that they police and protect. They do not come to work to be abused and physically attacked by a small minority of disrespectful people who clearly have no respect for the authorities or indeed the communities that they live in. 

“It is only a matter of good fortune that no police officers, paramedics or firefighters were not seriously hurt in last’s nights disgraceful events.  

“We will be doing all we can to identify the individuals involved and subject them to the full force of the law.”