Three Arrests After Fireworks Deliberately Aimed At People And Property In Carlisle
Three people have been arrested after fireworks were deliberately directed towards people and property across Carlisle, prompting a coordinated police response.
Cumbria Police said officers received reports of fireworks being set off in several parts of the city, with incidents involving fireworks being directed towards people and property. The reports prompted officers from the Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing Team to work alongside colleagues from Carlisle Response as part of a coordinated operation aimed at addressing the reported behaviour and reducing the risk to members of the public.
Three males, aged 17 and 20, were arrested by officers in connection with the incidents. Police said the arrests were made on suspicion of public order offences and an offence under Section 80 of the Explosives Act, with those arrested now facing the consequences of the allegations made against them.
The police response followed reports involving several locations around Carlisle, where groups of young people had reportedly gathered and fireworks were being set off. The areas identified included Chances Park, Wigton Road, Dunmail Drive, Dalston Road and Peter Lane, covering a number of locations across the city where concerns had been raised about public safety.
Police subsequently introduced a dispersal order covering the affected areas. The order was used as part of the response to the reported disorder and remained in force until the early hours, giving officers additional powers to deal with groups gathering in connection with the incidents.
The use of fireworks in the direction of people and property was a particular concern for officers because of the potential consequences of their misuse. Police warned that fireworks can cause serious injuries when they are handled or discharged improperly, particularly when they are deliberately directed towards other people or buildings.
The force also issued a direct message to parents and guardians of teenagers following the arrests. Officers urged parents to have conversations with young people about the consequences of using fireworks irresponsibly and to ensure they understand the potential risks associated with their behaviour.
Police highlighted that fireworks can be enjoyed safely but said improper use can turn them into a serious danger. The force warned that misuse has the potential to result in debilitating injury and death, reinforcing its concerns about reports of fireworks being directed towards people and property in Carlisle.
The arrests were carried out by Carlisle officers following the reports and the subsequent policing operation. The Neighbourhood Policing Team was supported by response officers as police worked to identify those believed to have been involved and take action over the reported public order and explosives related offences.
The incident comes as Carlisle police continue to identify youth anti social behaviour as an ongoing priority in the city. Police have said there has been an increase in evening anti social behaviour in parts of the city centre and that officers are continuing high visibility patrols and proactive work to identify those involved.
Officers have also said dispersal orders have been used during recent weekends to help manage large groups involved in anti social behaviour. The force said its neighbourhood teams will continue working with local partners, businesses and other stakeholders while maintaining patrols at times when demand is expected to be highest.
The latest arrests therefore form part of wider efforts by police to address reported disorder involving young people in Carlisle. The force has said individuals identified as being involved in anti social behaviour will be dealt with appropriately, with officers continuing to use enforcement powers where necessary to prevent further incidents.
The arrests also serve as a warning about the legal consequences that can follow the misuse of fireworks. The three males were arrested on suspicion of public order offences and an offence under Section 80 of the Explosives Act, meaning the allegations now form part of a formal police investigation.
Police have stressed the potential dangers associated with fireworks while urging parents to take an active role in discussing responsible behaviour with teenagers. The force's message comes after reports of fireworks being directed towards people and property across several Carlisle locations, followed by arrests and the introduction of a dispersal order.
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