FIRE and police chiefs are stressing that throwing fireworks and making hoax calls is 'bang out of order' in 2021.

Emergency services chiefs have spoken out as it was revealed dealt with 4,241 deliberate fires over the past three Bonfire Night periods.

And an alarming 358 hoax calls were made to hard-pressed staff over the same period.

Seventy-five attacks have also been recorded on firefighters, including appliances being pelted with rocks and targeted by fireworks.

The first legal day fireworks can be sold was yesterday, Friday, and with coronavirus restrictions now lifted frontline services have

Chief fire officer Dave Russel said: "The last 18 months have been difficult for us all, and while I know most people in Greater Manchester will take this opportunity to celebrate the Bonfire season safely and responsibly, unfortunately some will not.

"Over the last few years our firefighters have been called out to hoaxes, deliberate fires and have even come under attack while trying to keep people safe. This is bang out of order and will not be tolerated.

“My plea this Bonfire period is to please think before you act. Setting fires, throwing fireworks and making hoax calls can destroy lives and keep our emergency services away from dealing with life-threatening incidents and keeping you, your family and your community safe.”

Supt, Ben Ewart, from Greater Manchester Police, added: “This Halloween and Bonfire Night, we’d like our communities to have fun but also to celebrate safely and behave in a responsible manner - please remember not everyone in your community will be celebrating these events. However, I’d like to thank the majority of our communities who are safe and respectful when celebrating these events.

“We are committed to tackling the issue of anti-social behaviour that unfortunately occurs at this time of year - we understand how distressing this type of behaviour can be.

"We would encourage parents to be aware of what your children are up to and where possible, to accompany them if they are out trick or treating, to ensure they are safe and respectful of our communities."

Dan Smith, area head of service at North West Ambulance Service, said: “All we want is for people to enjoy Bonfire Night safely.

“We regularly attend to patients who’ve suffered injuries and burns, some of which have been life-threatening, and in most incidents, these injuries could be avoided by careful and responsible use."

More seasonal safety advice can be found online at manchesterfire.gov.uk