FIREFIGHTERS in the Bradford district once again came under attack on Bonfire Night.

This included on Rugby Place, Lidget Green, and on Redcliffe Street in Keighley

While attacks did happen, they were not on the same level as in previous years. It's understood that volunteers united in different parts of Bradford to ensure the night went smoothly and a project in Keighley was said to have made a big difference. 

PC Chris Cahill, of the Bradford West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said firework legislation "needs updating", but added: "Pleased with our Bradford response and the help of the community."

In the Bradford East areas, community volunteers also turned out, along with faith leaders and other partners.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said there was more than 500 calls received by its Control Room over the course of the evening - between 5pm and 1am. 

In total the fire service attended 149 incidents across West Yorkshire - with 66 of those incidents being bonfire related.

The fire service said while thousands of people celebrated safely, there were some pockets of disorder involving the misuse of fireworks.

This included three separate attacks on fire engines in Bradford, Keighley and the Harehills area of Leeds. Fortunately there were no injuries reported.

Benjy Bush, Tactical Commander for the Bonfire period, said: “The majority of people celebrated safely however there were unfortunately some incidents of reckless behaviour with fireworks across West Yorkshire including attacks on fire engines which we condemn.

“The level of attacks has been fewer than in some recent years - but any attack on our crews who are working hard to keep the public safe is one too many.

“However, what we’d really like to focus on is the vast majority of the public who celebrated safely, whether it was attending an organised bonfire or hosting small celebrations at home.

"We would also like to thank our partner agencies, community volunteers and community leaders who have pulled together supporting us around the bonfire period.

“As usual Bonfire Night has been one of our busiest nights of the year – and I’d like to pay tribute to our staff who worked really hard to keep people safe and quickly deal with any fires that got out of control.”

In Keighley, a community-led operation with a partnership approach between the police, fire service, youth services, plus churches and mosques was a "fantastic success".

Inspector Khalid Khan, of the Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Overall it made a huge difference. I think others will learn from it.

"Last night was an excellent example of partners working together within the community."

Watch Commander Ahsan Ali, of Keighley Fire Station, said that it had a "massive impact" in terms of trouble and anti-social behaviour.

Anyone who is planning on having a bonfire this weekend is urged to follow advice given by the fire service, which can be found at https://www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/your-safety/community/bonfire-night-2019/