POLICE have launched an investigation into a series of incidents on Bonfire Night in the Park ward area of Halifax.

Detectives are gathering footage of incidents which occurred between 5pm and midnight in the vicinity of Plum Street, Hopwood Lane and Parkinson Lane, on Saturday, November 5, and are appealing for members of the public to contact them with any information which may assist the investigation.

Multiple reports were received on the evening of Saturday, November 5, involving large groups of youths in the area with fireworks.

The incidents included reports of criminal damage, public order and firework offences.

In total, 18 males aged between 12 and 23, fifteen of them from the Halifax area, were arrested for violent disorder, in connection with these incidents. All those arrested have since been bailed pending further enquiries.

An extensive investigation is now underway and detectives from Calderdale District Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Officers are appealing to anyone with CCTV, dash cam or video footage between 5pm and midnight on Saturday evening to contact police.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Lindsay of Calderdale District Police said: "Some of the behaviour witnessed in the Park Ward area of Halifax on Sunday was totally unacceptable and undermines the hard work, which was undertaken by a host of agencies, which led to otherwise peaceful celebrations across the district.

“Initial enquiries suggest most of those involved in the disorder are members of our community and not from other areas of the county.

“We were clear in our run up to Bonfire night that we would fully investigate any anti-social behaviour by those who seek to risk the safety of the wider community.

“The test purchase operation last week, was a key step in ensuring local businesses and retailers were abiding by the law and regulations around the sale of fireworks.

“A full investigation has now commenced by a dedicated team of detectives to identify those involved in the disorder in the Park Ward area, so we can take appropriate action. I would ask anyone who can assist our efforts to come forward. “This type of behaviour is not going to be tolerated on our streets, we work alongside partners to help our communities feel safe and we need our communities to support our investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives from Calderdale District Police through 101LiveChat function on the website or by calling 101 quoting crime reference 13220612085.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.