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Terrified Crowds Run As Fireworks Fall On 'Hundreds' Of People At Illegal Display

Terrified Crowds Run As Fireworks Fall On 'Hundreds' Of People At Illegal Display

Some of the fireworks went off close to the ground where there were children standing

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Crowds of terrified people ran for cover as falling fireworks rained down on them at an illegal display:

Hundreds gathered at Everton Park, Merseyside, on Bonfire Night to watch as groups let off their own fireworks overlooking the city.

The car park was reportedly gridlocked with people who were trying to find the perfect spot, but the park quickly emptied when a number of explosions went out of control.

Video footage filmed near the brow showed how crowds cheered as the fireworks burst loudly into the sky.

Liverpool Echo

But things quickly turned sour when some of the fireworks went off too close to the ground. Sparks scattered over cars and people standing on the grass - many of whom were there with children.

An eye witness later told the Liverpool Echo that it was 'a miracle if no one was hurt' during the incident and that the amount of cars caused a large traffic jam outside the park shortly before 9pm.

They added that people with fireworks had begun firing them at each other as others tried to make their way away from the park.

The eyewitness added: "There were hundreds there. The carpark was gridlocked and streets outside full of cars and the odd scrambler bike rider performing wheelies."

Liverpool Echo

Organised displays were cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic to stop crowds gathering together.

Earlier in the evening, Merseyside Fire and Rescue tweeted to say they were aware of a number of illegal displays taking place across the city.

They said: "We're receiving reports about large nos. of people setting off fireworks in parks across Merseyside. Yes, it's Bonfire Night but this year is like no other. There are no organised displays this year for a reason. Please #StayHome & #StaySafe."

A warning was also issued by the fire service ahead of bonfire night that no one should be attending bonfires on public land due to the national lockdown.

They said: "If you see our firefighters or prevention teams out in the community this evening, please treat them with respect.

"They're not trying to ruin your fun - they just want to keep everyone safe.

"Remember, we're in a national lockdown and bonfires on public land are NOT allowed."

Featured Image Credit: Liverpool Echo

Topics: UK News, lockdown, News, UK