Police are so concerned with the yobs' behaviour they've banned groups from gathering in the two areas of Wigan, Greater Manchester, for the whole weekend, including Bonfire Night. The youths' loutish actions have had "a huge impact" on residents and seen firefighters called out frequently to deal with chaos caused by fireworks.

       But now constables and police community support officers will finally the power to disperse crowds and prevent nuisance, Manchester Evening News says.

       The powers will be in force in the area from 4pm until 3am on Saturday.

       A further order is set to be in place between 4pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday.

       Officers say parents have been dropping their children off in the area, and have warned them not to do so this weekend.

       A post on the Greater Manchester Police - Leigh, Atherton and Hindley Facebook page read: "Officers from GMP and Wigan Council have been taking action against young people identified and have also been working with schools to reduce these incidents, however unfortunately some young people haven't been getting the message that this behaviour is unacceptable and needs to stop.

       "We've also identified that some parents have been dropping their children off in the area, and returning to pick them up later, however some consideration needs to be given to the impact this is having on people who live there.

       "Please be aware that dropping young people off there this weekend may well result in you having to pick them up later from a police station."

       If troublemakers choose not to leave or return to the areas in question, they'll be liable for arrest.

       One police chief in the area even claimed last month Bonfire Night should be axed completely, over fears for the health and safety of the general public.

       Stephen Watson, Greater Manchester Police’s chief constable, said "it’s only a matter of time before somebody gets killed" and that "cannot happen".

       Speaking as a guest on BBC Manchester, the police officer said fireworks cause "distress" to a lot of people.

       But it is anticipated Bonfire Night will nevertheless be celebrated eagerly as last year's events were axed due to the pandemic.