CHESHIRE Police has thanked the community for enjoying Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night safely and peacefully.

Officers worked closely with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, local authorities and the ambulance service to help minimise disruption and tackle anti-social behaviour disorder.

The vast majority of the county’s residents behaved themselves throughout the Hallowe’en period, though there were some incidents of isolated and sporadic disorder reported across the county.

Superintendent Martin Cleworth, who heads up the force's Task Force, said: “We recognise this can be a busy time of year and we can see an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour and disorder.

“However, I’m pleased to say the majority of the county did celebrate and enjoy Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night safely and calmly.

"Although there was an increase in demand for our services, our close work with our partners ensured that the celebrations ran as safely and smoothly as possible and, where necessary, we increased the number of officers on patrol to allow us to respond to incidents more effectively.

“I want to reassure the public that we do recognise the distress caused to victims who have been affected by any criminal disorder during the Hallowe’en and Bonfire period, and we will thoroughly investigate those incidents that have been reported to us.”

David Keane, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, thanked officers and staff who worked hard during the busy period.

He said: “I was pleased to see the Constabulary working with partners across the county to keep our communities safe.

“While there were a minority of people who acted anti-socially, it is pleasing the see that the majority of people enjoyed Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night in a responsible and safe manner.”