Anti-social youths let off fireworks in Northgate End multi-storey and trigger fire service response from as far as Stevenage

Firefighters from as far as Stevenage were sent to Bishop’s Stortford after anti-social youths let off fireworks in the Northgate End multi-storey car park on Wednesday night.

A group of about 12 boys and girls aged 15-16 were seen leaving the car park, some running, soon after a loud bang was heard coming from the building in Link Road.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the top levels of the four-storey car park and alarms were sounding on all floors.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service posted on social media platform X at 9.13pm on Wednesday (October 23) that it had received multiple calls about the incident.

The brigade’s control room despatched crews from Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth and Stevenage fire stations and the aerial ladder platform, based in Stevenage.

The first firefighters to arrive at the scene completed a full thermal scan of the car park and found “no fire situation”.

Hertfordshire police were called at 9.12pm with reports of anti-social behaviour in the car park.

“It is reported that a group of people were letting off fireworks and driving anti-socially,” said a spokesman.

He asked anyone with information, or who witnesses any similar behaviour, to contact police by reporting information online at herts.police.uk/report, speaking to an operator in the force communications room via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or calling non-emergency number 101.

Hertfordshire Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Barber said: “While fortunately there was no fire in this instance, we would ask people to take care when using fireworks. They have the potential to cause serious injuries, and can easily start fires if set off in confined spaces.

“Responding to incidents like this means that our crews and specialist resources may not be able to attend other incidents where people urgently need our help.

“Please report anti-social behaviour to the police and help us to protect our communities and keep people safe.”

The car park is owned and operated by East Herts Council. A spokeswoman said: “There are no obvious signs of damage to the property and we haven’t received any indication that any vehicles have been damaged.

“We are currently assessing whether we have any CCTV footage that could assist the police with their enquiries.”

Cllr Mione Goldspink, EHC’s executive member for neighbourhoods, said: “The firework incident of anti-social behaviour at Northgate End car park caused considerable disruption at this part of the town, especially to the residents of nearby homes.

“It’s a real shame that those involved seem to have no understanding of the consequences of their actions.

“We are working with police to investigate this particular incident and other reported anti-social behaviours linked to this car park.

“We urge all residents to report anti-social behaviour to us via the East Herts website at https://www.eastherts.gov.ukcommunity-safety-issues or by phone on 01279 655261 and, if they witness a crime in progress, to phone the police immediately on 999.”