Fires rose sharply on Mischief Night as Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service had to deal with more than 60 incidents.
Mischief Night, known as ‘Mizzy Night’ in Liverpool, is a tradition that sees people too old to trick-or-treat engaging in pranks and acts of minor vandalism on October 30th – the eve of Halloween.
The service said that 64 fires were attended across Merseyside last night – almost treble the number on the same day in 2015 when 22 fires were reported – with the peak call-out times between 8pm to 10pm.
A spokesman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue told JMU Journalism: “Generally we’ve seen a downward trend in recent years. There is an increase, but you’ve got to take into account the conditions were very mild and dry, and with it being Sunday night, all the different factors add up.”
Across the city there were claims of fireworks, eggs and flour-bombs being thrown at people and cars. However, Merseyside Police said that the number of incidents had fallen compared to the past two years.
YouTube: Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service
A spokesman said: “The force recorded a total of 1,132 calls during the police operation yesterday between 2pm and midnight, an 18.6% decrease from 1,390 in 2015 and over a 25% decrease from 1531 in 2014. There was a 7% decrease in reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, with 611 such reports being made compared to 656 for the same period last year, and 788 in 2014.
“A total of 13 people were arrested for a variety of low-level offences, down from 20 arrests in 2015 and 30 in 2014.”
Locals took to social media to discuss and report Mischief Night anti-social behaviour on a night that has become infamous on Merseyside and in other parts of the North.
Car outside my house has been burnt out. Wouldn’t expect any less from Mizzy night in Toxteth.
— Alex Mullin (@AlexMullin94) October 30, 2016
Mischief night in Liverpool and we’re getting fireworks thrown at our window
— Ames (@amyreesey) October 30, 2016
Really can’t believe I’ve just had an actual firework thrown at me leaving work. Mischief night is 10 times worse in Liverpool than Wirral
— Dakin✌️ (@B_D4kin) October 30, 2016