More than 600 fireworks were seized and officers carried out over 160 stop and searches on Thursday 5 November.
The arrests formed part of Operation Treacle, Greater Manchester Police’s response to anti-social behaviour linked to fireworks and Bonfire Night.
Eight people were arrested on suspicion of affray after reports of youths using fireworks.
GMP said its drone unit tracked the group before officers arrested them in a nearby shop.
Across the force area, officers used dispersal powers, seized fireworks and patrolled locations identified as hotspots.
Neighbourhood officers worked alongside response teams and the Tactical Aid Unit. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service also helped coordinate the response through a joint command structure.
Chief Superintendent Nicola Spragg, the operation’s gold commander, said: “Unfortunately, a small minority choose to misuse fireworks and engage in anti-social behaviour, causing fear, distress and even firing fireworks at emergency service vehicles.”
Paul Fearnhead, area manager and head of training at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firefighters responded to a significant number of Bonfire Night-related incidents across Greater Manchester, including several deliberate fires. It is unacceptable that emergency responders encountered anti-social behaviour while carrying out their duties and working to protect local communities.”
Police asked anyone witnessing anti-social behaviour or firework misuse to report it through 101 or GMP’s Live Chat service, or call 999 in an emergency.
