EXCLUSIVE: A police officer was injured after a group of middle-aged men allegedly launched fireworks at police in a row over a bonfire party.

Trouble broke out after officers asked organisers to halt a display of fireworks amid fears for public safety.

The incident happened outside the St George pub in Caledonian, Glascote Heath on Bonfire Night (Wednesday, November 5).

Officers attended the event and feared that crowds were too close to the firework display. They asked that the crowd be moved back and then became concerned about the size of fireworks being set off in a residential area and asked for the display to stop altogether.

Inspector Ian Coxhead said: "Officers who attended feared for public safety as big fireworks were being used in a residential area. They were asked to stop, but a number of men walked off with the fireworks. They took them to the top of Bancroft Hill and appeared to be firing them towards police officers.

"A number of people were involved in this incident and we have arrested two men, but our inquiries are still ongoing."

* Tamworth Herald, November 13, 2008, edition.