Tighter security for bonfire after stabbing

Extra security will be put in place at a bonfire and fireworks display after a stabbing there in 2025.

Organisers of the Donnington Bonfire in Telford said they were "devastated" after a 20-year-old man was attacked and injured shortly after the bonfire was lit on 8 November.

Abubakar Saleem, 22, of Victoria Avenue, Wellington in Telford, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and having a bladed article on 24 August and will be sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in October.

In a statement on social media organisers said visitors to the 2026 event would "see enhanced security and entry procedures, together with strengthened arrangements for crowd management and emergency response".

"We appreciate that some of these measures may mean additional checks or slightly longer entry times, but they are there for everyone's protection," they added.

"Safety has always been a major part of how this event is planned and managed and it remains our priority."

They added there had been "inaccurate claims" that similar incidents were a regular occurrence at the event, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025.

"Last year's event was the first incident of this nature in the history of the event," the post continued, adding that organisers had "always worked closely" with emergency services, the local authority and security services while planning.

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