A Mickleham man was hospitalised on New Year’s Eve (NYE) after setting off illegal fireworks.
The 31-year-old obtained serious face injuries, another man from Corio was also hospitalised with a serious finger injury.
Victoria Police NYE state commander, Acting Commander Belinda Jones, said it was disappointing to see people taking risks with illegal and dangerous fireworks.
“There was a small number of people who took it too far and chose to do the wrong thing,” Acting Commander Jones said.
There were 313 fireworks-related incidents reported to police, several of which resulted in serious injuries.
“All reported incidents were resolved quickly ensuring no disruption to the wider community,” Acting Commander Jones said.
Fireworks caused a fire on the rooftop of a Treasury Place building, which was then extinguished, no one was injured.
Across Victoria, 18 people were arrested for various incidents including assaults, driving and property offences.
Three drink drivers and two drug drivers were caught by police, who conducted over 5,000 breath and drug tests.
Over 2000 police monitored the crowds in Melbourne during the fireworks display.
“Overwhelmingly we saw great behaviour by crowds overnight with people heeding our advice to celebrate safely and responsibly.”
Other reported incidents include assaults and the use of weapons in the city, and police arresting alleged fleeing offenders.
