Restrict Fireworks

 

 

The Evidence for April 2009

 

Apr 1, Man held over firework evacuation, BBC News

A 25-year-old man has been arrested after a large amount of fireworks were found at a flat in Birmingham.

Homes in part of Erdington were evacuated twice - on Tuesday night and again on Wednesday morning - while a bomb disposal team was brought in.

Residents were moved to a sports hall in nearby Edmund Campion School on Tuesday night but they were allowed to return home after an hour on Wednesday.

A 25-year-old man was arrested under the Firearms Act.

Homes around the flat in Swan Gardens and in neighbouring Machin Road were evacuated and main roads and part of a nearby railway line were shut for three hours on Tuesday evening, police said.

Apr 1, Man held over firework evacuation, BBC News

Apr 4, Fireworks thrown into Sunderland house, Journal Live

Fire starters smashed a house window and threw fireworks inside when a family were inside.

Police said the incident happened just before 11pm last night in Belford Road, Hendon, Sunderland.

A man in his 40's along with his wife and their son were evacuated having suffered minor injuries as a result of smoke inhalation.

Officers said somebody has smashed a front window and thrown two lit fireworks through into the building. The fireworks caused smoke damage and minor fire damage to the living room but were extinguished by the family.

Detective Sgt Phillip Hamlani said: said: "This appears to be an isolated incident and investigations are ongoing to try and trace who's done this. I'd urge anyone who was in the area at the time or has seen anything suspicious to get in touch".

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 03456 043 043 ext 66119.

Apr 4, Fireworks thrown into Sunderland house, Journal Live

Apr 10, 23 die in blaze, MyMotherlode com

An Indian news agency says a blaze at a fireworks factory has killed at least 23 workers and injured 48 others in western India.

The Press Trust of India news agency quotes Yogesh Pawar, a medical officer, as saying the injured are being treated at a hospital near Jalgaon, a town in western Maharashtra state. Pawar puts the death toll at 23.

Apr 10, 23 die in blaze, MyMotherlode com

Apr 18, Court gives Croydon shopkeeper rocket over firework sales, This is Local London

A Coulsdon shopkeeper was fined £1,100 for selling fireworks to underage girls.

Mr Ashish Patel pleaded guilty at Croydon Magistrates’ Court to selling the rockets to two 15-year-old girls on Bonfire Night last year.

The two volunteers were accompanying Trading Standards officers to check that local shops were complying with the law by refusing to sell fireworks to under 18s.

During a visit to Mr Patel’s Best One shop, in Chipstead Valley Road, the youngsters were sold fireworks by Mr Patel who neither queried nor asked for proof of their age.

The sale was observed by a Trading Standards officer.

In pleading guilty by letter Mr Patel said the sale had been an error of judgement. The shop has now been sold.

Councillor Gavin Barwell, cabinet member for safety and cohesion said: “The sale of fireworks to children is a serious matter. "It has consequences not only for their safety but for that of other children.

“Shopkeepers need to be vigilant and always ask for proof of age if they cannot be sure. "Fireworks in the wrong hands can be as dangerous as any other weapon. "The council will not hesitate to prosecute anyone caught selling age-restricted products to young people.”

Mr Patel was fined £230 with £892 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Apr 18, Court gives Croydon shopkeeper rocket over firework sales, This is Local London

 

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