Restrict Fireworks

The Evidence for November 2009

Nov 1, Fireworks seized in raid, Teletext

Police have seized thousands of ‘bangers’ and fireworks during a Hallowe’en raid in Northern Ireland.

Detectives recovered the haul at a container on Lifford Road in Starbane, County Tyrone, beside the border with the Irish Republic.

Some 2,190 bangers, three large boxes of fireworks and ten sky rockets were removed from the scene.

Nov 1, Fireworks seized in raid, Teletext

Nov 1, Man killed, three injured in blast at fireworks plant, The Daily Mail, Pakistan

GUJRAWALA—A person was killed and three others injured in a blast at a firework manufacturing plant here on Friday, police sources said.
An explosion occurred in a firework manufacturing factory at Farooz Road in Gujrawala, killing a worker and injuring three others.
The blast was so huge that it shattered windowpanes of nearby houses and buildings.
Residents of the area condemned the authorities for allowing making and storage of such volatile stuffs in the residential areas and demanded of the government to take action against the practice and ban fireworks manufacturing in residential areas.

Nov 1, Man killed, three injured in blast at fireworks plant, The Daily Mail, Pakistan

Nov 1, Shops sell fireworks to underage kids, The People

Recession-hit shopkeepers are putting kids' lives at risk by illegally selling them fireworks.

A People investigation found traders across Britain flogging dangerous rockets to children as young as 15 in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

The law bans stores from selling fireworks to under-18s - and traders caught flouting the rules face six months' jail or a £5,000 fine. But many seemed ready to run the risk when we enlisted a group of underage teens to test whether proper ID checks were taking place

The youngsters were also breaking the law by having fireworks. But they gave them to us as soon as they left the shops.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: "Traders taking a chance because they're having a tough year should remember the consequences - horrific injuries or even death."

Half the 1,000 Brits taken to hospital each year because of fireworks are kids.

Nov 1, Shops sell fireworks to underage kids, The People

Nov 2, Bristol police say Halloween crime stats fall, This is Bristol

Arrests and call-outs were down on Halloween as the efforts of the Safer Bristol Partnership paid dividends.

After several weeks of work involving the police, schools, retailers and partner agencies, the spookiest – and usually busiest – night of the year went relatively peacefully in the city.

On Saturday night, Operation Relentless involved large numbers of police and their police community support officer (PCSO) colleagues out and about on foot, bike, motorcycle and in cars, patrolling the streets and providing reassurance for residents.

In Bristol, there were 19 arrests, compared to 27 last year. They included criminal damage, drug possession, drunk and disorderly and burglary.

Police responded to about 1,300 reported incidents force-wide between 4pm on Saturday and 2am yesterday, compared with 1,836 last Halloween.

There were also 20 alcohol seizures in Bristol, 10 of which were from under 18s, as well as two firework seizures.

But it wasn't all calm and there were some incidents to chase up when the Evening Post went on patrol with officers. A crowd of about 30 youngsters in Easton were seen throwing eggs at cars but they dispersed as soon as PC Lyndon Parsons arrived, leaving just an egg box behind on the Bristol-Bath cyclepath.

Shortly afterwards, PC Parsons found two boys with a firework they had lit on some steps. But after some friendly advice on the dangers they faced from playing with fireworks, they went off to a party.

A PCSO also told how a group tried to hit him with an egg and PC Parsons heard over his radio of a firework being put through a door in Hillfields.

But for much of the evening all that could be seen were young children dressed in their finest witch, ghost and skeleton outfits being taken around by adults on supervised trick or treat visits to neighbours.

As PC Parsons is normally based at the City Academy, he was on first name terms with many of the older youngsters and joined in their banter.

He said: "Most kids are as good as gold. The vast majority are OK, with just a handful that go the wrong way.

"It has been a quiet night but that's good for us and the public."

The police had spent weeks preparing for Halloween, paying visits to schools to chat to youngsters and to shops to make sure traders did not sell fireworks to under-18s or the popular weapons of flour and eggs.

On the night, officers were called in from rest days to boost numbers on patrol and provide a visible presence on the streets.

Inspector Mark Runacres, the neighbourhood inspector for Southmead, said: "We put a significant number of officers on patrol so those who want to enjoy Halloween can do so while those intent on causing problems for others are deterred. To have a low level of calls is good news."

Neighbourhood Sergeant Terry Scoble, who was patrolling Henbury with PC Julie Blackmore, said:: "On a scale of one to ten for trouble, I couldn't even give it a score of one. It's been more like a mid-week night not a Saturday night Halloween.

Nov 2, Bristol police say Halloween crime stats fall, This is Bristol

Nov 2, Calls to keep fireworks to fifth, BBC News

Islanders are being asked by Guernsey's firework consultative group to limit Guy Fawkes parties to 5 November in the interests of safety.

The group includes the emergency services, the Health and Safety Executive, animal welfare groups and Age Concern.

The group said private celebrations should be finished by 2100 GMT.

It suggested people should show consideration for neighbours, the elderly or those on their own.

Safety leaflets will be available in the run up to Guy Fawkes' Night.

The Fire and Rescue Service and the Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will visit schools to give advice for safe celebrations for people and animals.

Nov 2, Calls to keep fireworks to fifth, BBC News

Nov 2, Firework danger warning for Sidmouth revellers, Devon 24

Explosives in the wrong hands could lead to firework night misery in Sidmouth- safety bosses have warned.
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service wants residents to have a safe bonfire night and has issued advice to reduce risk.
"Remember that fireworks are explosives, and as such should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and the Firework Code," said Keith Pascoe, of the service's community safety department. He added: "While most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause real misery."
"Laws against fireworks misuse are there to protect communities. Misuse offences relate to throwing, possession and controlling the time of their use. Other laws regulate the supply and sales of fireworks.
"The purchase of fireworks by anyone under the age of 18 is an offence. Possession of fireworks by anyone under the age of 18 in a public place is also an offence".

Nov 2, Firework danger warning for Sidmouth revellers, Devon 24

Nov 2, Exeter student shocked by firework prank, This is Exeter

A trio of Exeter university students discovered their house full of smoke after yobs put a lit firework through their letter-box.

It was an isolated incident of anti-social behaviour during what was a largely peaceful night of Hallowe’en festivities in the city.

Frankie Wilkinson, Kiri Bowman and Helene Michou discovered the smoke grenade after smoke alarms went off in the two-storey house they are renting in Monks Road, Polsloe, shortly before 2am yesterday.

The firework was put through the door while Frankie was watching television in the living room as her housemates slept upstairs.

The 22-year-old said: “I heard something at the door, but just thought it was someone coming home, so I ignored it.

“Two minutes later, the smoke alarms were going off. I came out because I thought someone had burnt some toast. The foyer   was full of red smoke. I didn’t know what was going on.”

Frankie then discovered the firework and went upstairs to alert her sleeping housemates.

She said: “The firework was just like a long tube. It was more like a smoke grenade. I left it in the door for 10 minutes afterwards because I didn’t want to lose half my face. It started to go out a bit, so I got the oven gloves and threw it outside.”

Police and two fire crews from Exeter attended the property after being alerted by the students, and firefighters used a fan to clear the smoke.

A spokeswoman for the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service said: “The property was smoke-logged, but there was no fire involved.”

A police spokesman said the incident was being investigated.

“The occupants were spoken to and didn’t see or hear anything,” he said. “There was very minimal damage to the plastic outside of the letter-box.”

Frankie added: “I think it was just kids messing around. The front lights were on, so they probably thought ‘if we do it here, we’re not going to kill anyone.’”

Elsewhere, Hallowe’en night was fairly peaceful  with the police reporting no major incidents and only one incident of disorder reported by city door staff.

Phil Warren, a doorman who worked at the Pitcher and Piano and the Imperial on Saturday night, said he had only heard of one incident.

“There was an incident with a couple of guys throwing glasses around,” he said. “They were in Cathedral Close and ended up outside Tesco. The police gave them a dispersal order and they were moved out of the city.”

He added: “On the whole it was absolutely fine in the city. It was a really good night and there were a lot of people dressed up.”

Nov 2, Exeter student shocked by firework prank, This is Exeter

Nov 2, Firework link in cat death horror, BBC News

An animal welfare charity believes a cat which had to be put down after suffering "horrific burns" may have had a firework strapped to its back.

The Scottish SPCA said the female tabby cat was found in "extreme distress" at Dalduff Farm Shop, Crosshill, Ayrshire, on Thursday 29 October.

A vet said a firework was "highly likely" to have caused its injuries.

The charity has launched an appeal for information on what it called a "horrendous and cruel act".

Scottish SPCA ambulance driver Kerry Miller said: "Workers at the farm had reported seeing the cat near the farm shop and when I arrived it was clear that she was in extreme distress.

"I rushed her to the local vets in Maybole, but sadly the vet was unable to save her.

"The vet advised that she was likely to have had her injuries for up to a week due to the state of the wounds and that this was highly likely to have been caused by a firework, due to the burn wounds on her back and additional wounds around her stomach.

'Cruel and callous'

"It's heartbreaking to see an animal in such a terrible state. If it was indeed a firework that caused these injuries then we are dealing with a very serious crime."

Mr Miller said it was beyond his understanding "why anyone would commit such a cruel and callous act on a defenceless little cat".

Although the cat was microchipped, the owners' details were not up to date and the Scottish SPCA has been unable to trace its owner.

Anyone found guilty of causing an animal unnecessary suffering can be banned from owning animals.

They could also face penalties up to a maximum of 12 months in prison, a £20,000 fine or both.

Nov 2, Firework link in cat death horror, BBC News

Nov 2, Firework linked to cat death horror, BBC News

An animal welfare charity believes a cat which had to be put down after suffering ‘horrific burns’, may have had a firework strapped to its back.

The Scottish SPCA said the female tabby cat was found in ‘extreme distress’ at Daluss Farm Shop, Crosshill, Ayrshire, on Thursday 29^th October.

A vet said a firework was ‘highly likely’ to have caused this injury.

The charity has launched appeal for information on what it called a ‘horrendous and cruel act.’

Nov 2, Firework linked to cat death horror, BBC News

Nov 2, Gang rob bank guard with firework, BBC News

A masked robber used a lit firework to ward off customers while a gang robbed a bank security guard in Liverpool.

The raid happened while the guard was delivering cash to the Lloyds TSB in Warbreck Moor on Monday morning.

One man stood in the doorway of the bank while two others assaulted the guard inside, stealing his cash box.

All three then escaped in a silver VW Golf, driven by a fourth man, which was found abandoned on nearby Harradon Road less than 10 minutes later.

Merseyside Police believe that the offenders may have escaped in a second vehicle.

All four men were wearing dark jackets and had their faces covered.

The security guard suffered cuts and bruising to his face and was left shaken by the attack.

Nov 2, Gang rob bank guard with firework, BBC News

Nov 3, Post boxes blasted by fireworks, BBC News

A dozen post boxes in two areas of Wiltshire have been damaged or destroyed by explosions.

In all the incidents, in the Trowbridge and Melksham areas, witnesses told police they had heard a loud bang and then found the contents on fire.

A Wiltshire Police spokeswoman said it was believed fireworks were used.

"All of the boxes were destroyed or had their fronts blown off. This destruction is criminal damage and has inconvenienced many people," she said.

Nov 3, Post boxes blasted by fireworks, BBC News

Nov 4, Rocket fired through house window, BBC News

A firework rocket has been fired through the window of a family's home in Devon.

No-one is thought to have been injured in the attack last Friday in Wonford, Exeter, but police have stepped up patrols.

A phone box was badly damaged when fireworks were set off inside in Plymouth on Tuesday.

Three 18-year-old men have been arrested over the phone box attack and are being questioned.

In the incident last Friday, neighbours heard a loud bang and a crash as the rocket smashed the window of the house.

'Incredibly dangerous'

Lucy Tremlett, who lives next door, told BBC News: "We were sitting on the sofa when we heard this loud bang and smash.

"We looked outside and all we saw was smoke."

She said it was "immature and irresponsible" behaviour.

"Fireworks are meant to be for fun, not so that people are worrying about something coming through their window."

The victims of the incident declined to speak.

Devon and Cornwall Police are putting on extra patrols in both counties on Wednesday and Thursday for Bonfire Night.

Sgt Matt Lazenby, who is investigating the attack, said: "It's incredibly dangerous and we will treat any such incidents very seriously.

"We appreciate that fireworks are fun, but they can also cause long-term harm."

Nov 4, Rocket fired through house window, BBC News

Nov 4, Warning after firework hits car, BBC News

A car was hit by a firework thrown from another car on a Jersey road, according to police.

The incident happened at 2130 GMT on Tuesday on Victoria Avenue, St Helier.

Officers said they had two separate calls about it, and the police had since spoken to and given "words of advice" to the driver.

Following two other incidents where lit fireworks were put through letterboxes, police in the island are warning people to use them in a responsible manner.

"To distract someone while they are driving by throwing fireworks, particularly in the weather we are having at the moment, could have serious consequences," Insp Martin Buckfield, said.

"Throwing a firework into someone's home could result in injury or death, though it may seem like a harmless prank.

"It is of concern to us that a minority of people are choosing to use fireworks in this way."

The police are urging parents to be aware about children buying fireworks and how they might use them.

Insp Buckfield said: "We would urge anyone who experiences problems with fireworks being used abusively to call us.

"We would reiterate that we will deal firmly with people who choose to cause distress and upset to others through their behaviour."

Nov 4, Warning after firework hits car, BBC News

Nov 5, 1st Galaxy predicts 7th November as highest sales day for fireworks, 1st Galaxy

Forget the 5th November – the highest sales day for fireworks this year has been predicted as occurring after Bonfire Night, on the 7th November. 

1st Galaxy, one of the UK’s leading firework and effects specialists, has made this prediction.  Displays Manager Lee Smith said “Many people buy their own fireworks for home displays and our experience says that people generally leave it until the last minute, even the day of their party. 

“Because of the way that Bonfire Night has fallen this year, we are convinced that sales of fireworks will actually peak after the event, with most people buying on Saturday 7th November for their party that night.” 

In 2009 1st Galaxy undertook a survey to understand more about people’s firework habits, with surprising results:

54% of people will be looking for home fireworks displays with the maximum impact this year – those fireworks with the highest reach and loudest bang

Yet 61% of those asked didn’t know the minimum distance from the audience that a firework should be launched.

40% of people admit they don’t read the fireworks’ instruction labels carefully

66% of people would never ask for help when launching a firework

57% of people have had a firework misfire at a fireworks party that they have held in their garden.

As a result of these findings, 1st Galaxy has launched a ‘How-to-buy guide’ for fireworks in the run-up to this year’s Bonfire Night, to help people make informed choices as to which fireworks are most suitable for home fireworks displays, and providing a comprehensive safety guide as to how to best launch fireworks.  In addition, all of 1st Galaxy’s fireworks include a performance indicator, which tells customers about the specific firework – colour, duration and height, so that they can make a more informed choice as to whether that particular firework is suitable for their needs. 

Station Manager Stewart Key from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We want people to enjoy bonfire night in a safe and enjoyable environment. For those choosing to host their own display it is very important fireworks are stored responsibly, they are let off one at a time following the firework instructions and spectators are kept away from the firework display. Remember - alcohol and fireworks do not mix, keep pets indoors and have a bucket of water on hand for used sparklers."

Don't forget the Firework Code:
• Keep fireworks in a closed box.
• Stand well back.
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
• Never give sparklers to a child under five.
• Keep pets indoors.

Nov 5, 1st Galaxy predicts 7th November as highest sales day for fireworks, 1st Galaxy

Nov 5, Animals ‘at risk’ from fireworks, North-West Evening Mail

Zoo owner David Gill claims unofficial firework displays have endangered his animals and staff.

A macaw and stork have already had to be put down at the South Lakes Wildlife Park in Dalton, while a giraffe panicked out of control.

Mr Gill told the Evening Mail he was not against organised displays on Bonfire Night – but wants tighter controls during the days around November 5.

He said: “It now seems with fireworks that the bigger the bang, the bigger the thrill.

“Other places in the world have more regulations, we have to change our laws, it is a complete nightmare. There were some large fireworks going off near our boundary at 1.15am on Halloween.

“This went on for around 15 minutes and I rang the police on 999. The birds were going berserk, smacking straight into the aviary wire. A giraffe ran off straight away and other animals were panicking at a time when there are not many staff on duty.

“Animals and staff are running the risk of being killed as a result of these sudden explosions.”

Mr Gill said a stork and macaw had to be put down while there was further panic when fireworks went off late on Tuesday afternoon.

He added: “It is not a problem on November 5 itself because we leave the lights on so the animals can see the walls.

“We also make sure every door and window is locked and the staff are fully prepared.

“It is the unpredictable nature of fireworks going off that we can’t guard against, people have to show more consideration.

“This is not just for the zoo but for farmers and people who keep cats and dogs and other pets.

“Animals need some protection against this new surge towards bigger and bigger fireworks.”

Mr Gill pointed the finger for the Halloween incident towards the Crooklands Garden Centre.

Garden centre owner Marc Charnley told the Evening Mail they had let off fireworks once last year. He added: “We have been selling fireworks but not set any off this year. Fireworks are going off all over the spot, I am not the only business along this stretch of road.”

Sergeant Rupert Johnson, of Ulverston police, said they were still investigating Mr Gill’s complaint.

He added: “There had been a private firework display earlier in the evening and we are trying to identify where it was with a view to offering advice or taking legal action.”

Sgt Johnson added fireworks could not be let off after 11pm except on certain nights such as Bonfire Night, Chinese New Year and New Year’s Eve.

Nov 5, Animals ‘at risk’ from fireworks, North-West Evening Mail

Nov 5, Bonfire Night - check your liability, My Finances

Insurers are urging Bonfire Night revellers to check their public liability section of their household insurance policy if they are planning to throw a party this evening.
While most household policies will cover damage to hedges and sheds from over-enthusiastic bonfires, insurers are also warning consumers to make sure they are covered for damage to guests or a neighbour's property.
Julie Owens, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: "It's a shame that fireworks cause hundreds of avoidable injuries every year, especially as they should be so enjoyable.
"Parties at home are a great way to celebrate the night, but if someone burns their hand on a sparkler or on the bonfire, you could find yourself liable for any injury or damage if you are not covered by insurance, and also face a hefty payout.
"The same applies if you are at a friend's party and are hurt by a firework, they will need to have adequate insurance to cover any injury."
James Hillon, head of home insurance at The Co-operative Insurance, added: "We all love Bonfire Night and we are certainly not trying to pour cold water on anyone's enjoyment - we're just asking people to think of the safety of their homes, their cars and other people's property, as well as themselves, this year."
The insurers urge anyone throwing a party to check their policy booklet and make sure they have liability insurance, and to phone their insurer if they have any questions.
Moneysupermarket.com's top tips for staying safe this Bonfire Night:

Keep a close eye on children. Ensure that they wear appropriate clothing, especially gloves, when near bonfires or sparklers

If you have a Bonfire party, ensure that there is sufficient space between the fireworks and the guests

It is also advisable to not drink in excess, and to ensure that outside areas are well lit

Nov 5, Bonfire Night - check your liability, My Finances

Nov 5, Firework safety breach was a 'terrible mistake', The Hounslow Chronicle

A Cranford shopkeeper has appealed after being stripped of his fireworks licence for breaching safety regulations.

Berkeley Super Stores, in Bath Road, lost its licence after council inspectors found a raft of safety hazards, including fireworks blocking the ventilation on a fridge, during a visit last month.

However, the owner of the shop, Sunderjit Singh Atwal, put the breaches down to a 'terrible mistake' which happened after he had to be rushed to hospital early that morning with liver problems.

Manjeet Nandra, who helps Mr Atwal run the store, said they had received a delivery of fireworks on the evening before the visit.

They were busy pricing them, ready to be placed in lock-up cabinets, when Mr Atwal fell seriously ill. Ms Nandra said she was so worried about his health she left the fireworks where they were, intending to finish the job before opening the next day.

She claimed the shop was only open on the morning of the visit due to a mix-up over the keys, after an employee at the neighbouring beauty salon locked herself out.

"We've been selling fireworks for 15 years and we've always been very careful to keep everything under lock and key," added Ms Nandra.

"I know this was a big mistake but I didn't know what to do at the time because I thought he (Mr Atwal) was dying."

In a report to the council, trading standards officers say that during their visit on October 21, they also observed:

* fireworks stored for sale on open shelves

* explosives in open boxes in the corridor and in unsecured cupboards **more than 75kg of explosives stored in an outlet adjoining domestic premises

**failure to carry out a fire risk assessment.

Mr Atwal's appeal is due to be heard at a licensing meeting on Monday.

Nov 5, Firework safety breach was a 'terrible mistake', The Hounslow Chronicle

Nov 5, Firework through window sets Croydon teen's bedroom on fire, Your Local Guardian

A group of teenagers allegedly set a family home on fire after launching a rocket through a bedroom window.

Bronwen Steere, 47, a mother of three, said her family were traumatised after the firework smashed through the window of her 16-year-old daughter’s bedroom setting it alight.

The firework caused over £25,000 worth of damage to the 100-year-old Norbury home at the beginning of half term at 7pm on Sunday, October 25.

Mrs Steere was at home with her husband Mark and three daughters.

She said: “My 16-year-old daughter had just left her room after getting ready to go to a birthday party.

“I had been watching some teenagers who were setting off fireworks a few feet from our house.

“I could not believe they were setting them off in such a stupid place.

“I went off to watch a film in the lounge with my youngest daughter when we heard a loud explosion. My 11-year-old thought the firework had hit the roof.

“She ran upstairs because she was worried the cat was frightened and then came downstairs and said the house was on fire.”

Mrs Steere went to see for herself what had happened and was confronted with the sight of her daughter’s room ablaze.

The firework had rocketed through a closed glass window setting the curtains and bed on fire.

She said: “I closed the door and grabbed the girls, shouting to my husband, who was in the kitchen, to get out the house because it was on fire.”

She called the fire brigade who were at her home within minutes and set about battling the blaze.

Mrs Steere said her daughter Daisy, a Brit School student, lost everything in the fire including costumes from her appearances in West End shows.

“She has no clothes and no possessions, nothing can compensate for the trauma of the whole thing.”

In the nights following the fire, the family had to sleep in their lounge because of the charred wreckage upstairs.

Mrs Steere said: “We have experts coming in to assess the damage so we can start to rebuild but it’s not going to be fixed before Christmas.”

A 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident and charged with arson.

He has been bailed to appear at Croydon Youth Court on November 6.

Nov 5, Firework through window sets Croydon teen's bedroom on fire, Your Local Guardian

Nov 5, Firework thrown through letterbox in Lenton, This is Nottingham

A firework was thrown through a letterbox of a property in Nottingham tonight.

Firefighters from Highfields were called to the building, in Lenton Boulevard, at around 7.05pm.

The fire was out when they arrived. They checked the building was safe before leaving 15 minutes later.

Nov 5, Firework thrown through letterbox in Lenton, This is Nottingham

Nov 5, Firework use shooting flames, BBC News

Police have warned of the dangers of fireworks after a group of youngsters were filmed using a firework to shoot balls of flame at each other.

The children lit Roman Candles and used them to shoot the flames near a Sports Centre in Park Road, Dingle.

In the footage filmed on a mobile phone a fireball hit one of the children in the back.

Merseyside Police have urged anyone who spots the youths misusing fireworks around the city to contact them.

Nov 5, Firework use shooting flames, BBC News

Nov 5, Mum in firework attack terror, Greenock Telegraph

A Greenock mum feared she could have been killed after a firework was put through her letterbox.

Joan Ogilvie, 39, was watching television at home when she heard a hissing sound and jumped to her feet and ran to the door.

She said: "I was screaming - I saw the smoke and the sparkling colours of it. The door was locked and I was looking for the key.

"I opened the door and the next minute I saw a boy running along the road. I chased him but he was too fast."

Luckily the firework only left a scorch mark in the hall but Joan and her husband Daniel, who have a teenage son and daughter, say the incident could have been a lot worse.

Joan said: "The electricity meter is in a cupboard in the hall.

"If a fire started there we would have been goners and so would the people in the houses on either side as well."

Joan is furious youngsters are buying fireworks to cause a nuisance

She said: "I'm totally disgusted - where are they getting them in the first place?

"I thought they could only be bought for organised displays - I'm totally scunnered."

The attack, which happened around 10.20pm on Saturday, is the second time the Ogilvie family, who live in Leven Road, have suffered in this way.

On the same night a few years ago they were targeted by a yob who pushed a deadly firework through the letterbox.

Joan was badly burned and the porch area was damaged and this latest attack has brought all it back. She said: "It's a horrible feeling."

But after the first attack, the couple invested in CCTV security and they hope this will help police trace the culprit, who was wearing a grey hooded top at the time.

Detective Inspector John Dearie, of Greenock police, said: "This is a very dangerous thing to do. It could have started a fire which could have had serious consequences for the people inside the house.

"We will do our hardest to find the person responsible for what could have developed into a serious crime."

Anyone with information should call Greenock police on 492500.

Nov 5, Mum in firework attack terror, Greenock Telegraph

Nov 5, Should fireworks be banned on environmental grounds, Guardian

Fireworks come in all colours. But they certainly aren't green. The full spectrum of toxic nasties shower down from firework displays all over the country today. Aluminium provides the brilliant whites, antimony sulphide produces the glittering effects, carcinogenic copper compounds produce bright blues, barium nitrate gives off glittering greens but a poisonous smoke that can cause breathing problems and bright red colours are sadly accompanied by strontium which can cause bone disorders. The list of hazards to people, pets and the environment goes on.

But are there any alternatives? In the United States 4 July is the annual big bang in a country which last year got through 97 tonnes of fireworks. After residents near Disneyland started to complain of breathing problems the company invested in research by scientists at Los Alamos national laboratory in New Mexico to replace the chemical accelerants with compressed air. But the fireworks are expensive and unlikely to replace the more popular but more hazardous fireworks filled with percholates that contaminate water.

More recently a pyrotechnic company claims to have developed a more eco-friendly firework using sawdust and rice chaff. But whether this development is little more than a damp squib is unknown.

Then there's the danger posed by bonfires to hedgehogs. The RSPB also warns of siting your beautiful bonfire too close to trees, shrubs or the nest boxes of birds.

What do you think? Should the fireworks and bonfires of Guy Fawkes night be banned on environmental grounds?

Nov 5, Should fireworks be banned on environmental grounds, Guardian

Nov 5, Single teenager mum rescued from home with baby after firework attack on her Bootle home, Bootle Times

A Bootle mum and her six month old baby were rescued from a house fire after a rocket was fired through their letterbox on Mischief Night.

Laura Caveney, 18, was asleep in her bedroom with her six month old daughter Olivia, when she was startled by a bang followed by a red flash which lit up the house on Ash Street.

The rocket exploded in the hall setting fire to the stairs, carpet and wallpaper.

Thick black smoke billowed from the hall up to the top of the house, and the young mum quickly realised she was trapped upstairs with her baby.

Laura, who has been living in Bootle for four months, grabbed the mobile from under her pillow and dialled 999, before banging desperately against the window in a bid to attract attention.

A passing girl soon spotted Laura and tried to kick open her front door, before Merseyside Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene a little after 10.30pm.

Officers wearing breathing apparatus knocked down the front door and reached the stranded mother and baby upstairs.

Laura was told to put a coat on and cover her baby’s face before she was led downstairs through the smoke to safety.

The single mum, who is currently on maternity leave, was taken in by her neighbour Leanne Olenycz who provided blankets to keep mother and baby warm.

Nov 5, Single teenager mum rescued from home with baby after firework attack on her Bootle home, Bootle Times

Nov 6, Andy Abraham's Horror As Daughter Is Attacked By Firework Yobs, Herald 24

Former X Factor runner-up and Eurovision star Andy Abraham has called for people to act responsibly after his daughter was subjected to a firework attack.
The star, who lives in Cheshunt, today (Friday) wrote on a social networking website: "Our daughter went out, on the bus with her two friends when a group of eight guys in their adult years got on, they threw a firework at the girls' feet and ran off. Thankfully they were not hurt but things could have been much worse, the girls jumped up on the seats, it hurt their ears and they were scared stiff." He added: "It really had shook her up!!"
Warning others to stay safe he later wrote: "My wife read an article yesterday about a guys face that was destroyed from a firework, please think about what you are doing before you do something, just for a laugh...these things can destroy lives!!!Be safe.

Nov 6, Andy Abraham's Horror As Daughter Is Attacked By Firework Yobs, Herald 24

Nov 6, Arson attacks on busy bonfire night, Warrington Worldwide

Fire crews at Warrington had to deal with two arson attacks during a busy bonfire night - and also had fireworks thrown at them when they went to tackle an out-of-control bonfire in the town.
The incident was in Brickfield Park, off Orford Lane - and was one of a number of fires linked to Guy Fawkes Night celebrations.
Youths were responsible for throwing the fireworks as crews attempted to extinguish the bonfire which was causing a nuisance for nearby residents
Two houses were targeted by arsonists using petrol during the night.
At one, in St Katherine's Way, a family of five escaped from the property after petrol was poured against the front door and ignited. They required treatment by paramedics for smoke inhalation.
In another incident, in McKee Avenue, Longford, petrol was poured through a letter box and set alight. There was extensive damage in the hallway and smoke damage throughout the house and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus had to use two hosereels to extinguish the blaze. The occupiers of the house were out at the time.
Altogether, firecrews dealt with five bonfires which were causing a nuisance.
Fire also damaged a house in Marshall Avenue, Dallam after the family had been letting off fireworks through a patio door.
The family had gone to bed when the fire, involving curtains, broke out. A smoke detector activated and fire crews were able to put out the blaze with one hosereel. A ventilation unit was used to clear smoke from the property.

Nov 6, Arson attacks on busy bonfire night, Warrington Worldwide

Nov 6, Bonfire night goes off with a bang in my face, Evening Standard

It must be one of the oldest surviving pieces of health and safety advice: "light the blue touch paper and retire." If only it was that easy.

The words of pyrotechnic wisdom were playing through my mind as I fumbled for matches last night.
Having got home late from work and invited the neighbours and their children round for a firework show I was fighting against the clock. As I discovered when it comes to fireworks, ignite in haste, repent at leisure.

I thought I'd impress the assembled throng with a noisy rocket for starters. Match was duly applied to blue touch paper as per ancient instructions. Only one snag - it was the wrong end of said fuse and the blasted thing shot up almost instantaneously and blasted straight into the side of my face about an inch from my eye. I was lucky, it ricocheted off into the night leaving me almost unscathed. In the words of the Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, "I've had worse." 

From the safety of the end of the garden the audience missed my brush with disaster (perhaps it should be 'light the blue touch paper and expire') and merely grumbled about the lack of end product. And of course the show must go on. Having worked out that it was best to apply the match to the end of fuse furthest away from the firework, the rest of the display went without further incident. Until the end. I looked on with horror as the last of the wretched things fell over and began spitting great gobbets of fire at the kids. Fortunately they fell just short, harmlessly landing at their feet. The kids loved it of course, thinking it was all part of the display.

As I accepted the half hearted round of applause my mind was fast forwarding to the next seasonal Dad task fraught with danger - placing the star on top of the Christmas tree.

Nov 6, Bonfire night goes off with a bang in my face, Evening Standard

Nov 6, Dumbarton man still fighting for his life after attack, Lennox Herald

A man is still fighting for life following a vicious attack outside the Dumbarton Masonic hall 11 days ago.

On Tuesday, medics said that Derek Cassels was in a “serious” condition at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.

The 38-year-old Dumbarton man was brutally beaten up by at least four men in Church Street outside the Masonic at around 9pm on Saturday, October 24.

Eye-witnesses claim that, before the attack, a group of around eight people caused a disturbance at the club, shouting sectarian remarks, and a firework was thrown at the bar.

Police, who are treating the incident as attempted murder, said enquiries are ongoing and have appealed once again for witnesses to contact them on 01389 822000.

Nov 6, Dumbarton man still fighting for his life after attack, Lennox Herald

Nov 6, Fire crews attacked with fireworks, STV News

Around 20 youths threw fireworks at firefighters, with some of them straying towards a petrol station.

Fire crews had fireworks thrown at them at an Aberdeen supermarket on a busy bonfire night for the emergency services.

Some of the missiles strayed close to a petrol station at the Asda in Bridge of Don, causing management to close the facility early.

Officers were called to the incident at around 8.20pm where around 20 teenagers were involved.

Elsewhere firefighters had fireworks thrown at them as they attempted to extinguish an illegal fire in the Balnagask area.

Officers also attended a blaze in Torry after wheelie bins had been set alight.

The fire had spread from the bins into a communal area of a ground floor flat in Wood Street.

Police were called to a “suspicious fire” in an unoccupied building in Howes Road at around 7.30pm. It took fire services several hours to extinguish.

Despite the incidents, the number of reports of illegal bonfires and deliberate fires was down on 2008 and there were no reported injuries. 

The five week campaign by the Bonfire and Fireworks safety campaign has seen a 10% reduction in the number of all deliberate fires, from 190 to 171. 

Bonfires have fallen by 14% from 98 to 84. 

Ally Birkett, Head of Community Safety for Grampian Fire and Rescue Service said, “I am extremely pleased with a reduction in the number of bonfires and deliberate fires we have attended.

“It appears that the public have followed our safety advice and I thank them for assisting us to improve the safety within their communities.  This campaign is an excellent example of what can be achieved by very close partnership working.”  

Nov 6, Fire crews attacked with fireworks, STV News

Nov 6, Firework causes garage blaze, Keighley News

A garage in Earl Street, Keighley, was set alight by a stray firework last night.

The householders had been having a bonfire party in their garden but had left the garage door open.

The blaze caught hold in the prefabricated building before firefighters arrived.

The blaze was tackled by fire crews wearing breathing apparatus, but the garage was gutted.

Firefighters had to cool down a helium cylinder that was being stored in the building.

Nov 6, Firework causes garage blaze, Keighley News

Nov 6, Firework causes island gorse fire, BBC News

Firefighters tackled a fire on Jersey's north coast after a wayward firework set undergrowth alight.

A group of friends had been letting-off fireworks, just beyond the car park at White Rock near Rozel, on Thursday at about 2215 GMT.

The blaze, caused by a stray rocket, destroyed about 600sq m (6458sq ft) of gorse land on the headland.

It took seven firefighters, using two jets, nearly an hour to completely put it out.

Dave Dingle, the fire crew manager, urged islander to be "diligent when setting off fireworks".

He said: "Even after a week of heavy precipitation the undergrowth can still easily be ignited by the heat generated from a firework."

Nov 6, Firework causes island gorse fire, BBC News

Nov 6, Firework destroys mail in Clitheroe postbox, Clitheroe Today

A firework was thrown into a postbox in Clitheroe, destroying the contents.

Mindless vandals targeted the postbox in the Littlemoor Road area of town.
The incident happened between 1-30 and 2-30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Nov 6, Firework destroys mail in Clitheroe postbox, Clitheroe Today

Nov 6, Firework link to fatal fire probe, Teletext

Investigators are looking into whether a firework posted through the letterbox of a house could have sparked a blaze which killed a mother.

The 59 year old woman died after becoming trapped in the fire at her three storey house in Bodmin, Cornwall on Thursday.

Her 17 year old son escaped from the blaze in Carpenter Court, Wallace Road, and was taken to Treliske Hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation and was later released.

Nov 6, Firework link to fatal fire probe, Teletext

Nov 6, Firework link to fire probed, Teletext

A mother who died in a blaze in Bodmin, Cornwall, may have been killed after a firework was put through a letterbox.
The 59-year-old, named in reports as Mary Fox, is thought to have pushed her son to safety through a window.
The 17-year-old was treated for smoke inhalation. An investigation has been launched into the source of the fire.

Nov 6, Firework link to fire probed, Teletext

Nov 6, Firework put through letterbox in Basford, This is Nottingham

TWO people were led to safety after a firework was apparently put through a letterbox. Fire crews from Stockhill and Central station were called to the incident in Cairo Street, Basford, at but there was no blaze when the brigade arrived.

Nov 6, Firework put through letterbox in Basford, This is Nottingham

Nov 6, Firework shoots into flat window, BBC News

A man has been treated for smoke inhalation after a firework shot through an open high rise flat window.

Firefighters were called to the flats in Whiteinch, Glasgow, just before 21:00 hours GMT, after neighbours reported smoke.

A man was treated at the scene.

Strathclyde Fire And Rescue said it was believed a child fired the missile from the ground ninety foot in ‘(27 metres) below.

Strathclyde Fire crew attended a total of 612 9incidents on Thursday, four times the normal daily average.

Nov 6, Firework shoots into flat window, BBC News

Nov 6, Firework shop fine, Liverpool Echo

A shop in Kirkby has been forced to stop selling fireworks after being caught selling to a 16-year-old.

Supernews on St Chad’s Parade, which is owned by Rippleglen Ltd has been ordered to pay a total of £2,789 to Knowsley Council after the test purchase was made,.

Both companies have also agreed not to sell fireworks in the future.

Nov 6, Firework shop fine, Liverpool Echo

Nov 6, Firework thrown through window of Bradford house, Telegraph & Argus

A man and a boy suffered smoke inhalation when a large lit firework was thrown through the living room window of their home in Highfield Road, Frizinghall, Bradford, last night.

Firefighters from Bradford and Fairweather Green stations were called to the incident at about 10.30pm. The occupants did not require hospital treatment.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the attack should contact Airedale and North Bradford Police on 0845 606 06 06.

Nov 6, Firework thrown through window of Bradford house, Telegraph & Argus

Nov 6, Firework thrown through window of elderly Surbiton woman, Surrey Comet

Police are investigating after somebody threw a firework through the window of an elderly woman living in sheltered accommodation last night.

The lady, who lives in a ground floor flat in South Bank, Surbiton, woke up to a loud bang at around 1.20am and saw smoke filling the room.

Firefighters found scorch marks on the carpet and the firework under a wardrobe.

The firework had been pushed through a small open window.

One firefighter said: "The person who has done this is extremely stupid not knowing what was on the other side.

"With net curtains and whatever else, it could have caught fire and possibly killed somebody."

Police are now investigating.

Nov 6, Firework thrown through window of elderly Surbiton woman, Surrey Comet

Nov 6, Fireworks set off at Aberdeen petrol station in Bonfire Night attack, Times Online

A gang of youths carried out a potentially catastrophic firework attack on a petrol station in Aberdeen, amid a spate of dangerous incidents on Bonfire Night.

Grampian Police were called to the filling station in the Bridge of Don after reports of a gang fight that culminated in about 20 youths hurling fireworks at cars in the forecourt. Officers reported that some of the missiles had strayed close to the pumps, forcing the closure of the station.

In another part of the city fire crews came under attack from a group of about 30 youths while tackling an illegal bonfire at playing fields in Balnagask.

“It sounds like there has been a real surge in misbehaviour this year, because last year the number of incidents had been on the decline,” Martin Greig, of the Aberdeen police board, said. “It’s very sad to hear about so many shocking and serious incidents.”

Willie Young, a councillor, said that he had been appalled by the attack on the garage. “One flame and that place is up. I don’t want to imagine the catastrophic consequences of a petrol station going up in flames,” he said.

In greater Glasgow Strathclyde fire crews attended 612 incidents yesterday — four times the normal daily average. A man was treated for smoke inhalation after a firework flew through an open window in a block of high-rise flats in Whiteinch.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue were called to 429 incidents — nearly three times the normal daily average In Brydekirk, Dumfriesshire, a man suffered burns to his upper torso, face and neck at the village bonfire.

Police are also investigating damage to a house in Annanside, Moffat, after a catherine wheel was posted through a letterbox.

Nov 6, Fireworks set off at Aberdeen petrol station in Bonfire Night attack, Times Online

Nov 6, Girl faces court over fires, Teletext

A 17-year-old girl has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with a spate of fires.
The incidents in the Dyce area included a bin fire in Central Park, a skip fire near to Asda and a firework being set off through the window of a caravan.
No one was injured as a result of the incidents. The girl will appear at Aberdeen Sheriff court on Monday.

Nov 6, Girl faces court over fires, Teletext

Nov 6, House fire 'started by firework', BBC News

A woman has died in a house fire in Cornwall which neighbours suggested was started deliberately by a firework.

Thirty firefighters were called out to tackle the blaze at the three-storey building in Wallace Road, Bodmin, on Thursday night.

The unnamed 59-year-old woman died at the scene. Her 17-year-old son escaped after jumping from the first floor after she helped him to a window.

Police said a major investigation had been started into the fire's cause.

Heat exhaustion

A passer-by spotted the fire at about 1915 BST on Thursday and alerted the emergency services.

Fire officers went into the house to try and rescue her, but they were beaten back by the flames and smoke.

Steve Halstead of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two of the crew made valiant efforts to effect a rescue of the lady but were beaten back.

"They did all they could but ended up suffering heat exhaustion, which they were treated for."

Neighbours on the estate told the BBC the fire might have been started deliberately by a firework put through a letter box or cat flap.

Police said they could not comment on whether a firework was involved, but added they would know more after a thorough examination of the property was carried out.

However, the investigation has been hampered by the fact the building was so badly damaged and officers have not had full access to the property.

Police said that they would be speaking to neighbours and to the woman's son.

The 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital after treatment. He was later released.

Nov 6, House fire 'started by firework', BBC News

Nov 6, House fire murder case, Teletext

Police said the death of a woman in a house fire in Cornwall sparked by a firework is a murder case and warned the culprits they would be caught.
Mary Fox, 59, was trapped in the house in Bodmin after pushing her 17-year-old son to safety from a window.
Raum was treated at Treliske Hospital, for smoke inhalation. A firework had been pushed through the letterbox.

Nov 6, House fire murder case, Teletext

Nov 6, Leader readers vote to ban bonfire night, The Leader

The majority of Leader readers think Bonfire Night should be banned, according to a poll.
About 700 votes were cast in less than 24 hours in the poll on our website, www.leaderlive.co.uk
Opinion was spilt fairly evenly but 370 voters - about 53 per cent - thought time should be called on the traditional November 5 Guy Fawkes celebrations.
Yachydda and taffie5 both said that while Bonfire Night itself should not be banned, the sale of fireworks should.
“Fireworks are being let off as early as three weeks before November 5 and periodically then until January - it’s just silly”, added taffie5.
They added: “Yes people will get fireworks on the black market but not easily, and it will at least stop people setting them off night after night.”
Another reader, calling themselves downdale, said: “It would’t be too bad if it was only for one night.
“These days it drags over several nights. Then there's the question of pollution.”
Downdale claimed “shocking smoke and toxins from fireworks and many bonfires” harm the environment.
Police and fire crews in the region claim this year’s Bonfire Night celebrations on Thursday passed with little in the way of incidents.
In 2006, a councillor provoked controversy by launching a blistering attack on the “dangerous legacy” of Guy Fawkes.
Colin Bithell, then Flintshire county councillor for Penyffordd, said: “This man died hundreds of years ago but he still has so much influence, isn’t it about time we just forgot it?
“How many people have had their arms and legs blown off celebrating Bonfire Night?
“We’re celebrating this man’s wrongdoing and people are being injured because of it. I’m not being a killjoy, but Guy Fawkes has outlived his notoriety.”

Nov 6, Leader readers vote to ban bonfire night, The Leader

Nov 6, Man treated after firework accident, The Press Association

A man has been treated for smoke inhalation after a firework flew through an open window in a block of high-rise flats.

Firefighters were called to the multi-storey flats at Whiteinch in Glasgow after neighbours reported smoke.

A man was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Nov 6, Man treated after firework accident, The Press Association

Nov 6, Murder probe in firework death, The Sun

Police are treating the death of a mum-of-five in a house blaze sparked by a firework as murder, and warned the culprits today that they would be caught.

Tragic Mary Fox, 59, was seen pushing her 17 year-old son Raum, below, through a first-floor window as flames engulfed their small townhouse.

But she became trapped and by the time firefighters arrived the house was gutted and she was dead.

Devon and Cornwall Police said today a firework was found behind the front door and it had been pushed through the letterbox.

Speaking at a press conference at Bodmin police station today, Superintendent Martin Orpe warned the people responsible for the firework attack that he was confident police would find them.

"As a result of a firework that was found late yesterday behind the door within the premises, and as a result of information from the public, this is being treated as a murder investigation," he said.

"I am appealing to those people involved in this to do the decent thing and come forward to the police.

"If not, I am confident from what I have seen that we will be knocking on their doors shortly.

Neighbours in Bodmin, Cornwall said Raum was targeted by yobs because he has learning difficulties.

They said gangs were roaming the streets on Bonfire Night armed with fireworks and one was dropped through Mary's front door.

It triggered the blaze which rapidly spread through the three-storey property, trapping Mary and her son upstairs.

A passerby dialled 999 and neighbours watched as Mary - who also has four adult daughters - pushed Raum to safety from his bedroom window.

He survived the 15ft fall with minor injuries but she did not escape.

Neighbour Doreen Rowe, 59, said: "Mary was a dear old soul and a hero. Her son survived because she pushed him out of the window but she got trapped by the fire.

"With it being Bonfire Night there was loads of kids on the street last night armed with fireworks. Police have told us one of them has put one through Mary's letterbox.

"She was not the only one targeted because my next door neighbour had one thrown at her house too.

"Fireworks should be completely banned from the public because they are extremely dangerous.

"My husband saw a whole gang of youngsters carrying fireworks not long before it happened.

"I'm devastated about what has happened. Mary was such a lovely lady. I used to be able to hear her singing from my garden sometimes - she had a beautiful voice."

Friend and care worker Kerry Ollerenshaw, 36, said: "Raum has learning difficulties and the kids on this estate can be very harsh.

"They hang around in groups, harassing and intimidating. Raum was a victim of that. I can't believe someone would be callous enough to put a firework through a letter box.

"People have been setting off fireworks near their home for days. There has been a gang letting off all sorts of bangers and rockets. You could just sense something was going to happen."

A fire brigade spokesman said they were called to the house at 7.15pm on Bonfire Night after a 999 call reporting that the front door was on fire.

He said: "Two crews were initially dispatched, the first appliance arriving on scene within six minutes and the second on scene within ten minutes, a further appliance was requested and attended.

"A total of thirty firefighters attended the incident. On arrival, crews were informed that a person was still in the building.

"They were faced with a fully developed fire which had engulfed a three storey building and was spreading to adjacent properties.

"Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two jets to tackle the fire and search the building for the missing person, conditions in the building were extremely hazardous for firefighters.

"Whilst tackling the fire and searching the building, the crews found a 59-year-old female who was confirmed deceased at the scene.

"A specialist fire investigation team and police are at the scene and are working in conjunction with Devon and Cornwall Police."

Two firefighters were treated at scene for the effects of heat exhaustion as a result of searching for Mary.

The police spokesman added: "It will be a painstaking and lengthy investigation to establish what happened.

"But we are taking into account it was Bonfire Night and the time of year could be significant."

Raum was treated in hospital for minor injuries before being released and is now being cared for by relatives.

Nov 6, Murder probe in firework death, The Sun

Nov 6, News from your Community, Devon & Cornwall Constabulary

Arson- firework thrown into the Co-op at Duke Street, at about 7.00pm on Fri. 30th October. Group of youths suspected as being responsible.

Nov 6, News from your Community, Devon & Cornwall Constabulary

Nov 6, North East bonfire displays light up the sky, Evening Chronicle

The skies across the North East were an explosion of colour as thousands flocked to fireworks displays across the region.

And today emergency services have hailed Bonfire Night a success after no major incidents happened in the area.

The only incident was in Ashington, Northumberland, where five people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a garage.

Firefighters were called to Ariel Street, in the town at 12.39am, following reports that a detached garage was alight.

Two crews from Ashington and Blyth fire stations attended the fire and extinguished the blaze using a hose reel.

It is believed the fire was started after a lit firework was pushed into the garage, igniting a large pile of rubbish that was being stored inside.

The five residents, who had been in the neighbouring property, were taken to hospital as a precaution and treated for smoke inhalation.

Police and the fire brigades have been working together in the run up to November 5 and today say their message to stay safe has had an impact.

They encouraged people to attend organised events and Chronicle were at the displays at Walker Park, Newcastle, and Saltwell Park, Gateshead, which were spectacular.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service received a total of 660 calls over the 24 hours on November 5 and attended 303 of those.

The amount of calls was up slightly from the 624 received last year but dramatically down on the 900 received in 2007.

The statistics come on the back of this year’s campaign to promote the safety message and was carried out by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police in partnership with councils and other partnerships.

The message was designed to remind people about the dangers of illegal bonfires and fireworks misuse and to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Dangerous illegal bonfires were dismantled by council workers on the run-up to Guy Fawkes and it has proved to be a success.

Ian Robertson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service community safety group manager, said: “Last night was a success as it passed with no major incidents and no major injuries.

“We have been working with the police, local authorities and other parts of the private sector and our safety message has worked.”

Nov 6, North East bonfire displays light up the sky, Evening Chronicle

Nov 6, Playtime shock as yobs hurl firework into school playground, Mid-Devon Advertiser

A lit firework narrowly missed pupils who were on their lunch break in the playground.
The incident – at Bearnes Primary School, Newton Abbot, on Tuesday – has been condemned by the police, the school’s headteacher and parents, who were outraged by the ‘action.
‘It was reckless behaviour and could have done serious damage if it had struck a child,’ said Art Hewitt, headteacher at the primary school. Anyone with information this incident should contact Newton Abbot police station on 08452 777 444 and quote reference number 381 3/11.

Nov 6, Playtime shock as yobs hurl firework into school playground, Mid-Devon Advertiser

Nov 6, Police seek firework youths, Teletext

Police are hunting for youths after an almost "catastrophic" firework attack on a petrol station in Aberdeen.
Officers were called to the Asda filling station at Jesmond Drive, Bridge of Don, after reports of youths hurling fireworks in the forecourt.
Inspector Raymond Munro said: "I am appealing to the public to come forward with any information."

Nov 6, Police seek firework youths, Teletext

Nov 6, Postal strikes in Wiltshire, Wiltshire Times

Hundreds of items of mail are feared to have been destroyed after vandals went on a damage spree, blowing up 12 post boxes with fireworks in Wiltshire towns.

Wiltshire Police have launched a joint investigation with Royal Mail to find those responsible, labelling the incidents as a ‘cruel’ and ‘mindless’ crime.

Residents living near the post boxes affected have described hearing ‘huge bangs’ and seeing the aftermath of the explosions.

All of the attacks happened on Saturday and Sunday night.

Linda Daniel, of Silver Street Lane, Trowbridge, the scene of one of the explosions, said: “I heard a huge bang at about 5am on Sunday and thought the noise was coming from inside the house.

“It was not until I went out that I saw the post box on the corner of Kingsdown Road had been damaged and the door was lying on the floor.

“I spoke to the postman, who had said all the mail in the box had gone to ashes which worried me, as I put mail in the box last Wednesday and it may have still there because of the postal strikes. I’m really worried that people had bills and money in the post box that might have been destroyed.”

Anthony Crichton, 37, who lives near a damaged post box in Newleaze, Hilperton, said he was woken by a bang outside his home at about 11pm on Saturday and after looking out of the window realised the box was twisted.

He said: “I saw a firework lying in the road and my wife went out to have a look and I called police.

“At first I thought it was kids, but I heard a car screech off so I think it might be adults, and also if it was kids you would think they would stay and watch.”

Fellow resident Steve Cleverley, 37, said: “I was trying to post a letter Monday morning and the first four post boxes I went to were damaged.

“It looks like more than a firework to me. I’m just glad I wasn’t standing there when it went off. The post box in Horse Road has taken a chunk out of the lamppost next to it.”

Sergeant Dave Hobman, of Trowbridge police, branded the vandalism ‘cruel’ and said the destruction of private mail was a nasty crime.

He said officers were working with Royal Mail and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to identify those responsible.

He said: “In some circumstances the pressure that has been generated by the firework has been enough to cause significant damage to the structure of the box, even causing doors to come off.

“The post contained within the boxes, ready for collection, has been set alight or damaged in the attempts to put out resultant fires.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “These are acts of mindless vandalism and amount to criminal damage. They are not only dangerous, but are expensive, and cause a great deal of inconvenience. We urge anyone with information to contact police.”

The post boxes affected are in Frome Road, Southwick; Wyke Road, St Thomas’ Road, Kingsdown Road, Brook Road and Ascot Court in Trowbridge; Hill Street, Newleaze, Horse Road and St Mary’s Gardens in Hilperton; two in Blackmore Road, Melksham, and another in Goodes Hill, Whitley.

Call the Crime Management Unit at Melksham on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Nov 6, Postal strikes in Wiltshire, Wiltshire Times

Nov 6, 'Quiet' bonfire night for 999 crews, Telegraph & Argus

Bradford firefighters were the busiest in West Yorkshire tonight receiving about 140 calls, although crews have hailed Bonfire Night a success.

Across the Bradford district they attended about 65 incidents between 5pm and 10.30pm, while West Yorkshire in total received about 330 calls.

Nick Smith, West Yorkshire Fire Service group manager, said 11 bonfires were put out after firefighters thought they were too dangerous.

He said: “It has been a successful night as far as we are concerned.

“In preparing for Bonfire Night the fire service work closely with the police, local councillors and the Emergency Planning Team and there is a big operation put in place where we are communicating with one another and trying to reduce the amount of bonfires that we think might cause problems.

“That has been successful again this year in reducing our calls.”

But Mr Smith said two house fires in Bradford may have been caused by fireworks. He said they were both believed to have been deliberate, although the causes of the fire were still under investigation.

He said: “The number of fires we have had to put out, though, shows a real success of working together where we have been going and investigating incidents and it has reduced the impact on our front line appliances which has ensured they have been available.”

Meanwhile thousands of people flocked to bonfires across the district, to enjoy the traditional bonfire toffee and pie and peas.

Among them was a community bonfire in the St Ives Estate, in Harden, near Bingley, which was full of children and adults enjoying the spectacle as hundreds witnessed a spectacular fireworks display and one of the biggest bonfires in the area on the night.

Nov 6, 'Quiet' bonfire night for 999 crews, Telegraph & Argus

Nov 6, Teen hit by car after Halloween fireworks thrown at Mitcham police, This is Local London

Fireworks were launched at police on a Halloween patrol in Mitcham moments before a 17-year-old was run over while fleeing from officers.

Two PCSOs escaped injury as a group of around 20 threw the fireworks in Armfield Crescent, but one teenager broke a leg when hit by a car after sprinting across London Road.

The PCSOs were on duty on Saturday evening to clamp down on a rise in antisocial behaviour over Halloween.

They were rapidly joined by a mobile support unit of safer neighbourhood officers at around 7.30pm.

Officers began chasing the gang but immediately turned their attention to the injured boy.

No one has been arrested but Merton’s Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Chris Bourlet, has condemned the attack.

He said: “Fireworks are very dangerous and can cause serious injury. Merton police will not tolerate antisocial behaviour and continue to deal with offenders robustly.”

Onlookers said London Road was sealed off for two hours as around a dozen officers investigated, asking nearby shop owners for their CCTV footage.

Ariyaratnam Pathmamatnam, owner of The Big Apple Off Licence in London Road, said: “I was just totally shocked and surprised. I saw a group run past but that was about it. It had been a quiet evening up until then.”

Police and Merton Council had taken a hard line in the run up to Halloween, urging shopkeepers not to sell teenagers eggs and flour.

Rapid response teams were also on stand while safer neighbourhood teams conducted midnight patrols in residential areas.

The crackdown on rowdy behaviour is set to continue on bonfire night with a Merton police officer stationed in the council’s CCTV room, monitoring teenage behaviour in the town centres.

Safer schools officers have also been giving talks in assemblies on the implications of misusing fireworks and antisocial behaviour.

Nov 6, Teen hit by car after Halloween fireworks thrown at Mitcham police, This is Local London

Nov 6, Teenager suffers burns at bonfire, BBC News

An 18-year-old man is being treated in hospital after suffering burns at a village bonfire.

The incident happened at about 1830 GMT on Thursday at Brydekirk, near Lockerbie, in Dumfries and Galloway.

Police said the teenager had received 18% burns to his upper torso, face and neck in the incident.

He was taken by ambulance to Dumfries Infirmary where he was being treated before being transferred to the burns unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Police want to hear from anyone who was at the bonfire and who may have witnessed what happened.

Another incident is also under investigation in the Dumfries and Galloway force area.

A firework was pushed through a letterbox causing damage to a house in Annanside, Moffat, some time between 1820 GMT and 2300 GMT.

Nov 6, Teenager suffers burns at bonfire, BBC News

Nov 6, Terrified cat discovered in Crosshill after sickening firework attack, Ayrshire Post

A cat had a firework strapped to her back and set alight in a sickening attack.

The terrified cat suffered horrific burns and had to be put down.

She was in agony for up to a week before she was discovered near Dalduff Farm Shop at Crosshill.

Thugs responsible must have held the helpless tabby down while they tied an explosive to her little body.

Animal charity the SSPCA are now hunting the ruthless killers responsible for the brutal incident.

The owner of the pet has still not been identified, although she was micro-chipped.

However, details related to a previous owner, who is still unaware of what happened.

Kerry Miller was the horrified SSPCA ambulance driver who rushed the cat to the vet on Thursday, October 29.

Kerry said: “Workers at the farm had reported seeing the cat near the farm shop, and when I arrived it was clear that she was in extreme distress.

“I rushed her to the local vets in Maybole, but sadly the vet was unable to save her. The vet advised that she was likely to have had her injuries for up to a week, due to the state of the wounds, and that this was highly likely to have been caused by a firework, judging by the burn wounds on her back and additional wounds around her stomach.

“It’s heartbreaking to see an animal in such a terrible state. If it was indeed a firework that caused these injuries then we are dealing with a very serious crime.

“Why anyone would commit such a cruel and callous act on a defenceless little cat is beyond my understanding, and I’m sure most people will be disgusted.”

Anyone found guilty of causing an animal unnecessary suffering could expect to be banned from owning animals.

They could also face penalties of up to 12 months in prison, a £20,000 fine, or both.

Anyone with information relating to this incident should contact the SSPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Nov 6, Terrified cat discovered in Crosshill after sickening firework attack, Ayrshire Post

Nov 6, Thousands flock to Merseyside firework displays as callouts to fire and police fall, Liverpool Daily Post

Bonfire night went with a bang – despite the rain which swept Merseyside yesterday..

Thousands flocked to displays across the region while others enjoyed a few sparklers at home.

And the emergency services enjoyed one of their quietest November 5s.

Both the police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue reported a drop in the number of call-outs they received.

A spokesman for the fire service said: “The weather has played a role, but significantly also the role of our Arson Reduction Teams and our partners in Local authorities who have removed a great deal of potential bonfire material – much of it hazardous – off the streets.”

Between 5.00pm and 10.00pm, the fire control centre handled 367 calls to incidents, of which 224 were to small fires or bonfires.

The total number of calls Merseyside Police dealt with was down around 24% on last year. Force incident manager Insp Ian Fowler said: “It’s been an incredibly quiet night for a bonfire night. It’s not been much different to a normal night to be honest.

“I don’t know if it’s the rain or if it’s the measures and action plans we’ve put into place that have done it but its been amazing.”

The force “tweeted” what they dealt with on social networking site Twitter.

A Huyton man was arrested after being found in possession of over £1,500 worth of stolen display fireworks.

A Liverpool City Council spokesman said: "Crowds have turned out as they have in previous years and the rain doesn't seem to have dampened their spirits or reduced numbers at all.

"This year we had a Space Theme celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Moon landings which went down very well and contributed to a successful night for all concerned."

Nov 6, Thousands flock to Merseyside firework displays as callouts to fire and police fall, Liverpool Daily Post

Nov 6, Warning caller claims INLA was behind city firework bomb attack, Herald ie

A caller who warned of a bomb outside a Dublin house claimed it was INLA attack -- despite the organisation declaring a ceasefire.

A phone call was made to the emergency services at 11pm on Wednesday night, shortly before an improvised explosive device was found outside a house on Cashel Avenue in Crumlin.

According to security sources, the caller stated that a "bomb" was placed outside a named property and that the bomb was left there "by the INLA".

The INLA has been blamed for IED attacks in Dublin in recent years, but it announced a ceasefire last month.

Rogue

Gardai are now trying to establish if the message contained in the call was genuine, or whether local criminals used the INLA's moniker for their own ends.

A source said: "While the INLA have been behind other attacks in Dublin in recent times, their recent ceasefire should have seen an end to such activity. Either rogue elements are using the name on an ad hoc basis or local criminals are pretending to be INLA to intimidate people."

The caller also stated that the device was set to explode at 1.25am on Thursday morning.

Gardai were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they discovered the device placed outside the house. They notified the Army bomb disposal team, who attended the scene and examined the device, declaring it viable.

The Army experts arrived at 11.15pm, while nearby houses were evacuated.

After examining the device and decided to carry out a controlled explosion. The bomb disposal officer gave the all clear at around 12.20am and families were allowed to return to their homes. The Army handed over the remains of the device to the gardai for investigation.

The device was not a pipe bomb -- the most common form of IED encountered in Dublin.

Instead, it was a homemade device filled with black powder extracted from fireworks and was a viable bomb, which could have caused harm.

No one was in the house at the time, and it is understood that the property has been vacant for the past four weeks.

Struggle

The site of the bomb was close to the home of local criminal Martin 'The Viper' Foley, but gardai do not believe that he was the target of the incident.

The incident is the first known use of the INLA's name as a threat since the organisation declared its ceasefire and ended its armed struggle last month. The declaration was made at a commemoration for INLA terrorist Seamus Costello in Bray, Co Wicklow.

Government sources said that the INLA was expected to begin decommissioning in the coming months.

Nov 6, Warning caller claims INLA was behind city firework bomb attack, Herald ie

Nov 6, Woman injured after firework thrown in pub, Huddersfield Examiner

A woman has been rushed to hospital with burns after a firework was thrown into a pub in Halifax.

The 37-year-old was in the Big 6 Inn on Horsfall Street when youths hurled the lit firework into the pub just after 7.30pm on Thursday.

Firefighters from Halifax and Illingworth were called to the pub but found the firework had burnt out by the time they got there.

A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the woman suffered burns to her face and leg and was taken to Calderdale Royal Hospital.

Nov 6, Woman injured after firework thrown in pub, Huddersfield Examiner

Nov 7, Firefighters under attack by gangs of youths, The Press and Journal

Bonfire night in Aberdeen was marred by “sickening” attacks on fire crews responding to callouts.

About 30 youths hurled missiles at firefighters trying to put out a bonfire near Pentland Place, in Balnagask.

In a separate incident, teenagers lit a firework and aimed it at a fire appliance called to Marchburn Crescent, in Northfield.

No one was injured in either incident and there was no damage.

Grampian Fire and Rescue Service area manager Gordon Moir said they had “tainted” the evening.

The number of bonfires and deliberately started blazes on Thursday night actually fell compared with last year, despite emergency crews being stretched by scores of 999 calls.

Mr Moir said: “Unfortunately all of the support we have had from the public for our bonfire and fireworks safety campaign has been slightly tainted by the sickening attacks on our crews by two groups of youths.

“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and in every occasion these matters will be referred to the police.”

Police are also appealing for information after a gang of about 20 youths threw lit fireworks at the Asda petrol station in Jesmond Drive, Bridge of Don.

Store bosses were forced to clear the forecourt and close the filling station.

Police Inspector Raymond Munro said: “I am appealing to the public to come forward with any information which could help us trace those responsible for this mindless and potentially lethal act.

“The potential consequences of throwing lit fireworks into a petrol station forecourt while members of the public are at the pumps simply beggars belief.”

An investigation has also been launched into a fire at Howes Road, Bucksburn, which badly damaged a former women’s refuge.

About 30 firefighters tackled the blaze for several hours after getting the call at around 7.30pm on Thursday.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old woman is expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with a number of fire incidents in the Dyce area on October 28 and overnight on Thursday.

Anyone with information about any bonfire night incident has been urged to contact

Nov 7, Firefighters under attack by gangs of youths, The Press and Journal

Nov 7, Firework attacks on homes along Ariel Street in Ashington, The Journal

Yobs left a teenager lucky to be alive after a firework set off a blaze in his house. The incident was one of a number of attacks on properties in Ariel Street, Ashington, on Thursday night.

Pranksters first put fireworks into two wheelie bins that were standing in the back yard of an end terraced house, at around 11.15pm. The bins had been up against the back wall but fire from them then spread to the house’s kitchen window.

Heat from the flames melted the UPVC frame and cracked the glass, filling the house with smoke.

Teenager Nathan Pearay had been inside the house asleep on the settee at the time, but was woken by a passer-by who had spotted the burning bins and banged loudly on the window.

The 16-year-old Ashington High School student immediately called his mother Amanda, 35, who had been at the New Premier Club, in Woodhorn Road, with husband Greg, 37.

The couple rushed home and found the kitchen window had been completely destroyed and their home was full of smoke.

Angry and upset, barmaid Amanda, who is also mother to Greg, 17, and Aaron, 14, said: “Nathan had called me to say that one of the bins was on fire, so I came straight home thinking it wouldn’t be that bad. I thought it would be easy enough to put out ourselves.

“But when I got home, I couldn’t believe it. The house was filled with smoke.

“My husband was doing a pool tournament at the club and my youngest son was staying at his grandma’s house, just down the road, so Nathan was the only one in at the time.

“I am just absolutely disgusted. At the end of the day it could have been a lot worse. I don’t think they realise that they could have killed someone. It is just so upsetting.

“The smoke alarms were going off, but Nathan slept through them. He is fine now, but I am furious. I am just so grateful that someone was walking past at the time and managed to wake him up.”

Just over an hour later, at 12.40am yesterday, five people were taken to hospital after pranksters struck on the street again.

Fireworks were this time ignited and shoved into a detached garage, setting fire to a large pile of rubbish that had been stored inside.

Smoke from the blaze flooded the house and the residents were taken to hospital as a precaution and treated for smoke inhalation.

No one was seriously hurt in either of the incidents, both of which took place on Bonfire Night. Firefighters from Ashington station attended both incidents and extinguished the blazes.

Nov 7, Firework attacks on homes along Ariel Street in Ashington, The Journal

Nov 7, Firework thrown into school gym as children play, Evening Courier

A firework was thrown into a high school sports hall where youngsters were playing football on Friday night.

Halifax fire fighters were called to the gym at Halifax High School, Wellesley Park, Highroad Well, Halifax, at 7.40pm to clear smoke from the building.
Nobody was injured in the incident.

Nov 7, Firework thrown into school gym as children play, Evening Courier

Nov 7, ‘For the police, Halloween is an annual, living nightmare’, Camden New Journal

People stagger through the city centre dripping with blood; masked men stride openly through the streets. Extortion is tolerated, and elaborate disguise is the rule, not the exception. And all this is legal.
For the police, Halloween is a nightmare. Every year, crime surges to twice or three times the average nightly rate. This year, Halloween fell on a Saturday, and the day of the Arsenal v. Tottenham derby, compounding the potential for violence.
The New Journal observed the night from the car of Detective Sgt Mick “Muddy” Waters, a senior detective in the CID’s robbery squad.
In the course of the night, DS Waters and his partner will be first on the scene of an attempted armed robbery at a Kentish Town grocer’s shop, pour away Martini confiscated from 16-year-olds drinking in the street in Chalk Farm, assist in the arrest of a man suspected of smashing up Gospel Oak train station.
They take a robbery victim, mugged in Arlington Road, on a tour of the streets around Camden Town and, at 3am, stand guard at the entrance of UCL’s psychology faculty in Bloomsbury while sniffer dogs try to find a burglar in its miles of corridors – description: “He was dressed as the Joker.”
All the while, DS Waters is co-ordinating other officers on the ground.
The radio is crackling: at times it seems that dozens of police officers are tied up chasing firework-throwing children through estates. Once out of their cars in places like Wendling, Waxham and Bacton in Gospel Oak, the officers have difficulty with their Airwave radio sets, which slip in and out of transmission and reception areas.
When officers go off-air, colleagues hurry to the scene in case they are in trouble. Around 8pm, this is starting to affect response times to incidents like robberies or assaults – people are calling 999 but having to wait for a patrol.
But there are no gang clashes and few instances of serious violence. While by midnight, faced with youth violence, the neighbouring boroughs all had to invoke the controversial “section 60” powers that allow police to stop and search people without grounds, Camden did not.
DS Waters starts the night patrolling places like the Rowley Way estate in West Hampstead, where graffiti extolling the ASA gang – linked to a double shooting in July – is allowed to linger on pavements and walls. A lack of violence is a success.
Every Safer Neighbourhoods team in London was put on a night shift, and leave was cancelled on Saturday.
Statistics loom over everything. Home Office targets require Camden to cut robberies and burglaries and increase the number of crimes they solve. A night when there is traditionally a lot of crime is a night when it is possible to make a dent in the statistics.
In Chalk Farm, police with drug sniffer dogs prowled around the Tube station and the queue to the Roundhouse, which was hosting a gig by Shpongle, a psychedelic dance band. By 9pm, police had cautioned or arrested 15 people for possession of drugs.
This may or may not make Camden Town a safer place. But the statistics will help Camden Police’s performance sheet – each warning counts as a case solved, with equal statistical weight to solving a murder – and venues often request such checks because they don’t want drugs in their premises.
Meanwhile, reports of robberies crackled over the radio. There were 13 in total over the weekend, a significant fall on last year when there were 23 over Halloween. But on average, there are fewer than three robberies a day across Camden.
A consolation for detectives is that 12 people have been arrested on suspicion of robbery; three are charged on Monday morning.
Statistically, the night is a success. Crime is down on last year. But it’s not all about statistics. Sometime after midnight DS Waters spotted a young woman sitting disconsolately, disorientated and alone in Arlington Road. After a fatherly chat, he drives her home. She is too confused to be grateful, but she is safe, out of harm’s way.
It is an unofficial kindness. There are no targets for that.
Nov 7, ‘For the police, Halloween is an annual, living nightmare’, Camden New Journal

Nov 7, Helmet saves fireman as firework blows up in his face at Colwyn Bay, Daily Post North Wales

A Firefighter suffered serious burns when a high powered firework went off prematurely – but his face was saved by his protective helmet.

The fireman was performing safety checks at the Colwyn Bay bonfire display when the firework went off, smashing into his helmet which was broken by the impact.

The firefighter was taken to the specialist burns unit at Whiston Hospital. He returned home yesterday afternoon and has been told he will make a full recovery from the burns.

North Wales Fire Service says the incident, which is being investigated, highlights the dangers of fireworks.

A spokeswoman said: “Even for the professional, fireworks can be highly dangerous. The firefighter’s face was saved by his helmet, otherwise this would have been much more serious.

“He was lucky he had protective clothing which protected his face. An ordinary person in the back garden would not have all this protection and would have suffered serious injuries in this incident.”

Richard Fairhead, senior fire safety manager, said: “Fireworks and bonfires can be very dangerous. This is why we have been appealing to residents only to attend organised, professional events.

“Even the most well organised home events can go wrong – these events are definitely best left to the professionals.

Mr Fairhead appealed to everyone planning to celebrate bonfire season over the weekend to attend organised events – a list can be found at www.nwales- fireservice.org.uk.

He added: “If you must use fireworks yourself, please follow the fireworks safety code and do not leave bonfires or children unsupervised.”

If you are planning a bonfire, notify North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s control room by calling 01745 535805.

Nov 7, Helmet saves fireman as firework blows up in his face at Colwyn Bay, Daily Post North Wales

Nov 7, Mum of 5 dies saving bullied son as firework yobs set house ablaze, Daily Express
A brave mother died minutes after saving her bullied son from a house fire started by yobs who threw a lit firework through her letterbox on Bonfire Night.

Neighbours watched in horror as Mary Fox, 59, pushed her 17-year-old son Raum out of a top floor window but failed to make it out herself from the smoked-filled house.

Onlookers say the firework was dropped into the hallway through the front door by a group of bullies who regularly hounded Raum because of his learning difficulties and acne.

The firework set the front door alight before flames spread through the house in Bodmin, Cornwall, trapping Ms Fox and Raum inside.

A passer-by dialled 999 as onlookers saw Raum survive the 15-foot drop. Mother-of-five Ms Fox disappeared from the window and is believed to have gone back to rescue her cats.

A total of 30 firefighters fought the blaze. Two were treated at the scene for the effects of heat exhaustion suffered while they searched for Ms Fox.

Friend and care worker Kerry Ollerenshaw said that Raum, who is being cared for by family members, was regularly targeted by youths. The taunting became so bad his mother started walking with him to college.

Ms Ollerenshaw, 36, said: “Her son had learning difficulties and the kids on this estate can be very harsh.

“They hang around in groups, harassing and intimidating. Raum was a victim of that.

“I can’t believe someone would be callous enough to put a firework through a letter box.

“People have been setting off fireworks near their home for days.

“There has been a gang letting off all sorts of bangers and rockets. You could just sense something was going to happen.”

Concern has been growing over the effect of harassment by yobs on estates after an inquest heard how targeted Fiona Pilkington, 38, killed herself and her disabled daughter Francecca, 18, in October 2007 by setting fire to her car with them both inside.

They had suffered nearly a decade of abuse from bullies at their home in Barwell, Leicestershire. Police had ignored 33 calls for help, dismissing their fears as “over-reaction”.

Ms Fox’s neighbour Doreen Rowe, 59, praised the keen singer, who also had four daughters none of whom was believed to have been in the house, for saving her son’s life.

She said: “Mary was a dear old soul and a hero.

“With it being bonfire night there were loads of kids on the street last night armed with fireworks. Police have told us one of them put one through Mary’s letterbox.

“She was not the only one targeted because my next-door neighbour had one thrown at her house too.

“I’m devastated about what has happened. Mary was such a lovely lady. I used to be able to hear her singing from my garden sometimes – she had a beautiful voice.”

Police say they are investigating the blaze and fire chiefs have confirmed they are looking at fireworks as a cause of the blaze.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said the investigation at the scene is being hampered by the extensive damage.

He said: “Due to safety issues the investigators have not had full access to the property. As such the cause of the fire is not known at this time.

“Investigations continue.”

Nov 7, Mum of 5 dies saving bullied son as firework yobs set house ablaze, Daily Express

Nov 7, Residents who use flares as fireworks face prosecution, Daily Echo

The Coastguard says misuse of red warning flares in Poole could result in a prosecution, after two false alarms in the same night.

Rescue workers spent hours investigating two separate incidents on Friday night, after reports of red maritime parachute flares were received.

It is believed residents were incorrectly using the flares as part of their firework displays.

At 8.40pm, the coastguard received a 999 call after a red flare was spotted over Turlin Moor, Poole. This turned out to be part of a nearby firework display.

Meanwhile, the Poole coastguard rescue team was tasked to another red flare report, at 9.15pm, over Poole Harbour.

The Poole RNLI inshore lifeboat was deployed, but after speaking to local fishermen it was, again, believed to have been part of a firework display.

A Portland Coastguard spokesman said: "Red parachute flares are a maritime distress signal and as such should not be used as part of firework displays.

"Deploying a maritime distress flare when you are not in distress constitutes a hoax and you could be liable to prosecution."

Nov 7, Residents who use flares as fireworks face prosecution, Daily Echo

Nov 7, Rocket terror at flat, Daily Mail

A deadly firework set ablaze a flat on the 15^th floor of a tower block – after flying through a three-inch gap in a window.

Hugh McCarroll said he was lucky to be alive after the freak accident which started a fire in his flat on Thursday.

The 36-year-old delivery man said: ’I heard a whoosh of a rocket go past but it was only when a boy frantically knocked on my door five minutes later that I realised what had gone on.’

Mr McCarroll, from Whiteinch, Glasgow, discovered his spare room was on fire. Despite being badly shaken, he was able to extinguish the blaze.

He said he had received an apology from the person who fired the rocket.

Elsewhere, 18-year-old Steven Hoffman of Annan, Dumfriesshire, suffered 18 per cent burns, when the bonfire he was helping to start with a can of petrol went out of control, setting his clothes alight.

He was last night ‘stable’ in Glasgow Royal Infirmary’s burns unit.

Police are probing an incident in Moffat, Dumfriesshire, in which a Catherine wheel was posted through a letterbox.

In Aberdeen, youths launched a firework attack on a petrol station in Bridge of Don and Tayside saw 65 secondary fires related to bonfires and fireworks. Fife Fire and Rescue had 70 call-outs.

Central Scotland Fire and Rescue crews were also called to a ‘significant’ number of bonfire-related incidents.

A mother died saving her son from a fire started by a firework thrown into the family home in Bodmin, Cornwall, by a bonfire night gang.

Mary Fox, 59, pushed Raum, 17, from a bedroom window to safety before being over come by fumes.

Nov 7, Rocket terror at flat, Daily Mail

Nov 8, Stolen Fireworks ‘pose a danger’, BBC News

Thieves who stole fireworks designed for use at an organised show may be trying to sell them to people for use at home, fire experts fear.

Lincolnshire Fire and rescue and Trading Standards have warned people holding firework parties of the dangers these display units pose.

People can suffer severe burns as the unmarked fireworks go off instantly.

Senior Fire Officers said the display fireworks had been stolen and were being sold in ‘by unofficial means’.

Nov 8, Stolen Fireworks ‘pose a danger’, BBC News

Nov 8, Two hurt in fiery display, NZ Herald

At least two people were taken to hospital last night after an organised fireworks display in Whakatane went badly wrong.

A planned 40-minute display lasted less than 40 seconds, as thousands of dollars worth of pyrotechnics went off at once, just before the 9pm start time.

Eyewitness Lindsay Riddick said about 1000 people had gathered on the town's riverbank to enjoy the annual charity fundraiser run by the local Kiwanis Club.

"It started off with a considerably bigger hiss and a roar than was expected," he said.

"It wasn't just one errant firework, we suddenly had a wall of fire 30 metres long."

Teacher Allison Griffiths said the explosion caused panic.

"Everyone saw the flames sweeping down the headland, so we all started to move," she said.

"People were rushing to get in their cars and that caused a huge tailback. It was a bit of a nightmare."

Several fireworks landed on scrub on the opposite side of the river to the crowd, starting two separate fires. Members of the rural fire service were at the scene and quickly extinguished one blaze.

The wounded had minor injuries and were taken to Whakatane Hospital as a precautionary measure.

Aaron Anderson, an employee of Whakatane's Radio 1XX, told nzherald.co.nz he and a colleague were on their way to the event when they heard a huge explosion and the sky turned orange.

He said a number of car alarms were triggered after being hit by the shockwave from the explosion.

Kiwanis Club secretary Leigh Barker was unclear what caused the problem and said club officials were to meet rural fire service members this morning to discuss the issue.

"It was a peacock-style explosion along the water rather than in the air."

Kiwanis had run the display for the past 28 years with no problems of this nature, Barker said.

He said they had learned a lesson for next year: "We'll probably try to make it go properly."

Riddick said the township would be asking questions.

"Obviously something this spectacularly wrong will have an inquiry."

Nov 8, Two hurt in fiery display, NZ Herald

Nov 9, Fireworks factory explosion was manslaughter, court told, Guardian

Two firemen died in an explosion at a fireworks factory because of "gross negligence" in the storage of explosives, a court has heard.

Retained firefighter Geoff Wicker, 49, and support officer Brian Wembridge, 63, were killed in the blast at the site at Marlie Farm in Shortgate, near Lewes, East Sussex, on 3 December 2006.

A metal container illegally packed with fireworks exploded "like a bomb", hurling fragments far and wide, a jury heard.

The two firemen, both long-serving members of East Sussex fire and rescue service, were killed and about 20 other people were injured, most of them police and firefighters.

Jurors heard that Martin Winter, 52, the boss of Alpha Fireworks Ltd, and his son and employee Nathan Winter, 25, were aware of the hazards posed by housing such fireworks in a metal container with other fireworks.

The Winters both deny two counts of manslaughter.

Not guilty pleas have been entered on behalf of Alpha Fireworks Ltd, which faces two counts of breaching health and safety legislation.

On the day of the blast Nathan Winter was preparing for a display that the company, then called Festival Fireworks UK Ltd, was due to put on in Eastbourne.

Opening the crown's case at Lewes crown court, Richard Matthews, for the prosecution, said: "It seems that the fire broke out whilst he was handling the fireworks and equipment for the display and soon exploding fireworks spread to other areas of the site."

Firefighters were summoned to tackle the blaze as fireworks spread the fire from building to building on the farm. They included Wembridge, who was filming the fire operation, and Wicker, who was one of the fire officers at the scene.

Each of the accused men had said they loaded the metal container with fireworks, Matthews said.

"The ISO container was not authorised by the company's licence for the storage of fireworks by Festival Fireworks," he said

"Both men were familiar with the different hazard classifications given to fireworks which focused on the potential for a firework to provoke such a mass explosion.

"Both men were aware of the very particular hazard posed by such fireworks when stored with other fireworks in a metal ISO container; the potential for such a mass explosion to occur in a confined steel environment to produce an effect of devastating proportions."

Matthews said the actions of the Winters in failing to take reasonable care "was not simply negligence but gross negligence".

He said that both the Winters "must have been aware" of the risk of the container exploding if there was a fire. "Indeed, it appears that Nathan Winter accepts he was aware of this," Matthews said.

The case continues.

Nov 9, Fireworks factory explosion was manslaughter, court told, Guardian

Nov 9, Hay blaze started by firework in St Albans, Your Local Guardian

A stray firework destroyed more than 20 tonnes of hay in a field just outside St Albans on Saturday evening.

A stack of hay in a field off Highfield Lane, Tyttenhanger, was set ablaze at about 4.30pm, and was still smouldering 24 hours later.

St Albans firefighter Tony Bates said: “I don't think it was deliberate – I think a firework landed in there.

“There were 20 to 30 tonnes of hay, pretty much all destroyed.”

Nov 9, Hay blaze started by firework in St Albans, Your Local Guardian

Nov 9, Kingston firework sets shed roof ablaze on 'quiet' weekend for firefighters, Your Local Guardian

A shed catching alight after being hit by a misdirected firework was the only incident of the weekend according to firefighters.

Kingston firework sets shed roof ablaze on 'quiet' weekend for firefighters

The plastic roof of the shed in Stafford Road, New Malden, caught fire at around 9pm on Friday evening.

Two fire engines attended and put the blaze out.

Both Surbiton and Kingston's firefighters said they had quiet weekends despite the number of fireworks events.

Nov 9, Kingston firework sets shed roof ablaze on 'quiet' weekend for firefighters, Your Local Guardian

Nov 9, Leeds family have firework pushed through letterbox, Yorkshire Evening Post

A family had a lucky escape after a firework was pushed through their letterbox.

The two adults and a small child were alerted by smoke alarms and escaped their mid terraced home on Balmoral Chase, Hunslet, Leeds, unharmed.
Watch manager Iain Bowen, of Hunslet Fire Station, said the firework had damaged clothing and laminate flooring as it exploded at 3am yesterday.
He said they had been extremely lucky as the consequences could have been very serious. To arrange a free home fire safety check, ring 0800 5874536.

Nov 9, Leeds family have firework pushed through letterbox, Yorkshire Evening Post

Nov 9, Police probe blaze at church, Greenock Telegraph

A derelict church in Greenock's east end will have to be demolished after a massive blaze tore through it.

The former Cartsdyke Parish Church, in John Street, was gutted by a massive inferno which started around 10pm on Saturday night - and now the building has been declared unsafe.

Fire crews from Greenock and Port Glasgow battled the blaze, which is not being treated as deliberate at this stage.

Police today said it was possible a stray firework had hit the building and started the fire.

DS Scott McCallum, of Greenock CID, said: "At the moment there is no evidence from either the fire service or our inquiries to say this was a wilful act.

"There was a lot of firework debris around the church and it may have been a misdirected firework."

Building services officials have inspected the church and it is now set to be bulldozed.

DS McCallum said: "My information is that building control have said it is unsafe.

"Fencing has been put up around the building and it will require to be demolished."

The old church was persistently targeted by vandals last summer, with youths repeatedly trying to set fire to it.

At the time, police chiefs warned the vandals were putting lives at risk and the building was branded 'a deathtrap'.

The stricken church has been unoccupied for some time and was the subject of a successful planning application in June 2005.

A London-based businessman got permission to convert it into 14 loft-style apartments - but the development never went ahead.

Nov 9, Police probe blaze at church, Greenock Telegraph

Nov 9, Two in hospital with firework burns, This is Lincolnshire

Two Lincolnshire people have been admitted to hospital with severe burns caused by fireworks.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and Trading Standards have issued a warning about dangerous fireworks available in the Lincoln area that have come into the county from dubious sources.

The fireworks go off instantaneously without giving people time to retreat because they are meant for professional displays and therefore have very short fuses, instead of the longer ones on home fireworks.

They also look different from the usual types of fireworks that are bought in shops, with plain brown packaging rather than bright attractive packaging.

Keiron Davey, community fire protection team support officer, said: "If you have any doubt about fireworks you've obtained, especially if they look different to normal fireworks for home use, just don't use them."

It is believed the fireworks may have been stolen from professional suppliers and are being sold by unofficial means.

Nov 9, Two in hospital with firework burns, This is Lincolnshire

Nov 9, Witnesses sought to firework incident, Orkney Today

A firework was strapped to a letterbox in the Papdale area of Kirkwall and discharged last week.
Police are appealing for residents for help in identifying a group of youths who were in the area around 8pm on Tuesday, November 3.
Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact PC Danielle Morrall at Kirkwall Police Station on Tel: 872241.

Nov 9, Witnesses sought to firework incident, Orkney Today

Nov 9, Yob threw firework at fire engine, Dunfermline Press

A yob threw a firework at a fire engine in Dunfermline on Bonfire Night.

No firemen were injured and it was the only reported hostile incident on Thursday when the Dunfermline-based fire crew attended seven other incidents.

That night three bonfires had to be extinguished, three wheelie bins were set on fire and there was one case of refuse being set alight, according to figures released by Fife Fire & Rescue Service this week.

This was a 13 per cent reduction in the total number of incidents attended compared to last year.

Rosyth's fire crew was only called to one incident - an unauthorised bonfire - one less than in 2008.

The figures show a total of 17 incidents throughout the Kingdom, with three being termed hostile. There were no such reports last year.

There was also a marked increase in wheelie bin fires in Fife - 10 compared to just one last year.

Unauthorised bonfires were down 19 per cent with other refuse being set alight down by half.

Nov 9, Yob threw firework at fire engine, Dunfermline Press

Nov 10, Aberdeen teenager charged with fireraising, Evening Express

A teenage girl has appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court after a firework was allegedly thrown at wardens in an Aberdeen park.

Hannah Snow, 17, is alleged to have hurled the firework in the direction of two Aberdeen City Council workers, who were patrolling Dyce’s Central Park in Aberdeen.

Snow is also alleged to have started a bin fire in Dyce’s Central Park area.

The offences were said to have happened on Halloween in Aberdeen.

Snow, whose address was given in Aberdeen Sheriff Court papers as Kingswells, was charged with wilful fireraising, culpable and reckless conduct and reckless fireraising.

Snow appeared in private at Aberdeen Sheriff Court before Sheriff Douglas Cusine.

Snow made no plea or declaration.

Sheriff Cusine remanded Snow in custody.

Nov 10, Aberdeen teenager charged with fireraising, Evening Express

Nov 10, Firework attack on house kills family pet, The Star

A Family's pet dog died after yobs hurled a lit firework into a house on a Sheffield estate – causing flames to rip through the property.

Catherine Wright, aged 37, said she and her three children were devastated at the loss of their pet Alsatian Bruno, who was aged 15.
Firefighters rescued the trapped dog from the blazing house on Wulfric Road, Manor, and he was taken to a vet.
But he had inhaled so much smoke his lungs were too badly damaged for him to survive and he had to be put down.
Catherine, who has two sons and a daughter, aged 15, 13 and 11, was informed of the blaze by a neighbour while she was visiting her sick mum.
She raced to her semi-detached home to find firefighters breaking down her front door to get inside. She tried to push past them herself to get to the dog but was held back for her own safety.
Catherine today condemned the yobs responsible for the attack and said police told her a cat had been blown up just half an hour earlier after a rocket was attached to the pet.
"All I was thinking about when I was on my way to the house was the dog and whether he had survived – he was part of our family. I wasn't thinking about personal belongings, just the dog, that was all that mattered at the time.
"My brother had been there just 15 minutes earlier so he is lucky he wasn't caught up in this. Me and my children could also easily have been there.
"People doing things like this need to realise that they are playing with lives and that people could die."
A firework is believed to have been pushed through the letterbox of the house, setting the property on fire and shattering windows.
Catherine and her children are unable to enter their boarded-up home until insurance assessors and council workers have looked at the extent of the damage.
They have just the clothes they had on after all their other belongings were either burnt or smoke-damaged.
Catherine's daughter Courtney, who celebrated her birthday on Guy Fawkes Day, lost all her presents in the firework attack.
South Yorkshire Police are investigating.
"Fireworks should be for displays only – they are too dangerous in the wrong hands," said Catherine, a registered carer.
"I have lived here for eight years and will not be driven out of my home by this.
"Someone knows who did this."

Nov 10, Firework attack on house kills family pet, The Star

Nov 10, Firework causes blaze, Weston & Somerset Mercury

A blaze was started deliberately by a firework last night (Mon).
The fire started in an alleyway between two houses in Pearse Close in Worle just before 11pm.
The blaze had broken out in a number of gardening items including fertiliser and compost.
Firefighters used one hose real to extinguish the fire - which had also caused damage to guttering and drain pipes at both neighbouring properties.
It is believe the blaze was deliberately started by a firework and police are now investigating the incident.

Nov 10, Firework causes blaze, Weston & Somerset Mercury

Nov 10, Firework thrown into Brighton bedroom, The Argus

An exploding firework was thrown into the room of a sleeping couple.

Carl Wicker and his partner were asleep when the missile landed in his room spraying burning embers on to the bed.

The 34-year-old of Coleman Street, Brighton, said he had “no idea what was going on” until the rocket finally fizzled out.

The attack at about 3.30am yesterday morning comes just days after a Cornish woman died in a house fire apparently caused by fireworks being pushed through her letterbox.

Mr Wicker said:” I thought my room had exploded, bit of it were landing everywhere and it burnt a hole in my curtain.

“It was so loud that my ears are still ringing.

“It took me while to figure out what was going on so I didn't have a chance to look out of the window or anything.”

The self-employed internet technician who shares with three other people, said it would have been easy for someone to have thrown the firework into the ground-floor bedroom.

He added: “I had the top half of the window open, so it was easy just to throw it in and run off.

“I've never been able to stand fireworks or firework displays and this has only sealed my hatred of them and proved me right.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police, who also visited the address yesterday morning, said: “Any misuse of fireworks will be treated seriously by the police. This firework only caused very minor damage but it could have been a lot worse.

“Never throw or aim lit fireworks at people or property.”

Anyone with information about the incident should phone 08456070999.

Nov 10, Firework thrown into Brighton bedroom, The Argus

Nov 10, Firework thrown through house window, Winsford Guardian

A firework was thrown through the window of a house in Winsford on Saturday night.

The firework was thrown into a house in Arkwright Road but no one was injured and only limited damage was caused.

However residents are being warned to nail down their fence panels after a spate of thefts.

Police in Winsford trawled the streets dismantling would-be bonfires in the run up to November 5, but this was quickly followed by calls to a number of missing fence panels.

Sgt Ian Wood of Winsford NPU said: “We did a clear-up project prior to Bonfire Night but it may have resulted in a quantity of fence panels being removed and put on bonfires to make up the difference.

“So next year we might have to look at giving out advice to make sure fence panels are secured.

“However, we only had a few calls about nuisance bonfires and the rain certainly helped keep things at bay.”

Nov 10, Firework thrown through house window, Winsford Guardian

Nov 10, Fireworks prank by school pupils causes concern in Hendon, Hendon & Finchley Times

Irresponsible school children sent scores of people running scared this afternoon after setting of fireworks in a busy street.

Crowds of pupils were gathered in Church Road between 3pm and 4pm when three explosives were launched from the pavement.

One rocket was aimed directly at a police officer and only narrowly missed him as it flew a short distance across the junction with Sunny Gardens Road.

Manic scenes ensued as pupils dispersed around the area, some in fear, others laughing and joking.

Passers-by and shop keepers looked stunned at the behaviour of the children, many of who were identified as coming from St Mary's Church of England High School, in Downage.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said she intends to write to the school to complain about the regular disruption caused by the pupils.

“This is hardly a back-street where nobody is around,” she said “It is dangerous enough setting fireworks off in open areas, but here it could be really dangerous. It's totally unacceptable.”

Gerald Edirisinghe was standing near one of the rockets when it was set off.

He said: “The firework was going off and sparking around on the floor.

“People were scared and shrieking. It is worrying because it can cause real damage or injury.

“The kids always cause so much trouble around here and they have no respect for anybody.”

Police Community Support Officer Mark Prentice was patrolling on his bike when the fireworks began going off, and was targeted by the yobs.

He was unable to detain any of the children as no one would positively identify those responsible.

He said: “There is a real risk in setting off fireworks in this kind of area, and it is a bit frightening its happening.

“They are letting them off thinking they are toys, and it is up to the schools to educate the children on the dangers.”

Nov 10, Fireworks prank by school pupils causes concern in Hendon, Hendon & Finchley Times

Nov 10, Gang attacks fire crew with fireworks, Manchester Evening News

Firefighters were ambushed by dozens of yobs who shot fireworks at them as they tried to put out a dangerous blaze.
The gang of 40 youths fired rockets and hurled roman candles at the crew as they tried to put out the unsafe bonfire.
The firefighters were forced to retreat back to their engine and call the police.
One youth was later arrested by police.
The Bonfire Night attack in a park next to Great Norbury Street, Hyde, was captured on the fire engine's CCTV cameras.
The incident was today condemned by Greater Manchester's new County Fire Officer, Steve McGuirk.
Mr McGuirk said: "I am sure people will join me in disbelief that their safety is completely disregarded in such a way. Thankfully, Greater Manchester's firefighters have safety equipment that gives them protection, but obviously this would not be the case if a child had been the target of this reckless act."
Outrageous
He added: "It is outrageous that firefighters who work hard to protect the safety of the public of Greater Manchester are targeted by a mindless minority in this way, particularly at this, our busiest time of year.
"Attacks like these not only affect firefighters but also put everyone else at increased risk.
"In this instance no one was hurt, but unfortunately this won't always be the case. I ask people to remember that firefighters are here to help when they need it."
Brigade spokesman Paul Duggan said: "Forty youths were gathered and started hurling fireworks at the appliance.
"We had arrived to put out the bonfire which was unsupervised and in a public place. The attack was the youths' reaction to us turning up to put it out.
"There were no injuries to any fire service personnel."
The brigade received 612 emergency calls on Bonfire Night - slightly fewer than last year - and a number of people were seriously hurt by fireworks.

Nov 10, Gang attacks fire crew with fireworks, Manchester Evening News

Nov 10, Middlesbrough mum calls for fireworks ban, Gazette Live

A Mum-Of-Three is calling for fireworks to be banned from general sale after a group of youths set one off, which narrowly missed members of her family.

Allison Copeland, from Whale Hill, took her children Sharlotte, 13, Connor, 11, and Joshua, 10, to an organised display, which had been put on by South Park Rangers at Smiths Dock Park.

The family had an enjoyable night until everyone started to leave and a number of people began to set off their own fireworks. A group of teenagers, who were drinking nearby, set off a firework, which hit a tree and sent a shower of sparks into the crowd.

Allison, 34, said: “I knew what was going to happen, but it all happened too fast.

“The firework went off hitting the tree branches and sending sparks as big as footballs all over the place - some into the crowd.

“One of the sparks missed my son, husband and nephew by no more than two feet.”

When Allison and her husband Vini, 49, approached the group, they were met with a torrent of foul language and abuse.

When her sister Joanne tried to calm everyone down, one member of the group spat in her daughter’s face.

Allison said: “I’ve heard kids swear before, but the language coming from this group was disgusting.

“My nephew was crying his eyes out.

“Fireworks are so dangerous as last night proved.

“We were very lucky as it could have been a lot worse.

“Fireworks should only be let off at a controlled display. I would happily see the public being banned from buying them for private use.

“Or at least put the consent age up or put the price up so stupid people can’t just go and get them to cause havoc.

“And they certainly shouldn’t be sold if they are in the same trolley as alcohol.”

Allison telephoned the police about the incident, but the crowds had left the field before officers arrived.

Nov 10, Middlesbrough mum calls for fireworks ban, Gazette Live

Nov 10, Retailers fail firework age check, BBC News

More than one third of Borders shops sold fireworks to underage buyers during a Trading Standards operation.

The test purchase programme took place in the run-up to bonfire night at stores across the region.

A total of 11 retailers were tested and four of them sold fireworks to a 16-year-old when the items carried a legal purchase age of 18.

Enforcement officer Cameron McVean said all the shops would be contacted and asked to "tighten up" sales practice.

This operation was part of ongoing efforts by trading standards to stop sales of age-barred products to those under the legal purchase age.

'Very surprised'

All firework retailers were warned in advance of the exercise and offered advice on the regulations.

Mr McVean said: "I'm very surprised at the number of stores that happily sold fireworks to our young volunteer.

"I shall be making contact with them all in the very near future to discuss how they can tighten up their procedures."

Councillor Len Wyse said the exercise illustrated the good work being done by trading standards to tackle underage sales.

He added that it also highlighted Scottish Borders Council's desire to bring to an end anti-social behaviour often associated with fireworks.

Nov 10, Retailers fail firework age check, BBC News

Nov 11, Annan family return to firework attack on home, Dumfries & Galloway Standard

A Moffat family returned home from a bonfire night treat watching The Proclaimers in Dumfries to find someone had put a lit firework through their letterbox.

The house at Annanside sustained damage to skirting boards in the hallway and a scorched carpet.

A police spokesman said: “They were very lucky that the house was not set on fire. It is an unusual incident for the region and we are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.”

The house was left unattended between 6.20pm and 11pm on Thursday.

A member of the family said: “We have no idea why anyone would want to do this to us.

“We had a great night out and even commented on the way home that we had not seen many fireworks going off.

“It was a shock to find one inside the house. It could have been much more serious than it was.”

Meanwhile, tighter controls on under-age sales of fireworks dramatically reduced the number of illegal buys. And fire crews in Nithsdale had a record low number of emergency call-outs to extinguish bonfires on November 5.

David Jardine, Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue Service’s district manager for Nithsdale, said: “Last year we attended 25 fires on bonfire night and there were 16 call-outs prior to bonfire night. We also had three incidents when fire and rescue crews came in for verbal abuse or aggression from the public while we were trying to extinguish bonfires.

“But this year we had just two call-outs before November 5, and on the night itself just 14 calls, which is the lowest we have had for many, many years.

“Of these last week, four were false alarms but were of good intent and two were rubbish on fire.

“We had to extinguish seven bonfires in Dumfries and one in Brydekirk in which a man was injured.”

Fire safety manager Jim Waugh, who chairs the multi-agency Bonfire Safety Group working to make Bonfire Night safer in the region, says it shows that behind-the-scenes work to protect the public is paying off.

None of the under-age test purchasers set up by trading standards officers ahead of Bonfire Night were sold fireworks in 22 retailers they visited across the region.”

All the shops asked for proof of age.

The success follows disappointing results a couple of years ago when eight out of 27 local retailers checked on sold fireworks to under-age test purchasers.

Nov 11, Annan family return to firework attack on home, Dumfries & Galloway Standard

Nov 11, Firework attack brought back memories of Blitz, The Hounslow Chronicle

A Grandmother has spoken of the terrifying moment she woke to find yobs had thrown a lit firework through her bedroom window.

Eileen Gascoigne was fast asleep in her flat at Ashby House, in South Bank, Surbiton, when the sickening attack happened on Saturday morning at about 1.20am.

The 86-year-old grandmother-of-three described how she woke to find her room filled with thick smoke, and the ear-piercing bang which brought back memories of the Blitz.

"All I could see was thick yellow smoke and then there was a terrific bang and I thought 'I've got to get out'," said the former bank teller, who made bullet cases at a factory in Balham during the Second World War.

"Luckily the firework exploded against the side of my wardrobe. If it had landed in my bed, a few feet away, I might not have been so lucky. I lived through the Blitz but I've never heard such a bang. We've never had any problems around here and I can't understand why anyone would want to do this."

One resident reported hearing three boys outside laughing shortly before the fire started but there is no description of the suspects. Firefighters from Kingston and New Malden stations were quickly on the scene and the only damage was minor scorch marks to the carpet.

Mrs Gascoigne, who has lived in the sheltered housing block for nearly two decades, is obviously blessed after surviving another fire in her flat two years ago, started by a faulty oven. She said all her neighbours had been incredibly supportive.

Alison Murphy, scheme manager at Ashby House, said the attack could have had serious consequences if the victim hadn't been as 'tough' as Mrs Gascoigne.

"Whoever's responsible is a complete low-life, picking on the vulnerable like this," she said. "Eileen's very tough but there are people here who would have been seriously distressed had this happened to them."

The attack came just two days after mum-of-nine Mary Fox died in a blaze started when a lit banger was pushed through the letterbox of her Cornwall home on Bonfire Night.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kingston Police on 020 8247 4909 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Nov 11, Firework attack brought back memories of Blitz, The Hounslow Chronicle

Nov 11, Firework thrown into shop window, Get Reading

A lit firework was hurled through the back window of an Emmer Green supermarket.

Police are investigating the incident at Budgens in Cavendish Road overnight between Thursday, November 5, and Friday, November 6.

Caversham Inspector Penny Mckenzie said: “An arson offence was recorded at Budgens, Cavendish Road, after a firework was thrown through a rear window.”

A store representative, who was not named, confirmed the shop was closed when the firework was thrown through.

Police are also investigating after a tree was set on fire on Friday, October 30.

The blaze broke out at 10pm in Caleta Close, Caversham.

Nov 11, Firework thrown into shop window, Get Reading

Nov 11, Flintshire yobs throw fireworks at elderly cat, The Leader

Yobs in Flintshire who threw fireworks at an elderly cat on Bonfire Night have been slammed by an animal rescue worker.
Sheila Stewart, who runs Capricorn Animal Rescue, in Padeswood, took in the terrified animal last week, after it was found in the garden of its former owner, who had died.
Sheila said: “We had a call from a lady regarding the cat. It was sleeping in gardens and neighbours were feeding her.
“It did not take long for a group of local children to realise this cat did not belong anywhere and they started throwing stones at her and generally making her life a misery.
“A couple of nights before Bonfire Night and on the night itself, they were seen throwing fireworks at the cat. This kind lady took the time and trouble to bring the cat in to Capricorn.
“The children, all boys, were aged from about eight to 12.
“It is unbelievable that a group of such young children could do something like this. It beggars belief.”
On the same night, a tiny kitten was also brought into the centre, after narrowly escaping being injured by another group of youths.
Sheila added: “The lady who brought the kitten in had noticed a group of four boys, about 10 or 12-years-old, with a cardboard box and a bunch of fireworks.
“When she asked what they were doing, they ran off, dropping the box.
“Inside was the kitten. They had been about to drop the bundle of fireworks into the box.
“The cruelty is getting worse every year. It is scary out there.”
Both animals are now recovering from their ordeal at Capricorn and are looking for new homes. If you can help, call Sheila on 01244 547938.

Nov 11, Flintshire yobs throw fireworks at elderly cat, The Leader

Nov 11, Three children injured by fireworks, Get Wokingham

Ambulance crews were called to just three incidents where people had been injured by fireworks in the borough.

In total, 22 people across the South Central area received medical treatment, a vast drop from last year when 121 people had to call 999.

The first accident happened on Thursday, November 5, in Grange Avenue, off Wokingham Road in Earley, and the other two were both on Saturday, with one at Scarlet Hollies in Hurst and one at The Terrace in Finchampstead.

In all three cases, children received slight burns after getting too close to fireworks.

A South Central Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “We just attended the three incidents in Wokingham, even though we count from November 1 until November 8.

“I think the safety messages are getting through. More people are going to organised firework displays which are much safer.”

Nov 11, Three children injured by fireworks, Get Wokingham

Nov 12, Cats taken into Capricorn Animal Rescue after firework attack, The Flintshire Chronicle

Two cats were taken into Capricorn Animal Rescue, Padeswood, after lucky escapes from firework attacks.

On Guy Fawkes’ Night the centre received a call about an elderly cat which had been sleeping in gardens since its owner died.

A group of boys, aged between eight and 12, were reported to have started throwing stones at the cat and, on Thursday night, were seen throwing fireworks at it.

The incident was seen by a neighbour who brought the cat into Capricorn.

The rescue centre has also taken in a kitten after a woman spotted a group of boys with a cardboard box and a bunch of fireworks.

Sheila Stewart, secretary of the centre, said: “When she asked what they were doing they ran off dropping the box. Inside was the kitten.

“They had been about to drop the bundle of fireworks into the box with the kitten.”

Sheila said they had also found a Yorkshire Terrier on the road outside the sanctuary after a woman phoned to say she had left it in the yard.

“He was absolutely terrified,” Sheila said.

“Abandonment is abandonment, whether the animals is abandoned at a sanctuary or elsewhere.”

Nov 12, Cats taken into Capricorn Animal Rescue after firework attack, The Flintshire Chronicle

Nov 12, Firework arson attack sets curtains alight, Tottenham Journal

Police are hunting arsonists who dropped a lit firework into a house, setting light to curtains and which "could have ended in tragedy".
The attack in Crowland Road, South Tottenham, occurred at about 2.40am on Sunday.
People were seen running away from the scene as a quick-thinking resident put out the fire before firefighters arrived.
Police found two ground-floor windows broken, but the method of attack is still under investigation.
No-one was injured, but Haringey CID launched an arson investigation.
Detective Constable Dave Williams of Haringey CID said: "Luckily no one was hurt, although the occupants were understandably shaken as a result of this incident.
"If the resident hadn't acted so quickly, this could have ended in tragedy.
"We are urging people to be responsible with fireworks over the firework season and to stay safe.
"It is unacceptable to misuse fireworks in any way that might cause people fear or harm."
People also put fireworks through residents' letterboxes in prank attacks in Langham Road and Stirling Road, Tottenham, on Saturday night.
Station Officer Jon Thornton of Tottenham fire station said: "We had a few fireworks put in old lady's letterboxes. It's the time of year. People think it is funny when it really isn't."
Otherwise rain on Saturday night kept fire call-outs to a minimum.
"The weather did most of the work for us," said Mr Thornton. "We were not dramatically busier than normal."
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Williams on 020 8345 0712, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Nov 12, Firework arson attack sets curtains alight, Tottenham Journal

Nov 12, Firework hits man in face at Hamilton bonfire, Hamilton Advertiser

A 36-year-old suffered burns after being blasted in the face with a firework on Bonfire Night in Hamilton.

He was taken to hospital after being struck with the rocket in St Giles Way last Thursday around 7.50pm.

A Scottish Ambulance spokesman said: “A man was taken to Wishaw Hospital with burns after being hit in the face with a firework in St Giles Way in Hamilton.”

A resident said they were unaware of the incident, but added: “There were dozens of people out watching fireworks at the park, including people who don’t live in the area.

Fire crews from Hamilton, Larkhall and Motherwell community fire stations were called to 42 incidents over Bonfire Night. Most occurred from 5pm onwards and many were false alarms or secondary fires involving rubbish or bonfires. One was at Carrick Way, Bothwell.

Firefighters attended a blaze at an industrial unit at First Road, Blantyre. They were also called to a car on fire in Motherwell’s Northwood Drive. Firefighters put out a blaze against a wall of a two-storey block of flats at Millgate Road, Hamilton.

Nov 12, Firework hits man in face at Hamilton bonfire, Hamilton Advertiser

Nov 12, Firework pushed through letterbox, The Shields Gazette

A woman had a lucky escape when reckless vandals pushed a lit firework through her letterbox.

The incident happened in Bedford Avenue, South Shields, on Tuesday evening when the homeowner found the firework – which didn't go off – in the passageway of her home.
The incident sparked a last-minute warning from police to anti-social yobs thinking of causing trouble tonight.
As police and fire crews are gear up for Guy Fawkes Night, all rest days have been cancelled and neighbourhood policing teams will be out patrolling their beats – some carrying hand-held cameras to capture bad behaviour on film which can be used as evidence in court.
The officers will be backed by motor patrols and South Tyneside Council's Community Wardens.
The police CCTV van will also be making the rounds.
Sergeant Alf Stewart of South Tyneside Area Command, said: "Officers will be targeting areas where problems have occurred in the past.
"The CCTV van will also be out and about capturing images which we will not hesitate to use as evidence if the need arises."
"We want people to enjoy themselves safely but we will be working hard to ensure disorder and disruption is kept to a minimum."
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tom Capeling of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "Our message is simple: bonfires and fireworks can injure and even kill you. Don't let this happen to you or your loved ones."

Nov 12, Firework pushed through letterbox, The Shields Gazette

Nov 12, Firework terror, The Gazette

A schoolboy had a lucky escape after a firework exploded in his hand blowing off half of a finger.

Jordan Jones, 14, was out with friends in Greenend Avenue, in Johnstone, when someone threw a lit firework towards him.

He decided to throw it back but when he picked up the firework it exploded.

He said: "I realised it was lit but wanted to get it away at the same time.

"It just blew up.

"I remember it - it blew up and a noise was going through my head and I looked down and my finger was missing."

Concerned friends called an ambulance which rushed to the scene just after 6pm on Bonfire Night.

Jordan, who lives in Paisley, continued: "I went and sat on the kerb until the ambulance came.

"I was given oxygen and they bandaged me up.

"They spent about 10 minutes looking for the top of my finger but they didn't find it."

Jordan was rushed to the RAH, in Paisley, before being transferred to the Western Infirmary as doctors thought he had nerve damage and could need plastic surgery.

Mum, Leah, had gone to the Paisley firework display when she got a call about Jordan.

She said: "I got a phone call saying your son has had an accident.

"I got a fright, I really did, but at least it is his hand and not his face.

"He is badly burned."

The teenager was allowed home on Tuesday but has to return to hospital for physiotherapy and check-ups to his injured right hand.

Jordan added: "I've learned not to pick up fireworks."

Leah is relieved her son is going to be fine.

She said: "They said about skin grafts and nerve damage as worst case scenario but he is getting a lot better thankfully.

"I would just like to thank all the paramedics and hospital staff who looked after him."

A spokesperson for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said: "We would strongly advise people not to use fireworks.

"We would strongly recommend that people attend organised displays.

"Fireworks are explosives and they present a major danger if not used properly."

Nov 12, Firework terror, The Gazette

Nov 12, Fireworks seized from under-age youths, My Nottingham

Reports of nuisance firework incidents from Nottingham city residents have been cut due to an innovative multi-agency approach.

Nottingham City Council Community Protection Service joined forces with Nottinghamshire Police, Notts Fire and Rescue Serviceand the City Council's Trading Standards to successfully reduce the number of firework related incidents through a programme of education and enforcement.

Trading Standards tackled the illegal selling of fireworks from local businesses to people under the age of 18, and Community Protection and Notts Police used dedicated 'firework cars' to attend every firework related incident, to catch and fine anyone causing a nuisance with fireworks and confiscating fireworks from underage youths.

During the firework period from 15 October to 8 November, 165 people were stopped and searched for fireworks, 13 fixed penalty notices were issued and 20 firework seizures were made from under-age youths.

This successful campaign, which is in its third year, has resulted in the police recording 50 fewer firework related incidents in 2009 compared to 2008, which is a 16% reduction.

Inspector Leona Scurr from The Community Protection Directorate said: " Every year emergency services are inundated with calls relating to the misuse of fireworks. The majority of people enjoy fireworks responsibly however a small minority use fireworks to injure, damage and cause nuisance.

"This successful firework campaign was a result of partnerships between organisations and the community. Community Protection and police teams worked closely with Trading Standards to take fireworks out of the wrong hands and robustly enforce the Firework Regulations 2004 and inform communities of the Firework Code and consequences of setting off fireworks deliberately."

Jane Bailey from Trading Standards said: "Trading standards officers visited every premise that was registered to store fireworks. Only a few minor problems were found such as incorrect fire extinguishers being kept. Test purchase operations were conducted using a 14 yr old young person and no illegal sales were made".

Station Manager Craig Dooley, Head of the Arson Task Force said: " Bonfire night is always a concern for the Service and our priority is to help keep people safer from fires and avoidable injuries. We have been working very closely with Nottinghamshire Police and Trading Standards on a number of initiatives to reduce anti-social behaviour and the misuse and unlawful sale of fireworks. Whilst there has been an overall downward trend in bonfire night and firework related incidents, a few people are still getting injured as a result of firework misuse and faulty fireworks every year, and this remains a very real concern for the service. We will continue working with partners and developing current and new initiatives in order to keep our communities safer."

To report anti-social behaviour in your area, ring the confidential anti-social behaviour helpline, available 24 hours a day for Nottingham City residents on 0115 9152020 or email asbhelp@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Nov 12, Fireworks seized from under-age youths, My Nottingham

Nov 12, Fireworks set off in Forest, Salisbury Journal

The Verderers have slammed the irresponsible and inconsiderate behaviour of people who have been letting off fireworks in the New Forest.

Dog walkers at Moyles Court have found high numbers of empty shells in the open Forest and unused fireworks left in plastic bags.

Clerk to the Verderers Sue Westwood said: “Lighting fireworks is very dangerous to livestock which can take fright and cause themselves a serious injury.

“Leaving firework shells is tantamount to littering, which somebody else to pay for to clean up. It is enough that certain people in our society think it is ok to leave litter in the Forest, but inconceivable that they think the Forest is a safe place to let off fireworks.

“This particular part of the New Forest has very high numbers of horses and foals and other livestock in the vicinity.”

Mrs Westwood added: “Whoever has done this is inconsiderate and irresponsible and their actions are in fact illegal.”

A Forest dog walker Brett Fielding told The Forest Journal that he was “disgusted” with the fireworks that had been used and left in the Forest.

“The people who use fireworks in this area clearly have no idea on the detrimental affect it has on animals and the fear they feel when confronted with loud bangs and burning lights.

“I am disgusted.”

The Forestry Commission said it has been working closely with Hampshire Police to ensure known trouble spots have been patrolled.

A spokesman said: “Temporary night time car park closures have also been trialled in certain places.

“The Forestry Commission does not condone the use of fireworks on the Crown Lands.

“Not only does the noise cause disturbance in a tranquil area, but also frightens livestock. The leftover debris is unsightly, dangerous to animals and costly to dispose of.

“Over the weekend, our staff has been out picking up leftover debris all over the Crown Lands. We would urge people to go to managed firework displays.”

Nov 12, Fireworks set off in Forest, Salisbury Journal

Nov 12, Man in court over firework blaze, BBC News

A man has appeared in court accused of starting a blaze which caused damage of £20,000 to a house after a firework was pushed through its letterbox.

David Richardson, 17, of Maxton, has been charged with culpable and reckless fire-raising after the incident in St Boswells on Wednesday evening.

Nobody was inside the property at Weirgate Brae at the time of the fire.

Richardson made no plea or declaration at Jedburgh Sheriff Court and was released on bail.

Nov 12, Man in court over firework blaze, BBC News

Nov 12, "Mindless vandals" blamed for post box arson attacks, Luton Today

Mindless vandals have been blamed for starting a spate of dangerous fires in postboxes across Bedfordshire.
Incendiary devices, thought to be made up of fireworks tied together, were found in six postboxes between November 7 and November 10, in villages across the county, including Wilden, Keysoe and Renhold.
Jas Parmar, postmaster at Kempston Post Office, said: "People who do these things absolutely do not realise the consequences of their actions.
"It is not only very dangerous for postmen, but it also causes a lot of damage to sensitive post.
"These hooligans obviously act in remote village areas because they are cowards.
"I really think the authority needs to do more to act on these problems and bring offenders to face the music."
The firework-type devices appeared to be a bundle of sparklers taped together, designed to cause damage to the post.
The MK41 and MK44 postal areas had a reduced collection service earlier in the week as a result of the dangers posed by the devices.
Postal services have already been disrupted with an ongoing dispute between the Royal Mail and unions over pay and working conditions.
A spokesman for the Royal Mail said: "These are acts of mindless vandalism and amount to criminal damage.
"They are not only dangerous, but are expensive, time consuming to put right, and cause a great deal of inconvenience.
"We continue to monitor the situation and will restore collections to normal as soon as it is considered safe to do so."
An investigation by Beds Police is now underway.
A spokesman said: "It is our belief that these fireworks have been posted into mailboxes to cause damage to the post rather than to cause harm to anyone because they have been lit at the point of entry and would have quickly fizzled out."
Anyone with information should call Det Con Julia Searle in confidence at Bedford CID, on 01234 275347 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Nov 12, "Mindless vandals" blamed for post box arson attacks, Luton Today

Nov 12, Pewsey couple living in fear after terror attack, Gazette & Herald

A couple are living in fear after a firework smashed through their living room window on Halloween night.

The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, were playing computer games in their living room in Pewsham, Chippenham, at about 11pm on October 31.

The woman, who is in her 30s, said the firework was just inches away from hitting her as it darted around the room before burning out.

She said: “There were some fireworks being set off outside and one came in through the window.

“I was hysterical, my other half was really quite frightened and the cat just darted from the room into the bedroom, but then the bedroom window was attacked too, so the poor thing was terrified.

“I was sitting near the window on the computer at the time so how it missed me I’ve got no idea, but I’m grateful to whoever it was that was looking after me that night.

“I was screaming, I’ve never felt so frightened, everything goes through your mind because fireworks are so unpredictable.

She added: “It all happened so quickly, I didn’t realise that it flew around the room before it landed in the corner and burnt out the carpet, which is completely beyond repair, and some of the furniture has been damaged too.

“We had just watched a scary movie because it was Halloween night so we were a bit jumpy.

“Luckily, we weren’t injured physically, but emotionally, the scars are still there and I am still shaking.”

“I’m still a little fearful of being home on my own.”

Staff at the Tesco Express store in Pewsham said they carried out ID checks on everybody under the age of 25 wanting to buy items such as eggs, flour and fireworks and refused sales if the customers were considered suspicious, during Halloween and bonfire night period.

Earlier this week mother-of-nine Mary Fox, 59, of Bodmin died after a firework was pushed through her letterbox.

Sergeant Steve Mcgrath said: “Obviously we take incidents like this very seriously indeed.

“Thankfully nobody was hurt in this case but all sales of fireworks, even legal sales, can be considered dangerous if they are in the wrong hands.”

Anyone with information on the incident in Pewsham should call 0845 408 7000.

Nov 12, Pewsey couple living in fear after terror attack, Gazette & Herald

Nov 12, Teenage yobs hurl fireworks into crowd, Northumberland Gazette

Shameless youths ran amok in Alnwick on Saturday night, setting off fireworks into crowds of people and throwing them around in the street.

Teenage idiots threatened to mar the annual town fireworks display with their wild behaviour and continued to cause havoc afterwards.
Extra police patrols from Morpeth and Ashington had to be brought in to cope with the disorder, which resulted in 30 youths – aged between 13 and 18 – being stopped by police.
Alcohol was seized as drink-fuelled teens ran riot.
Alnwick Police Inspector Sue Peart launched a scathing attack on the youngsters and warned action will be taken.
She said: "I am outraged at this. The actions of these mindless young people are an absolute disgrace. The display in Alnwick has always had a good turnout and has always been a highlight of the year in Alnwick, but the behaviour of these young people is putting the future of the official display at risk.
"We will be taking robust action. We will prosecute the people who have committed very dangerous offences of throwing fireworks. Anyone who was involved in this can not lie in their beds and rest because we will be knocking on their doors and dragging them out, and bringing them to justice."
The disturbing incidents could have left a devastating mark on the annual display at Alnwick Rugby Club.
Lives were put at risk as reckless youths let off fireworks which exploded into the crowd, narrowly missing small children.
At least two loud explosions rocked families standing near the edge of the field, where Alnwick and District Round Table was preparing to stage its eagerly-anticipated display.
Children were scattered after one immense flash and bang, which happened right next to a toddler in a pushchair.
The youths believed to be responsible were seen laughing and drinking cans of lager, even though they appeared to be well under the legal drinking age.
Round Table organisers put out loudspeaker messages urging no more unauthorised fireworks be lit, but parents and bystanders were already furious.
One said: "I couldn't believe what I was seeing. They had absolutely no shame. They're lucky they didn't get lynched."
A father-of-two added: "There was a group of teenagers. One of them chucked something at the ground and it went off, right next to the younger kids."
Bryan Thompson, Round Table community services chairman, said there was an explosion in the crowd, but the firework appeared to be thrown from outside.
He said: "What we think happened is a group of kids were trying to get through the fence at the back. One of these kids threw a banger over the fence, into the crowd, and then ran across the cricket field. I don't think it was somebody in the crowd. But there were marshals at the event and they were quickly on the scene."
He added: "It is just stupidity. I can't understand the mentality of these people. It is ridiculous."
Despite the trouble, the event has been praised for its organisation.
But the shocking behaviour continued afterwards and fireworks were thrown around the streets and in Alnwick town centre.
One eye-witness, who was walking home from the display with six young children, said she was forced to make a detour for their safety because teenage gangs were launching fireworks across Victoria Road.
She said: "A group of youths were letting off some kind of fireworks. I don't think they were rockets, but there was a very large bang, and then more were let off.
"They were 20 yards ahead of us and there were groups on both sides of the road.
"Some of the fireworks were being thrown across the road. I couldn't see anybody throwing them but I heard the bang, and realised this had happened."
She added: "It is disturbing. I have never encountered anything like this in Alnwick before."
Police have confirmed they are examining CCTV footage in the town centre to capture the idiots who were causing trouble there.
Inspector Peart said: "We have had reports of people fighting and throwing fireworks and we are currently looking at CCTV and cameras from shops throughout the town centre.
"There is no excuse for this behaviour, and it will not be tolerated."
Nov 12, Teenage yobs hurl fireworks into crowd, Northumberland Gazette

Nov 12, Town left shocked after arson attack, Border Telegraph

A 17 year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with the fire, which began at around 7.30pm last night (Wednesday).

The teenager allegedly put a lit firework through the letter box of the property in Weirgate Brae, causing it to go up in flames.

Emergency crews from Galashiels rushed to the scene at the house, which was unoccupied after its female occupant moved out a couple of months ago.

The fire is estimated to have caused around £20,000 of damage.

Neighbours have been left shocked by the attack, which prompted police to condemn 'reckless' conduct with fireworks.

Superintendent Doug Forsyth said: "Only by good fortune the house was not occupied at the time of this incident as the consequences could have been catastrophic.

"Anyone purchasing fireworks should be well aware of the risks they pose if not used responsibly and if misused will most likely result in severe injury or even worse.

"We will robustly deal with anyone found acting irresponsibly with fireworks."

The male was scheduled to appear at Jedburgh Sheriff Court today (Thursday).

Nov 12, Town left shocked after arson attack, Border Telegraph

Nov 13, Bagshot field set to get firework-proof dog bins, Get Surrey

Explosion-proof dog bins will be appearing in Bagshot after vandals took to blowing the existing ones up with powerful fireworks.

Four bins on the School Lane field have been wrecked in the past few weeks after having high-power fireworks set off in them in an attempt to shower the area with dog excrement.

As well as creating a steaming mess for the groundsmen to clean up, the explosions have also forced Windlesham Parish Council, which runs the field, to remove all its bins.

Tim Price, the parish clerk, has become so exasperated with the problem and mounting cost that he has asked the company that manufactures the bins to design a special blast-proof model.

His assistant, Philip Cottell, said the groundsmen on the field had been finding blow-out dog bins around Guy Fawkes’ Night for the past couple of years.

But he said the problem had escalated this year with two bins being blown up the week before bonfire night and then another two the following week.

“It creates lots of work for the parish council,” he said

“When you have to take apart the damaged bins which are full of dog mess after a firework has gone off in it, it's not the nicest job in the world.

"It's bad enough if you have to clear up after people haven’t bagged it but when people have blown it all over the place it’s very unpleasant.”

Mr Cottell said that the bins were not being exploded with small bangers but that groundsmen had found the remains of larger pieces, including a 9in-by-6in multi-firework.

“They are using quite big fireworks which makes you ask where kids are getting them from,” he added.

Windlesham Parish Council took over the field from Surrey County Council eight years ago and has since turned it into a recreation area for families and dog walkers.

However, Tim Price, the council’s clerk, said the recent spate of explosions had left him with no choice but to withdraw all the dog bins from the field.

“The people responsible for this, and I suspect youths, think that they are going to plaster dog excrement all around Bagshot,” he said.

“But I gave instructions to remove all the bins and was prepared to receive angry comments from dog walkers.”

Mr Price said he then got in contact with the company who make the dog bins, Earth Anchors, and asked it to find a solution to the incendiary problem.

As the bins, which cost around £200 each, are compactly built with a strong lid, the blast has nowhere to vent and blows them completely out of shape.

Now the company has come up with a new design to make the dog bins blast resistant.

Kevin Clegg, the managing director of Earth Anchors, said the new bins would have a mesh bottom fitted.

If a firework were let off in the new bins it would blow the mesh and faeces out of the bottom but leave the bin’s structure intact.

“There is a shockwave with any explosion,” said Mr Clegg.

“But putting mesh in the bottom will lessen the effect of the explosion as it will go downwards.”

“I can’t really say that we have had anyone else ask us to do this for them.”

Nov 13, Bagshot field set to get firework-proof dog bins, Get Surrey

Nov 13, Court hears of aftermath of Lewes firework factory explosion, The Argus

A police officer described to a court today the chaotic aftermath following a massive explosion at a fireworks factory which killed two firemen.

PC Dave Upjohn, of Sussex Police, said he was knocked off his feet by the blast at Marlie Farm in Shortgate, near Lewes.

A metal container packed with fireworks exploded at the site on December 3, 2006, causing fragments to fly and injuring some 20 people, mainly police and fire officers.

The blast killed retained firefighter Geoff Wicker, 49, and support officer Brian Wembridge, 63, who were both long-serving members of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Today PC Upjohn told Lewes Crown Court that he was patrolling in Hastings when he was tasked to travel 30 miles to help traffic and man a cordon as flames tore through the fireworks factory.

He told the jury of nine women and three men: "There was a large shockwave that came across and which caused me to step backwards.

"I was already slightly unsteady on my feet when it was followed up by a loud explosion.

"The next thing I remember was the debris going up in the air... fireworks, smoke - almost like a mushroom cloud.

"It was fairly frantic. I believe a telephone pole came out of the explosion and landed just a few feet in front of us. I was knocked back but I don't recall going down.

"It all happened very, very quickly."

Asked by junior prosecuting counsel Gaby Henty about the scene, PC Upjohn said: "It was chaos. Looking up, I was aware there were firefighters trying to fight the fire.

"They were very close to the explosion and I knew there were casualties. There was a lot of damage to the vehicles and there was debris flying around.

"We tried to assist the injured. Firefighters were coming out and they were dragging their injured colleagues out. They were all in a state of shock and I just tried to help as I could."

PC Upjohn told the court that he spoke to a fire officer at the Festival Fireworks UK Ltd site but he was in a "state of shock".

Prosecutors allege that company boss Martin Winter, 52, and his son and employee Nathan Winter, 25, were aware of the hazards posed by storing fireworks in a metal container which was not authorised by their licence.

It is claimed that the Winters were both familiar with the different hazard classifications given to fireworks and their potential for mass explosion in a confined steel container.

It is also alleged that both men were familiar with the licence and its obligations about how and what could be stored and how fireworks should be handled.

The Crown claims that, nevertheless, the container was still "packed" with fireworks, including those which posed a risk of mass explosion.

The Winters each deny two counts of manslaughter.

Jurors have heard that they could not be considered responsible for the two deaths as it was the duty of fire officers at the scene to have been aware of the dangers of a blaze involving fireworks and to have taken the necessary precautions.

Not guilty pleas have also been entered on behalf of the company, now called Alpha Fireworks Ltd, which faces two counts of breaching health and safety legislation.

The case was adjourned until 10.15am on Monday.

Nov 13, Court hears of aftermath of Lewes firework factory explosion, The Argus

Nov 13, Disabled pensioner in blaze rescue drama, Manchester Evening News

A disabled pensioner had to be rescued from her home after flames spread to her house when an arsonist torched her mobility scooter.
Margaret Wood, 74, was trapped upstairs after the scooter exploded engulfing the ground floor of her Crumpsall property in flames.
She was treated for smoke inhalation at hospital.
Police believe the blaze may have been started by a firework being thrown at the scooter.
Low life
Margaret, who depends on her walking stick and mobility scooter to get around, said: "This person is a total low life.
"They obviously knew I was an invalid and that I would be upstairs in bed at that time of the morning and they went ahead and did it. It's disgusting.
"All this because they were bored or wanted a laugh."
Speaking of her ordeal, Margaret, said: "Once I had smashed open the bedroom window with my stick I could see what was going on and I knew I couldn't get out.
"I could hear voices so I just grabbed the dogs and my handbag and went into the back bedroom and waited to be rescued."
Outside neighbours were on hand to help after being alerted by a motorist who was driving down Hazelbottom Road at the time of the fire at around 1.30am of Wednesday morning.
Mary, who lives next door but one, said: "We were woken up by the motorist banging on our windows and doors to try and wake us up.
"As soon as we saw what was going on my partner John went round the back and grabbed the hose and started trying to put the fire out.
"It must have only been about ten minutes but it seemed a lot longer.
Lucky
"She's very lucky it could have been a lot worse, especially if no one was driving past at the time."
Margaret was taken to North Manchester General Hospital but was discharged a few hours later.
CCTV footage of the area is being investigated by police.
Det Con Anthony Strong said: "This person must have no conscience or respect for human life if they are willing to set fire to an elderly woman's home as she slept in her bed.
"We would like to thank the people for their efforts which stopped the fire spreading but now we are determined to put the culprit behind bars."
Anyone with any information about the attack please contact the police on 0161 856 3240 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Nov 13, Disabled pensioner in blaze rescue drama, Manchester Evening News

Nov 13, Fireworks used to damage post boxes, Bedfordshire on Sunday

Bedfordshire Police is investigating damage caused to Royal Mail post boxes in north Bedfordshire thought to be caused by fireworks.
Six post boxes are known to be affected and as a result the Royal Mail have decided to make collections earlier in the day than advertised until further notice in those postcode areas affected which are MK41 and MK44 (Bedford and north Beds villages).
The firework type devices, which look like a bundle of sparklers taped together, were found on Friday (November 7) in post boxes Colmworth, Wilden and Keysoe with a fourth found in Leven Walk on Saturday.
All of them had been lit and some post had been destroyed. A further two, which had not been lit and had therefore caused no damage, were discovered in the Ridgeway in Bedford on Saturday and in Renhold on Tuesday (November 10).
The ‘fireworks’ have been seized and will be forensically examined. DC Julia Searle, investigating, said: “It is our belief that these fireworks have been posted into mail boxes to cause damage to the post rather than to cause harm to anyone because they have been lit at the point of entry and would have quickly fizzled out. Those that had not been lit were of course harmless.
“If anyone has information about these incidents, or recalls seeing people acting suspiciously around the relevant mail boxes on Friday or Saturday, then please do contact the police.
"In the meantime anyone who sees subsequent suspicious activity near post boxes should contact the police. We will continue to work closely with the Royal Mail to ensure the smooth running of the postal system while our investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with information about the fireworks should contact Dc Julia Searle in confidence at Bedford CID, on 01234 275347, text 07786 200011 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Nov 13, Fireworks used to damage post boxes, Bedfordshire on Sunday

Nov 14, Dangerous fireworks stolen, 107 The Bee

Police in Accrington are appealing for information after thieves stole a number of dangerous commercial fireworks.
The rack, which contained eight mortar shells were stolen during a firework display at Accrington Cricket Club last Saturday.
Organisers realised the powerful rockets had been stolen towards the end of the event and contacted the police.
Officers are concerned that young people may have stolen them and have issued a warning about the potential dangers they pose.

Nov 14, Dangerous fireworks stolen, 107 The Bee

Nov 15, Child injured by distress flare, BBC News

A four-year-old boy suffered critical injuries when a distress flare hit him as he walked with his family in east London.

The child was walking with his parents and baby sister on Chatteris Avenue in Harold Hill, Romford, when the flare struck him on Saturday afternoon.

The boy is in hospital with critical injuries, but his condition is stable.

Officers said they found the remains of a hand-held parachute assisted rocket flare at the scene.

'Horrific incident'

Police believe the flare was fired horizontally rather than vertically.

Det Insp David Cavanagh, from Havering police, said: "There are two potential witnesses that we are keen to speak to, whom we believe can help our enquiries into this horrific incident.

"Firstly, we would like to hear from a woman who stopped her car and administered first aid to the boy and was even willing to take the child to hospital prior to the paramedics arriving and taking the boy.

"Secondly, we are keen to trace a person described to us as a young black boy who was enquiring with people at the scene as to how the boy was, but left prior to the arrival of police at the scene."

Nov 15, Child injured by distress flare, BBC News

Nov 20, Claims 'Hull crowd hit by Christmas fireworks', This is Hull & East Riding

Spectators gathering to watch the switch-on of Hull's Christmas lights were hit by fireworks, it is claimed.

The Mail has received several complaints about renegade fireworks hitting people in the crowd.

One mother claims her little daughter screamed with pain after being hit in the eye.

The same woman said that they were unable to find any medics to help the girl and had to rely on a street marshal to shown them to an ambulance.

Another lady claimed her daughter was hit in the chest by a firework capsule.

Another spectator says a firework hit his coat and damaged it.

As reported in the Mail and on its website, thousands gathered in the city centre to see the lights switch-on last night.

The Mail will be talking to Hull City Council about these claims.

Nov 20, Claims 'Hull crowd hit by Christmas fireworks', This is Hull & East Riding

Nov 22, Sparks – and grit – fly at Embankment fireworks, Bedfordshire on Sunday

A mother has raised concerns about a firework display after her five-year-old son had to receive medical attention when sparks blew into his eyes.
Emma Thorman, 30, from Bedford, described how her son Kayden began ‘jumping around and screaming’ when some of the sparks from the fireworks went into his eyes.
She said: “I was really worried as he was becoming hysterical.”
She had taken him to watch the display at the Christmas Light switch-on along The Embankment on Wednesday evening to cheer him up as he had been unwell.
They ended up in the St John’s Ambulance tent at the event where staff washed Kayden’s eyes out and removed pieces of grit from them.
Miss Thorman said she also thought she felt sparks in her eyes and that there seemed to be other people at the display who also experienced it.
She said: “I think because it was so windy that bits were blowing across on to the crowd.

“We were right at the front watching the fireworks when it happened and you could see the sparks coming from them and landing in the river.”
She is now going to speak to Bedford Borough Council about the incident and said: “I was really surprised that there was no warning that this might happen.
“My son was left very shocked by the whole thing and said that he thought he was going to do.
“Luckily he will not have any long-term damage, his eyes are just a bit sore.”
A borough council spokesman said: “20,000 people attended our event on the embankment this week.
“As with any event of this size we worked with St John Ambulance to help anybody who became injured or unwell.
“On the night seven people visited the St John Ambulance, all of whom were dealt with at the site.
“Throughout the day we worked with the professionals providing the firework display to make sure the safety of the audience was paramount.”

Nov 22, Sparks – and grit – fly at Embankment fireworks, Bedfordshire on Sunday

Nov 24, Sussex firework factory boss ‘tried to warn’ fire crews of explosives danger, The Argus

The owner of a firework factory where two firemen were killed in an explosion has described how the fatal blaze broke out.

Martin Winter, the managing director of Alpha Fireworks, told Lewes Crown Court he and son Nathan, 25, ran for their lives when bags of fireworks caught light as they packed them into a van for a delivery.

The Winters, both of Marlie Farm at Shortgate, near Lewes, deny the manslaughter of Mr Wembridge and Mr Wicker on December 3 2006.

Support officer Brian Wembridge, 63, who was making a video of the scene, and retained firefighter Geoff Wicker, 49, were both killed.

In an interview statement read to the jury Martin Winter, 52, said fireworks started to go off around him and in the blustery weather the blaze began to spread to storage buildings.

But he claimed when firefighters arrived they ignored advice he and his son gave them and that a policeman threatened to arrest him when he tried to warn fire crews.

The trial continues.

Nov 24, Sussex firework factory boss ‘tried to warn’ fire crews of explosives danger, The Argus

Nov 27, Illegal fireworks found during investigation into fatal factory blaze, The Argus

Illegal fireworks were discovered by investigators following a fatal explosion at a factory.

Investigators also found other fireworks had been modified which would have caused them to be potentially hazardous.

Two firemen died when a metal container packed with ten tonnes of fireworks exploded after a blaze started at Marlie Farm at Shortgate, near Lewes, on December 3 2006.

Support officer Brian Wembridge, 63, who was videoing the scene, and retained firefighter Geoff Wicker, 49, were killed and 20 other people were injured.

Martin Winter, 52, the managing director of Alpha Fireworks, and his son, Nathan, 25, both of Marlie Farm, deny the manslaughter of the two men at a trial at Lewes Crown Court.

Firework expert Stuart Myatt told the court illegal "spinner" fireworks were among hundreds of articles recovered from the site.

He said the spinners, which were designed to rotate on the ground before jumping in the air, were banned in the UK because of their erratic flight.

Many firework companies had not used them for decades but they were only formally made illegal in 1997 under firework safety regulations.

The trial continues on Monday.

Nov 27, Illegal fireworks found during investigation into fatal factory blaze, The Argus

Nov 30, Three people dead in fireworks factory blast in China, RIA Novosti

Three people were killed and four others injured in a fireworks factory explosion in eastern China's Jiangsu province, the Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.

The blast, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, toppled down four buildings. The blast killed one worker immediately and injured six others. Two of the injured later died in hospital. The other four are still in hospital undergoing treatment, Xinhua said.

The causes of the accident are being investigated, Xinhua said.

After the accident, the government shut down all fireworks factories in the province for safety check, Xinhua said.

Winter traditionally marks the peak of accidents at Chinese fireworks factories, which build up production on New Year's Eve.

A total of 46 people were injured and 75 fires occurred in firework-related incidents in China's capital on January 25-26, 2009 as the country celebrated the Lunar New Year.

The Chinese believe that fireworks drive away evil spirits.

Nov 30, Three people dead in fireworks factory blast in China, RIA Novosti

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