Police warn on abuse of fireworks

Inspector John Merrick said his officers would not hesitate to use the law to make sure that the seasonal fun was safe for everyone to enjoy.

Several measures have been introduced in recent years to tackle the anti-social and dangerous use of fireworks.

The ultimate penalty for breaking the legal regulations is a fine of up to 5,000 and/or a prison sentence.

The rules state that fireworks can only be bought by those aged 18 and over, they should not be possessed in a public place by under-18s and fireworks should not be thrown around on a pavement or a road.

Insp Merrick said the laws were there to protect everyone from the results of stupid behaviour with fireworks.

'In the approach to firework night, I would ask parents to be aware of the legislation around fireworks and be responsible for their children.

'They could perhaps taken them to an organised event where fireworks can be enjoyed in safety.

'In addition, police officers will be utilising powers to issue fixed penalty notices for appropriate fireworks offences,' he stated.

Police officers will be patrolling at prominent times in the next few days to give further reassurance and to help prevent and detect crime and disorder associated with this time of year.

The patrols began in the build up to last night's Halloween. They were an effort to prevent the traditional increase in calls received by the police, particularly from distressed and vulnerable people as a result of trick or treat callers at their front doors or fireworks being let off and thrown.

Sussex Police has also introduced No Trick or Treating signs, which were available from Bognor police station, to provide some protection to such individuals.