Belfast Telegraph, 31 October  2001 Trader urges crack down on bangers
More stringent firework controls must be introduced before someone is killed or seriously injured, it was claimed today. And John Moore, vice-president of Belfast's chamber of trade, urged the Northern Ireland assembly to focus on a problem which, he said, had "got out of hand".

Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 31 October 2001: List of serious injuries already
Children have already been hurt in a spate of fireworks accidents - with several days still to go before Bonfire Night.  A series of serious incidents across England have left a seven-year-old London girl with severe head injuries caused by a rocket.  And an eight-year- old boy in Preston almost lost his hand when a firework exploded in it.

Ireland on Sunday, 31 October 2001: Illegal fireworks maiming our children
I was able to buy the deadly fireworks as gardaí issued their annual pre-Hallowe'en warning to parents and children about these deadly crackers.   Gardaí confirmed the fireworks purchased by Ireland on Sunday were of particularly poor quality and therefore would be highly dangerous.   So far, 12 Dublin children have been injured following firework accidents this month. This represents a huge increase on previous years' figures.  Gardai last week warned that people importing large quantities of fireworks risk up to 14 years in jail.
A garda source said  "The first fireworks were on sale from October 1. These people do not care about the children. There are no standards with the fireworks that are being imported. Most of them are of poor quality and from China," the source said.  "These people are endangering lives by supplying fireworks to children. The children are risking serious injury by playing with these illegal fireworks."
Already more than a dozen children have been treated in hospital after suffering serious firework-related injuries.  Dr Patricia Eadie, a consultant plastic surgeon, said that doctors have reported a dramatic increase in firework injuries this year.  She said that Crumlin and St James Hospitals have already treated 12 serious cases this month. 
"One child lost his thumb and his index finger which will seriously impair him for the rest of his life," Dr Eadie said.
In one case, a 12-year-old boy lost the top of his index finger and badly damaged his middle finger when a Black Cat banger exploded in his hand.
Another boy (14) grabbed a banger from his younger brother because he panicked. The banger exploded in the older boy's hand, damaging it badly.

Liverpool Echo 31 October 2001: Fireworks craze warning
A terrifying new craze could end in tragedy a fire brigade spokesman has warned.
Gangs are hurling fireworks at passing cars, with incidents reported from the Scotland Road area.  One eyewitness said: "There was a black car in front of us and as we got closer the gang let off rockets and threw them at car level. A rocket exploded on the car's windscreen and it swerved, then another firework hit our car."  Station officer Mike Harris of Merseyside Fire Brigade has witnessed the attacks at first hand, adding: "This was busy traffic, it is amazing there was not a serious incident."  The fine for throwing fireworks in a public place is £5,000

Liverpool Echo 31 October 2001: Youths bring rocket fear to streets
Liverpool motorists are being targeted by gangs throwing fireworks.  Fire and police chiefs warned that it is only a matter of time before the new "game" ends with someone being seriously injured.  Cars on Scotland Road, Kirkdale, have been hit by rockets fired from the side of the road and there has been at least one minor crash.
Similar reports have been received from other parts of the city.
Some of the attacks have been seen by fire brigade spokesman Mike Harris.
He said: "We were driving along Scotland Road in rush hour traffic and there was a gang of lads by the side of the road throwing fireworks at the vehicles going out of town.
"This was busy traffic, it is amazing that there was not a serious accident. This is so dangerous and totally irresponsible." The fine for throwing fireworks in a public place is £5,000.
* VANDALS put a firework through a bedroom window and destroyed the contents of a student's flat.
Fire-fighters were called to Hope College in Taggart Avenue, Childwall, shortly after 9 last night. It took almost two hours to bring the blaze under control. The flat was empty at the time.

Ic Teesside  31 October 2001: Pearl's fight taking off!
Campaigning shopkeeper Pearl Hall says she is pleased with the response to her anti-firework sales stance.   And as well as planning to give Tony Blair a written rocket in a letter, she now wants a national TV debate.   The Gazette told how Pearl Hall, 80, was left cowering as a firework fizzed around her shop with such ferocity that it burst open a can of soup.  Fed up with the amount of fireworks being let off around South Bank, she decided to start a petition, calling for a ban on shop firework sales.
She says hundreds of people have signed the petition at her shop - Open All Hours in Victoria Street - and at South Bank Post Office.   She has also received several letters backing her stance. Now she wants to spread her message via daytime TV.
She explained: "I've written to the producers of Kilroy, asking for a debate on television and if I can be in the audience.  "I'll take anyone on regarding this firework situation.
"Everybody is with me around here. They say, `Pearl, you're doing the right thing'.
"People daren't walk along the street in case a firework explodes at their feet."
Mrs Hall said the situation had "got a little better" recently, but she remains defiant.
"There's a lull now, but it can easily break out again," she said.
"I want a stop to it once and for all. I won't rest until it's stamped out."
Police have launched several recent raids to crack down on illegal firework sales.

This is Local London   31 October 2001:  Firework accident that left lasting impression
A SPECIAL plea from the heart for people to be extra careful with fireworks has come from Waltham Forest Mayor Midge Broadley.  Over 25 years ago, Cllr Broadley saw a child receive a severe injury at a bonfire night party and has never forgotten the image.  She said: "I attended the bonfire party where a child was very badly hurt in what was an avoidable firework accident.  "This happened simply because some fireworks were stored in a box without a lid and were set off by some sparks from the fire. "I have never forgotten it. If one person, especially a young child, is hurt in our borough because of carelessness, it is one too many, and it need not happen." She also urges people to remember a few simple rules, such as not leaving children unsupervised around fireworks, and following the fireworks manufacturers' instructions for letting them off.  "They are written with your safety in mind," she said.
Cllr Broadley is inviting the public to Waltham Forest's fireworks display on Sunday. She too will be attending what promises to be a spectacular event.
The display is professionally organised at the Waltham Forest Pool and Track, Chingford Road, Walthamstow, and starts at 7.30 pm. Entry for adults is £3 and concessions are £2.

This is Trafford  31 October 2001: Firework hurts girl
A NINE year-old girl was injured after being hit by a firework on Higher Road, Urmston, just after 4pm on Tuesday. Fire officers are urging people to be wary of others, particularly children, when setting off fireworks.

Belfast Telegraph 30 October 2001: Fireworks warning after blaze at house
Fireworks are highly dangerous and should not be handled by children, leading safety group RoSPA said today.   A spokeswoman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents was speaking after an elderly woman narrowly escaped injury when she was rescued from a house fire in Maghera last night, believed to have been caused by a firework.  Her son-in-law also escaped injury after the alarm was raised around 10pm at the house on Pine Hill Avenue.
Scorch damage was caused to the living room of the house and some smoke damage to the downstairs area.  It is believed a rocket type firework caused the blaze after it went through the living room window.

This is Essex   30 October 2001: Colchester: Call for ban over sale of firework
An angry dog-owner has called for a ban on fireworks sold over the counter after her pets were badly injured.   Lorna Flint's four dogs were so frightened by a banger let off by children at Salary Brook, Greenstead, they ran into a busy road, where two were involved in a collision with a car.   Now Sam, a rottweiler cross, faces major hip replacement surgery, which will cost more than £1,000, while Mrs Flint's other dogs are confused and suffering from shock.
Mrs Flint, of Britten Close, Greenstead, said she saw two boys by the river at Salary Brook when she arrived with her dogs, but thought they were fishing and it was safe to let the dogs off their leads.   "About a second later, the boys let off some bangers, which completely frightened the dogs. Before I could get to them, they had bolted toward Clingoe Hill into the path of a car."
And she said she is so angry about the whole incident, she is considering writing to the Government to urge a ban on the sale of fireworks.   "I think something should be done to make sure people cannot get their hands on things like bangers and misuse them like that.  "My dogs are absolutely traumatised by this. I really believe fireworks should only be used for organised displays," she said.

This is Essex   30 October 2001: Colchester: Horses terrified by early display
A woman has urged people to let animal owners know when they plan to have their fireworks party after a horse in foal and a veteran 31-year-old animal were frightened by the display.  Joan Allcock , Colchester co-ordinator of Essex Horse Watch, said if she knew the firework display was happening, she could have taken action to ensure her four horses were not alone.   Mrs Allcock, of Wakes Colne, said she is not anti-fireworks, and all that was needed was some notice of when displays were going to take place. All animal owners are preparing for this weekend and November 5, but Mrs Allcock said there are lots of displays in the run-up to this. "I did not know anything about the display last night," she said.  "The finale was the most horrendous, with bangs, 12 one after the other."  "I have got four horses, one is a thoroughbred mare in foal, who is nervous anyway.  "When I got to her she was doing the Grand National round her stable.  "One of my horses is 31. This is not the sort of thing they want to be left alone for."  She added: "If someone is there with them they can cope and the stable lights can be left on so the flashes are not so bad."  "Last year, two horses in a field died after they bolted through barbed wire fences," she said.
"If people are planning a display and they know there are horses or farm animals nearby, it would be a great help if they could let them know when the display will be.

This is Leeds 30 October 2001, Terror after a rocket strike on OAP's home
A DISABLED pensioner and his 10-year-old son were left terrified after a powerful firework tore through the guttering of their home and smashed the roof slates.  Irvin Sabille, 61, suffers from chronic obstructive airways disease, which means he has severe breathing difficulties and has to keep tanks of oxygen in his home to help him breathe.  He was sitting in his lounge on Sunday evening with his son Robert when the firework struck the back of his Tingley home at around 8.30pm.  Mr Sabille said: "Fireworks had been going off for about one-and-a-half hours when we saw a flash at the bottom of the garden. "The next thing we knew there was the most horrific bang just outside the house. "It was absolutely petrifying."
Mr Sabille believes the firework was set off somewhere near the bottom of his 70ft-long garden, before it flew through the air and smashed into his home. "A couple of feet either way and it would have gone through a window upstairs or downstairs," said the former soldier.

This is Bradford   29 October 2001: Drive to change fireworks law backed
Police and fire chiefs are backing a campaign calling for a change in firework laws.
Award-winning fire-safety campaigner Elizabeth Hellmich, of Heaton, is spearheading attempts to revamp firework laws which date from 1760.  Mrs Hellmich, who won a national Neighbourhood Watch award for her efforts, said: "I've been trying for a few years now to get these laws changed - to no effect.  "But we are still collecting names for a petition to send to Parliament and push for a hearing. Something needs to be done to stop children getting hold of potentially lethal fireworks."   Chief Superintendent Phil Read, divisional commander of Bradford North Police, said any campaign to restrict the sale of fireworks and prevent misuse had to be supported. He said: "Throughout the year the police receive regular complaints across the district from people suffering at the hands of people who misuse fireworks.  "The law currently allows what are effectively high explosives to easily get into the hands of people who will readily misuse them."  Divisional officer Brian Robson, of Bradford Fire Service community safety department, said he hoped the poster designed by Clayton Primary pupil Jessica Foulds, featured in Thursday's Telegraph & Argus, would focus minds on the dangers of fireworks.  "People would not give their children a bottle of poison or a hot kettle but they are prepared to sell or pass on a firework which can cause serious injury," he said.
Bradford South Labour MP Gerry Sutcliffe is trying to secure a Parliamentary hearing on changing the laws. He said: "While we do not want to spoil people's enjoyment, fireworks should be organised and run by people with experience

This is Bradford   29 October 2001: Letters to the Editor
SIR - I do not agree with a ban on Category 3 consumer display fireworks to the public because a lot of well-organised non-professional events (schools/playgroups/churches/residents and tenants and community associations etc) use these fireworks to put on their displays.
These people cannot afford to hire professionals to put them on, and to ban consumer display fireworks from sale would mean a lot of events going to the wall and fewer events for people to go to (especially in rural, isolated country areas and villages where there is little firework and bonfire event provision).   I would suggest, however, that people who purchase these should be given a free place on a manufacturer-supported training and awareness course so that people using consumer display fireworks know how to use and fire them safely. A P,  Accrington,

Sunday Life October 28 2001: Mindlessly maimed! Banger attack agony of girl (10) Brave little Tracey Lane almost had her hand blown off - by a 20p banger.  The terrified 10-year-old was the innocent victim of a mindless firework attack, which left her hospitalised for three days.  Her bloodied and blackened left hand was swollen to almost twice its size, and her finger and thumb were slashed.  Halloween has now been cancelled for her and brother John (14). Said mum Theresa: "There will never be as much as a sparkler in this house again."
She told last night what she remembered.  "I was just sitting on the kerb when somebody threw a banger and it went off beside me," she said.
"It's awful to think that a 20p banger could cause such a terrible injury," said Theresa.
"It's a terrible racket and must be stopped before someone is killed or disfigured," she said.

IC Birmingham,  27 October 2001 Bonfire Night safety alert
Council chiefs today urged Birmingham families to shun back garden fireworks parties.
They urged parents to take children instead to one of the spectacular public fireworks displays

This is Lancashire  27 October 2001: Police drafted in following attack
Extra police patrols will be on the streets of Brierfield in response to Wednesday's attack in which Fire-Fighters were bombarded with fireworks and stones.   The police, fire service and local authorities in the town have also agreed an action plan to clamp down on illegal sale of fireworks to children following the incident in which up to 50 youths ambushed the crews, who were attending a blaze in Arthur Street.

The Mirror October 27, 2001 SOLDIER IN BOMB AMBUSH
A Soldier was injured by a blast bomb last night as loyalist mobs went on the rampage.
He suffered leg wounds when a device was thrown at a foot patrol at Glenbryn Drive near Holy Cross Primary School in North Belfast.  Another blast bomb exploded at the back of a Catholic home in the nearby Alliance Avenue just before 9pm.  Three men, including a disabled pensioner, were taken to hospital suffering from severe shock.
Police battled with rioters who threw petrol bombs, blast bombs and fireworks.

York Evening Press 27 October 2001 Firework frights Reader's letter
AS November 5 approaches, could I plead with people not to let off the odd firework whenever they feel like it - please save them until the appropriate date.   Pet owners can sedate their pets on November 5 (not that that is particularly good for the pets), and can keep them indoors when there is an organised bonfire nearby on another evening (the Evening Press is helpful in publishing dates and times). But they cannot protect them against the terrors of unexpected bangs.  Parents, if you have firework-loving teenagers, please put this point of view to them.
And if readers are thinking it might be nice to have fireworks at a family or other celebration, at some other time, please consider the animals - wild animals as well as pets - and think of other ways to celebrate.  M B

Daily Post 26 October 2001 Police seize 'dangerous' fireworks in dual raids
Fireworks described as " extremely dangerous" and worth around £10,000 have been seized in two separate raids by Merseyside Police.  It is part of a concerted effort by the force to reduce injuries and the number of emergency calls connected with Guy Fawkes' Night.
In the first swoop, £6,000-worth of pyrotechnics were recovered from east Merseyside after police received several tip-offs.  The fireworks were recovered from a number of individuals selling them on the Hillside estate in Huyton.
Sgt Mark Rowely, based at Huyton police station, said: " Our operation seeks to ensure fireworks are legally sold to those over 18-years-old.  "Those who sell fireworks without a licence or to people under 18 will be treated very seriously by police. "We are working hard to ensure fireworks do not fall into the hands of those who will not use them safely. "At this time of the year, we are often faced with an irresponsible few who set off fireworks illegally and cause great distress.  "I urge parents to support police and ensure their children do not have access to fireworks.
"Fireworks are extremely dangerous. My message to young people who use them in an irresponsible way is that their actions will not be tolerated."
The second raid was in St Helens, where police seized more than £3,000-worth of fireworks, described as " extremely dangerous with the potential to cause serious injury".
Supt Peter Clarke said: "We would like to thank members of the public who provided us with vital information leading to the recovery of these fireworks.
"We are still very concerned for the safety of anyone who may have bought one and ask them to contact us immediately.  "Under no circumstances should these fireworks be lit."
The fireworks, which are Chinese in origin, are designed to be launched using specialist equipment.  They can explode on the ground if not used properly.
Two men, aged 44 and 62, both from the Moss Bank area of Huyton were arrested in connection with the seizure but have since been released on police bail.

Daily Record 26 October  2001 BLAZE GOES WITH A BANG
Police and Fire-fighters are investigating a blaze in a warehouse filled with fireworks early yesterday.  People living near the warehouse in Leith, Edinburgh, were wakened shortly after 1am by the sound of rockets and bangers.  The constant explosions and flying fireworks made it so dangerous for the fire-fighters that it took nine hours to make sure the blaze was over.
Damage was so severe that fire chiefs said the building will probably have to be demolished for safety

Dudley News 26 October 2001: Crackdown on firework sales
Pensnett shops selling fireworks are to be scrutinised by police in the next fortnight in a major crackdown on the sale of fireworks to under 18s.   Operation Goldeva goes into action tomorrow in the run-up to bonfire night, the busiest time for firework sales.   Officers will randomly visit licensed and unlicensed shops checking for purchases by under 18s.

Liverpool Echo 26 October 2001 Police warning over danger 'bomb'
Merseyside police today issued a warning about an "extremely dangerous" firework on sale in Liverpool.  They say the large, onion-shaped firework could cause serious injuries to anyone who sets it off.  The warning came after officers seized £3,000 worth of the illegal devices from a house in Moss Bank, St Helens.  Police raided the address after a tip-off from the public.
It is so dangerous that the firework has to be handled by trained professionals. The seized goods are being held by police at a secret location.  They said the firework can be identified by a brown paper wrapping with a fuse to light at the top and looks similar to the acme bomb seen in cartoons.  A Chinese emblem is printed on the firework with the warning: "For display purposes only."  Anyone who has bought one of the fireworks should contact St Helens police station . Two men, aged 62 and 44, both from the Moss Bank area, were arrested in connection with the sale of the display firework and released on police bail.

Liverpool Echo 26 October 2001: Homes torched by fireworks
Two houses are believed to have been set ablaze within hours of each other by children with fireworks.  One fire which caused severe damage to a house in Moreton, Wirral, last night could have been caused by children throwing fireworks through a window.  The blaze came only hours after another family had a lucky escape when a firework was posted through their letter box at Bidston Green Drive, Birkenhead.    The front room of the house in Yew Way, Moreton, was completely destroyed and the next-door property suffered smoke damage. A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said one youth had been arrested on suspicion of arson and attempting to endanger life and was being interviewed today Fire-fighters were called to the Bidston Green Drive fire at 7.45pm after a firework had been posted through the letter box.
Mike Harris, spokesman for Merseyside Fire Service said: "The owner went to investigate but luckily smoke alarms in the property sounded. She immediately got her kids and got out of the property.  "Both of these incidents could have ended in tragedy and are completely irresponsible acts."  The semi-detached house in Yew Way is usually occupied by Karen Gordon and her two children, Katie, 13, and Annalise, 11. But when the fire happened, Karen was at her boyfriend's and the children were being looked after by their grandparents Joan and Donald Gordon who live next-door and who raised the alarm.  Mrs Gordon said: "It's fortunate that there was nobody in the house at the time although the people that did this weren't to know that."

Scottish Mirror, 26 October 2001 - Fireworks Blaze Hunt
Police and Fire Chiefs are investigating the cause of a mystery blaze in a warehouse filled with fireworks.  Neighbours awoke yesterday morning to the sound of rockets, Catherine Wheels and bangers exploding.  They saw the squibs bursting from the blazing roof of the Edinburgh Card and Gift Centre warehouse in Leith.

This is Bradford   26 October 2001: Thugs post lit firework through letterbox
A woman told today how she was nearly blinded after thugs posted a lighted firework through her letterbox.   Angela Hussey was settling down to watch television when she heard a rattle at her front door in Boltby Lane, Buttershaw. As she got up from the sofa to investigate, the firework exploded and the letterbox's internal metal flap flew across the room and hit her between the eyes.   "I didn't know what had happened. I got straight on the phone to my friend. All I knew was that my face was covered in blood and that something had hit me," she said.
"It knocked me flying and the day after my neck and back were hurting like mad. I'm OK now but still a bit shaken and can't believe it happened."   Mrs Hussey, 35, has been left with two black eyes and a cut to her nose that needed three stitches, following the attack last Monday at 6 pm. "The hospital said I was very lucky, if it had gone a bit further over it could've taken my eye out," she said.   "To whoever did it this was just a joke to scare me, but it blew my letterbox up and caused serious damage, and I'm quite lucky that I wasn't hurt more than I was - and that was bad enough."  Police are investigating the incident.
The attack comes just days after firework safety campaigner and neighbourhood watch co-ordinator Elizabeth Hellmich, of Heaton, spoke of the dangers of fireworks.
"A couple of days ago I saw a young lad walking with a handful of fireworks in the Whetley area. He shouldn't even have had them," she said.   "The general use of fireworks became a lot worse when people realised there was no actual law against selling the products all year round, it was just a gentleman's agreement."  Last year there were 17 firework-related injuries in Bradford - almost half of the 38 reported in West Yorkshire.

Ulster TV 26 October 2001  Fireworks find
Police have found hundreds of thousands of illegal fireworks during a search in Coagh in Co. Tyrone.  750,000 bangers and other fireworks, along with 400 garden fireworks and 5,000 display units were also found during the search.

Worcester Evening News 26 October 2001: DAD DEMANDS FIREWORK BAN MOVE
The father of two sons horrifically injured in a fireworks accident has called for the explosives to be banned.   The man, who has asked not to be named to protect the identity of his sons, is calling for fireworks to be withdrawn from general sale and only made available to people organising proper public displays.
His two sons, aged 20 and 12, were still in hospital today following Monday's accident on the cricket pitch by Evendine Close in Worcester.   They were injured, along with a 14-year-old friend, when a large firework went out and they returned to re-light it, their father said.   As they reached it, the firework went off, leaving the 20-year-old with serious facial burns and the 12-year-old with an eye injury.
Specialists at Birmingham Eye Hospital have told the sport-loving youngster that he will probably lose the sight in the eye, although an operation could save it.
"This was a big firework - big enough to kill someone in other circumstances," said the father.
"Luckily, it didn't happen. But I still have one son who'll be scarred and another who may lose his sight in one eye, which is tragic.   "I want fireworks taken off the market. We should only allow people with a safety certificate to buy them. Perhaps that will stop accidents like this from happening."
His elder son may leave Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital next week, if his progress continues. But the 12-year-old is staying in.   The 14-year-old friend was released from Worcester's Ronkswood Hospital soon after the accident with minor facial burns.   His father has also led calls for a ban on fireworks since the incident and is organising a petition within the community.

Daily Record 25 October 2001 - Firework Clue as blaze destroys UNI Building
Fire investigators were last night probing claims that fireworks started a blaze that wrecked a 100-year-old university building.
It's estimated repairs to Glasgow University's Bower Building, home to the botany department, will cost £5million. Books and equipment worth £3.5million were destroyed.
Some students reported hearing fireworks just before the fire started.

Huddersfield Daily Examiner 25 October 2001 - Firework prank terrifies couple
An elderly couple were terrified when a firework exploded through their letterbox.
Just after 8.30 last night the husband answered a knock at the door on Sugar Lane, Dewsbury, and a firework went off in his face.  A fire brigade spokesman warned that pranks like that were extremely dangerous. "This sort of incident could easily put someone in hospital," he said.
"This was a despicable thing to do to this poor couple. "It is also a malicious incident because while we are there we cannot be attending other fires."

Irish News 25 October 2001 Minister to review sale of fireworks
A possible ban on the use of fireworks - many used as deadly crude explosives during recent rioting in Belfast - has been welcomed by SDLP minister Brid Rodgers
Fireworks - some set with nails making them indistinguishable from blast bombs when hurled - have been used in recent months in street violence in north and west Belfast.
An outright ban on the sale of fireworks in the north will be one of the ideas under consideration.

Irish News 25 October 2001 Surgeon: Illegal fireworks can maim
A leading plastic surgeon has warned that children in the Republic could be scarred for life by illegal fireworks this halloween.  Dr Patricia Eadie, a consultant surgeon at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children and St James's Hospital in Dublin, revealed yesterday that 12 young people had already been admitted to A&E units this year with injuries caused by cheap fireworks.
Traders are targeting consumers in markets and streets throughout the Republic where it is against the law to use fireworks and bangers without a licence. The vendors are also convincing children to purchase dangerous fireworks which have not been safety tested for as little as IR£1 to IR£5.   The surgeon said that fireworks needed to be taken off the streets.

Liverpool Echo 25 October 2001 - Illegal fireworks seized
Police have seized thousands of pounds worth of illegal fireworks in the runup to bonfire night.  Sgt Mark Rowley, of Huyton neighbourhood police, said: "My message to young people who use fireworks in this irresponsible way, and to those who think they can sell fireworks to whomever they please, is that their actions will not be tolerated."
Pensioner Ivylea Turner feared her flat would burn to the ground after a firecracker was shoved through her letter box. The 82-year-old widow, said today: "I was upstairs in bed when I heard this terrific bang."

Manchester Evening News, 25 October 2001 - Teenage hooligan facing jail
A Teenage hooligan is facing jail after breaching Salford's first anti-social behaviour order only four weeks after it was imposed.  Last month he agreed to comply with the anti-social behaviour order.  It prohibits him from using threatening, abusive or foul language in public, carrying weapons or drinking alcohol in a public place and lighting fireworks.

Manchester Evening News, 25 October 2001 - Fire-fighters in SOS over firework thugs
Fire-Fighters have been forced to call for police protection after coming under attack from hooligans armed with lighted fireworks. On one occasion, the fire crew was unable to put out a car fire because they were surrounded by up to 30 yobs. And in another incident, a team of fire-fighters had to protect their colleagues putting out a blaze at a derelict house.

Manchester Evening News, 25 October 2001 - Bonfire peril for party organisers
Bonfire party organisers risk getting their fingers burned if something happens to mar the celebrations.   Organisers are being warned to make sure they have insurance cover.  Those who are planning a small party in the garden for friends and family - and who are not charging admission - will normally be covered by their own household insurance.
However, building a fire too close to the house could be construed by the insurer as being in breach of the ''duty of care'' clause in their policies. The consumption of alcohol may also fall into this category.

Rochdale Observer 25 October 2001 - Ban fireworks from public sale, says MP
A Rochdale MP is calling for a meeting with government ministers in a bid to ban fireworks sales to the public.  Mr Dobbin said: "I'm particularly worried about fireworks that are being smuggled into the country and being sold under the counter. These could be very dangerous if they got into the wrong hands.  "I don't see why fireworks should be on sale to the general public. Some use them to celebrate birthday parties, but is it right that the whole neighbourhood should be disturbed? You can have a good party without fireworks, which can frighten elderly people and animals." Newbold Councillor Andy Butler - Greater Manchester Fire and Civil defence Authority deputy chairman - and Heywood councillor Beatrice Owen, claim that this year they have had more firework-related complaints than ever.
The Observer has reported a series of incidents including a toilet being blown up in town centre pub The Regal Moon, a post-box being blasted in Littleborough, and a grid being blown into the air in Sudden.  Councillor Butler has set up a petition that already has 150 signatures supporting a crackdown on the sale of fireworks.  He wants the sale of fireworks restricted to organisations such as the council, which put on organised displays with trained staff working on them.
Councillor Brett said he would write to the town's three MPs to ask them to put pressure on the Government to enforce legislation clamping down on the sale of fireworks.
He said council trading standards officers were investigating claims of shopkeepers selling fireworks to children. After the meeting, Councillor Butler said: "There are likely to be 160 outlets in the borough selling fireworks before 5 November, which shows the difficulty of policing this issue.  "The Government acted on the sale of bangers and Chinese crackers before now. Hopefully we can put some pressure on one of our MPs to submit a private members bill to crackdown on fireworks."
Councillor Owen said: "This is a borough-wide problem, and fireworks seem to be being made available earlier and earlier. Something needs to be done."

Rochdale Observer, 25 October 2001 - Life sentence threat for firework thugs
Firework attacks on buildings are to be treated as arson by the police.
The top-level decision follows a series of attacks on pubs and homes in Rochdale and police have warned that anyone found guilty of such an attack faces a possible life imprisonment sentence.  A landlady has decided to leave Rochdale along with her two young children after a series of life-threatening firework attacks on the pub she runs with her husband.
a customer raced out of the pub in a bid to catch those responsible.
But he had to dash back inside for safety after being targeted with fireballs being spat out of fireworks held by the youths who were waiting outside.
"The situation is getting very dangerous and out of hand," said the 37-year-old Mr Marcroft. "They had a go at us last Wednesday when a big firework landed near one of my regulars.
"Then they came back twice the night after and one of the fireworks was so powerful it triggered the pub security alarm, even though it blew up under a car parked on the street.
"We have only been in the Weavers 10 months and are working very hard to make a go of it, but these attacks make us feel like packing it all in."
Rochdale police admit they are becoming increasingly worried about the number of firework attacks on pubs and houses.
Detective Inspector Martin Jeffs said: "We are being hammered with calls about fireworks."

Tameside Advertiser 25 October  2001. - Bright spark to make history
A bright spark hopes to halt the sale of nuisance fireworks by making legal history and taking his case to Europe.  Dukinfield councillor, John Taylor, began his campaign last year and says if parliament won't take notice of his plight, he will take it further.
Cllr Taylor explained that because some fireworks cause stress and aggravation to some people, he feels they have enough evidence to prove fireworks take away the basic human right of a peaceful life, a clause in the Human Rights Bill.  But Cllr Taylor is hoping legal action can be avoided if Home Secretary David Blunkett is sympathetic to the cause.  He says this is mainly due to Mr Blunkett's relationship with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Cllr Taylor pointed out that dogs are scared by fireworks and cannot carry out their duties properly.  "As he (Mr Blunkett) has a guide dog I am sure he can understand the problems faced by blind people when their dogs are not functioning properly. So we are hoping for a more sympathetic ear this year," said Cllr Taylor.

IC Worcester 25 October 2001 - We might not be so lucky next time
The tonne of fireworks stashed in a Worcester lock-up garage has been described as a "timebomb" by alarmed trading standards officers. The consequences of the explosives going up, along with the flammable chemicals found beside them, hardly bears thinking about. Coming so quickly after the terrible fireworks accident in Battenhall, which left a man and boy with serious injuries on Monday, it begs some predictable questions. So predictable that we need only dwell on some answers today.
The time has come for a permit system to be considered which would govern the sale of fireworks outside of the traditional Guy Fawkes season.

IC Worcester  25 October 2001 FIREWORK MADNESS: Tonne of explosives uncovered
More than a tonne of potentially lethal illegally-stored fireworks have been seized in a raid on a Worcester lock-up garage - the biggest haul ever seen in Worcestershire.  The fireworks, which have been described as a time-bomb by authorities, were seized in a joint operation between Worcestershire Trading Standards and West Mercia police on a busy city housing estate.
A Spokesman said, "Most suppliers will check to see if the buyer has a suitable storage space before fireworks are sold, so these have been obtained from a different source.

This is Bradford   25 October 2001: Jessica's plea for a safer bonfire night
An artistic girl is spearheading a campaign promoting firework safety among children.
Clayton Primary pupil Jessica Foulds will see 5,000 copies of her poster distributed to schools throughout West York-shire after winning a fire service competition.
Community safety fire officer Richard Hagger said it was hoped young children would be able to relate to the safety poster, designed by the nine-year-old.
Jessica's design was picked out from around 750 entries submitted by schoolchildren and is the first time West Yorkshire Fire Service has used a children's poster to drive home its message.
Station Officer Hagger said: "The campaign is centred around children. We are trying to stop as many accidents caused by fireworks as we can.
"Primary schoolchildren tend to be the least aware about the dangers of fireworks and we hope to change that by choosing a poster that is eye catching but not too overwhelming.
"It is the first time we have chosen a child's poster to front our campaign but we hope it will be the first of many."  Jessica said she wanted her efforts to teach other children how to avoid accidents on November.  She said: "Lots of children do not know what fireworks can do and I want to tell them how they can be hurt."
Her mother, Deborah Firth, said: "We love fireworks but I have always told my children that safety comes first and I'm proud of what Jessica is trying to tell other children."
Last year on Guy Fawkes Night, Bradford had more firework-related injuries than any other region of West York-shire, with 17 of the 38 incidents coming from the district.
But Peter Bradley, accident and emergency consultant at Bradford Royal Infirmary, said the safety message did seem to be getting home to children. He said: "Over the two weeks leading up to Bonfire Night last year, and on the night itself, 21 people were admitted to BRI with firework-related injuries. But that is quite a low figure and the number has been coming down, most of last year's injuries were to adults and not children. The one group that does seem to be getting injured still is teenagers. The simple message is be sensible and you won't get hurt."

This is Gwent 25 October 2001: Kids make petrol bomb
A POTENTIALLY lethal firework and `Molotov cocktail' was found on a Gwent street, police have revealed. Today Gwent Police issued a stark warning that whoever made the device is putting lives - including their own - at risk. Police say that on Tuesday morning, residents in the Mount Pleasant area of Rogerstone discovered a firework strapped to a milk bottle filled with petrol after youths had been congregating in the area. Police say that had it been lit, the `cocktail' would have exploded immediately, resulting in horrific if not fatal injuries. And in a warning to the youths responsible, community liaison officer PC Eddie Evans stressed that anyone caught playing with fireworks faces prosecution  PC Evans told the Argus: "If this tampered firework had been lit it could have had disastrous consequences. "The problems we deal with around here are the use of fireworks in a public place, which in itself is illegal.  "There are a lot of elderly people very frightened by them, and if we catch anybody doing it they will face prosecution. "Fireworks on their own can maim, and to modify them hugely increases the potential for damage.  "These people need to realise they are taking theirs and other people's lives in their own hands."
The woman who found the device said she feared a fatality.
Speaking from her home in Mount Pleasant, the woman - who was too frightened to be named - said: "I heard some explosions the night before and thought something must have been thrown at my window.  "When I went out to investigate I saw a group of teenagers, and it was obvious they had been throwing fireworks as you couldn't see a thing because of the smoke. "The next morning I found the incendiary device. I don't think they realise what the consequences of their actions could be. This could have resulted in a serious accident or even the death of somebody who had nothing to do with it. "We shouldn't have to put up with this, but it's the same every year from Hallowe'en onwards. "I think the parents should be more responsible. They may not know what their children are getting up to, but where do they get the money from?"

This is Leeds 25 October 2001 Scare as firework is put through letterbox
A Woman had to be treated for smoke inhalation after a firework was pushed through her letterbox.  The woman and her husband, who have asked not to be named, were at their home in Sugar Lane, Dewsbury, watching television at about 8.30 last night when they heard a bang at the door. When they opened the door to their hallway, they were confronted by a wall of acrid smoke.  The woman, in her 60s, said: "My husband didn't answer the door straight away because he said he had a feeling something was wrong.
"When he did open the door, he reeled back and the smoke hit me in the eyes. It was absolutely horrible. "I think the people who did this know what they are doing and are just out to cause mischief. They don't seem to care who they upset. Everyone is very upset about what happened."  She added: "I do think the sale of fireworks ought to be restricted. They are sold from shops too early."
Firefighter sub officer Dave Smalley said: "We can't stress enough how dangerous it is to play around with fireworks, let alone put one through someone's letterbox. This could have easily started a fire."

This is Worcestershire 25 October 2001: Petition to stamp out firework sales
A WOMAN who saw two badly burned victims of a firework accident says a petition is being organised in the community to stamp out illegal sales.   She claims the father of one of the injured pair told her someone was going around selling fireworks in pubs and parents were anxious to crack down on the practice.  The woman, who has asked not to be named, was one of the first on the scene when the incident happened on the playing fields behind Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC High School in Worcester.
City firefighters said Monday's accident was the worst incident involving fireworks they had seen in many years.
A man was taken to Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital with serious facial injuries and a child was also burnt.  "I heard some bangs and thought they were just from normal fireworks," said the woman.  "I then heard a very loud bang and could see a big cloud of smoke from the cricket field.  "I went out and heard someone shouting `help me, help me', but I couldn't see anyone, so I shouted out.  "The older boy and one of the men came into view and I then realised it was more serious than I thought.  "The young boy had black flecks all over his face and the older one was badly burnt and had blood down the side of his face.  "It's not a sight I ever want to see again."
The woman shouted to her husband and another onlooker to get an ambulance.  She said she had since been told a petition against fireworks was being planned. She said a father told her he had been offered boxes of fireworks by a man in a pub.   She added she was reluctant to let any of her grandchildren have fireworks at home since the accident.
The accident has sparked safety warnings to parents and youngsters about the dangers of not following the firework code.
Worcestershire trading standards have highlighted "the inherent dangers involved with fireworks".  "Consumers must take note of statutory warnings printed on fireworks," said a spokesman.  "Some are entirely unsuitable and dangerous for use in the garden.  "A professional firework display is the best way to enjoy and stay safe on Bonfire Night."

East Grinstead Observer 24 October 2001 - Remember the animals on Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night revellers are being asked to play it safe and fair when celebrating Guy Fawke's Night.  The British Horse Society is particularly concerned about people holding displays near fields where there are horses.
Last year two horses died when they panicked during a noisy fireworks display. Two of them collapsed and died through stress and exhaustion, while a third ran into a telegraph pole and suffered horrific injuries. By the time the owner arrived, it was too late to save them.
Kerstin Alford, head of welfare for the society, said: "Anyone holding a fireworks display has a duty of care to the public and this should include their animals."

This is Lancashire 24 October 2001: Firework arson
Yobs used fireworks to set a derelict garage alight in Bolton.
Fire-fighters tackled a blaze for 30 minutes at the disused property in Avondale Road, Brownlow Fold at 9pm yesterday.

Redditch Advertiser 24 October 2001 Fireworks warning to youngsters
Fireworks were put through the letterboxes of two Redditch homes this week.
In the early hours of Sunday, a firework was put through a letterbox of a home in Hunt End.
The incident is being treated as arson.
On Monday, another firework was placed in the letterbox of a Church Hill home at about 10.15pm. Again, nobody was hurt.
Witnesses to the two letterbox attacks can call Redditch police on 584888.

This is Lancashire 23 October 2001: Fireworks hurled at rescue crew
Fire crews came under attack from youngsters throwing fireworks as they put out a bonfire in Burnley.   Two houses were also damaged in firework incidents. Leading Fire-fighter Gary Kiyani warned: "Someone is going to get hurt."   He added said: "We went to deal with a rubbish fire on land off Rosehill Road. It turned out to be an early bonfire.
"There were quite a few youngsters there who became boisterous when we put the fire out. Some fireworks were thrown at us and some rockets set off."
Fire crews were then called to the incidents at empty properties in Sandpiper Square and Tiber Avenue.
A firework was put through the door of the house in Sandpiper Square causing a blaze which destroyed the door. There was smoke damage and some fire damage at the Tiber Avenue house at about 8pm last night.

IC Liverpool 22 October 2001 - Children injured in sectarian clashes
Two girls are recovering in hospital after being injured in an explosion as sectarian clashes intensified in North Belfast.
The girls were hurt as rival factions continued to throw fireworks at each other and engaged in sporadic stoning at several spots in north Belfast.
An army bomb disposal team later took away the remains of a blast device for examination and they also defused an unexploded pipe bomb and made safe a large firework with shrapnel packed around it found in the area.

Hereford Times  19 October 2001: Sparks fly over firework bunker
An extensive consultation process has been launched by Herefordshire Council following a Staplow man's application to build a storage bunker for up to 500 tons of fireworks.
The proposal has divided neighbours, some of whom have already written objecting to the plan for Pegs Farm, off Hollow Lane.  Mr Nicholls said the 500 tons of stored fireworks would include packaging and less than 10 per cent of the total weight would be explosives

The Ledbury Reporter 19 October 2001: Firework causes injury
A 16-year-old girl in Bromyard suffered minor injuries after a firework was set off in Lodon Avenue on October 19.

Liverpool Echo 19 October 2001 - Nail Bomb caused pub blast.
An explosion in the doorway of a pub is thought to have been caused by a device packed with nails.  A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "Early assessment of the device indicates it probably contained a black powder which originated from fireworks and a substantial number of galvanised nails.

Malvern Gazette - 19 October 2001 - Danger fears raised over firework show
Firework fragments raining down from the sky during the spectacular finale to Upton Water Festival have prompted fears over the safety of the event.   Two carrier bags full of spent fireworks were sent to Tuesday night's meeting of the town council by a resident of East Waterside.   One of the pieces of debris - a spherical object the size of a baby's head - caused great concern among the councillors.  Mayor Roger Barker said he had been personally approached by the worried resident.   "It's not just somebody being a moaning minnie," he said. "Fireworks like these could do serious damage.   "The residents of East Waterside are forced to cover their cars with something solid while the display takes place. If they just covered them with plastic sheeting, it would burn straight through. A resident of East Waterside, said he had not raised the matter with the council but agreed that the event did pose a danger.
"We enjoy the firework display ourselves but the number of spent fireworks that come raining down on our property is incredible," he explained. "We've had roof tiles cracked and I have to clean out the gutters and pick up dozens of fireworks from the garden every year."

IC Teeside 19 October 2001 - Stop this madness NOW
Defiant shopkeeper Pearl Hall has fired a verbal rocket at yobs who fool with fireworks.
Pensioner Pearl, 80, had to dive for cover when a youth threw a screaming firework through her South Bank shop doorway.  Mrs Hall wants people who support a ban on the shop sale of fireworks to contact her so she can add their names to a petition she's organising.
"It has got worse around here with fireworks. People are being told to run down the street unless they want a firework under them."
She said nothing less than a ban on the sale of fireworks would do.
Superintendent Dave Horner said,  "This is something we will not tolerate. Fireworks are not toys and, in the wrong hands, they can be lethal."
The real issue is that fireworks must be kept out of the hands of those too young, naive, mischievous or malicious. There must be a system of much stricter controls on non-sale to under 18 year olds with stiffer sentences for those who break that law.

This is Lancashire  18 October 2001: Playing with fire
In the wake of MP David Crausby's call to ban the sale of fireworks, one Little Lever High School student is living proof of the horror resulting from playing with a stray rocket or banger.
Andrew Worden, aged 13, survived an accident on November 11 last year when he and four friends found an abandoned firework on a school playing field.
He needed several operations -- the last one only six weeks ago -- and the scars are still visible on his right hand and ear.
His father Graham said: "A firework expert said that if the inside of the firework hadn't been as wet as it was, it would have wiped them out. As it was, it only partly exploded."
Figures prove the vast majority of these accidents happen to youngsters like Andrew.
Graham, aged 32, said: "I don't know if I agree with a complete ban. But restrictions on sales should be tighter.
"They should sell them from November 1. After Bonfire Night that should be it."
Mum Janet said. She said the family would be staying indoors on November 5.

This is Lancashire 18 October 2001: Chief fires safety salvo
Don't play with fire this Bonfire Night says Lancashire's fire chief.
Peter Holland, chief fire officer of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, is urging the public to stay safe in his annual November 5 message.
"Firework injuries keep Lancashire hospital's A & E departments among the busiest in the country.   "On October 18 last year 18-year-old Paul Ridge from Burnley was killed by a firework -- the first death caused by a firework in the UK in the past five years.   "Follow our firework and bonfire safety advice and keep yourself and your family out of harm's way."

IC Worcester 18 October 2001 Festival's fireworks spark council concern
An unexploded shell the size of a large orange fell into a private garden during a spectacular firework display at the Upton-upon-Severn Water Festival.
It was examined by town councillors this week after being picked up by a resident on East Waterside.  "If it landed on someone's car or head, it could've done a lot of damage," said the Mayor, Councillor Roger Barker.  "Clearly this isn't acceptable. It's not something we can afford to overlook. A lot of people who commented to me on this year's fireworks weren't just killjoys. "One of the last fireworks was quite violent and out of keeping with the rest of the display. It was making windows shake and people were genuinely frightened."
The display organiser said, "We used the same sort of materials this year as in previous years, but it sounds as though one of them didn't ignite. It's only dangerous if you put a match to it.  Unfortunately, there are inherent dangers with any firework display. We do all we can to minimise the dangers.

BBC News 17 October, 2001, Sixty fireworks used in 'racial' pub attack
An attack on a West Midlands pub, in which more than 60 fireworks were thrown through a door, was racially-motivated, police have said.
The landlord at the Crown and Cushion in West Bromwich said the attack was intended to kill drinkers.   Michael Jelf said is was extremely fortunate that no-one was seriously injured in the attack which involved more than 60 Roman candles.
In a separate inquiry, police in Lincolnshire are treating two firework attacks on the homes of asylum seekers in Lincoln as racially-motivated.
Exploding fireworks   Half an hour after the attack at the pub, just before 2100 BST on Tuesday, the local would have been packed for a dominoes match and loss of life would have been certain, said Mr Jelf.  He said the attacker simply stepped in to the pub and threw the lighted fireworks in to the bar.  The fireworks began to explode landing on chairs, curtains and breaking glasses, said Mr Jelf.  "The door opened and this person was bent down and threw a massive pack of fireworks which began sending off explosions."   "The place quickly filled with smoke and everybody just ran out of the back door and got out of the way," he said.
"There hasn't been that much damage. Glasses have been broken and the fireworks landed on upholstery and curtains but didn't set fire to them."
Police said the package contained 64 Roman candles that were made in to a block which broke down into individual fireworks.   There were about 20 people in the pub, on Lloyd Street, at the time of the attack.
'Intended to kill'   "This was a well-rehearsed attack, it wasn't kids doing a prank by throwing a firework," said Mr Jelf.   "It's been done with the intention to maim and probably to try to kill people."  Two people sustained minor injuries.   He could not give any reason for the attack but claims it was carried out by a group of Asian youths.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Williamson said: "We are treating it as a possible racial incident simply because the people involved perceive it this way.   "However it is only one of a variety of explanations."   
Detectives are also investigating a similar attack on the Shalimar restaurant in West Bromwich High Street on Monday when fireworks were thrown in to the premises.
Police are not linking the two attacks at present.
In Lincoln fireworks were pushed through the letter boxes of adjoining addresses occupied by asylum seekers.   No-one was hurt and neither property was damaged in the incidents on Tuesday evening.  Police said they were treating both cases as racist at this stage.

This is Essex   17 October 2001: Southend: Firework terror for special home residents
Residents at a residential home in Leigh awoke in terror after a firework shot through an open window.  It exploded in a corridor of the Avro Centre, in Avro Road - which houses people with learning difficulties - setting off the fire alarm on Monday night.  Children in a nearby car park are believed to be responsible for the incident.
Insp Joe Roche of Southend police said: "When you consider the people who live there, you haven't got a clue what was going through the minds of the people who did this. It was a rotten thing to do to someone.  "It was the height of stupidity and, when these people are caught, the full weight of the law will be used.
"We take a very dim view of this type of incident."
Fire engines from Southend and Leigh and an ambulance were called to the centre.
Residents were left shaken but no one was injured, according to sub officer Jon Payne, from Leigh fire station.
He said: "There was no damage but it was very distressing for the residents, and the warden was particularly shaken by what happened.
"It would appear the fireworks were lit in a car park and one of them went through the window."

IC Coventry 16 October 2001 - 'Choose fireworks with care'
Firework dangers are being highlighted to help ensure people enjoy a safe bonfire night this year.  The warning follows an incident in Coventry over the weekend where fireworks were thrown at firemen on a call.  Coventry fire chiefs hope to stamp out any repeat abuse of fireworks in the run-up to November 5 and are warning people planning displays to make sure they buy fireworks suitable for the size of the venue.
Mark Goulding, pictured, sub-officer at the West Midlands Fire Safety Centre, in Radford Road, is particularly concerned with those buying large fireworks.
He said: "Single ignition fireworks are getting more popular but some are just too big for the average garden.
"Some need a 25-metre clear distance from them, and there aren't many gardens with that.
"They can also be so expensive that unlike a smaller firework, there is a danger of people not leaving them if they fail to light and may tamper with them to make them go off in an unsafe environment."
The warning follows an isolated incident on Sunday night when youths threw fireworks at crew from Binley fire station attending a call in Hillside, Stoke Heath.
The fire service is hoping for more sensible behaviour in the run-up to bonfire night. A fireworks information pack is available from the fire safety centre for those organising displays.
Sub-officer Goulding said it isn't just youths who need to heed advice on firework dangers.
He said: "Last year the age group suffering the highest number of injuries as a result of fireworks nationally was those aged 41 and above, which is surprising.
"People should buy fireworks most suitable for the environment in which they are going to set them off and should read the instructions on them before buying them."

BBC News 15 October, 2001, Fireworks warning for teenagers
Teenagers are being warned about the dangers of fireworks as shops start selling equipment for Bonfire Night.  The government has sent thousands of safety packs and posters depicting firework victims to schools across the UK.   Television commercials will be broadcast from Monday to show people how to use fireworks properly.   This year the government's campaign - with the logo "get wise or get hurt" - is focusing on cutting the number of hand and eye injuries.
Last year two young people were killed in firework accidents and an estimated 900 people were injured - more than 500 of whom were under 16.
Only 12% of the injuries happened at organised public displays - most were at private parties or in accidents in the street.
Consumer and competition minister Melanie Johnson said: "Although the number of accidents from fireworks has been decreasing in recent years, we cannot afford to be complacent.
"Nearly all these accidents could have been prevented if only simple common sense rules had been followed."   She added: "Even though it is illegal to sell fireworks to people under 18, last year over half of all injuries happened to children under 16.   "That is a lot of young people who may have horrible scars - for life."

This is Lancashire  15 October 2001: Firework sales must be banned - MP
An MP today stepped up his campaign for a total ban on the sale of fireworks to the public.
Bolton North East MP David Crausby made the demand as the Government today launched its annual firework safety campaign.
He said that issuing warnings was not good enough and only a complete ban would stop serious injuries and deaths.

This is Lancashire 15 October 2001: THE BEN SAYS: Long fuse to November 5th
Fireworks are a traditional method of celebration in many cultures. In Britain in 2001, however, for a large part of the population, and especially the elderly, fireworks are far from that.
They have come to mean seasonal misery, domestic disruption and fear as yobs use them as another way to cause mayhem.
Two years ago, this newspaper campaigned to have fireworks banned for private use. Bolton Council also made pleas to Government, with pressure from local MPs.
We are not against the spectacle of organised displays, nor against the innocent pleasures of Bonfire Night.
But, we are against the distress that fireworks in the hands of the selfish and stupid can cause.
We urge everyone to back this latest all-party move, and show the Government that a complete sales' ban is vital.

Irish News 13 October 2001 - Horrific cost of fireworks Editorial
Fireworks are not toys  they are potentially lethal explosive devices.
Anyone who believes that fireworks are harmless forms of amusement for children should think of eight-year-old Natasha McCausland.
This little girl from Coalisland is lying in hospital, seriously ill, after a rocket firework exploded in her hand. She has lost four fingers and suffered a serious injury to her leg after picking up a discarded firework.

This is Leeds 13 October 2001,  Siege residents 'driven mad' by fireworks
Residents in an inner city community say they are being driven mad by hooligans letting off fireworks.  Householders in Richmond Hill, Leeds, say they already have to put up with joyriders, drug abuse and graffiti - and now they are having to put up with fireworks being constantly set off outside their homes.  People living in the area say that for weeks now the fireworks have been going off almost daily, distressing them and their dogs.  Campaigner James Lister, who set up the East End Park Community Association last July, said a number of people have told him about the problem.  He said: "This happens almost every year, but this year it seems to be worse. The fireworks have started much earlier and are far louder than they were in previous years. "It's hard on people living here, especially those who have pets or who are elderly - there are some people who are absolutely terrified." Mr Lister set up the association to campaign for a better deal for people living in the area.

Evening Chronicle 12 October 2001 - Family flee home blaze.
A stray firework may have left a family homeless after shooting through an open window and starting a blaze.  Bernadette and John Hall had seconds to evacuate their children from their blazing home after a bedroom burst into flames.  Experts suspect a stray rocket flew through an open window at their council semi while their children James, 11, John, nine and Terri, seven, were watching videos in another room upstairs.
The house in Stretton Way, Shiremoor, near Whitley Bay, which was left virtually gutted.

Ic Teesside 12 October 2001 - Taking fizz out of illegal sales
A huge fireworks cache has been seized by police as the battle hots up to keep Teesside's streets safer in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
A staggering 167 kilos of heavy duty fireworks were recovered yesterday in raids at three houses in South Bank and Grangetown.  Two police vans were needed to take away the explosive haul in a continued crackdown on illegal firework sales.
Superintendent Dave Horner, of Langbaurgh Police, said the fireworks could take someone's arm off if they went off unexpectedly.

Ulster TV 12 October 2001  Fireworks ban under consideration
The Northern Ireland Office has announced it is considering a fresh ban on fireworks. Security Minister Jane Kennedy has announced a review of the problems associated with fireworks.
She said an outright ban on fireworks would form part of the review

Irish News  11 October 2001 - Guide dog attacked by firework thugs
A blind Londonderry pensioner has told of her terror as her guide dog was attacked with fireworks. The Newbuildings woman, who asked to be identified only as Peggy, said that a gang of youths gathered outside her house every night and threw fireworks.

Irish Independent 9 October 2001 Hallowe'en warning as four children injured
FOUR CHILDREN have been injured, one seriously, from highly dangerous illegal fireworks sweeping the country in the run-up to Hallowe'en.
All the children suffered hand injuries in the past seven days from the fireworks and last night a leading plastic surgeon warned other youngsters would be maimed in coming weeks.
Gardai confirmed that the Black Cat bangers, made in China, are on sale in this country and that they are "extremely dangerous" and can explode the second they are lit.
Other dangerous makes of bangers are also on sale on the black market they have slow fuses and have also injured unsuspecting children who, thinking they have failed to detonate, have picked them up again.
The National Safety Council expressed concern yesterday that children living in border counties are able to get bangers from across the border in the North, where they are legal.
Most of the fireworks imported into Ireland and sold illegally are of "dubious origin" and do not meet any safety standards, a spokeswoman said.
Dr Patricia Eadie, consultant plastic surgeon attached to Crumlin children's hospital and St James's hospital in Dublin, told the Irish Independent that two 12-year-olds were admitted to Crumlin and two teenagers to St James's within the past week with hand injuries from bangers. All were boys. One 16-year-old from a border county almost blew off his thumb and left index finger from fireworks bought in the North.  "He will have functional difficulties with his hand for the rest of his life," said Dr Eadie, who performed surgery on the youngsters.  Two of the boys sustained hand injuries from bangers which exploded after they were placed in jam jars.
Dr Eadie said she expected other children to be injured over the next few weeks and urged parents to be vigilant.
A Garda spokesman said the Black Cat and other dangerous bangers, which caused a spate of serious injuries last year, were once again being sold illegally in the run-up to Hallowe'en.
"They explode in your hand, will blow off the hand, fingers or other body parts and can go off prematurely. They are very dangerous," he said.
Parents should be extra vigilant about their children and supervise bonfires and other Hallowe'en activities, the Garda spokesman said. He also said that if anybody has information relating to the illegal sale of fireworks they should telephone their local garda station or use the Garda confidential line at 1800-666-111.

Huddersfield Daily Examiner 9 October 2001 - Arson attacks on post-boxes
People have been urged to check their mail has arrived at its destination after arsonists attacked four post-boxes with powerful fireworks in Huddersfield.  Many letters were destroyed.

IC Teesside 9 October 2001 - Fireworks seized in house raid
Police were today examining a huge haul of fireworks seized after nights of mayhem from rockets and bangers.  Residents in Dormanstown have become fed up with fireworks being constantly let off, despite Bonfire Night being a month away.  So yesterday, police armed with a warrant raided a terraced house in Westerdale Avenue and seized enough fireworks to fill a Transit van. 

This is Essex   9 October 2001: Clacton: Firework is put through letterbox
A firework was put through a letterbox of the private quarters of a pub while customers drank inside.
The incident occurred at about 10.45pm, on Saturday, at the Carlton pub, in Rosemary Road, Clacton.
The firework was put through the letterbox of a door in an alleyway at the side of the pub.
A member of staff said she heard a big bang while she was working behind the bar.
When she opened the door to the private quarters she saw the firework and said there was a lot of smoke.
No-one was in that part of the pub at the time but the carpet and letterbox were left scorched.
The staff member said she saw the firework smouldering on the floor. Not wanting to approach it, she phoned the fire brigade straight away.
Firefighters then put the firework out and opened the back door to let the smoke out before it could get into the pub.
Station commander at Clacton Fire Station, David Warwick, said the incident could have been much worse.
He said: "It was very dangerous. It was a public house and there were people in there at the time."
He praised the actions of the staff member who found the firework.
He added: "She did the right thing. She phoned us straight away and did not approach the firework."
The incident was yesterday (Monday) being investigated by Essex Police and the fire investigation unit.

This is Essex      9 October 2001: Basildon: Family's firework terror
Police issued a stern warning on the dangers of fireworks after a family of four were terrorised by yobs who pushed a banger through their letter box in Burnt Mills in Basildon.  The mother, who does not wish to be named, said: "It was frightening."

Ulster TV 9 October 2001 Firework warning
Gardai in Dublin have issued a warning about a batch of dangerous fireworks
Four children have been treated in hospital in the last week following injuries caused by the fireworks.  The sale of Chinese bangers, known as Black Cats, is illegal in Ireland.

This is Local London   5 October 2001: Firework fears spark 300-strong petition
One nephew killed, another child maimed, terrified animals and shattered peace and quiet are reasons why some Wallington residents want fireworks out of back gardens. In the run up to bonfire night, nearly 300 people have signed up to a petition damning fireworks for being too loud, dangerous and frightening. It asked the council to bring in controls to limit their indiscriminate use.
But at Wednesdays Beddington and Wallington area committee meeting councillors held up their hands and admitted they were virtually powerless.
Mrs Lydon, who had organised the petition, told them: I have always found fireworks pretty disturbing but they have got worse. Almost all the people I visited personally were upset. One lady said her nephew was killed and another child was maimed. One elderly couple said their dog was terrified and said she cant sedate him because she has no idea when they will go off.
She added restrictions should be introduced to curtail the sale of fireworks all year round and throughout the day.
But councillors said an antiquated law stood between them and any action.
The Explosives Act 1875 deals largely with storage and sale of explosives. The only relevant provision is fireworks should not be thrown in the street. A voluntary agreement was recently drawn up among sellers of fireworks encouraging them to restrict sales to three weeks before and after November 5, but there is no way to enforce it.
Councillor Colleen Saunders said: We seem to be stuck with this for the time being.
She did, however, urge fellow councillors to make representations to Parliament and to seek comments from other London boroughs.
It may well be that no one has thought of doing anything about it in the past. After 125 years, maybe we ought to be doing something about it. she added.

Liverpool Echo 3 October 2001 - Blaze wrecks church
A Group of parishioners stood in prayer today outside the remains of a Merseyside church destroyed by fire.  Youths were seen setting off rockets shortly before the fire started, with one firework becoming embedded in the roof.
Police had to protect fire crews pelted by stone-throwing children.