November 7, 2002, BBC News, Move to restrict fireworks
The use of fireworks in a West Midlands city could be restricted as part of a national drive to tighten legislation.
Coventry City Council is the first in the country to consider setting up a local bylaw banning late night fireworks.
If passed, the legislation would restrict the use of fireworks to before 2300 GMT.
Councillor John McNicholas, who is backing a national petition to tighten legislation on pyrotechnics, says he believes bonfire celebrations illustrate how badly the legislation is needed. "Fireworks and the noise and disturbance they bring to people with pets, young children or older people has been the biggest issue in my postbag for the past two years," said Mr McNicholas.  "We by no means wish to be killjoys in Coventry.
"But some government action is needed to help balance out the needs of everyone to enjoy, but not be disturbed, by fireworks."
The national petition, which was drawn up by Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North, calls for all fireworks to be controlled by a licensed pyrotechnician and a restriction on the time of year fireworks can be bought.
It has the support of 30 MPs across the country and has been signed by over 200,000 people so far.
Noel Tobin the Director of the National Campaign for Firework safety says he is glad someone has raised the profile of the problem.

November 7 2002, Courier co uk - FIREWORKS CURB CALL
Pyrotechnics around Bonfire Night might thrill families across Tunbridge Wells, but they are in danger of traumatising guide dogs into an early retirement.
All-year use of fireworks has led the Guide Dogs for the Blind to rekindle its Regulate Fireworks Now petition.
Enid Aves of Chiltern Walk, said her guide dog King is petrified by the sounds, which now occur regularly due to the increasing use of fireworks at weddings and events. Although King uses a homeopathic calmer, other dogs and their owners are not so lucky. Some have to be sedated, some retired, or at best retrained, which leaves owners without mobility for weeks at a time, said a spokeswoman for the Guide Dogs.
Although 73-year-old grandmother Mrs Aves enjoys the atmosphere of fireworks, she called for tighter rules for using rockets during the year. "King gets terribly distressed. He starts to pant and shake and will not settle."
Guide Dogs chief executive Geraldine Peacock, said: "Sudden loud noises can distress guide and assistance dogs so much that they are unable to work."
Mrs Aves, who lives by Dunorlan Park, and who has had guide dogs for 30 years, is prepared for the annual charity show on Saturday night run by Tunbridge Wells Round Table.

November 7 2002, Courier co uk - VANDALS SPOIL HALLOWEEN FUN
TRICK or treating had a negative effect on much of the town centre this year with the police receiving numerous reports of vandalism and of the misuse of fireworks.
Sgt Paul Francis said: "Most parts of East Grinstead were affected in some shape or form with either eggs, flour or fireworks being thrown."
Eggs and flour were hurled at houses in Mill Way on Halloween night. Mill Way is situated next to the Meads School and police responded to reports of youngsters letting off fireworks on the school field.
The school's bursar Barbara McLeod said: "The headmaster is aware of the situation and he is looking into it. There was no official school firework event on that night so we are assuming it must have been trespassers taking advantage of the fact the school was deserted due to half-term."
Mr Levy said: "Trick or treat is a form of blackmail. If they don't get what they want they turn to vandalism."
Police were also called out to Dunnings Road where young people were spotted misusing fireworks and eggs and stones were thrown at properties on Victoria Way. Knowle Drive in Copthorne was particularly badly affected by eggs, though police are unaware of any damage to property.
Sgt Paul Francis said: "The usual problems caused by Halloween were complicated by the fact that the young people were on their half-term break."

November 7, 2002, Evening Times, Eye op delay for firework blast victim
THE victim of a horrific firework accident will have to wait until tomorrow to find out if he will ever be able to see again.
Alex Carroll, 22, of Motherwell, was left with serious facial injuries on Bonfire Night when a firework exploded in his face as he tried to light it.  There are fears he has lost his sight after his eyes were left swollen and badly burned.  As reported in the Evening Times yesterday, Mr Carroll, of Motherwell, Lanark-shire, was caught in a blast after trying to light the final firework at a display he had organised for children.
It left him blinded and unable to move and he was rushed to Wishaw General Hospital.   He moved overnight to Glasgow Royal Infirmary.   His sister, Denise, 33, said today that  doctors would operate tomorrow to try to save his sight.   She said: "His operation has been delayed to allow the swelling to go down on his eyes. They are going to clean up his face, but say the swelling could rise again after that.  "When I saw him last night he was feeling much better and was able to talk more than he could after he was injured.  "But we will need to wait to find out if he will get his sight back properly."
Strathclyde Fire Brigade responded to almost 600 calls on Bonfire Night.
A 16-year-old from Haghill, Glasgow suffered severe burns to his hand when a rocket he was holding exploded.
And two firefighters were hurt in Parkhead in one of several attacks on firefighters across the west of Scotland.

November 7 2002, Express and Star, Women trapped in church by yobs
A mother and daughter who were trapped inside a church as yobs hurled lit fireworks at the doors and windows today told of their terror.  Karen Yates, aged 37, and her mother Gwen, 63, were forced to lock themselves inside the United Reform Church in Lye High Street on Bonfire Night.   Karen, of Cemetery Road, who runs a weekly dance class at the church despite suffering from a debilitating condition, said she was just gathering up her equipment to leave when the gang struck at around 9pm.   "I don't know how one stone missed a girl who had gone out to the car. She came back in and we locked ourselves in. It was really scary.   "We were trapped for around 20 minutes and we saw them run off of their own accord."
Miss Yates said she called the police, but no officers attended.  Police are appealing for information about the incident, which caused £300 damage to an exit door. Officers can be contacted on 0121 626 8008.

November 7 2002, icBirmingham - Girl trio sparks fireworks alert
Girl power could force a major shift in the way the city council tackles the problems associated with bonfire night if a trio of women councillors get their way.  Liberal Democrats Sue Anderson (Sheldon), Nicola Henry (Fox Hollies) and Jackie Hawthorn (Hall Green) want Birmingham to adopt a Good Guys Initiative already being hailed a major success in Liverpool.  The initiative will now be unveiled by the women at the November meeting of the city council to see if it can be ratified in time for the Guy Fawkes celebrations next year.
Coun Anderson, a former Lord Mayor of the city, said: "Each year the toll of injuries and nuisance grows. Shops sell fireworks for months before and after November 5, and some still sell to under-aged children.  "Fireworks are getting louder and potentially more dangerous and often pets suffer the fallout and injuries.  "We are urging the council to adopt our Good Guys Initiatives which are already working so well in Liverpool to ensure families and their pets have fun without risks."
Among the initiatives being suggested are that shopkeepers should follow a voluntary code of practice and only sell fireworks between October 15 and November 6.
Also more under 16s could work as volunteers for the police and trading standards to catch unscrupulous traders.

November 7, 2002, Leicester Mercury,  FIREWORKS - TIME TO ACT ON THE EVIDENCE
It is very easy to brand those people calling for tougher controls on the sale and use of fireworks as kill-joys who want to spoil everybody's fun. To do that is to miss the point that when properly used and supervised, fireworks can be splendid and exciting, when misused they can be at best a considerable nuisance and - at worst - plain deadly. The events of the past several weeks have provided a wealth of evidence on that score.
In the weeks before Diwali celebrations and Bonfire Night, Leicester City Council, supported by this newspaper, launched a campaign to make people aware of how thoughtless and irresponsible sale and use of fireworks can bring misery and danger. There can be little doubt that greater awareness is the main reason why reports to the council from city residents complaining about noise and irresponsible behaviour have risen four-fold. But it also shows, for the first time, a truer picture of just how many people suffer during this time.
The Government last week issued a White Paper which could impose greater controls over the use of fireworks in urban areas. If it becomes law, it would also put in place curfews which would make it illegal to set off fireworks at certain times. The complaints received by the city council will now go to our local MPs.
Any action needs to be about balance rather than banning. It has to be about better controls on how fireworks are sold and to whom - with tougher laws about where and when they can be set off.
We want to be able to enjoy the set-piece Diwali or Guy Fawkes fireworks spectacular or the family bonfire at a sensible time in our back gardens. We don't want to be kept awake by irresponsible people celebrating into the early hours or put at risk by young hooligans.
Let's get new laws in place so next year this time can be more about celebration than complaint

November 7, 2002,   Leicester Mercury,  FIREWORKS SPARK 212 COMPLAINTS
A record number of complaints about fireworks has prompted campaigners to push for tighter controls.
Between mid-September and November 5, there were 212 reports from city residents of noise and irresponsible behaviour caused by fireworks.  This compares to 52 complaints received by the city council in the same period last year. Reports of complaints will now be handed to Leicester's MPs, who will be asked to push for legislation.
The Government last week issued a White Paper which could impose greater controls over the use of fireworks in urban areas. If it becomes law, it would also put in place curfews which would make it illegal to set off fireworks at certain times. Paul Toplass, of the city's domestic noise unit, said the high number of complaints was due to the success of the council's "Bang" campaign.
He said: "In many ways, the campaign has been positive, because now we have proof of the strength of feeling about fireworks.  "On the negative, the campaign has shown that people are still not considering their neighbours and setting fireworks off very late at night. "The campaign has empowered people to complain and where there was a complaint we investigated as best we could."
Mr Toplass said the city council has limited powers to restrict the use of fireworks, but overwhelmingly welcomed the Government's proposals. He stressed the Bang campaign was not to tackle the number of people setting off fireworks in the street, but he criticised supermarkets and stores in Leicester which have been selling cheap fireworks.  "People have been able to pick up their fireworks with their weekly shopping.  "In the past, people had to consciously go out and find a shop which was selling fireworks.  "Because of this we expect the number of complaints to go through the roof in the coming days."
Knighton resident John Bellamy, 60, said: "I go to bed fairly late but the bangs have started at 12.45pm and 1am."
Young mum Sarah Grant, 24, lives in Cranmer Street, off Hinckley Road. "It was an absolute nightmare," she said.
"Fireworks began at about 5pm and went on until about 10.30pm, then started again at about midnight. Luckily, my children slept through it.  "One family in my street was letting off bangers in their front garden for more than two hours. I can't believe people can be so selfish. I dread to think what it was like for old people."

November 7, 2002, Manchester News, Boy's hand blown off by rocket
A TEENAGER had his right hand blown off when he picked up a huge display firework.
Adam Sotheron, 18, lit the firework on wasteland in Bond Square, Higher Broughton, Salford last night.  It is believed he then picked up the three-and-a half-foot "Bad Boy'' rocket which exploded causing devastating injuries to his hand.  The firework - embossed with a picture of cartoon character Denis the Menace - had "display only" written on it.  Today Adam was recovering in Wythenshawe Hospital with his family at his bedside after being transferred from North Manchester General.
Station Officer Terry McDermott of Greater Manchester Fire Service said: "The firework was a rocket-type. It would appear he had been holding it. He had been trying to light it but was having difficulty igniting the fuse. It then exploded unexpectedly in his hand.  "According to the instructions it should be placed in a mortar tube to be launched and people should be 25 metres away.  "This tragedy reinforces the fact that all fireworks are dangerous when mishandled, even smaller garden fireworks. This incident was particularly severe because of the huge amount of gunpowder in the firework.  "These fireworks are like a bomb. And they have enough force that if they go off in your possession you are likely to lose limbs, which is what has happened in this case."
Adam, of Hartis Avenue, Higher Broughton, was with another youth when the accident happened. The fire service seized a second identical rocket from the teenagers.  Chief Inspector Nigel Bonser of Salford Police said: "We are making inquiries into the incident and how the firework came to be in the possession of the young man.''  Adam is the second Greater Manchester teenager to lose his hand in a firework accident. Last night the MEN reported how a 15-year-old boy from Bury had his hand blown off while trying to light a large firework at Elton High School.
The teenager, who was not a pupil at the school, lit the massive firework at about 10.30pm on Thursday and put it in a classroom cupboard.  When it failed to detonate he opened the cupboard and reached inside to grab the firework which then blew up causing massive injuries to his hand and chest.  Surgeons were unable to save his hand and the boy remains critically ill in Fairfield Hospital.
As reported in the MEN last week police seized an arsenal of highly dangerous fireworks being sold to children on the black market. Officers discovered hundreds of fireworks - including some that can only be sold to people with explosives training - being sold to youngsters from the back of a van and a car boot in Wythenshawe.  Up to half were extremely powerful Category Four display fireworks.  Greater Manchester Fire Service dealt with 228 incidents in a 12-hour period up to 5.30am today. In four incidents fireworks caused injury or damage to property.
Kelly Sutcliffe has a lasting reminder of just how dangerous fireworks can be. The pretty 20-year-old Manchester Airport worker has been left scarred for life after being struck on the face, chest, chin and wrist by a firework at a party last New Year's Eve. Kelly has backed the MEN's campaign to ban sales of fireworks to the public.
And she is suing the firm which supplied the firework that injured her in a bid to prevent others from going through the same ordeal she suffered. A hard-hitting M.E.N. dossier on firework incidents includes the harrowing story of a pregnant woman who lost her baby after one hit her the stomach.
The Greater Manchester mother told how she suffered a miscarriage after the firework was pushed through her letterbox by young thugs. The woman almost died.

November 7, 2002, Manchester News,  Stay Safe campaign wins backing
A MANCHESTER Evening News campaign to end the annual misery caused by fireworks was today (Monday) welcomed by the RSPCA.
The animal charity is calling for loud fireworks to be banned and is urging people to attend only organised displays after a poll showed almost three-quarters of the population backed a ban on the sale of loud fireworks.
The M.E.N is campaigning for a total ban on the public sale of fireworks after shock figures showed a 40 per cent leap in the number of people injured and disfigured by fireworks last year - the biggest rise in seven years.
Last year, 1,362 people were injured by fireworks - including almost 600 who were hurt at family fireworks parties - and more than half the injuries were suffered by youngsters under 18.
The MEN campaign for a total ban has been backed by a majority of readers and Middleton and Heywood MP Jim Dobbin.
A MORI poll for the RSPCA shows 71 per cent of those questioned thought loud fireworks should be restricted to public displays. Last year, 4,825 animals were treated for firework-related injuries or prescribed sedatives because they were terrified by loud bangs from fireworks. Earlier this month in Middleton a dog bled to death after it picked up a firework.
And in Rochdale a cat suffered severe burns when it was hit by a lighted firework.
The RSPCA is pressing for low-noise fireworks to be introduced and for people to only attend properly organised firework displays.
Kay Brandist, RSPCA north west regional manager, said: "The RSPCA does not want to ruin people's fun, but over the years we have become increasingly concerned by the physical and psychological injuries caused to animals by fireworks. We welcome the MEN's campaign to encourage people to only attend organised displays."

November 7 2002, Preston Today, Blaze wrecks shop after vandals 'post' firework
A sandwich shop was badly damaged after thugs threw a firework through the letterbox, sparking a blaze.
Workers were tidying up the damage today thankful that no-one had been in the shop at the time.
The rocket started a fire which destroyed part of the Rumbles Sandwich Bar, Granton Walk, off Tag Lane, Ingol, Preston.  Shop owner Frank Devine said he was at the end of his tether with young vandals. He said: "There are flats above here - somebody could have been killed."
Mr Devine and his daughter Jackie have been in charge for almost a year. Yesterday at 5.16pm, while the shop was closed, a rocket was fed through the security grill and then through the letterbox.  Sparks ignited paper in the shop, damaging walls and ceiling. Around half the property and contents were damaged by smoke and a quarter were affected by the flames.  Mr Devine said the latest setback would not stop him from providing a service to local people.  He said: "It makes it hard work to make a living. We could be closed all next week which is upsetting but we're not going to give up so easily.  "It's been a very difficult 12 months with what we have had to put up with round here. I wouldn't like to be open at night.  "It's just lucky the fire brigade got here so quickly and smashed the door down and put it out before it got too bad."
A group of youths was seen close to the shop prior to the incident and police today appealed for eye-witnesses to come forward.  Residents made frantic calls to the emergency services, fearing the blaze might spread to adjoining flats and shops.  Firefighters from Preston and Fulwood attended.
A police spokesman said: "It was the fast response of the caller that prevented more serious damage.  "People nearby reported hearing a loud bang and seeing a group of youths nearby."
It was the latest in a long line of firework attacks on people, animals and property in Preston over the last few weeks.
It follows a call from 94% of Evening Post readers who responded to a telephone poll to ban the sale of fireworks to the public.
Anyone with any information should ask for PC Plummer at Preston Police on 01772 203203 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

November 7 2002, Rotherham Advertiser, Firework traders face fines of £5,000
November 7 2002, Rotherham Advertiser, Firework traders face fines of £5,000   UP to six traders caught selling fireworks to underage children in the Rotherham area are facing fines of up to £5,000.
They were found out as part of an undercover crackdown by Trading Standards officers who sent teams of 15-year-olds into shops to make test purchases.  Of the 26 shops, they were able to buy fireworks in six. The legal age is 18.  A council spokeswoman said every shop in the borough licensed to sell fireworks was visited. They had been sent letters warning them to expect undercover checks. Those caught out now face prosecution.
Last month the council called for the Government to ban the sale of fireworks-except for the immediate period before November 5.
A brigade spokeswoman said they received nearly 200 calls across south Yorkshire as a whole on Bonfire Night-with an estimated 80 per cent of those being firework-related

November 7 2002, The Highland News, POLICE PROBE POST BOX BLAST
LOCALS in a Black Isle town thought a modern-day Guy Fawkes was at work when a metal post box exploded and sprayed the surrounding area with potentially lethal debris.  The mystery blast happened on Ness Road, Fortrose - just days before bonfire night.  Residents got the fright of their lives as shrapnel from the cast iron PO box flew 15 yards in either direction, narrowly missing parked cars.
Luckily there were no pedestrians on the street at the time of the explosion.
Police were called and took the remains of the box back to the police station for forensic examination.
Yesterday Don Morrison, (56), whose house is behind the shattered box, said: "I heard two almighty bangs.  "I could not believe what a mess it made of the post box.  "Bits of metal nearly hit my car.  "It must have been something very powerful to make such a mess of the box.  "I very much doubt it was normal fireworks.  "I would very much doubt they would be strong enough to blow apart an iron box.  "I don't know who is doing this. This is a quiet neighbourhood and we are not used to this sort of nonsense.  "I got an awful shock when I heard the bangs. The whole street shook.  "This was a very dangerous prank by the looks of things."
Police are investigating the incident which has left locals baffled.
John MacDonald, Northern Constabulary area co-ordinator for Ross, Cromarty and Skye, said: "We are very concerned by this incident.  "It was potentially very dangerous.  "This is totally irresponsible behaviour and will not be tolerated.  "We think a very powerful firework will be responsible for this incident.  "There was debris all over the place. It was quite a mess."

November 7 2002, this is Bristol - TARGETED BY FIREWORKS
Police officers in St Paul's were subjected to a barrage of industrial-sized fireworks deliberately aimed at them by groups of youths. The fireworks were fired from multi-barrelled launchers designed for large organised displays. Police said the youths fired them by hand, putting themselves, as well as officers, at risk.
Avon and Somerset police had anticipated problems on Bonfire Night after fireworks were set off on the streets of St Paul's last year.
Some 200 youths were setting off fireworks in Grosvenor Road on Tuesday night.  Police said groups were initially firing them at each other but then turned on officers when they arrived.  No officers were injured during the night and there were no reports of any residents being hit.  Yesterday morning teams from Bristol City Council helped clear up the debris left behind.  Hundreds of rocket tubes and discharged fireworks were recovered from across the streets.  Many of the fireworks used were of the very large "mortar" type and were fired like bazookas by youths holding them under their arms and aiming them at the police officers and rival groups.
Last night extra police were drafted into St Paul's from other areas to try and avoid a repeat of the disturbances. Sector Inspector for the Ashley area, Chris Weigold, said:  "This was a serious incident but was dealt with in an extremely professional manner by all officers concerned, under extreme circumstances.  "We regret the disruption caused to local residents and would reassure the community that we will not tolerate a repeat of such incidents.
"I would also like to highlight the support provided by Bristol City Council in responding to the problems that occurred."

November 7 2002, This is Devon, Ploy To Counter Firework Yobs
Every year, without fail, a minority of yobs go on the rampage on Halloween night, not content with mild celebrations.  They stick bangers in tin cans and throw them into gardens, frightening animals and occupants.
Is not time the Government made legislation to prevent rogue shopkeepers and stores selling fireworks before November 3: also, flour and eggs which seem to be the favourite ingredients to have the horrendous effects they can produce when windows/doors are targeted by these same stupid, mental yobs who need psychiatric treatment?
If I found any one of them throwing a firework into my garden, I would place a banger in a tin and throw it through the window of their house to observe their reaction at having something returned with interest. If this anti-social behaviour continues, the solution is simple - ban all fireworks and local authorities to organise events for Guy Fawkes night.
P. C. Plymouth

WHEN will this Government be proactive and ban the legal, over-the-counter sale of gunpowder?
Age restriction at the point of sale is a joke. Irresponsible youths can still obtain fireworks (also irresponsible adults). Fireworks, it appears, can be bought all year round.  How long before some bright spark starts hoarding the black powder, and makes their own weapon of destruction?
I'm sure the instructions can be easily found.
R O' G. Ford

November 7 2002, this is Gloucestershire, IT'S JUST LIKE LIVING IN A WAR ZONE
I just can't believe that you haven't had more letters this year about fireworks. They are bigger and louder than ever before and once again go on through October and November.  The crunch came when we heard a firework at 7am.  My two rescued greyhounds spend night after night shaking and salivating with fear and can't even have a walk in the daylight without a stray firework going off.
Come on, folks, there must be others out there that have really had enough of living in World War Three.
The only people celebrating must be the manufacturers. Does this mean that year after year the fireworks will get louder and go on for longer?
If the fireworks were restricted to certain times, at least I would have a hope of sedating my two dogs in anticipation, but the way it is now I have no hope!  I respect people's right to enjoy Bonfire Night, but it has gone too far and I am thinking I should don my flak jacket and protective helmet to feel safe out there.
MRS P. A. M. Longlevens

November 7 2002, This is Lancashire, By David Crausby, Member of Parliament for Bolton North-East
THE numerous problems that fireworks cause is back with us once again.
Gone are the days when fireworks provided a pleasant and exciting visual display.
Today's fireworks are designed to generate the loudest noise and bangs possible, the sounds of fireworks are more associated with a war zone rather than the back gardens of Bolton.
The Government has introduced a range of new measures to reduce the number of firework injuries and it is hoped that these measures will also cut down on the problem of noise and nuisance. The proposed new regulations include the banning of air bombs, a crackdown on illegal markets in fireworks with improved co-ordination of intelligence between Customs and Excise, Health and Safety Executive and Trading Standards Departments and a new drive to encourage local councils to use their powers to curb the problem of noise nuisance. Although I welcome these measures, they do not go far enough and will not eradicate the problems caused each year by fireworks. I have made my views known to the Minister responsible.
The Government has decided not to go for an outright ban on the sale of fireworks to the public because they believe this option is unworkable. What do you think? If you have a view on this matter please write to me at the House of Commons, London SW1A OAA.
Another issue that will affect many of my constituents is the reform of the bingo tax. The Government is currently consulting on ending tax on bingo players and replacing it with a tax on the gross profits of bingo companies. These changes would have a significant benefit to bingo players across the country. Every year, five million people visit bingo halls and that figure includes one out of every six people in the North of England. Bingo is an important pastime for many groups and individuals here in Bolton of all ages and all backgrounds. The Government wants to encourage as many contributions to the consultation as possible. They would like to know if you support the change or not and if you feel it may benefit people in the community who regularly play bingo. The formal consultation runs until the end of October, but the Government would be interested to hear the views of bingo players and groups right up until the Budget next year. You can contribute to the consultation by writing to me (expressing your views on the issue) at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. All correspondence will be forwarded to the relevant department.
My next surgery will be on Friday, November 15, at Bolton Town Hall. For further surgery details or any further information on the issues raised in this article, please contact my constituency office on 01204 303340.

November 7 2002, This is Nottingham, ACTION ON FIREWORK TERROR BOY
A pupil who threw a firework from a school bus at pedestrians has been suspended from school.
Staff at the Haywood School in Sherwood launched an investigation to track down the offender, following complaints from Nottingham City Transport.
The Year 9 pupil - who has not been identified - will be forced to face a grilling from bus company officials before he is allowed back into school. Senior deputy head Steve Jolliffe said: "We wanted to make it quite clear that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.  "At the end of the day he's broken the law, and put the public and his classmates at risk."
The boy has been suspended for five days and will return to school on Monday.
Mr Jolliffe said most suspensions were for two or three days, but five days reflected the seriousness of the offence.  "We told our pupils that anyone who brought fireworks into school would run the risk of being excluded," he added.  "With the meeting he's being made to face up to what he's done."
The incident happened shortly after the bus pulled out of the Sherwood comprehensive last month.
The boy hurled a banger at passers-by from the top deck of the bus, narrowly missing a woman and her baby.
Bus driver John Davis, 36, from Ilkeston, described the incident as the most terrifying moment in his 12-year career.
The number 206 bus was travelling down Edwards Lane, towards Valley Road, when onlookers described seeing the firework as it was thrown from the window, and heard a loud bang as it exploded.  The incident was not reported to police because it was handled by city council officials.
But the school also plans to arrange a meeting between the boy and the local beat bobby to discuss his behaviour.

November 7 2002, This is Stroud, Rocket causes chaos
A HORSLEY man is calling for fireworks to be banned after a rocket blew a great hole in his roof. Cotswold stone tiles came clattering down after the explosion on Saturday night and the main road through the village had to be closed as emergency services made the area safe.
"The firework took half my roof off," said Chris Gregory, who lives on Horsley Hill.  "I was indoors watching television when I saw a white flash and half a ton of tiles fell down. "It was a bit scary."
A gaping hole was left in the roof and the emergency services had some difficulty sorting out the situation.
"The local fire-fighters from Nailsworth couldn't access the roof so they had to get a hydraulic platform over from Cheltenham but the hill was too steep for it," he said.  "In the end they had to use two appliances, with roof ladders at the front and the back of the house.
The explosion happened just after 8pm and Horsley Hill was blocked to traffic for around half an hour.
"It was like a war zone up here on Saturday night," he said. "There were rockets flying all over the place so it was impossible to tell which direction this one had come from.  "I don't even know if it was a particularly big one. "Fireworks normally blow up once they're in the air but people seem to think this one landed on the house as it was about to explode."
Now Mr Gregory is calling for tighter regulations on fireworks.  "I'm not totally against fireworks," he said. "But let's stop having them for sale over the counter in shops and stick to organised displays."
Though he and his family were a bit shaken by the incident and have to put up with the inconvenience of having polythene sheeting on the roof where they should have tiles, they will not be out of pocket. He said: "Luckily I'm insured."
The RSPCA has also called for some fireworks to be banned after pets were terrified by loud bangs. See this week's SNJ for details.

November 6, 2002, BBC News Scotland, Fire Crews Attacked on Bonfire Night
At least two firefighters have been injured after missiles and fireworks were thrown at them during Bonfire Night attacks.
Crews were attacked in East Kilbride, Coatbridge, Lanark and Old Kilpatrick.
In Edinburgh a 13 year-old boy was taken to hospital after falling into a bonfire in the capital.
In Glasgow a hydraulic platform had to be withdrawn after it was broken by a stone throwing mob.
A man was hit in the face by a firework in Motherwell.

November 6, 2002, BBC News, Escape after firework attack
The baby was in a cot in the room the fire damaged
Three people - one a six-month-old girl - escaped from their Wolverhampton home after fireworks were thrown through a bedroom window.
The incident happened in a maisonette in Glentworth Gardens, Whitmore Reans, at 2000 GMT on Tuesday.
Firefighters were called to the home after the live firework set fire to the room where the baby girl was sleeping.
The girl's 26-year-old mother and her boyfriend also escaped to safety, with the help of the mother's brother.
The group were taken to hospital for observation overnight suffering from the effects of breathing in smoke.
Detectives believe a group of youths smashed the window and dropped the fireworks into the room.
They want to hear from anyone who saw four youths in the area, aged between 13 and 15-years-old.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Coughlin from West Midlands police, said the incident could easily have had far worse consequences, including loss of life.
"This is another instance highlighting the dangers when fireworks are misused with near tragic consequences."

November 6 2002, Burton Mail - Police patrol troubled area
AN INCREASED police presence in a troubled area of Burton has halted firework attacks on cars, gardens and people.   However, the attacks, on Monday night in Uxbridge Street, described as the worst ever seen in the area, have prompted Uxbridge ward Councillor Sue Marbrow to consider mounting a national campaign to ban the sale of fireworks.  Around 20 officers were drafted into the area last night after Monday night's spate of attacks when yobs hurled fireworks in the street.
Officers patrolled the area around Uxbridge Street on foot and in vans to ensure the troublemakers stayed at home.  Burton's Community Action Team Sergeant, Dave Coleman, said: "The fireworks that were set off in the area were in people's back gardens or at public displays.  "We hope the message has got through that if people do cause problems with fireworks then they will be dealt with seriously.   "Although Bonfire Night is over fireworks are still available. There will be a police presence for the rest of the week, but whether it will be as large as last night remains to be seen.  "We hope that by the end of the week there will be no further problems."
Councillor Marbrow is looking into launching a campaign for a national firework ban after putting forward firework motions to East Staffordshire Borough Council.  Earlier this year the council agreed to licence firework sellers after Councillor Marbrow's motion, but rejected ideas to push for the legal age to buy fireworks to be raised to 21 and restrict the sales between November 1 and 6. The Government is looking into the licensing proposal.  She said: "The Uxbridge area has been plagued by problems for years. It is like the Battle of Waterloo with all the bangs.  "Misuse of fireworks causes problems in towns across the country. There are people who buy fireworks for their own displays, but unfortunately a minority spoil it for the majority.  "If people can't treat them with respect it has to be stopped."

November 6 2002, Evening Chronicle, It's too loud and too long
May I say how saddened I am and I feel that most of your readers are the same, at the way Guy Fawkes Night has got completely out of hand.  What has once a few hours around a bonfire, with perhaps a few mild fireworks, has now turned into weeks of noise and bombardment of people in their homes.  Unfortunately to get them sold first, shops, especially the big stores were selling so called fireworks as early as October 6/7.  In fact these fireworks have, and are being used by terrorist groups, especially in Northern Ireland with devastating effect.
We would all, I am sure, like to see a night of colour displays, it would brighten the dark nights up.  However, make the rockets quiet; and restricted to one night.  I am sure most of your readers will agree with me.
I also ask them to complain to their MP to bring about a change in the law.  To the parents who still have control over their children, thank you!.  To the other mindless minority, shame, and remember you are sowing the seeds of a growing society of I'm all right jacks.
T. W. Gateshead

November 6, 2002, Evening Chronicle, Police probing firework attack
Firework yobs carried out a racial attack on a college. They tossed two fireworks through an open window of the students' dormitory at the Jewish Talmudical College in Bensham, Gateshead, at 8pm yesterday. The fireworks set fire to bedding, but several people who were in the room tackled the blaze with an extinguisher and managed to put it out before firefighters arrived. Up to 5,000 Orthodox Jews live in and around Bensham, making it one of the biggest Jewish communities outside London. Det Insp Bill Hannah, of Gateshead East CID, said: "We're treating this as a racial incident because of the nature of the premises. "We would appeal to anyone in the area who knows anything about it to come forward." Anyone with information is urged to ring Gateshead East CID on (0191) 454 7555. One man was taken to hospital and two others were slightly hurt by a stray firework during an organised display in Bedlington last night.

November 6, 2002, Evening Post,  FIREWORKS CAUSE MORE SUFFERING FOR PET DOGS
I like to see displays of fireworks, those done professionally and undertaken with care and safety.
What I do find extremely objectionable is the growing trend to let off fireworks nearly every evening between Hallowe'en and up to, maybe even following Bonfire Night. Some of these fireworks are big and exceptionally noisy.
We own dogs, one of whom has always suffered from severe stress at this time of year. Now, because someone in the vicinity let off an extremely large firework quite late at night, and just as we thought it safe to let the dogs outside before settling them down for the night, we have a problem on or hands because they are now all scared beyond belief.
There are many recommendations of how to care for dogs on firework night. Fine, so long as one knows when it is going to happen.
Not only is it the dogs that suffer, older people and people who simply do not like the bangs, must also find this a time of considerable stress. The other evening we could have quite easily have been living in a war zone.
Fireworks are very dangerous and should only be allowed in the hands of those who know how to handle them. Having them readily available for sale in shops clearly opens the door for their use in celebrations from Hallowe'en through to Bonfire Night, which clearly increases the dangers and makes life a misery for other people and especially the animals who cannot speak for themselves, who do not know what is happening and are so very often targets of those who think little about what it does to them.
S. H. Eastwood

When are the authorities going to make some kind of decision about the incessant letting-off of fireworks around the end of October/beginning of December?
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy professional firework displays, but we seem to be currently bombarded with the letting off of fireworks from late October to well beyond the 5th of November.
I'm not sure whether I am in Beirut, Bosnia, Belfast or Baghdad! The noises that are emitted from today's fireworks not only scare pets but people who are not even in their 60s. I do not know what the elderly population are going through. I have a number of questions to ask of those who are letting off these fireworks:
Do they realise that this is actually an anti-Catholic celebration?
Do the parents of children realise that the sounds they are imposing on their children are sounds that many children throughout the world live with on a daily basis and not with a sense of pleasure and delight?
These fireworks must cost a terrific amount of money. As I have watched them tonight I can see that these are no ordinary £10-15 boxes of simple fireworks. They must cost more than that! Each one must be costing £5, £10 or even more. Do you really have to spend £50, £60 or even £100? What are you trying to prove? Are you really trying to outdo your neighbours?
Wouldn't it be better to go to one of the organised professional firework displays?
Isn't it time that such displays were the only legal ones permitted?
Let's take the lead in this nation and persuade our local authorities and our Government to make fireworks only available to professional organisations.
C. S. Langley Mill Nottingham

You have our full backing over the campaign to ban firework sales to the public.
You have a year to do something as the Government needs a rocket to get them moving.
Shopkeepers are to blame for selling fireworks to kids. Parents are to blame for giving the money for them.
Do the parents know what their kids are doing of an evening? I don't think so! What's more, do they care? I don't think so!
Please do all you can to get fireworks banned once and for all.
MR & MRS S. L. Top Valley

November 6, 2002, Evening Times, Why 'war zone' fears spoil the fireworks fun
LAST night people in communities across Scotland could be forgiven for thinking they were living in a war zone.
The relentless crack of explosives and accompanying flashes of light across the skies made Bonfire Night for many less a colourful celebration of history and more a nightmare and public nuisance.
Safely-run public displays such the City Council's hugely-successful extravaganza on Glasgow Green rightly attracted and thrilled thousands of spectators.
But the present total lack of control over who can let off fireworks, where and when gives irresponsible people a licence to create merry hell on Scotland's streets.
And too many others are paying the price - not just in terms of the relentless noise and disturbance -  but in life-threatening dangers they present.
The firework fiends do not just endanger themselves. In the weeks leading up to what should be a fun-filled celebration, they make vulnerable people such as children and the elderly feel afraid to walk the streets lest a stray banger be thrown at their feet, or even worse, in their face.
Indeed, last night alone thousands of firefighters were called into emergency action due to firework incidents.
As a result dozens of crews were then ambushed, abused and had their own lives threatened as they attempted to save others. This mayhem must somehow be stopped. And if  Scots at large no longer have the self-control to discharge fireworks safely, then the Executive must put restrictions in place to ensure they do.
All options must be considered - from greater restrictions on firework sales to a total ban on public purchase.
Bonfire Night should of course be fun but not at tie expense of thousands of annoyed or frightened Scots being made to feel like they are living in a bombed-out Bosnia.

November 6, 2002, Evening Times, Horror as man, 22, is blasted by firework, By Deborah Anderson

A young man injured when a firework exploded in his face could lose his eyesight. Alex Carroll, 22, of Motherwell, Lanarkshire, was "serious" today after last night's accident.
It happened on one of the busiest ever Guy Fawkes Nights for Strathclyde Fire Brigade.  Two firefighters were injured and several appliances attacked as firefighters fought bonfires which were out of control.  Scots appear to have gone fireworks crazy this year.  The sky in Glasgow and across the west of Scotland was lit up for much of the night. And people across Glasgow complained that it sounded like a war zone as the bangs continued until the early hours.
In one incident, a female doctor was injured when a firework blew up in her garden.  The woman, from Maryhill, was treated at the Western Infirmary for arm and shoulder injuries, but her condition was not believed to be serious.
In the most serious incident. Mr Carroll had organised a firework display for children on a Motherwell housing estate.  But as he lit the final firework it exploded in his face, leaving him unable to move. Immediately afterwards he was blinded and badly shaken.  His family were today awaiting news on his condition.  Sister Denise, 33, of Cornilea Street, who was watching the display from her bedroom window, said: "We are so worried about Alex. He was due to have surgery today, but we won't know if his eyesight will return until after that. Doctors have told us that he could be blinded, but that they don't know if it would be permanent. When it happened I didn't know what to do, but then phoned the fire brigade.  Firefighters brought him into the house and an ambulance crew arrived shortly after. His aunt Irene went with him to hospital and they have been in constant touch throughout the night."
Alex, who lives with his sister, was taken to Wishaw General Hospital and then transferred to Glasgow  Royal Infirmary, where he is expected to remain for a few days.
Strathclyde Fire Brigade said that it had been one of their busiest Guy Fawkes Nights in years.  They responded to 560 incidents before midnight, a third of them bonfire-related.  Fire crews were attacked by youths in several areas, including Calderwood in East Kilbride, Lanark, Parkhead and Dreghorn, Ayrshire.

Appliances and crews had all sorts of missiles thrown at them including fireworks.  In Parkhead a hydraulic lift was damaged when thugs threw missiles and smashed the tire engine windscreen.  The fire engine had to be taken out of service for a few hours while the windscreen was replaced.  Ambulance staff said they had a number of calls but most were of a minor nature.

November 6 2002, Express and Star, Cat is 'scared to death' by fireworks
Three people, including a seven-month-old baby, were forced to flee after four fireworks were thrown through a bedroom window.
And in another incident, a kitten is thought to have been frightened to death.
Fire crews were called to Glentworth Gardens, in Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton, at 8pm last night after reports of a fire in a ground-floor bedroom.  It was initially thought there were people trapped inside, but a man, woman and baby who occupy the flat had already been evacuated with the help of the woman's brother. They were taken to New Cross Hospital for the effects of smoke-inhalation.   A spokesman for Tettenhall fire station said the blaze, confined to the bedroom, was quickly put out. "The fireworks destroyed the bed and everything else was pretty much scorched," he added.
Meanwhile, a massive fireworks display likened to bombs going off every few seconds at a Black Country park, is believed to have frightened a kitten to death.  Paul Hodson and wife Beryl claimed the firework extravaganza at West Park, in Wolverhampton, literally killed their tabby.   The four-week-old kitten and its siblings were outside their house in Bright Street, Whitmore Reans, on Saturday, but minutes after the display began they became frantic and he was unable to calm the kittens down.

November 6 2002, Express and Star, Fireworks are thrown into church
Yobs hurled exploding fireworks through the windows of a church, smashing glass and causing hundreds of pounds of damage.  The United Methodist URC Church in Lye has already been the target of thieves and firebugs.
A chalice and bugles from the church's Boys Brigade have been stolen, windows smashed and doors burned.
The church has been forced to put wire guards on its windows to stop more attacks but church officials say they are determined to carry on with services.
The latest incident happened at around 9pm last night when a witness spotted two Asian youths hurling fireworks through the exit door at the side of the High Street church.   Glass panels were smashed and damage has been estimated at around £300.   Church steward and treasurer of the church council Frank Tristram was appalled by the latest attack.   "We have been having problems for a few years, but it has got worse over the last 12 months," he said.  "We can't use the car park because they will take things from the cars, they have smashed windows several times, there is graffiti and unpleasant drawings over the walls of the church on the outside.
"We have had the place broken into, they have taken the Boys Brigade bugles and stole the chalice."

November 6 2002, Express and Star, Pledge on fireworks is welcomed
A Staffordshire MP, who has campaigned for several years to get stringent controls put in place to prevent the misuse of fireworks, today welcomed a pledge by the Prime Minister to tackle the problem.
Cannock Chase MP Tony Wright has been calling for measures to prevent people buying and setting off fireworks at anti social hours and well outside the Bonfire Night period.
His concerns followed a host of complaints from constituents who claimed their lives were being made a misery by youths with fireworks, and by inconsiderate people hosting impromptu displays in their back gardens.
In September he told constituents he had received more complaints this year than ever before, partly due to Golden Jubilee celebrations. He said the reports had spurred him on to meet with Mr Blair to state his case and push for a new law.
And yesterday he said he was delighted the Government had taken his fears on board and planned to introduce new legislation which would crack down on the irresponsible use of fireworks.
"I have been campaigning for tougher controls on fireworks for a long time and recently met Tony Blair to argue the case for a new law," said Mr Wright.
"I am delighted that the Prime Minister has agreed to include controls on fireworks in the programme of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour that will be the keystone of the measures announced for the next session of Parliament.
"My constituents in Cannock Chase have been telling me that the anti-social use of fireworks at all hours of the day and night, and for increasing parts of the year, are making their lives a misery, and that is what I have been telling the Government," he said.
"The news that the Government is to bring in new legislation to control this menace will be welcomed by everyone who wants to stamp out the danger and nuisance that the irresponsible use of fireworks is now causing," added Mr Wright.

November 6 2002, icBirmingham - 'Mindless' firework thugs slammed
Police today condemned "mindless" offenders who threw lighted fireworks into a bedroom where a six-month-old baby girl was sleeping. West Midlands Police said the incident at a maisonette in Glentworth Gardens, Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton, could have cost the youngster her life.  Detectives said a group of youths smashed a window at the property at about 8pm yesterday before dropping lighted fireworks into the room.
A police spokesman said: "These set fire to a bed - the baby girl was asleep in a cot in the room."
The baby, her 26-year-old mother, and her mother's boyfriend who is also in his 20s, were treated for the effects of smoke after the incident and have been detained in hospital for observation.
"The three were helped from the smoke-filled flat by the occupier's brother and the fire service also attended," the spokesman added.
Det Chief Insp Tom Coughlan said the incident could easily have had far worse consequences, including loss of life. "This is another instance highlighting the dangers when fireworks are misused with near tragic consequences," he said.  "We are anxious to trace the youths who committed this offence and we are appealing to anyone who was in the area around Glentworth Gardens at about 8pm last night to contact officers at Bilston Street police station.  "There were about four youths involved, believed to be aged 13 to 15, and all were wearing dark clothing."

November 6 2002, icCoventry - Concern over missing fireworks
Bonfire night is over for another year, but villagers near Rugby say they will remain living in fear following an arson attack on a fireworks storage compound near their homes.  Two tons of rockets and bangers worth £20,000 went up in flames at a secret location in Barby in the early hours of last Friday.
The resulting explosions bent the walls and roof of the sturdy metal container in which they were being stored.
The compound is leased by a villager to Rugby firm MLE Pyrotechnics which imports fireworks from overseas. It is used all year round.
Dorothy Crowe, from Cleves Cottages in Barby, said: "I want people to be made aware that there are large amounts of explosives stored in the local vicinity.  "Although we have no objection in principle to someone establishing a business such as this we have had no contact from either the local landowner or the business proprietor as to what happened, why it happened and what steps have been taken to stop this happening again.
"Bearing in mind that there are three more containers still on the site, we are seriously concerned about the health and safety implications. There are homes just 150 yards away."
Mrs Crowe, who has written to the parish council with her concerns, said she thought an aeroplane had crashed when the fireworks started to go off.
The landowner, who asked not to be named, said the set-up complied with all necessary legislation but vowed that security would be improved.  It emerged this week that the compound had been broken into a week earlier and rockets stolen.  "I just provide the ground for the containers," he said. "The set-up has been inspected by trading standards, by the police and by health and safety and is under constant security review.  "Although the container has done its job, we will be taking steps to improve security."  Northamptonshire Police are investigating the burglary and arson.
One rocket stolen was eight inches in diameter and shaped like a water urn. Printed on it are the words MLE Professional Series Category 4. It is for use in professional displays only and has to be detonated and launched electronically.
Anyone with information should call Daventry police on 01327 300300.

November 6 2002, icCoventry - Fire crews take the strain
Fire crews on duty in Coventry reported one of the busiest nights of the year as all four city stations strained to meet demand. 
Most stations received more than 15 calls, although none reported any serious incidents. Mick Kieran, sub officer at Binley, said: "About 90 per cent of the calls were bonfire related. "It was all very mundane and what you expect from bonfire night - bin fires, that sort of thing." Foleshill sub officer John Anderson said: "Up until about 11pm it was just the usual calls for bonfires out of control.  "But we had a busy night - fireworks, bonfires. We had a display firework thrown into a staircase at a three-storey maisonette in Almond Tree Avenue about 9pm."
A crew went out to the address in Aldermans Green to find it heavily smokelogged and the remains of a display firework "half the size of a milk crate."
Again at 11pm, two crews were called to an arson attack at a disused block of flats in Pailton Close, Wood End. Firemen had to stay at the scene for two hours.
Mr Anderson added: "There were kids everywhere throwing fireworks at cars. We were driving around with the windows up to stop them being thrown in.  Leading firefighter Tim Parsons at Radford Road station said: "We were called to Jubilee Crescent about six times because the recycling bins had been set on fire.
"Going to bonfire incidents use up our resources, so if we're needed elsewhere it's a matter of life or death."

November 6 2002, icCoventry - Flats caught in blast alert
Scores of people were warned to stay inside after an arson attack in Nuneaton caused an explosion alert.
Firefighters had to create a 50-metre exclusion zone around a blazing van after they discovered a number of gas cylinders inside.
It is thought arsonists torched the vehicle while it was parked at the back of flats in Caldwell Court, Donnithorne Avenue, just before 8pm last night. A spokesman for the fire service said: "We didn't have to evacuate anyone but we did have to go up to the people in the flats and ask them to stay where they were and not to come out. There were two gas butane cylinders in the van and obviously our concern was if these went up because of the heat from the fire."  The firefighters removed the cylinders and submerged them in cold water to slowly lower the heat.  The van was destroyed.
Bonfire Night passed off without major incident in Nuneaton and Bedworth, as people stuck to the firework code.
Firefighters in Nuneaton were called out to a bonfire in Thorntons Way, Stockingford, at 5.30pm, but residents said they were able to handle it. But they were called out again an hour later, with families asking for the bonfire to be extinguished because they were concerned about youths hanging around.
Firefighters in Bedworth were called out twice to the same bonfire last night.

November 6 2002, icCoventry - Officers seize boot sale fireworks
Fireworks illegally being offered at a car boot sale in north Warwickshire have been seized by trading standards officers. Acting on a tip-off, they raided a stall at the Lea Marston car boot sale, in Kingsbury Road, and found a variety of fireworks, including airbombs, on sale.  More than 30 boxes of fireworks, worth £650, were handed over to trading standards officers by the stall holder during Sunday's raid.
Noel Hunter, director of Warwickshire Trading Standards Service, said: "It is both illegal and very dangerous to sell fireworks in a public place where a stray cigarette, or lighted match, could easily cause an explosion.
The raid was supported by Warwickshire police officers.
Under the Explosives Act 1875, it is illegal to keep gunpowder in premises that are not registered, or to sell or expose for sale gunpowder in a public place.

November 6 2002, icCoventry - Youths bring fireworks havoc
Youths caused bonfire night havoc across Coventry last night by throwing fireworks at cars and fire engines.
Fire officers said they were forced to drive to 999 alerts with their windows up because of children hurling fireworks.  Foleshill sub-officer John Anderson said: "There were kids everywhere last night throwing fireworks at cars. We were driving around with the windows up to stop them being thrown in to the cab. The incredible thing is, we're becoming used to it."
One crew came under fire after a display firework "half the size of a milk crate" was set off at in Aldermans Green at about 9pm.
Mr Anderson said: "When we were about to come away, my driver said there were half a dozen youths standing at the junction with the traffic lights at Aldermans Green Road throwing fireworks - they were dressed in dark clothing and ran off into the shadows.
"We had it the night before at the chip shop in Bell Green where three fireworks had been thrown into the shops by kids - the staff were petrified.''
At 11pm, two Foleshill crews were called to an arson attack at a disused block of flats in Pailton Close, Wood End, and remained at the scene for two hours after the building's roof was torched.
Most stations received more than 15 calls during last night's shift with all reporting it as one of the busiest nights of the year.

November 6 2002, icHuddersfield - Probe over mill inferno
MORE than 60 firefighters tackled a massive blaze which destroyed a Meltham mill at the end of a hectic Bonfire Night.  The inferno was one of 16 emergencies dealt with by Huddersfield firefighters overnight - triple the number of usual call-outs.
These included car fires in Paddock and Birkby, skip blazes in Sheepridge and Fartown and a firework pushed into an empty house in Maple Street, Golcar.

November 6 2002, icLiverpool - Bonfire thugs go on rampage
EMERGENCY services answered 600 Bonfire Night calls - often facing a hail of stones and fireworks from yobs.
A spokesman said: "It appears someone declared open season on us."
In Kirkdale Road North, Litherland, a stolen car was driven on to a bonfire and when crews arrived they were bombarded with missiles. Firefighter Jimmy Maddock said: "It was really bad. We had to call the police."
The Operation Trojan team had responded to a call from a cabbie who reported fireworks being thrown at vehicles. An 18-year-old youth was arrested. A 17-year-old from West Derby will appear in court charged with throwing fireworks and carrying a knife.
A spokesman for Merseyside Fire Service said: "Across the county the yobs were out last night. This has hassle"
However, an estimated 50,000 attended a trouble-free Liverpool's Kings Dock display. There were also displays in Sefton and Walton Hall parks. In Norris Green fireworks seized from unlicensed retailers were used for a party.

November 6 2002, icNewcastle - Police probing firework attack
Firework yobs carried out a racial attack on a college.  They tossed two fireworks through an open window of the students' dormitory at the Jewish Talmudical College in Bensham, Gateshead, at 8pm yesterday.
The fireworks set fire to bedding, but several people who were in the room tackled the blaze with an extinguisher and managed to put it out before firefighters arrived.
Up to 5,000 Orthodox Jews live in and around Bensham, making it one of the biggest Jewish communities outside London.
Det Insp Bill Hannah, of Gateshead East CID, said: "We're treating this as a racial incident because of the nature of the premises.  "We would appeal to anyone in the area who knows anything about it to come forward."
Anyone with information is urged to ring Gateshead East CID on (0191) 454 7555.
One man was taken to hospital and two others were slightly hurt by a stray firework during an organised display in Bedlington last night.

November 6, 2002, icNewcastle, Three people were hurt last night in an accident at an organised fireworks display in Northumberland.   
One man was taken to hospital after a being hit near the eye at 7.15pm at the display in Welfare Park, the Bedlington Terriers Football ground, on Park Road, Bedlington.   
Police said it was not yet clear whether the firework had come from the organised display or had been set off by someone nearby. The man, who has not been named, was taken to Ashington General Hospital. A 12-year-old girl and another man suffered minor injuries in the incident.   
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "A man was injured when a firework inadvertently went into the crowd in Bedlington. He suffered an injury thought to be above his eye and was taken to hospital.   "We are continuing enquiries into the incident to establish whether the firework was one being used in the organised display or had come from somewhere else. Stewards at the event reported that the firework may have been fired from an area close by."   The incident was the worst on a very heavy Bonfire Night for the North-East's emergency services.   A spokeswoman for Tyne and Wear Metropolitan Fire Brigade said: "We haven't attended anything major but have received more than 350 calls which even by Bonfire Night standards is exceptional."   A spokeswoman for Northumberland Fire Brigade said: "It has been a lot busier than a normal Bonfire Night. We have received a large volume of calls related to bonfires but thankfully no major incidents have come out of them."   A spokesman for Cumbria Fire Service said: "We've had an incredibly busy night. Most of our calls have been to out of control bonfires or bonfires which have not been supervised."

November 6 2002, icWales - Firework arson probe
A FIREWORK may have caused a house fire in Cardiff. The blaze ripped through the hallway and lounge of the property in Ashburton Avenue, Llanrumney, at around 8.30pm on Monday night.
A total of 16 firefighters tackled the fire for just over an hour. Luckily the house is derelict and no-one was injured. A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said: "A firework may have been put through the letterbox but that cannot be confirmed. "The house is an old council property in a state of disrepair and fortunately no-one was living there. "It could have been very different if the house was inhabited. It could have been very serious."
South Wales Fire Brigade confirmed that the fire was deliberate.

November 6, 2002, Manchester online, Stay Safe Campaign
THE campaign to Stay Safe on Bonfire Night is being run to cut the terrible toll caused each year by fireworks accidents.
I personally think that banning fireworks is a bit extreme. It is up to the sellers to make sure that they do not sell them to kids. Responsible adults should be allowed to do their own personal displays. Also, I feel that organised displays are more dangerous. This is coming from a reasonable adult that does his own displays AND attends organised. I feel a lot safer in my own garden.
L, Stockport

November 6, 2002, Manchester online, Stay Safe Campaign
SEE!! Now firemen have been hurt while trying to put out a fire and you still think fireworks shouldn't be banned?? A 2 year old and adults hurt at one that was ORGANISED! The sooner they are banned the better and if anyone is caught with them after they are banned they should face prison and a fine. I know it means that the ones that don't misuse them aren't being treated fare but its the only way to stop the thugs who find it clever to do this. And I am sorry but they do need to be banned.
S. Manchester

November 6, 2002, Manchester online, Stay Safe Campaign
There is also the problem of wholesalers, distributors and cash'n'carry establishments selling fireworks willy nilly to people who then sell from houses to children under 18 and people in the locality, and there is also the problem that fireworks are flogged from vans to anyone driving round big towns and cities and carbooted illegally at car-boot sales.
A. P. Accrington, Lancashire

November 6 2002, ManchesterOnline, Terror attack by firework thugs
A GANG of yobs attacked fire crews with a barrage of fireworks as they tackled a blaze.  Around 40 thugs launched the attack using rockets and bangers and threw them at firemen who were putting out a fire at a porter's cabin in Blandford Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, last night (Tuesday).
Some of the crews were said to be "extremely" lucky not to have suffered serious injury.
One of the fire engines had rockets thrown on top of it, which exploded and destroyed the blue flashing lights. It took 30 minutes to repair the damage and meant the engine could not answer any emergency calls.  A fire station spokesman said: "It's incredible that on our busiest night of the year, when we are trying to make sure the public is safe, that we are attacked by a few people having what they think is a laugh and a joke.  "It could have been much more serious, because for 30 minutes several crews were out of operation."
A similar incident took place in the Partington area of Trafford when 30 yobs attacked a fire engine. Other fire crews said they were lucky to escape injury when youngsters threw fireworks onto a bonfire in Moss Side.
There were a number of injuries caused by fireworks. A two-year-old girl suffered burns to her neck and shoulder and seven other youngsters were hurt. Four adults also suffered minor burns at organised displays.
The incidents come after two Greater Manchester youngsters had their hands blown off in firework accidents in the last week.
The M.E.N. has campaigned for an end to the public sale of fireworks in a bid to prevent injuries and nuisance.
Chief Supt Brian Wroe, head of Salford Police, today backed the M.E.N. campaign to ban the sale of fireworks to the public. "I see at close quarters the misery caused by fireworks in the lead up to November 5," he said.
"We have had many incidents from the minor to the very serious, such as the youth who lost his hand this week.
"Last night, a car was seriously damaged by youths who placed a powerful firework inside it in Charlestown - a serious case of arson.
"My officers have responded every night to disorder involving fireworks since the beginning of October."

November 6 2002, Northern Echo, Of old bangers - and crackers in Darlington
I need some help from you this week, dear reader, because, after years of trying, I still don't understand what prevents Government from taking the obvious, and popular, step needed regarding firework control.
I could have written this article six months, or six years, ago because the problem comes round with depressing regularity.
Unless you live in a very isolated area, you won't have escaped the nightly torture of a barrage of explosions from late afternoon until late at night. Why on earth have Governments of both persuasions hung back for years on totally banning the sale of fireworks except for licensed organised displays?
I'm not being a killjoy, and I know it's possible for some people to have innocent entertainment in the back garden, but it's becoming increasingly clear that giving up that pleasure is a tiny price to pay.
Most banger and airbomb fireworks are let off to annoy and frighten and not to entertain, and the period of the torture gets longer and longer. Like me, you've probably had the problem for at least a month and the weekend just gone made me wonder if there were going to be any of the wretched things left for the Fifth of November. The worst spell in my patch in Hartlepool was Saturday night when, despite pouring rain, a continual torture of really loud explosions went on from teatime to almost midnight.
For many years I've talked to local M P s and council leaders who are at one on the need to end the menace for good. What I can't, genuinely, understand is where the counter-argument comes from. Surely, the industry isn't so big to argue that a ban would lead to huge job losses or damage to Britain's economy. I suspect that many of the exploding monsters come into this country from dubious routes anyway.
Remember, too, that if it's just an infuriating nuisance to you and me, it's mental agony for many older people living alone who feel unsafe in their own homes during the weeks of stupidity. For pet owners the old advice about keeping animals in on Bonfire Night is well outdated. What should you do now? Keep them in for the whole of Autumn?
The final baffling part of all this is that I'm convinced that any Government which ended this annual craziness would get massive approval from a grateful public. If they can't take that big step, let's start with a compromise. Pretty fireworks we'll leave a bit longer, but let's make this year the very last when it was legal to set off an explosion in public for the sole purpose of tormenting decent people.

November 6 2002, Preston Today, All fired up for big fun
Lancashire fire crews were inundated by 402 call-outs although Bonfire Night passed without major incident.
Police, firefighters and the ambulance services did not log any significant injuries yesterday as the public heeded safety messages and attended organised events.
A Lancashire Fire Service spokesman said: "There was no-one burnt and the call-outs were mainly bonfires that had got out of hand and domestic incidents." John Taylor, the brigade's official spokesman, said: "I think people did heed the warnings. We rely on the media to get the message across ad we are grateful for that as it is our primary means."
The run-up to November 5 saw a spate of attacks with fireworks.
Last night five students had a lucky escape when a yob pushed a lit rocket through their letterbox.  The firework ricocheted around the hallway of their home on Hala Road, Lancaster, before wedging into the carpet and burning itself out. The carpet was badly scorched and the house filled with smoke.
Lancaster police are investigating the prank which happened at 9pm.  Lancaster Station officer Martin Sutcliffe said the students were shaken but uninjured.  He said: "This highlights the potential risks of messing around with fireworks. Luckily the fire didn't spread but the consequences could have been tragic. Lives have been lost in the past as a result of such actions."

November 6 2002, This is Brighton & Hove, Horse killed in firework scare
A stallion being groomed for stardom was killed after being spooked by fireworks.  Two-year-old Champagne broke his leg when he took off in fright at the sound of explosions near his farm in Pyecombe late on Saturday night.   He was with a group of 20 young horses in a field who smashed their way through a fence and into a second field which contained another 20.   Champagne was injured in the stampede, breaking his leg in two places.   The horse, which was expected to rise high in show-jumping circles, had to be destroyed the next day.
A young female horse also had her shoulder smashed.
Her owners, at Brendon Stud, Haresdean Farm, were last night waiting to see if the three-year-old would survive.
Shirley Light, who runs the farm with her parents, said: "Champagne was robbed of his life way too early. It is heartbreaking. He had a superb pedigree and could well have gone on to become a star."
Champagne was not found until Sunday morning, by which time he had been struggling to stand all night and was in a lot of pain.  He had two breaks in his thigh.
Ms Light said: "His leg was twitching uncontrollably and he was in agony. It was so bad some members of staff were sick when they saw him."
Ms Light, 32, said it was lucky the 40 horses did not carry on their stampede through the next fence or they would have hit the A23.   She said: "It's not just November 5 any more, it's the weekends before and after the date as well. My family and staff are very worried about fireworks causing more injuries or death before the week is out.
"Many people are not aware how frightened animals get from the loud bangs and flashing lights."
She said Champagne's father won the Foxhunter Championship at the Horse of the Year Show this year so there were high hopes for his son.   "It's heartbreaking when something like this happens when you've spent years nurturing a horse and training them.   "We enjoy living in the countryside, as I'm sure most villagers do, but people need to be aware animals also live there.  "Perhaps they would be better off at an organised firework party in town which has been advertised so people with animals are forewarned."
Mike Hepworth, head of environmental health at Mid Sussex District Council, said: "Many communities stage an organised firework display and these events can be some of the best and safest ways to enjoy fireworks."

November 6 2002, This is Lancashire, Fireworks thrown into supermarket
YOUTHS threw large fireworks into the foyer of a supermarket in Harwood last night.   A gang jumped out of a car and threw the fireworks into the Safeway store before jumping back into their vehicle and driving off.   The explosions, at around 8.45pm, rattled the shutters on the front of the building. No one was hurt in the incident and fire crews arrived to blow smoke out of the foyer.
Meanwhile, three Bolton traders could be fined £5,000 each after they were allegedly caught selling fireworks to children.  Trading standards officers will interview the three traders, who were targeted during a two-day swoop on 11 shops in the run-up to Bonfire Night.   The children were working undercover for trading standards as part of an operation to crack down on the sale of fireworks to children.
A boy and a girl, both aged 15, went into 11 shops reported by residents and councillors in firework-plagued areas of Horwich, Farnworth, Deane and the town centre.   Trading Standards officers are considering whether to take legal action against the three traders. The maximum punishment is a £5,000 fine.   Principal trading standards officer Darryl Wilson said: "They visited shops in Horwich, Farnworth, Deane and the town centre.
"It was disappointing to get nearly 25 per cent of the shopkeepers selling to children because every shop selling fireworks in Bolton had been warned by letter that you shouldn't sell to under-18s."   We asked them to buy air bombs because they are cheap. Young people don't tend to buy the pretty sort, they tend to go for something which makes a loud bang like these."  He added:

November 6 2002, This is Nottingham, A HARD DAY'S NIGHT
Staff at Notts Fire and Rescue back the Post's Be Safe not Sorry campaign.
Last night it became obvious why. KATHARINE BARNEY sat in with the control room staff.   The night sky became a kaleidoscope of colour as fireworks popped and whizzed.  But staff in the fire HQ control room had no time to enjoy the free display. In just four hours, 90 calls were received - most of them bonfire or firework related.  Nigel Towers, fire control officer, said: "I would definitely endorse the Post's campaign on firework safety. It's come to a stage when fireworks have got bigger and louder. Children are getting hold of them even if they don't buy them and if the Government can't enforce the existing law then they should introduce legislation to allow only organised displays to take place."
Youngsters were blamed after fireworks were posted through the letterbox of a derelict building in York Terrace, Warsop, and into pillar boxes in Carrington and Beeston.
Divisional Officer Rod Oldroyd was overseeing the operation. He said: "I really don't think these kids think about what they're doing. Putting a firework into a pillar box means destroying personal items and also important official documents. People could effectively go to court for not paying a bill or fine that was in that postbox."
Call operator Liza Alexander-Scott explained: "We almost know for sure that these fires are under control, but if we didn't send a crew you can just tell that it'll be the one time someone is in trouble. "The problem is that if a call comes in from an area like St Ann's we have to send two crews and that could lead to a deficiency elsewhere."
Two crews have to be sent out to problem areas for the firefighters' own protection.
Top Valley has become the latest area in which this action has been enforced. Since Sunday two crews have automatically been sent out on each call - but the fire service hopes this will stop when fireworks are withdrawn from sale.
Control room staff said the run-up to Bonfire Night had been nearly as busy as the night itself.
On Monday, staff had fielded 173 calls compared to the normal 120.
Between 6pm and midnight fire crews attended 46 incidents - a third of which were bonfire or firework related. The majority involved people setting light to bonfires. Even the city council bonfire on the Forest Recreation Ground was found blazing a day early.
Last night, the fire service received 106 extra calls. And when most Bonfire Night revellers were safely tucked up in bed, the fire service control room staff were still fielding calls - and looking forward to the day when fireworks are banned from general sale.

November 6 2002, This is Nottingham, POLICE CHIEF SAYS - 'IT WAS LIKE BEIRUT'
A police chief today compared a town to Beirut after "the worst Bonfire Night in his 28 years as an officer".
A squad car was one of seven vehicles torched in Bulwell last night.
Inspector Jeff Whitmore, based at Bulwell, said: "It was like Beirut down there. You couldn't hear yourself think for fireworks going off.  "They were being used as missiles instead of displays."
Two people were arrested after the police car fire in Coventry Road, Bulwell, which happened at about 8.30pm as officers dealt with another arson attack.
Insp Whitmore said a gang of up to 20 youths could have been behind all the incidents.  "There was a group of youths that were going round intent on causing trouble. They were all carrying fireworks.  Insp Whitmore said: "Fireworks are a very easy way to set light to the inside of a car."  All the torched cars, apart from the police vehicle, were thought to be stolen 'pool cars' that are used by joyriders for as little as £5.
A caravan was also destroyed. The owners, who asked not to be named, saw the group of youngsters smash the windows of the caravan and throw in a lighted firework.  The £200 caravan, which had been bought that morning for spares, had its gas canisters removed by its owners.  The woman said: "If the gas had been in it then it would have taken the house with it when it blew up. I saw a group of about 15 or 20 kids. I stuck my head out of my window and yelled at them that I had three kids inside but they didn't care."
The family was evacuated by police while firefighters put out the flames and moved the caravan.
The couple were already planning to move because of the frequent arson attacks in the area.  The father-of-three said: "Tomorrow wouldn't be soon enough - this is just the last straw.  "The kids round here are always at it. I have even seen the cars they have stolen ready to torch tonight."  All the attacks happened in around the Newmarket Road area.
Acting on information from the public, police ordered the fire brigade to damp down a car that was about to be targeted by the gang.  Insp Whitmore is backing the Evening Post's Be Safe Not Sorry campaign to halt the sale of fireworks to the public.  He said "Last night's events were just another example of what happens when fireworks get into the hands of kids. It is time fireworks are banned from sale to the public."
Firefighters were called to an organised display at the Green Barrel pub in Bestwood, where vandals pushed a car onto the bonfire to keep it burning.
Landlady Glenys Breslin said: "Most of the people had gone so we went inside for a quick break. Then someone looked out of the window and saw the car."  Staff and family ran outside and pushed the car off the fire.
Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to contact Notts Police on 0115 967 0999.