October 28 2003, BBC News, Couple Treated for shock after attack
An Armagh couple have been treated for shock after a petrol bomb attached to what was thought to be a firework exploded at their home.
The device was left on a ledge outside the bathroom window at the house in Lonsdale Villas at about 12.30am.  It smashed the window, setting the curtains on fire and caused smoke damage to the bathroom.
Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 028 37523311

October 28 2003, BBC News, Warning about "Professional" Fireworks
Police are warning people not to buy fireworks from unofficial sources, after they seized a quantity of Professional Display Fireworks.  Officers from Gloucester Police were tipped off about fireworks being sold from a private address in the north Cotswold.
A Police statement said that display fireworks are of a size and type which could be very dangerous if set off, they could cause serious injury or damage to property.

October 28 2003, Belfast Telegraph, Dogs at risk of death from fireworks
DOGS will die in this year's Halloween celebrations or at best endure a week of absolute misery, a leading dogs welfare charity claimed today.

October 28 2003, Daily Express, Annual menace of our young firework terrorists
OUR local fireworks season, which begins at the end of September and during which we are under siege until after Christmas, was started with a bang at the beginning of the month by hawing our children's adventure playground park burned to the ground.

My local community at the edge of the village was subjected to an attack of burning fireworks raining down on our roofs and gardens until after midnight from an adjoining field and we were obliged to stay out until it was over to "firewatch" our property.

The cost of repairs to the children's playground has been estimated at £14,000 to the public purse but nothing has been done about the "mini-terrorists".

We have a ludicrous situation where our Government is spending millions policing Iraq and protecting the populace from terrorism while at home we are under siege from a generation of young terrorists making our life a misery.  We live only a few miles from the airport and considering the tight security and continued warnings about terrorist attacks, this situation is allowed to go on unchecked.  Who knows - it could quite easily be used to mask a real terrorist attack.
J. C. Edinburgh

October 28 2003, Daily Express, Blinded by in firework campaign
A BOY who was blinded by a rocket yesterday to reduce the number of people injured by fireworks. Steven Monaghan, 10, from Yoker Glasgow, has been blind in his left eye since the firework thrown by a group of thugs, exploded in his face. He was playing near his home
two weeks ago when the accident happened.

But yesterday the brave boy showed his scars in an effort to prevent more people being injured or killed on Guy Fawkes' Night He said: "Playing with fireworks is stupid and dangerous.  I still can't see with my left eye and it still hurts I hope this doesn't happen to anyone else."
Last year, more than 1,000 people were badly hurt by fireworks. Of those 600 were children and 18 were under the age of five.

October 28 2003, Daily Express, Rocket thugs blow up gerbil
CRUEL yobs blew up a gerbil  by tying it to a firework with a rubber band and blasting it into the sky.
The thugs killed the rodent after buying it for £3.50 from a Cambridge pet shop and attaching it to a Star Burst rocket. A horrified newsagent who sold them fireworks reported the gang to the RSPCA after a customer saw what happened.

October 28 2003, ic Coventry - Louts tie firework to cat's tail
Heartless louts tied a firework to a cat's tail and left him to burn on the streets of Coventry.
A passer-by found the cat and took him to a vet. He has since been recovering from his ordeal at the city's RSPCA centre in Coundon, where he has been named Tyson by staff who are impressed with his fighting spirit.
Branch manager Nigel Howard was disgusted by the heartless attack, saying: "What I think of the people who can do such a thing is unprintable.
"It still amazes me that people don't spare a thought for animals when they are using fireworks, but to deliberately tie one to an animal is beyond belief.
"The people involved must either be so callous that they don't care, or so stupid that they didn't realise that it would seriously hurt the cat - although I cannot believe that.
"Tyson is fine now but the most notable thing is that he reacts very badly to any noise, even just the opening of a door sends him scurrying under his blanket. The cat is clearly traumatised."
Tyson won't carry any physical scars from his ordeal, although the cat's rear left leg is heavily bandaged after the exploding firework ruptured a ligament.
Mr Howard said: "Tyson spends most of the day buried under a blanket. He is quite clearly a lovely cat, and will make someone a superb pet if they show some patience and help him over-come the emotional scars he has received."
The cat was taken to Coventry's Regent's Veterinary Clinic ten days ago, and it has been recovering at the RSPCA centre since then. It is not known where the attack took place.
Mr Howard said: "Fortunately, this sort of attack is not common, it is the first in Coventry I've ever heard of although it is a sad fact that these things do happen.
"But animals are distressed by the noise fireworks make and this is a message we try and get home every year."
If anyone wants to give Tyson a home, call the centre on 024 7633 6616.

October 28 2003, ic Teesside - Mum's plea after fireworks horror
A mum made an impassioned safety plea today after her son was badly injured in a fireworks accident on Teesside.
David Richardson had a hole blown through his right hand and a friend - who has not been named - hurt his left hand.
The two 14-year-olds are recovering from plastic surgery after the horrific incident in Eston Square. Both had surgery at James Cook University Hospital.
As reported in later editions of yesterday's Gazette, the boys were playing with pals on Sunday at 8pm when firework horseplay went badly wrong.
David's mum, Bernadette Jones, has since told police she wants to warn others of the dangers of fireworks.
And while horrified at the injuries, she was thankful the firework didn't explode in David's face. She said she didn't know where the boys had got the fireworks.
Police were called to the scene on Sunday after reports that youngsters were throwing fireworks.
Community Safety Inspector Dave Mead, of Langbaurgh Police, today urged parents to remind children of how dangerous fireworks can be and to even check their pockets and bedrooms. He also appealed to shops not to sell to youngsters.
"Messing around with fireworks can have a devastating result," he said.
"Yet again, police and health services are left to deal with the aftermath."
A senior firefighter also added his voice today to the safety message, by calling for a ban on public sale of fireworks.
Station Officer Ron Carr, who last night was in charge of crews fighting a shed blaze started by fireworks in Dufton Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, said: "I have seen so many accidents, so much pain and suffering and misery I would like to see a total ban.
"They should be available only for organised displays," he said.
"More than 1,000 people were hospitalised in November last year.
"On Teesside we had a rocket through a house window in West Lane in Middlesbrough. Now in Liverpool we find they are being used as weapons and mixed with other materials to form explosives."
Children were spotted playing with fireworks prior to the blaze which destroyed one shed and damaged another at about 9pm last night .
Earlier this month firefighter Tony Hey escaped serious injury when a banger was thrown through the cab of the 13-tonne fire engine he was driving.

October 28 2003, ic Wales - Retire the blue touch paper
Mario Basini argues that fireworks should be banned from shops
Each year, as the nights dramatically lengthen, the celebration that commemorates one of the more barbaric moments in British history, itself becomes the trigger for acts of torture and cruelty.
The rituals which were once connected with Bonfire Night have long since begun to assume a life of their own. Long before November 5, the sound of exploding fireworks reverberate through our streets like gunfire.
Often September has barely started when the assault on our eardrums begins in earnest.
What was once an expression of childlike innocence, bringing a little excitement and colour to drab winter months, has become the excuse for menacing acts of violence and vandalism.
The point was dramatically underlined last week when pensioner Marjorie Davies was injured by a firework thrown through the window of her Llanelli home.
It set a chair alight and Mrs Davies, 68, had to be treated for burns and cuts caused by the shattered glass.
According to the Chief Constable of Merseyside, Norman Bettison, the abuse of fireworks now trigger three separate sorts of crime.
Firstly, the indiscriminate use of fireworks in the streets alarms and distresses passers-by.
Secondly, incidents like that which injured Mrs Davies, in which the fireworks are used as weapons, can cause grave physical injuries.
They can be exploded in telephone kiosks, in letterboxes or in cars to create havoc and injury.
The third threat posed by fireworks, which Mr Bettison's force is investigating, involves the criminal use of the explosives they contain to make what amount to low-grade bombs. Frequently the explosives are mixed with other materials to increase their effectiveness.
There is, of course, a fourth danger - to the lives and the limbs of those who use them without heeding safety rules.
Each year as Bonfire Night approaches there are stories of children maimed for life by the improper use of fireworks.
It is entirely in keeping with the incident they celebrate, that Bonfire Night and its rituals should be a source of pain and violence.
It celebrates a time when oppressive religious persecution was institutionalised in Britain, when acts of terrorism and the most barbarous forms of state retribution, were commonplace.
Bonfire Night and fireworks are reminders of the attempt by Guy - or Guido - Fawkes, a mercenary soldier and adventurer, to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.
It was a time when, despite the fact that the Protestant Church of England had become the state religion, much of England and Wales remained Roman Catholic.
Those who attempted to practise their religion found themselves fined and imprisoned, their priests hounded and murdered.
Fawkes and his fellow-conspirators were Catholics protesting at the persecution they faced.
When Fawkes was discovered with 20 barrels of gunpowder in the cellars below the Houses of Parliament in 1605, he was tortured until he revealed the names of the others involved in the plot. Then, after a trial, he was hung, drawn and quartered, a process which involved disembowelling and castrating the victim while he was still alive.
When I was a child, the political significance of Bonfire Night had long been lost. It was an excuse for a party with friends and neighbours.
But its abuse today at the hands of vandals is a graphic reminder of barbaric roots.
Regulations governing the use of fireworks during the build-up to Bonfire Night, include the fact that shops selling them have to be registered.
A voluntary code of practice among traders says that fireworks should not go on sale until three weeks before November 5.
But, as Mrs Davies's case vividly illustrates, the rules are not working.
Earlier this month 60 tons of illegally imported fireworks were seized in Cardiff. Last week, police in Wrexham complained that fireworks were being illegally sold in public houses.
The Department of Trade has promised fresh attempts at regulation.
But perhaps it is time to ban a tradition which commemorates a barbarous earlier age and which itself has become the excuse for the infliction of pain and terror on the innocent.

October 28 2003, Irish Parliament, Warning About The Dangers Of Fireworks
Warning about the dangers of fireworks As in previous years during the "run-up" to Halloween, Gardai are issuing a warning about the serious dangers associated with using fireworks.
Each year many children and young persons suffer terrible injuries caused by fireworks, including burns, loss of limbs and serious eye injuries.
It should be borne in mind that the sale, possession or use of fireworks in this country is illegal.
It should be also noted that it is illegal to possess any fireworks that may have been legally purchased outside of the jurisdiction and then brought into the State. Many of the fireworks that are offered for sale illegally here have not passed any quality control tests and are possibly defective.
The Gardai will confiscate any fireworks found in the possession of persons and such persons are also liable to prosecution. In addition there is a specific offence under law for throwing any ignited fireworks in public places.
The only exception to these laws is where a 'professional' type firework display is authorised under permit.
Apart from the risk of injury, fireworks can cause great distress and annoyance to elderly residents. They can set off Intruder alarms, causing unnecessary extra demands on Garda resources. They can also cause great distress to family pets and animals. Finally, there always the possibility of outbreaks of fire in property if fireworks such as 'rockets' continue to burn after landing.
We ask that parents be responsible in ensuring that their children do not cause injury to either themselves or others on Halloween night. If you discover that your children have possession of bangers/fireworks please take same from them.
If anybody has information relating to the illegal sale of fireworks they should contact their local Garda Station or use the Garda Confidential Line telephone number 1800 - 666 - 111.

Update 29th October:
Gardai have in recent weeks seized a large number of illegally held fireworks. The total amount seized so far is in excess of £45,000.
Most seizures have taken place in the Dublin City Centre area and have been made by Gardai specially deployed to thwart the illegal sale of fireworks.
In the last three weeks there have been over 60 searches in the Store Street Garda District alone, and 19 arrests under the Casual Trading Act.
There was also a significant seizure in Ashford, Co Wicklow when about £15,000 worth of fireworks were seized following the search of a premises in the area.

October 28 2003, Leeds Today, Fire chief urges ban after rocket attack
A FIRE chief has called for a ban on firework sales to the public after a rocket was thrown in the cab of a fire engine.
West Yorkshire Assistant Chief Fire Officer David Monks said the crew narrowly escaped injury in the incident, which happened as they returned from a 999 call.
Yobs hurled the missile through an open window and it caught on the uniform of the engine's driver.
He was forced to stop the vehicle and flick the fizzing firework away from him. The rocket then exploded, deafening the firefighters inside. Fire crews are now being warned to keep their windows up.
Mr Monks today told the Yorkshire Evening Post the incident convinced him fireworks should be sold only for organised displays. "The more fireworks are restricted the better. I would personally support no use for private individuals, just public displays."
So far in Leeds, the worst-hit area of West Yorkshire, fireworks have damaged to six cars, four homes, two shops, a factory and a pub. In most incidents the buildings had to be evacuated. Four post-boxes and three telephone boxes have also been destroyed.
Mr Monks said some of the biggest problems have been caused by air bombs - designed to make a powerful explosion, despite their small size.
He said: "They are meant to be let off in the sky, but in a confined space are literally bombs. We had one put inside a car - it blew the windscreen tens of metres down the road and crumpled the roof."
Many homeowners targeted by firework thugs have been pensioners. They have had to be rescued after being trapped by blazes caused by fireworks being shoved through their letterboxes.
Mr Monks backed the YEP's Save The Fireworks for Bonfire Night campaign and welcomed a new Bill giving councils extra powers to tackle the problem.
Welcomed
Also in response to the growing menace, firework-proof postboxes are being fitted across Leeds after almost £50,000 of damage over the last two years.
Restrictor plates have been fitted over 59 Royal Mail postboxes across the city. One post box has been sealed with only a small gap for letters at Haven Chase, Cookridge, after a series of attacks.
Coun Barry Anderson (Con, Cookridge), said: "The postbox has been targeted by yobs. This unacceptable and the Government needs to take more appropriate action."
grant.woodward@ypn.co.uk

October 28 2003, ManchesterOnline - News, Man on a mission
THE MP who launched a crackdown on firework louts visited Manchester to see how the city was tackling the menace - and he promised more action if necessary.

Scottish MP Bill Tynan was responsible for the Fireworks Act, which limits over-the-counter firework sales to three weeks before November 5, imposes an 11pm curfew on displays and sets noise limits on fireworks.

The government is rushing through more legislation so it is in effect before New Year's Eve celebrations.

And Mr Tynan used a trip to Manchester to say he would push for further restrictions if necessary.

He toured the city with city council staff and councillors to see how successful they are in tackling the firework louts.

The M.E.N. has campaigned for more than a year for a complete ban on over-the-counter sales of fireworks.

Mr Tynan said: "If there are still problems, then I want to know about them.

"The Manchester Evening News has done a great job of publicising the dangers of fireworks and your city council is doing everything it can to prevent any problems.

Pressure
"But if problems persist, I will be putting further pressure on ministers to ensure that something is done.

"It is important to let people know that even though the Act has been passed, myself and others will not go away from the issue if problems remain.

"It is good to see what Manchester city council is doing and it is important for me to see how organisations go about tackling the problems."

The city council has set up a hotline for people to ring with information about bonfire problems.

The council has also kept a close eye on fireworks retailers to ensure they stick to the three-week guideline for firework sales and that they sell only fireworks which meet British safety guidelines.

Coun Pat Karney, who has been closely involved with the council's stance on fireworks, escorted Mr Tynan to a meeting of police and schoolchildren in Chorlton.

He then took him to meet fireworks retailers in north Manchester.

He said: "So far this year, Manchester has been quieter than normal for fireworks.

"The city council has been very aggressive in the message it has put out to rogue firework sellers.

"We want them to know that if they start selling fireworks illegally then they can expect a visit from us."

October 28 2003, News Shopper, Baby Lucky To Survive Sick Firework Attack
A TERRIFIED mum feared the worst when teenage yobs pushed a lit firework through her letterbox.
Maria Meagher, of Silverdale, Sydenham, heard a screeching sound, a bang and her two-year-old daughter Bonnie howling.
She ran to find the tot bawling her eyes out after the attack last week, the latest in a spate of firework incidents plaguing south east London.
She said: "It came through my house, you can imagine the noise and smoke. I've got a little one, an 11-year-old and a puppy and it could have been serious stuff, especially with Bonnie.
"She often stands by the phone and I couldn't sleep for thinking what could have happened if it had gone off in her face or she had grabbed it.
"It's blown off my letter box, but thank God it didn't set fire to the curtains or carpet. Then things would have really got out of hand." Maria wants fireworks banned from shops and only people with a licence allowed to use them at authorised events.
"Failing that, shops must stop selling them to under-16s and parents should keep an eye out for them - they're miniature bombs really and causing too many accidents," she added.
She was told by police there had been six other similar reports that same evening.
"It's getting out of control - my other daughter spoke to a young boy in the park and he had been told to put one on his head so they could light it," she said.
She described the culprits as black and aged between 11 and 13-years-old.
A spokesman of Lewisham police said: "It would be wrong to say there was a fireworks epidemic, but in the run-up to bonfire night, these incidents do increase.
"The misuse of fireworks is a form of anti-social behaviour and we would urge members of the public to report it."

October 28 2003, News Shopper, Calls To Control The Big Bangs
RESIDENTS, police and politicians are calling for tighter controls of fireworks.
Demands for clampdowns have been made by many groups, including the fire brigade and the RSPCA, after a rise in general usage and a number of vandalism attacks involving fireworks.
Most recently, on October 19, a dog waste bin was blown apart by youths on the recreation ground behind Blean Grove, Penge, scattering debris up to 15m.
Stevie West, (pictured) of Morgan Road, Bromley, is campaigning for tighter controls.
She collected more than 60 signatures in April for Kent-based pressure group the Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund which is lobbying Parliament to pass new legislation.
Miss West said: "Over the past five years the situation has definitely got worse. It seems they are being let off indiscriminately with no regard for people or their pets. The noise is very frightening for animals and with people letting them off all year round it's becoming extremely anti-social." New laws have been passed by the Government banning the sale of fireworks to under 18s and setting a maximum noise limit. But the new laws will not come into effect before Guy Fawkes night.
Orpington MP John Horam has asked Home Secretary David Blunkett to guarantee the police will use the spirit of the new laws in order to improve residents' lives.
Mr Horam said: "I have already had complaints from people this year. If the police crack down on those who were out of order we might be able enjoy the traditional festival, while not scaring the wits out of people." l The fire brigade warns: only buy fireworks marked with British Standard Kite; follow instructions carefully; never to throw fireworks and never to go back to a firework once it has been lit.

October 28 2003, News Shopper, Curfew Call
A PENSIONER whose home caught fire when youths pushed a firework through his letterbox wants curfews to be imposed on yobs.
Jim Read, 69, of Sweyne Road, Swanscombe, is calling for action to curb the misuse of fireworks and anti-social behaviour.
He said: "I want a curfew in Swanscombe so youngsters are at home by 9pm.
"People are sick of fireworks going off after midnight and of anti-social behaviour." The former fireworks factory worker wants police to spot check youths for fireworks and confiscate any they find.
A north Kent police spokesman said carrying fireworks is not an offence.
He added: "We have to work with the manpower we have and have to prioritise it with where significant problems are."

October 28 2003, News Shopper, Yobs Push Firework Through Letterbox
A PENSIONER whose house caught fire when youths pushed a burning firework through his letterbox is calling for curfews to stop the anti-social behaviour.
Jim Read, 69, of Sweyne Road, Swanscombe, says he could have been killed or his home burnt down because of the youngsters' thoughtlessness.
He is calling for tough action to curb the misuse of fireworks and increasing anti-social behaviour.
"I want a curfew in Swanscombe so youngsters are at home by 9pm," he said. "I've spoken to quite a few people and they're for it.
"They're sick of fireworks going off after midnight and the rest of the anti-social behaviour which is going on where we live." The former fireworks factory worker wants the police to spot check youths for fireworks and confiscate any found because they are "like lethal weapons".
Other acts of anti-social behaviour reported to police in the town include off-road motorcycling, torching cars and slashing tyres.
Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council is creating a plan to persuade Kent police to step up its presence in the town, following a disappointing meeting with officers last Wednesday.
Councillor Bryan Read does not believe curfews are appropriate but says anti-social behaviour has increased so much the council is logging all complaints, filing up to 30 incidents in the first three weeks of October.
He said: "We're unhappy with the policing in the area. Groups of youths roam the streets at night but there are not enough police to keep an eye on the place. We want to see higher police responses and patrols on the ground.
"People should also report incidents to the police so they have a true picture of what is going on here." A north Kent police spokesman said carrying fireworks is not an offence and spot checks could only be carried out if there is good reason.
And he said the levels of policing depended on crime levels being reported throughout north Kent "We have to work with the manpower and we have got to prioritise it with where significant problems are, which changes," he added.

October 28 2003, Peterborough Now, Probe after yob let off firework in cinema
AN investigation was under way today after a yob set off a firework inside a city cinema.
Dozens of people rushed for the exits after the fire cracker was let off at Showcase Cinemas, in Boongate.
Management had already spoken to the youth after his rowdy behaviour disturbed other film-goers during a showing of Cabin Fever. Then, about 10 minutes before the end of the film, the sound went off, and when staff informed the audience they could have their money back, the yob left off the fire cracker.
There was further uproar when the youth joined the queue for refunds, and spat in the face of a cinema worker. The incident happened at about 10pm on Sunday.
Sarah Simpson (26), from Bourne, who had gone to the cinema with her husband, Jason, said: "Everyone was waiting for it to get better when eventually the credits began to roll. As we went to stand up, there was a really loud bang.  "I thought the speakers had blown because of the sound problem, but then saw he had let off a firework.  "There was loads of smoke. Everyone was pushing to get out. It was such a stupid thing to do."
The youth was white, 6ft 1ins tall, slim, and aged about 18 to 20. He had short, dark hair and was wearing a long, tan-coloured duffel coat, jeans, and a T-shirt.  Police confirmed they were looking for the youth, who is believed to have left the cinema in a black Vauxhall Astra before officers got to the scene.

October 28 2003, Sheffield Today, Clampdown on sale of illegal fireworks
POLICE in Barnsley are calling for public help to stem the tide of illegal fireworks being sold to children wreaking havoc in the town.
Officers now believe someone is selling imported fireworks to kids who have blown up half-a-dozen phone boxes.
The appeal for public help comes after an under-cover operation proved the vast majority of shopkeepers were refusing to break the law.
A two-day test buying operation saw 13 and 14-year-old schoolchildren attempt to buy fireworks in shops across the borough.
Some 168 tests were made with just four illegal sales taking place. Offenders were cautioned under the Explosives Act.
Police warned if illegal sales were repeated shopkeepers faced court and possibly jail, but senior officers praised the law abiding majority.
Acting Inspector Nicola Gibson, co-ordinating Operation Mischief, said: "This is a very encouraging result and it shows that all the preparation in reminding shopkeepers of their responsibilities is paying off.
"There is a downside however. The indication that children aren't necessarily buying fireworks from licensed shops means they are getting hold of them from other sources because we still have reports of firework-related incidents.
"Stemming the tide of illegally sold fireworks is a key focus of Operation Mischief which is why we are asking people to ring the hotline and tell us about anyone selling them from their home or other unlicensed premises.
"These fireworks can be extremely dangerous and any member of the public who can help us take them off the streets will be doing their community a great service.
"Not only do they cause untold misery and nuisance in residential areas at this time of year, in the wrong hands they have the potential to destroy property, maim or even kill.
"I'd urge anyone to give us a call if they think they can help."
'Operation Mischief' is a force wide initiative which aims to curb anti-social behaviour traditionally seen at this time of year.
Anyone with information about illegal firework sales is urged to call the hotline on 0114 296 3318.

October 28 2003, The Scotsman, Firework attacks spark clamour for crackdown
THE nightly explosions seem to get earlier, and louder, every year. Despite annual calls for a clampdown on sales, the severity and frequency of incidents involving high-powered fireworks continue to increase.
Yesterday, a ten-year-old boy, who was injured when a rocket thrown by a gang of youths exploded in his face, spoke out to warn of the increasing dangers associated with Bonfire Night.   And residents of an Edinburgh housing estate revealed that they are arming themselves to take on gangs using fireworks to intimidate and maim.

In Broomhouse, children as young as eight have been shooting powerful rockets at passers-by, cars and buses. Windows have been blown out by the explosions and daily street ambushes have left some people too terrified to venture from their homes.   Andrew Pattison, of the Broomhouse Tenants and Residents Association, blamed the incidents on a gang of about a dozen youths who have terrorised the scheme for several months, and said some locals had bought air rifles to protect themselves.   He added: "It's just past the funny stage now. They are firing great big rockets at OAPs' houses, and it's like a bomb going off.   "I know of two or three people who armed themselves with air rifles. It's just crazy time and there's going to be murder committed unless the council does something about it."

One pensioner, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals, said: "The explosions go on for two or three hours every night. This place is going to end up a ghetto, because all of the good tenants who report things to police and look after their houses are moving out."
There has also been a spate of incidents involving fireworks in the Glasgow area, where rockets and bangers have been pushed through letterboxes in Bearsden, Drumchapel and Knightswood.  In the wake of serious incidents across the UK, senior police officials and fire crews yesterday renewed calls for tighter controls on the sale of fireworks ahead of this year's 5 November celebrations. 
Their stance is supported by politicians at Westminster. A bill currently going through Parliament is seeking to impose tougher curbs on the sale and use of fireworks.
Yesterday, schoolboy Steven Monaghan, from Yoker, Glasgow, described his horrific experience in an effort to reduce the number of fireworks-related injuries.  Steven was left blinded in one eye two weeks ago when a rocket exploded in his face. He said: "Playing with fireworks is stupid and dangerous. "If I see anyone with fireworks I tell them to keep them away from me. I still can't see with my left eye and it still hurts. The firework even broke my bike. I hope this doesn't happen to anyone else."
Although he was taken to hospital immediately, doctors warned the youngster that he may never fully regain the sight in his damaged eye. His mother, Mary Mongahan, said: "My wee boy has been left with a patch on his eye, and he might be blind for life because of what these kids have done. "He's so brave, but it could have been so much worse. I'm so angry this has happened, and I hope it never has to happen to anyone else.  "Kids and teenagers should not have fireworks. They don't know what they are doing with them."
Last year, more than 1,000 people in Scotland were injured by fireworks. Of these, 600 were children and 88 were under the age of five. Strathclyde Police alone dealt with 3,000 incidents involving fireworks and bonfires.
Accident and emergency consultant Ian Swann, from Glasgow Royal Infirmary, said: "Nearly every year, my colleagues and I see tragic injuries as a result of fireworks. Leave fireworks to the professionals."

Strathclyde Chief Constable John McLean said: "Kids think it's just a bit of fun, but it's not - it's deadly serious. Our message to these kids is - if you're going to throw fireworks, the police will arrest you."

STRICTER LAWS BUT THEY WON'T BE IN PLACE FOR BONFIRE NIGHT
THE government is to crack down on firework abuse - but the new measures will not be in place for Bonfire Night this year.
Under the Fireworks Act, passed last month, the government plans to:
Make it an offence for minors to possess fireworks.
Impose a noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks available to the public.
Ban the use of fireworks during anti-social hours.
License people who sell fireworks.
A new private members bill - introduced by Bill Tynan, the MP for Hamilton - will bring in 11pm curfews for the use of fireworks, with a special exemption for New Year's Eve.
A spokesman for the Department of Trade and Industry said: "We are working towards introducing some elements of the act which focus on anti-social behaviour before Christmas.  "The act's principal provisions require more time to formulate policy and agreement with stakeholders, retailers and enforcement bodies, but will be in place for next year's Bonfire Night season."
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) says it supports the development of a National Firework Display Registration Scheme. However it does not support a complete ban on the sale of fireworks to the public.  "A ban would be likely to encourage the manufacture of fireworks at home, the import of fireworks by the public travelling abroad and a black market for fireworks," a spokeswoman said.
The number of people injured by fireworks in 2002 was 1,017, RoSPA said. These injuries occurred over a four-week period around 5 November.

October 28 2003, This Is Local London, Police Braced For Halloween Terror
Surrey Police are laying on extra patrols this Hallowe'en in an effort to contain any repeat of last year's violence.
Rumours that tearaways are planning an even bigger rampage this year are already circulating on the Preston estate in Tadworth.
Last year, a woman's bike was stolen after youths sprayed liquid over her visor to obscure her vision in Troy Close.
Lit fireworks were put through letterboxes and thrown into taxis in Tadworth and in Banstead.
In six hours between 6pm and midnight, 30 calls were made in east Surrey, stretching police resources to the limits.
Chief Inspector Keith Stribblehill said: "Some troublemakers are using Hallowe'en as an excuse to terrorise their neighbourhoods.
"We are asking the community to pull together to make sure the festival goes without a hitch this year. Everyone can play a part in this.
"Parents should check they know what their children are up to, and perhaps accompany them wherever possible to make sure they don't get involved in any trouble.
"I am also appealing to retailers to be aware that youngsters buying eggs or flour may be planning mischief." Sameer Sadiq, manager of Marbles Food and Wine in Marbles Way, Tadworth, said he would not be selling eggs and flour to troublemakers.
He said: "If anybody buys eggs from us and throws them around, it gives our business a bad name." Last year, a lit firework was thrown into the Woodman pub in Woodmansterne Lane, Banstead.
Manager Stuart Bowden has welcomed the extra patrols.
He said: "If there are people who are taking advantage of what is an ancient celebration, then they should be stopped.
"There will be people here that will be quite able to deal with any small incidents that take place."

October 28 2003, This Is North Scotland SHOPS CAUGHT SELLING FIREWORKS TO CHILDREN
North-east shopkeepers have been caught selling fireworks illegally to children in an undercover operation.

Aberdeenshire Council officials sent 16-year-old volunteers into 37 shops throughout the area - and 21 shops were ready to sell fireworks to them, even though it is against the law.
Some of the offending shops were even displaying notices which proclaimed: "We only sell fireworks to over-21s."
And several supplied the fireworks even after the boys told them they were only 16.
Under The Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997, the sale of most fireworks is outlawed to young people who appear to be under the age of 18.
Now Aberdeenshire Council consumer protection staff will issue a warning to each of the shops which broke the law - with the promise of a follow-up survey before Guy Fawkes Night, November 5.
The devastating consequences of fireworks being misused are already being seen across Scotland this year.
Yesterday a Glasgow family told how their 10-year-old son was blinded in one eye two weeks ago when someone threw a firework at him which exploded in his face.  Steven Monaghan, who was playing on his bike, was left screaming in agony.  He was rushed to hospital immediately but doctors say the boy may never fully regain his sight in his left eye.
Shops are advised in writing of the legislation when they are invited to renew their licence to keep fireworks, and again in guidance notes sent when registrations are confirmed.  Despite this, 57 of those shops visited in the undercover operation were willing to risk £5,000 fines and public safety by selling fireworks to minors.

The council's head of consumer protection and support services, Bill Cassie, said the results were quite staggering.  "There has been so much publicity on the subject it is difficult to attribute these sales to anything other than irresponsibility or deliberate flouting of the law," he said.  "Fireworks must not be sold to people under the age of 18 years and if those sales continue we will take whatever action is necessary to put a stop to it.  "We will be carrying out another survey before November 5 and looking for a nil result this time around.  "We will also be writing in very strong terms to those who have sold fireworks illegally and following up with another survey in the near future."
Those shops which refused to sell fireworks to the 16-year-old boys will be sent a letter of thanks from the council.
The authority's campaign aims to stop fireworks falling into the hands of young people and being let off in the streets, presenting a danger to children and others.

Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure services committee chairwoman, Alison McInnes, said the actions of some retailers can lead to life becoming a misery for others.  "I am shocked and disappointed that the results have shown so many retailers to be disregarding the law on firework sales," she said.  "At this time of year, councillors receive many complaints from constituents about firework noise and abuse and it's disappointing that so many shops are contributing to the problem.  "It may be only a small number of youngsters who misuse fireworks, but they cause real harm and distress in our communities."

A 19-year-old man in Broadsea, near Fraserburgh, suffered burns to his arm, knees and groin after fireworks were ignited in his bedroom earlier this month.
Grampian Police has already expressed concern over the number of incidents recorded in the last few weeks.
Anyone who has any information about the sale or supply of fireworks to children should contact Grampian Police on 01224 386000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

October 28 2003, This is North Scotland - SO EASY FOR KIDS TO BUY FIREWORKS
More than half of North-east shopkeepers tested in a council-run sting were willing to sell fireworks to kids.  Youngsters went into 37 shops for the Aberdeenshire Council operation - and 21 were ready to sell them fireworks, despite this being illegal.  Most shocking of all is that some shopkeepers were prepared to flog the fireworks to the children even AFTER the volunteers had revealed that they were only 16 years old.
Some of the offending shops had notices that stated: "We only sell fireworks to over-21s".  Yet 57 of those shops visited in the undercover operation were willing to risk £5,000 fines and public safety by selling fireworks to minors.
Under The Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997, the sale of most fireworks is outlawed to young people who appear to be under the age of 18. Now Aberdeenshire Council consumer protection staff will issue a warning to each of the shops which broke the law - with the promise of a follow-up survey before Guy Fawkes' Night, November 5. 
The devastating consequences of fireworks being misused are already being seen across Scotland this year. Yesterday, a Glasgow family told how their 10-year-old son was blinded in one eye two weeks ago when someone threw a firework at him which exploded in his face.  Steven Monaghan, who was playing on his bike, was left screaming in agony.  He was rushed to hospital immediately but doctors say the boy may never fully regain his sight in his left eye. 
The council's head of consumer protection and support services, Bill Cassie, said the results were quite staggering.  "There has been so much publicity on the subject it is difficult to attribute these sales to anything other than irresponsibility or deliberate flouting of the law," he said.  "Fireworks must not be sold to people under the age of 18 years and if those sales continue we will take whatever action is necessary to put a stop to it.  "We will be carrying out another survey before November 5 and looking for a nil result this time around."
Those shops which refused to sell fireworks to the 16-year-old boys will be sent a letter of thanks from the council. Anyone who has any information about the sale or supply of fireworks to children should contact Grampian Police on (01224) 386000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

October 28 2003, This is Nottingham 'SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE IF THIS CARRIES ON'
Tough new measures to tackle the menace of fireworks could come into force within weeks after years of campaigning by the Post. But as KATHARINE BARNEY, JONATHAN REED and DAVID BYERS report, the Nottingham public is still suffering from youngsters' dangerous games
Pillar boxes ripped apart, cars written off and exploding bottle banks - all the result of fireworks being deliberately misused.
There has been a surge in terrifying incidents in Notts in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
And firefighters are warning that somebody could die. Ray Burton, sub officer at Stapleford fire station, said: "Fireworks can be very dangerous in the wrong hands.  "Last year we saw phone boxes and a pillar box blown up. One of the pieces of the lead pillar box had been blown 50 yards down the road which shows just how lethal they can be.  "Somebody is going to die if this carries on. It's inevitable.  "When that pillar box blew apart, it would have only taken a pedestrian walking past for them to be killed." 
At the weekend, a new VW Beetle was severely damaged in an attack at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre in Aspley Lane. The car park was showered with glass but, fortunately, nobody was injured.

As Bonfire Night draws close, crews are having to deal with more incidents of cars being blown up.  They believe youngsters or vandals are breaking into the vehicles before setting off the explosives.
Last week, firefighters had to deal with a car in Calverton Road, Arnold, in which a box of around 200 bangers had been set off.
And in another incident, Broxtowe resident Julie McNaul, 27, had the floor blown out of her Vauxhall Corsa by an explosion which she believes was caused by a firework. She said: "It blew the boot off, the doors and all the metal outwards. If anybody was near that car they would have been killed. If that was the damage fireworks do, they need banning."

It is because of incidents like these that the Evening Post has been campaigning for tough legislation.  The Fireworks Act, steered through Parliament by Labour MP Bill Tynan and supported by Broxtowe MP Nick Palmer, has now given the Government power to introduce a raft of measures to tackle such problems.  These include banning the noisiest fireworks, making it an offence to randomly set off fireworks late at night and restrictions on the sale of fireworks.
But until the new laws are in place - probably in time for Christmas - some fire crews are taking their own action to ensure the celebrations pass off without incident.
In Stapleford, firefighters have called for a fireworks amnesty.
Parents and teachers are being asked to confiscate fireworks found on children and hand them into their local police or fire station.
Representatives from Crescendo fireworks will then make them safe before disposing of them.
Anyone who is unsure about the safety of their fireworks can also have them checked out.
In Ashfield, vandals are using fireworks as their latest weapons, putting lives at risk.  The culprits are causing thousands of pounds of damage to newly-refurbished recycling sites.  The dangerous stunt involves vandals setting off firework bombs inside the recycling bins, blowing them apart and sending shards of glass everywhere.
Vandals have already destroyed the bins at Huthwaite, Sutton-in-Ashfield and Underwood.

Sub Officer Barry Brinson, of Ashfield fire station, said: "They are putting their lives at risk, lives of the public at risk and the lives of the emergency services at risk if we are called to attend.  "Putting fireworks in an enclosed space can be very, very dangerous because of the build up in pressure which makes them a lot more dangerous. Also the explosion means debris could injure people, especially if it is glass.  "Fireworks should be kept for Bonfire Night, used responsibly and preferably only at organised displays."

And postboxes are also being targeted by the vandals.  On Saturday, residents in Carter Lane, Mansfield, woke to find the street's postbox damaged by what was believed to be a firework.
In October and November 1999, there were 22 incidents related to fireworks reported to the fire service.
Last year, this doubled to 44 and, so far this year, there have been 12 incidents even though Bonfire Night is still over a week away.

The trail of destruction caused by fireworks has led MPs to speak out.  Gedling MP Vernon Coaker is alarmed by the pattern of blowing up cars: "This is incredibly dangerous, not only for people themselves, but for anyone who may happen to pass by. People must realise it's a serious offence and one hopes if anyone is caught they will be severely punished."

And Broxtowe MP Nick Palmer warned: "It can cause serious injuries as well as a lot of destruction to the car. I think even the youths involved need to be aware that they could actually cause themselves lifelong damage."

Mr Tynan, the MP behind the new legislation, has praised the Evening Post and the people of Nottingham for forcing the Government to act.  Now pressure is growing on ministers to push through the first wave of measures by Christmas.  A consultation period is currently under way, which will gauge people's opinions on different powers, and assess how enforceable they are.

Speaking exclusively to the Post, Mr Tynan urged Notts people to "keep the pressure on" the Government.  "This period is absolutely crucial because it is now we must speak to influence what action the Government will take as a result of this Act," he said.  "I would ask your readers to contact the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department for Work and Pensions to express their views on what action should be taken. We must keep up the pressure."  He added: "We are going through our consultation period at the moment, so it's more essential than ever that we keep battling on."

Despite disappointment in some quarters that the measures won't be in place in time for this year's Bonfire Night, Mr Palmer said the delays were inevitable.  He said: "That's the parliamentary process because everything has to go through both houses.  "What we have got this year is the voluntary ban on air bombs by the industry so we're hoping it will be a tiny bit quieter. The main impact of the new law is going to be in the coming year.  "I've always been in favour of a ban on private use, but I think this is a serious effort and if it works then it will have been worth the time spent waiting for it. We need to give it a fair try next year."

Victims of firework injuries have lent their support to the Evening Post's campaign.  At the age of ten, Stuart Brandreth, emptied gunpowder from a firework which had failed to go off and lit it. He was left with severe burns to his hands and face.  Today, he spoke of his delight at the tougher legislation covering fireworks.  Mr Brandreth, now managing director of Nottingham Building Society, said: "I am thrilled this Bill is finally to become law, but it's a real shame it couldn't have been rushed through in time for this Bonfire Night. It is very important that we stop over-the-counter sales to youngsters which every year result in hundreds of injuries and frighten both the elderly and animals."

The Post 's campaign has also been backed by Jordan Hutchinson, 31, from Lenton, who lost his arm in a firework accident when he was only 14.  When the Post spoke to Mr Hutchinson earlier this year he said: "Restricting the sale of fireworks to one month a year is good.  "But people will stockpile, and probably stockpile at home in unsafe places.  "The Government still needs to realise that only a ban will do.  "I wouldn't want my children or anyone's children go through what I went through.  "And if people are still going to be stupid enough to go ahead and buy them all I can say is follow the safety code.  "But perhaps most importantly, I'd say to shopkeepers don't sell them to underage kids.

Coun Frank Prince, who sits on Broxtowe Borough Council, said: "Those of us who campaigned on this issue welcome the legislation and thank the Evening Post and the many people who supported it."
But for communities who have been terrorised by fireworks, the delay before legislation comes into force will mean a worrying week in the run-up to Guy Fawkes Night. In an effort to combat any problems, Nottingham North MP Graham Allen is calling for local authorities to set up a freephone number so people can report irresponsible youths playing around illegally with fireworks. "When, as on Saturday night, people let off air bombs and make a hell of a lot of racket, they need to know how to report the offence. "Gone must be the days when we simply say, 'Oh, those young people are far too noisy' and take no action. We will soon have the laws to put a stop to it and we have to make sure it's locally enforced."

The Bill has been welcomed by Martin Guest, of firework supplier Standard Fireworks, said: "We are obviously concerned with the way fireworks have been abused in recent years, but believe this is a huge step forward."

Fireworks can be taken to Stapleford Fire Station on Mondays between 9 and 11am and 7 and 9pm or to the police station at any time.

Countdown to sales ban
The Post's Be Safe Not Sorry campaign was launched on Friday, December 7, 2001.  It was launched after we reported the story of 12-year-old Tom Munn, from Worcester, who had pioneering surgery at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre in an effort to save his sight following a firework accident.
We called for a complete ban on the sale of fireworks to the public, a cause which won an immediate wave of support.  Prime Minister Tony Blair was even given a dossier of our stories to back the cause.
And over the months we carried on the fight until the Fireworks Act found its way on to the statute book.
This in itself has endured a long, often difficult journey.  During the past year it has been the subject of heated exchanges in the Commons, endless blocking attempts by Tory MPs - and the battle to make sure it didn't run out of parliamentary time.
The legislation was introduced on December 11 last year, when Scottish MP Bill Tynan stood up at 12.31pm to make the first reading of his Fireworks Bill.  He was angry that the only restriction on firework sales under present law was on selling them to under-18s.  Each year MPs are entered into a ballot and given a number in which order they will introduce their private bill.
In November Bill Tynan had been given the number two slot.  Agreeing to support the fireworks cause, he made the first reading of his Fireworks Bill, on Wednesday, December 11, 2002.  It was followed by the Commons' second reading in February 2003, a minor money resolution in March, its committee stage in April and third reading in June before going on to the Lords where it faced a potential backlash.  Peers, however, were reassured and it sailed through its three stages between July and September before arriving back in the Commons for Royal Assent.
The Fireworks Act now has to undergo three months of public consultation. Campaigners predict it should be in force in time for early 2004 or even by this Christmas.  And the Department for Trade and Industry has proposed three measures which it wants to fast-track so they can be in force before Christmas.
They would see:
A ban on the use of fireworks before 7am and after 11pm, except for major festivals.
Under-18s stopped from possessing fireworks.
Air bombs banned, by prohibiting supply.
The consultation will gauge opinion on these measures, and assess how they can be enforced.
Depending on the response, other measures will then be introduced next year.

Protect your pets and animals during guy Fawkes
The RSPCA has welcomed the forthcoming changes - but is now lobbying the Government to make sure they are effective.  And, just days before Bonfire Night, the organisation is determined that all animals should be kept safe
Steve Cheetham, the RSPCA's chief veterinary officer, said: "We're horrified by the number of animals brought to us for emergency care as a result of firework injuries."

The RSPCA is encouraging the public to cause minimum distress and injury to animals by following its advice:
Keep your cats and dogs indoors
Close all windows and curtains and switch on music or the television to drown out the noise
Leave your cat or dog to take refuge in a corner if it wishes. Do not try to tempt it out as this could cause more stress
Make sure your cat or dog is microchipped and/or wearing a collar and tag so it can be returned to you if it escapes and becomes lost
Never walk your dog while fireworks are being let off, walk them during the day
Small animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, living outside can also become very stressed from loud noise. Bring small animals indoors or into an outhouse or garden shed to give them extra protection
Horses often bolt from firework noise and become injured. Always make sure horses, ponies and donkeys are stabled and close the door to hide fireworks from view
Bonfires can be fatal for wildlife such as hedgehogs, which often crawl in to them to sleep. Build bonfires as late as possible to reduce this risk and make sure you disturb the foundations of the bonfire to give any wildlife a chance to escape before it is lit
Clear up fireworks waste which can harm animals.

October 28 2003, This is Nottingham TOGETHER WE'LL BEAT FIREWORK MENACES
A Crackdown on firework yobs would not have happened without the Evening Post and its readers.
That is the view of MP Bill Tynan who introduced the new Fireworks Bill.
Now he is urging the newspaper and readers to keep up the pressure to ensure the Bill becomes law by the new year.
Mr Tynan said: "The Post has been excellent. They must continue to campaign hard and it is important all residents keep the pressure on."
He spoke as a new danger emerged in Notts - large fireworks being used to blow up cars, bottle banks and postboxes. Sub-Officer Ray Burton, of Stapleford fire station, said: "Somebody is going to die if this carries on. Fireworks are dangerous ... they are bombs."
Stuart Brandeth, of Nottingham Building Society, who was left with severe burns after playing with a firework as a child, said: "It is very important we stop over-the-counter sales to youngsters which every year result in hundreds of injuries."
The Post's campaign has also been backed by Jordan Hutchinson, 31, of Lenton, who lost his arm in a firework accident when he was only 14.

October 28 2003, This is South Devon  Herald Express News  Firework outrage
Two telephone boxes were blown up in Torquay yesterday in what are believed to have been firework pranks.
The explosions were on the corner of Pavor Road, Babbacombe, and Maidencombe Cross.
Glass was shattered and the booths left with scorch marks, although no one was hurt.

October 28 2003, This is South Wales - GRAN IS DEAF AFTER BLAST
A Disabled granny hit by a giant rocket firework in her home last week may have been left deaf by the explosion, it emerged today. The huge firework smashed through a window of Margery Davies's house exploding into her chair on Wednesday night and causing massive damage.  The disabled 68-year-old grandmother of six was allowed home for the first time yesterday.  But she has revealed she is now deaf. 
Pensioner Mrs Davies, of Llanelli, said today: "I'm a bit battered and deaf but I hope I will get better.  "My children did not want me to return to the house and had even started arranging to have me re-housed from Bryngolau where I have been for 22 years.  "But my home is my castle. It is where I want to be. It sounds silly but I feel safer here than anywhere else.  "I keep telling myself lightning can't strike twice."
She added: "The biggest problem I have now is that I cannot enjoy the TV soaps because I can't hear the dialogue. I have had teletext on but it is not the same.  "All I want for Christmas is my hearing back. They have told me there is a good chance that it will have recovered by them."  She said today she wanted to see a total ban on fireworks. "I never allowed my children to have them, always preferring to take them to organised displays.  "I would like to see legislation tightened up."
Mrs Davies has been showered with dozens of bouquets and get well cards from well wishers since last week's incident. "I have even had one from the police. That was really touching. "The telephone has not stopped ringing.
"My windows are still boarded up and it is like being in the blitz.  "People are shocked when they see the devastation the firework caused.  "Some visitors have been in tears because they have never seen such a mess and wonder how I survived the bang that caused the damage."
Her dog Tess also had her eardrums pierced by the blast. "She won't leave my side and has licked me to death," said Mrs Davies. "She was every bit as frightened as me."
Three men have appeared in court in connection with the Llanelli incident and have been bailed to appear in front of magistrates again later this week.

October 27 2003, BBC NEWS, Shropshire  Toilets destroyed by fireworks
Vandals have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage at a country park in Shropshire after they let off fireworks in a toilet block.
Police were called to Colemere Country Park, in Ellesmere, on Saturday morning after the explosion destroyed the portable toilet block overnight.
A Vauxhall Astra car was also vandalised after fireworks were put under the bonnet of the car and part of a wooden fence which surrounds the park was removed and used to start a bonfire.
West Mercia Police said it could cost up to £30,000 to replace the toilet block.
PC Derek McIntosh, from West Mercia Police, appealed for witnesses.
"The damage was extensive and it was fortunate nobody was injured," he said.
Forensic officers have removed the remains of a large firework which was found in the toilet block, he added.

October 27 2003, BBC NEWS, Staffordshire  Firework shock for couple
A couple in their 70s have been treated in hospital after a firework smashed through windows at their Staffordshire sheltered housing and exploded.
The incident happened at 2145 GMT on Tuesday at Wooldridge Court, in Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent.
The couple were taken to hospital suffering from shock but are said to have now recovered.
Police said an "extremely powerful" firework had been launched at the double glazed windows, penetrating them both and exploding inside the room.
A spokesman said two schoolboys called at the complex shortly after the incident asking what had happened.
He said it is not known if they were involved but officers would like to speak to the boys.
Anyone with any information should contact Stoke-on-Trent police.

October 27 2003, BBC NEWS, Tees  Boys hurt in firework prank
Two schoolboys are undergoing plastic surgery after a prank with fireworks went wrong.
The two 14-year-olds were taken to hospital after police were called to Eston, near Redcar on Sunday night.
Officers had received reports of a group of youths throwing fireworks in Eston High Street.
When they arrived at about 2000 BST the found the two boys with badly burnt hands.
A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "Once again, the police and health professionals have been left to deal with the aftermath of children playing with fireworks.
"We had received a number of calls from he public about a gang of youths throwing fireworks around.
"When we arrived we discovered that two 14-year-old boys had been very badly burned when some fireworks had gone off in their hands.
"They will both require plastic surgery as a result."
The spokesman issued a warning to parents not to allow children to play with potentially lethal fireworks.
He also warned local traders that tough action would be taken against any who illegally sell fireworks to under age customers.

October 27 2003, Evening Times on line, Boy hurt by firework in safety plea
A 10-YEAR-OLD boy hit in the eye by an exploding firework is to front a campaign aimed at improving safety on Guy Fawkes' Night.
Surgeons are still working to save the eye of Steven Monaghan after the rocket hit him as he cycled on the road near his home in Yoker, Glasgow.
The firework - which can reach a temperature of 2000¼C - was so powerful it damaged Steven's bike.
Today, the youngster, one of a family of six brothers and two sisters, was back at Yorkhill Hospital For Sick Children for further treatment.
Steven, who has to wear a patch covering his eye, will front the Strathclyde Police safety campaign.
Police chiefs are warning the public to remember fireworks are explosives and if mishandled can be lethal.
Steven's 40-year-old mother, Mary, said: "Steven's eye has been badly damaged and it will be at least another month until doctors discover if he will be permanently blinded.
"Steven is now terrified to go out of the house and on Bonfire Night I will be making sure all my children and our family dog are kept inside.
"Anything the police can do to get the message across that fireworks are dangerous has my full support."
Steven said: "I was cycling along the road and there was a group of lads on the pavement. I saw one of them aim a rocket at me and it exploded in my face.
"I don't know if doctors will be able to save my sight."
Last year hospitals dealt with 3000 accidents in the Strathclyde Police area.
Police also said there had been a spate of incidents in the north of Glasgow, with vandals blowing up post boxes in Drumchapel, Knightswood and Bearsden.
Assistant Chief Constable John McLean said: "It is only a few days since a 16-year-old boy lost two fingers after a rocket blew up in his hand.
"These incidents prove how dangerous fireworks can be when used irresponsibly.
"Safety comes first and I would advise anyone who wishes to enjoy fireworks celebrations to attend an organised display rather than create their own.
"This year we have joined forces with Trading Standard's officers and Strathclyde Fire Brigade to ensure Guy Fawkes night is the safest ever."
Consultant surgeon Ian Swann of Glasgow Royal Infirmary said: "Every year we see tragic injuries as a result of fireworks.
"My advice is to leave fireworks to the professionals who take extensive safety precautions. It is vital young people are aware of the dangers and parents must also ensure their children do not buy fireworks."

October 27 2003, ic Liverpool - Firework blows phone box apart
A PHONE box was blown apart in the latest firework attack in Liverpool last night.
Debris from the explosion in Lochinvar Street, Walton, was scattered up to 40ft away, with some ending up on the busy Rice Lane flyover.
It happened directly outside the house at the end of the cul-de-sac, which was occupied by 21-year-old Karla Bloxhan and her two children Taylor, three, and 18-month-old Liticia.
Karla said: "I heard a big bang. Everything in the house shook and the door of the phone box just flew across the road. If anybody had been going past at that moment, they'd be dead.
"The two kids were really scared, and so was I."
Inspector George Dawson of Merseyside Police said last night: "This was a mindless and irresponsible act that could well have caused injury. Thankfully, it didn't."
Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.

October 27 2003, ic Liverpool - Firework smashes through bedroom window
A WOMAN dived for cover after a high powered firework crashed through a window and landed on her bed .
She was treated for shock after last night's attack in Croxteth (Sunday, October 26).
Pat Dursham had just gone to bed when an industrial strength rocket smashed through her bedroom window in Hawkshead Avenue near the country park.
It exploded onto her bed starting a fire which slightly damaged the room.
Ms Dursham, 59, who escaped uninjured, said: "It was terrifying and I was really scared. I was on my own and suddenly fireworks started going off.
"One smashed through the window. I am a bag of nerves and cannot stop crying."
The bedroom window next door was also shattered by another rocket. The couple who live there were out at the time and returned to find their home cordoned off by police.
The firework did not cause and serious damage to their bedroom.

October 27 2003, ITV News, Illegal fireworks found.
Experts estimate 2,000 tonnes of illegal fireworks are here in the UK. Across Britain there have been record seizures this year.
Liverpool: a tonne and a half were found in a domestic dwelling
Belfast: 300 tonnes were illegally stored in a goods yard.
Fermanagh: 20 tonnes were found in a car boot sale
Cardiff: 60 tonnes found in the docks
East Yorkshire: 3.5 tonnes were part of a furniture consignment

October 27 2003, ManchesterOnline - Insure against bonfire disasters
BONFIRE night could cost more than you think. In today's claims-conscious times, anyone planning to hold a firework party - even a private family celebration - needs to check that they are fully insured.

According to specialist over 50s insurer, Cornhill Direct, 44 per cent of all firework-related injuries in 2001 occurred at a family or private Bonfire party. The insurance industry pays out tens of thousands of pounds in claims each year for damage to houses, outbuildings and garden property caused by fireworks or bonfires.

Individual party organisers, who will not be charging admission, are normally covered by their home insurance but they need to check with their insurer that cover extends to include civil claims.

Ian Firth, product and pricing manager at Cornhill Direct said: "Standard home insurance policies, including ours, provide cover for private firework parties.

"This means that if you invite friends over to join your celebrations and a spark strays over the fence setting neighbouring property ablaze and you are found legally liable, then your policy should pay out."

However, a 'duty of care' clause in household policies puts the onus on people holding parties to prove that they took proper precautions otherwise claims can be refused or payouts reduced.

October 27 2003, ManchesterOnline - News, Firework attacks spark demand for clampdown
A police chief says he is becoming increasingly concerned about the misuse of fireworks after a spate of violent incidents and vandalism in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

The Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Norman Bettison, has already urged Home Secretary David Blunkett to clamp down after 26 phone boxes and six cars were damaged in his area.

He described the amount of time police spend tackling the problem as "criminal" and called for fireworks only to be sold to people who have special licences.

In some cases, rockets have been used as weapons.

Recent incidents have included:
In Milton Keynes, a high-powered firework was blasted at a nursery classroom on Thursday night, starting a fire.

The rocket smashed through a window at New Bradwell Combined School, setting fire to curtains and wrecking children's work.

Firefighters said the impact even ripped the wooden window frame from the wall and children's pictures 10 metres away and the ceiling were peppered with shards of glass and shrapnel.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "We think it was a powerful firework that caused a substantial amount of damage. If this had been when there were children inside, it would have been very serious."

In Corby, Northamptonshire, the previous night, police were called to Dunedin Close after fire crews were attacked by youths with fireworks.

Just last month, the county's fire chief called on the public to help protect his officers from a growing number of attacks, including being shot at with air rifles.

Corby firefighters are ambushed so often that their fire engines are now fitted with CCTV cameras.

Kent has seen a spate of attacks over the last week, mainly in the Medway towns of Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham.

In one incident in Rochester, youths threw a firework through the window of a post office which was closed at the time - causing extensive damage.

Several phone boxes in the area have also been targeted. One in nearby Strood had its windows smashed and door blown off its hinges by a blast.

Police in the area have issued several warnings fearful that somebody will eventually be hurt.

DCI Matthew Nix, of Medway Police, said earlier in the week: "To date, we have been extremely fortunate that no one has been injured."

In Manchester, two teenagers were arrested after a couple were injured by a firework in their home in Duckinfield.

A lighted firework was thrown into a house on Lodge Close and exploded, causing injuries to the face of a 66-year-old man.

Two youths, aged 15 and 16, were arrested and have been bailed.

In Swansea, two shops were damaged after fireworks were thrown into them.

South Wales Police believe youths were responsible for the incidents in the Penlan area. No-one was injured in either of the explosions.

Police have warned the culprits could face life imprisonment under the Explosives Act, and say there has been a spate of earlier similar incidents.

In Llanelli, Marjorie Davies, 68, was injured after a rocket-type firework was fired into her living room as she watched television.

She needed hospital treatment for minor burns to her head and face and there was fire damage to the furniture in her home in Bryn Golau.

Inspector Ian Richards said the incident on Wednesday evening was a "mindless act and we will do our best to deal with the people responsible."

The Government is to crack down on firework abuse - but the new measures will not be in place for Bonfire Night this year.
Under new "enabling legislation" - the Fireworks Act - which became law last month, the Government plans to:
make it an offence for minors to possess fireworks.
impose a noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks available to the public.
ban the use of fireworks during anti-social hours.
license people who sell fireworks.

A spokesman for the Department of Trade and Industry said ;

"We are working towards introducing some elements of the Act which focus on anti-social behaviour before Christmas.

"The Act's principal provisions require more time to formulate policy and agreement with stakeholders, retailers and enforcement bodies, but will be in place for next year's Bonfire Night season."

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) says it supports the development of a National Firework Display Registration Scheme.

However it does not support a complete ban on the sale of fireworks to the public.

"A ban would be likely to encourage the manufacture of fireworks at home, the import of fireworks by the public travelling abroad and a black market for fireworks," a spokeswoman said.

The number of people injured by fireworks in 2002 was 1,017, RoSPA says.

These injuries occurred over a four week period around November 5.

October 27 2003, ManchesterOnline - News, Spot fines plan for firework louts
YOBS who let off fireworks in the street may face on-the-spot fines, it has emerged.

The government is rushing through legislation - thanks to an M.E.N. campaign - which is expected to become law before Christmas.

It will make it an offence for the under-18s to be in possession of fireworks.

And ministers are considering on-the-spot fines for young louts who fall foul of the new law.

A Department of Trade and Industry spokesman said the government was consulting police and trading standards officials on how the new law could be enforced.

The M.E.N. has campaigned for a ban on over-the-counter sales of fireworks.

The spokesman added: "The M.E.N. campaign has helped persuade the government of the need for these new powers and the importance of getting them in force quickly."

Consumer minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "All too often, noisy fireworks used in anti-social hours cause real disturbance in local communities. These new powers will make a real difference in cracking down on excess noise and nuisance."

The M.E.N. revealed earlier this year how the government was rushing through a crackdown on firework louts in time for New Year's Eve.

The move came after Tony Blair threw his weight behind the crusade.

The legislation - revealed to the M.E.N. by Home Office minister and Salford MP Hazel Blears - will also include an 11pm fireworks curfew and a ban on air bomb sales. Any fireworks over 120 decibels will also be banned.

Fireworks were dropped into post boxes in a spate of attacks in Horwich, near Bolton, last night (Sunday). The force of the blasts blew the door off one box and the top off another.
Three men were being questioned today.

October 27 2003, Mirror co uk - SCANDAL OF THE SHOPS THAT SELL FIREWORKS TO KIDS
A boy is blinded and injury toll rises but traders still selling fireworks to children
Exclusive By Matt Roper
FIREWORKS and bangers are being illegally sold to children in stores across the country despite a series of horrifying accidents. Only last week a 14-year-old boy was blinded while playing near his home in Sunderland. And with over a week still to go to Bonfire Night, hospitals report a surge in injuries. Last year more than 1,000 people were badly hurt. Of those, 600 were children and 88 under five.
But a Daily Mirror probe has revealed that many retailers still sell potentially lethal explosives to children as young as 11. Mirror reporters who went with children to shops were shocked by the ease with which they got fireworks.
In Glasgow, two 11-year-old girls bought sparklers - which can get six times as hot as a pan of cooking oil and caused 132 serious injuries last year. It is illegal to sell fireworks - including hand-held sparklers - to anyone under 18 and retailers that do face fines of up to £5,000. But the assistant at Smartstores, Yoker, said she thought it was "OK to sell sparklers".
In Holloway, North London, Rodrigo, 14, was sold a pack of five star burst rockets worth £14.99. A1 Phones owner Jay Brown later denied selling them but Rodrigo said: "Nobody asked my age. It was as easy as buying sweets." Later Rodrigo bought a metre-high rocket for £4.50 from a newsagents in Dartford, Kent, without being asked his age. Baxter's News owner Mr Patel said he wasn't in the shop.
And Jade, 13, bought £20 worth of rockets, Roman candles and a Catherine wheel at the AtoZ Bikes shop in Sparkhill, Birmingham. Owner Ahmed Osad even asked her to tell her friends about the store. Afterwards he said: "Usually I insist on identification but in this case I trusted the girl."
In Edinburgh, 14-year-old Michael wasn't quizzed about his age either as he handed over a £20 note for a box of fireworks. Shopkeeper Zafar Iqbal Main, of Jazzy B's Discount Store, denied knowingly selling fireworks to the teenager, but Michael said: "He told me not to tell anyone."
A Department of Trade and Industry official said: "These shocking findings back up the need for a licensing system. At the moment any dodgy trader can sell fireworks - they just register." The Fireworks Act, due to become law next year, will give councils more powers to revoke licences and make the possession of fireworks by minors an offence. David Roderick, a Trading Standards explosives expert, said: "The misuse of fireworks still causes far too many injuries."
Last week bus passengers in Coventry narrowly escaped injury when yobs hurled a firework at them.
On Merseyside eight cars have been blown up using gunpowder taken from fireworks.

October 27 2003, Scotsman com News, Pet Blown Up by Firework
RSPCA inspectors were today investigating a report that a group of men tied a gerbil to a firework and blew the animal up.  A shopkeeper said five men in their early 20s spent nearly £15 on a pack of five rockets then asked for a rubber band which they used to tie the rodent to the firework.
The incident - which the RSPCA said "beggared belief" - is alleged to have taken place near a row of shops in Chesterton, Cambridge, on Friday.  Victor Ramsey, 61, who owns a general store in Chesterton, said the five men bought a pack of Star Blast rockets for £14.99 from his store.  "When I sold one of the lads the fireworks he said, 'have you got a rubber band'," said Mr Ramsey.  "I said OK, I have got one on my till I can give you. "A few minutes later another customer came into the shop and said 'If you knew what those bastards have done with your firework you would never have sold it to them'.  "He said 'They tied a hamster to the firework and then they blew the poor thing up'. "We told the police. The lads are local, I know two of them. It's horrific, you just can't believe it.  "When you sell fireworks to people, you assume they are going to use them properly.  "When I gave them the elastic band I didn't think anything of it but it seems they tied the animal - which I thought was a hamster - to the rocket then blew it up."
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "We are investigating this incident. On the face of it, it beggars belief. We would urge anyone who knows anything about it, to contact us or the police straight away. It is horrific."
A police spokeswoman added: "We are investigating and would like to hear from anyone with any information although I think it would actually be a case for the RSPCA not us in the end."
Julie Brand, one of the owners of Grumpy's, said the pet shop had now banned the sale of small animals until after November 5.  But she added: "The trouble is, you can buy fireworks all year round now."  Ms Brand, 43, said she was not in the store at the time but an assistant served one man who bought a gerbil.  She said: "A man in his 20s, it wasn't teenagers, came into the shop to purchase a gerbil. There weren't any suspicious circumstances, he asked about types and colours and chose the one he wanted.  "Then about 10 minutes later we got an anonymous phone call saying there were two men on the rec with a gerbil and they were going to harm it.  "Luckily I came back a few minutes later. I walked completely around the rec and couldn't find anyone. Obviously we were concerned but I couldn't find anyone. "My worry is that we are going to get copycat incidents once people hear of this."

October 27 2003, Scotsman.com News - Opinion - Tell the fireworks yobs to go to blazes
BANG. It's started again. Bonfire Night is still nine days away but already the evening calm is being broken by the screech and boom of fireworks overhead. Remember, remember the fifth of November? How could you forget when every yob in Scotland sees a bag of bangers as this autumn's must-have accessory. Surely it's only a matter of time until baseball caps are produced with an optional rocket-firing attachment.
Already this year five post boxes in Scotland have been destroyed and in England last week a pensioner was burned out of her home by vandals who stuffed fireworks through her letter box.   
Well, enough is enough. Top marks to Scottish MP Bill Tynan who last week finally steered through a Private Member's Bill aimed at ending the misery. It will prohibit sale to youngsters and limit when fireworks are allowed to be sold and used.
But it's too late to make a difference this year, which begs the question - why has action taken so long and why has it been left to an individual MP to come up with a plan to do something about it? The Government should have been taking action on this long ago.
Fireworks Night used to be a low-key affair with a few rockets that whimpered into the night sky before disappearing in the drizzle until next year. Now it's a pyromaniac's delight with high-powered explosive devices being exploited by yob Britain to terrorise the rest of us - and all of it fuelled by some despicable corner shop owners whose only motive is to get rich quick.
You wouldn't sell a bottle of bleach to some of the morons I've seen buying fireworks down the years in case they put it in their tea. Yet arming them with a potentially lethal tube filled with gunpowder is somehow quite all right.
Well, no longer. Some people have been calling Bill Tynan a killjoy for trying to introduce fireworks restrictions. They might like to have seen what I saw filming in a hospital accident and emergency unit on Bonfire Night a few years ago.
Last year 1000 people ended up in hospital as a result of fireworks incidents.
And if you're an animal lover, listen to this. Every year four guide dogs have to be retired and 150 retrained due to the trauma of listening to firework noise. How sad is that?
Last week a police officer told me the problem is now so bad around November 5 they simply cannot respond to all the complaints they receive about nuisance fireworks. Scotland's local authorities know how bad the problem is on the ground and have been pressing for action for some time. All support the new legislation, but six Scottish councils have gone further and want a complete fireworks ban.
I say, give the new restrictions a chance next year but if they don't work, then stopping public sale is the only answer. The exception would be to people who apply for and obtain a local authority display licence which would carry stringent conditions. They would obtain fireworks direct from the manufacturer and over-the-counter sale would cease completely.
That's more or less the system in countries like Canada and it works like a dream. Youngsters caught with fireworks in the streets would be prosecuted and sentenced to community service working in hospital burns units. Retailers who still dare to sell black market fireworks would face an automatic prison sentence.
Sound a bit harsh? Tell that to the terrified victims of Scotland's fireworks curse who will spend the next fortnight dreading the darkness and hoping the next bang won't be their last.