November 5 2003, 4NI - Northern Ireland Measures to crack down on firework yobs unveiled
Measures aimed at cracking down on the misuse of fireworks have been unveiled by the government today.
To tackle the anti-social use of fireworks by teenagers, and the problems of noise and nuisance, the government announced that before Christmas the possession of fireworks by under-18s in public places will be made illegal. There will be fixed penalties of up to £80 for people caught throwing fireworks in the street, and the possession of the largest, most powerful, 'category 4' fireworks will also be outlawed for all members of the public.
The government has said that it will also draft regulations before the end of the year to enshrine in law the firework industry's current voluntary ban on airbombs.
The government has already begun preliminary consultations on implementing the rest of the Fireworks Act and will publish draft regulations in the New Year to introduce a national curfew banning the use of fireworks during anti-social hours. A new licensing system for the sale of fireworks to ensure local authorities have the power to refuse and revoke licenses if retailers act inappropriately will also be introduced.
Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "In the right place and the right time fireworks are a real source of pleasure and we want families to enjoy the safe use of fireworks in their gardens and in public displays.
"But people across the UK are sick of being terrorised by irresponsible use of fireworks. We want to drive the fireworks thugs off the street and will use the full force of law to tackle those who are making the lives of others a misery in this way.
The full raft of measures should be in place by July 2004 - in advance of next year's fireworks season.

November 5 2003, BBC NEWS, Fireworks damage patrol car
A police patrol car in Merseyside has been badly damaged in a firework attack.  The incident on Tuesday comes as the force's chief constable prepared to hand a dossier to the home secretary in a bid to get firework sales banned for anyone without a special licence.  Merseyside Police said the patrol car was attacked on Delamain Road, in the Tuebrook area of Liverpool, at about 1900 BST.
Chief Constable Norman Bettison believes a ban is the only way to prevent such incidents and "deprive criminals and young thugs of [fireworks] availability".
Residents in Delamain Road reported hearing a load bang and say the whole area was showered with glass. No-one was injured.
A short time later another car was badly damaged near to Stanley Park. One local resident described the attack on the patrol car as like a "bomb exploding".  He told BBC Radio Merseyside: "Glass showered 40 or 50 yards around my house and other houses.  "The police sealed the road off very quickly - it appeared to me the bottom of the car had been blown out and the inside of it was in a terrible state, it looked like a write off."
Mr Bettison's 50-page dossier contains evidence of all firework-related incidents over the last few weeks, which has cost the force up to £500,000 this year.

Up to 31 telephone kiosks have been vandalised and 35 cars have been targeted, some completely destroyed.
Mr Bettison said: "My officers have seen three different types of firework misuse. The first involves children...throwing them and causing distress and alarm.   He said the second type involved vandals "putting what can only be described as explosive devices into telephone kiosks, post boxes and cars, destroying property and putting lives at risk."

The third threat, Mr Bettison said, has come from criminals using the contents of fireworks to produce low grade explosives "to cause maximum devastation".

November 5 2003, BBC NEWS, Firework 'louts' face ban
Under 18s are to be banned from having fireworks in public places, as part of new laws aimed at tackling their "loutish" misuse.  The most powerful fireworks will also be banned and fines for people seen throwing fireworks doubled to £80, the government said.
Announcing the decision ahead of the traditional bonfire night celebrations, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said she wanted to "drive the fireworks thugs off the street".  The measures come as police in Merseyside launch an investigation after a firework was thrown through the window of a police car on Monday night.
An explosion sent a shower of glass across the street in Tuebrook, Liverpool, but nobody was injured.

The new restrictions, which will become law before Christmas, will be followed by plans for further restrictions on the use of fireworks which could make future bonfire nights much quieter affairs.

The government proposes:
A complete ban on fireworks known as airbombs
A national curfew banning the use of fireworks during anti-social hours
A noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks available to the public
Compulsory training for operators of public firework displays
Stricter licensing for the sale of fireworks
'Dangerous weapons'

Ms Hewitt said: "In the right place and the right time fireworks are a real source of pleasure and we want families to enjoy the safe use of fireworks in their gardens and in public displays.  "But people across the UK are sick of being terrorised by irresponsible use of fireworks." 
Most of the abuse of fireworks has been coming from the cheaper end of the market
She was backed by Home Secretary David Blunkett, who said: "In the wrong hands fireworks are not only noisy and alarming, they can be dangerous weapons that can be used to terrorise neighbourhoods."

John Bush, of retailer Millennium Fireworks, welcomed the decision to completely ban airbombs - a type of Roman Candle which fires a single loud explosion into the air.   Mr Bush said: "This latest move on air bombs - some of which sell for as cheaply as four for 99p - is taking pocket money fireworks out of the equation. And that is a good thing.  "Most of the abuse of fireworks has been coming from the cheaper end of the market."
An upsurge in fireworks-related crime has led some senior police officers to call for a total ban on the sale of fireworks.
The British Fireworks Association, which represents fireworks retailers, favours stricter laws but argues against a total ban.   It claims banning the sale of fireworks altogether would drive them underground - a view endorsed by the government.
Councils around the country receive thousands of complaints and more than 1,000 people are injured by fireworks annually.

November 5 2003, BBC News, Fireworks seized ahead of bonfire night.
Merseyside police chief constable Norman Bettison said there had been a significant seizure of fireworks at the start of the crackdown on the explosives.
In one case, police found 92 boxes of display fireworks with an estimated value of £50,000 at a Liverpool house.
The Detectives fear the storage of high grade fireworks in residential areas is putting other peoples homes at risk.
Mr Bettison added fireworks could cause significant damage, this isn't about roman candles he added.

November 5 2003, BBC News, Four in hospital after firework blaze
An elderly woman from South Wales is recovering after a firework reportedly thrown threw a bedroom window destroyed her flat.
The heat from the flames was so intense that the window frames of the flat in Port Talbot melted and neighbouring flats were badly damaged by smoke. 
Th elderly owner and three others were treated for smoke inhalation.
Police described the incident as a totally irresponsible and dangerous act with a firework.

November 5 2003, BBC NEWS  Have Your Say  Are fireworks too dangerous?
Tough new regulations on fireworks are to come into effect next year in an attempt to combat safety and crime concerns.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt has drafted new laws to stop people letting off fireworks in public places after 11pm at night.
Anyone caught breaking the new laws could be arrested and fined.
Other measures include restricting the sale of fireworks to a three week period ahead of 5 November and a short period over New Year, and making the possession of fireworks by under 18s a criminal offence.
Your comments:
I am the MP who sponsored the Fireworks Bill through the House of Commons over the last year, and it is the powers in that Act, which came into force in September, that the Government is now proposing to use to make possession of fireworks by under-18s in public places illegal and to tackle other aspects of the anti-social use and misuse of fireworks. I am hopeful that wider measures will be announced in the Spring to better control illegal and grey imports, tighten up on the storage of fireworks, bring in licenses for those wishing to sell fireworks and restrict the use of the most powerful fireworks to those organising large displays. I do share the concerns expressed and I hope everyone enjoys 5 November or other events over the weekend whether they are attending a fireworks display or simply hoping to avoid the misuse of fireworks in their area.
Bill Tynan MP, Hamilton South

November 5 2003, BBC News, Man being quizzed over firework hoard.
A man is in custody this morning after officers found a huge hoard of illegal fireworks in his garage.  Police said it was the biggest haul of fireworks they have ever seen in the Bristol Area.
The man was stopped in Staplehill and is being quizzed after police a stash of fireworks in a car and garage.
The man is due to be questioned this morning and any face charges undue the explosives act, police said.

November 5 2003, BBC News, Police Car badly Damaged by Firework
A street was showered with glass after a police car was badly damaged in a firework attack.
The patrol car was parked on Delamain Road in Tuebrook, Liverpool, when it was attacked at 7pm on Tuesday.
Neighbours reported hearing a loud bang and the say the whole area was showered with glass.
Another was damaged near Stanley Park shortly afterwards.
The attacks come at police chief Norman Bettison meets the Home Secretary to discuss the increasing firework attacks.
A Police Chief calling for tougher legislation on the misuse of fireworks is to hand a fifty page dossier to the Home Secretary David Blunkett.
Norman Bettison of Merseyside Police, put the information together after 31 phone boxes and 35 cars were damaged by vandal playing with fireworks.
The Chief Constable is calling for licensing of display fireworks either for organised displays or for private use.  He has received strong support from the public in recent weeks.

November 5 2003, BBC NEWS,  Police firework call 'unanswered'
A neighbour of a woman whose home was gutted by a firework attack says he made a warning call five minutes before but did not receive an answer.
Musician Paul Needs, 43, saw a gang of teenagers fire a rocket at a block of flats near his home at Sandfields, Port Talbot.   As the youths ran away, Mr Needs' girlfriend used his mobile to call police but hung up after four minutes because no-one picked it up.  Moments later, a rocket was thrown through the bedroom window of an elderly woman - destroying her home and leaving four people in hospital.
South Wales Police are investigating the blaze in Moorlands Road, Sandfields, reported at about 1910 GMT on Tuesday.
The call on Mr Needs' phone began at 1905 GMT and lasted four minutes and five seconds.
Police said officers at Port Talbot station had taken 25 calls in the previous two hours, 11 of which were 999 emergencies.  "The busy nature of yesterday evening meant resources were particularly stretched, which would explain the unanswered non-emergency call," a police spokesperson said.
Mr Needs and his girlfriend, Beth McKellar, who live in Dalton Road with their three dogs, said they thought the youngsters had left the area after firing the first rocket - else he would have dialled 999.  "We first noticed them because they fired a rocket a little further down in Dalton Road," said Mr Needs.  "The rocket bounced off the stonework of the building, hit the ground and fizzed away.  Paul Needs rang the police on his mobile phone but no-one answered  "They ran off then, three went down Bevan Avenue and the rest to Moorlands Road. The roads are joined up by a piece of grass. "I thought they had a bit of scare and had stopped doing it - if I had known they were going to carry on firing rockets at buildings, I would have phoned 999."
He said a switchboard operator took Ms McKellar's call and put her through to the station in Port Talbot.
"It was just ringing and nobody picked it up. We just gave up."
The couple then went out, unaware that one of the bangs they heard was the attack on the pensioner's home.
People living in the block where the blaze started are still coming to terms with what has happened.
David Williams, 66, who lives next door, said his daughter spotted a gang of youths resting a firework rocket on the low wall outside the building.  "They lit the rocket and it went straight at the window. The fire was so fierce. If someone was in bed, they would have had no chance."
Karen Bailey, 54, who was visiting her sister Maria on the other side of a communal hall, became trapped in the building by the smoke.  She said: "The smoke was coming in and I was crying to the woman on the other end of the phone."
Eventually someone - she does not know who - kicked open the front door to Maria Bailey's first floor flat and led her out.

November 5 2003, BBC News, Under 18's set to face firework ban
Under 18's are to be banned from possessing fireworks in public places, as part of new measures to control their use.  The government has said.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced a raft of new measures, some of which should be in place by Christmas she said, other changes include doubling the fines for throwing fireworks in the street.
Restrictions on when fireworks can be set off and on the use of more powerful varieties are among the planned changes.

November 5 2003, BBC News, Vandal destroyed kiosk with fireworks.
Vandals have used fireworks to destroy two telephone boxes in a coastal town in Devon.  The kiosk at Barton Road in Torquay had its roof and door blown in the blast and the glass shattered over a fifty foot radius.
Devon and Cornwall police say it was very lucky that no one in the residential area was injured.
Sergeant Alan Mobbs is appealing to retailers to be responsible about who they sell fireworks too.

November 5 2003, BBC Firework Vandals attack 2 more kiosks
Two more telephone boxes have been targeted in the latest of firework attacks in residential areas.
Two kiosks were targeted within 1/2 an hour of each other earlier tonight.
In the first attack in Military Road, Folkestone, the roof was blown of a kiosk, while in St Leonards Road, Hythe, another suffered smoke damage.
Inspector Roy Kingston, of Kent Police, said an industrial firework was believe to have been the source of the Folkestone Attack, which the bomb squad attended.

November 5 2003, BBC Scotland, Adults and Baby injured by Firework
Three people, including a nine month baby girl have been taken to hospital after a firework was thrown into their living room.
The baby girl, and a man and a woman, who are both 70, were taken to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary where they are being treated for acute deafness.
The incident happened just after 5pm at Ardnahoe Avenue near Rutherglan, Strathclyde Police have issued an appeal for witnesses.

November 5 2003, Daily Mail, And still they're selling them to schoolchildren
MANY firework retailers are flouting laws banning their sale to under-18s, the Daily Mail found yesterday.
We sent out teenagers aged 15, 16 and 17 In four cities. And in around half of the shops they visited, they were able to buy powerful fireworks - including some of the largest and most potentially dangerous display rockets on the market.

BRISTOL
Ellie Thomas, 16, bought a £40 3ft high multiple-firing rocket called a Spellbound from. the city's Superstar Fireworks shop.  The sixth-form student also walked away with an £8.99 packet of five Medusa rockets, a £9.99 packet of five TNTx2 roman candles and a Shimmering Aquarium - a 25-shot (or bang) roman candle, costing £15.99.  Ellie said: 'No one asked me for any ID, and I never even had to explain who I was buying them for.'
A store spokesman said: 'We only sell to people who are 18 or over. If we think people are younger then we check, but we don't think anyone younger than 18 came in today.'

SOUTHAMPTON
Sam Layton, 16, was sold fireworks at the Londis convenience store in the city's Cumbrian Way. She bought five rockets, a 56-shot Sky Blitz Barrage roman candle, a variety box of fireworks and a 72-shot roman candle called Castle Attack.  She was even offered a discount If she bought more fireworks.
Shop owner Fal Patel, 29, admitted: 'I did think she might have been underage but I decided to sell them anyway. I'll be asking anybody who looks suspicious for ID from now on.'

LONDON
Moez Bahri, 15, bought more than £30 worth of fireworks at the same shop on two visits. He bought a
£25.99 box of Titan assorted fireworks from Autotrader News-agents In Woolwich, South-East London.
He returned 30 minutes later to buy a packet of Ring Shell rockets for £5.99. Moez said: 'I found it even easier the second time'.
Shop owner Mark Chottai tried to justify the sale by claiming he thought the boy was 16. When told the minimum age limit was 18, he said: 'My staff are instructed to check for ID if they think someone is too young. I agree we should not have sold fireworks to him.'

LIVERPOOL
Rachel Birmingham, 17, was able to buy fireworks despite wearing her school uniform.
She bought a £10 box of 23 fireworks from the A&C Discount Stores in Moor Lane, Crosby. She said: 'I was really shocked by how easy it was to buy them.
The shop manager said he thought Rachel looked old enough to buy fireworks.

November 5 2003, Daily Mail, Burns agony of girl hurt at a family party
A GIRL. aged four suffered horrific burns when a firework exploded in her face. Kara McLaughlin was at a party at her home with family and friends when the device accidentally exploded. She was hit in the face by sparks from the Dancing Devil and scorching embers showered down on to her arm and hand.
Last night her mother Subina Choudry 24, said her daughter was now too horrified to look at herself in a mirror. Kara had been among a group of nine children standing a few feet from the firework display during a Halloween party at her home in Sholver, near Oldham, on Saturday evening.

Miss Choudry said, 'We had set off several fireworks from a family box with a British standard mark.  Then we lit one of the fountain fireworks and rather than go off in the normal way it just exploded.' Firemen treated Kara at the scene before she was taken to hospital where she was kept in overnight.

Miss Choudry said; I am only thankful it didn't hit Kara's eyes. She was discharged on Sunday and we've been told there wilt be no permanent scarring to her face. Doctors said that with treatment her face would heal completely end for that we are truly grateful. I suppose she has been very lucky'.

Both Kara and her  six year old brother Kaylam are now terrified of fireworks and the family say they will steer clear of any displays.

Kara will have to stay away from her primary school for a fortnight until the injuries, mainly burns to the face heal Her parents have taken legal advice about taking action against the firework manufacturers. Trading Standards is investigating.

November 5 2003, Daily Mail, Outlaw these Monsters
Police and fire chiefs are demanding a ban on 'deadly' monster fireworks which have triggered a catalogue of mayhem, misery and injury.  Legal loopholes mean that fireworks with names such as Diablo, Neutron Pulse and Atomic Warlord, which are meant only for major public displays, are widely available.
Last night three chief constables took the unprecedented step of calling for a ban on the sale to the public of powerful fireworks.  These devices have 'heads' as big as footballs, are packed with gunpowder, develop enormous destructive power and are capable of soaring up to 300ft into the sky at 130mph. They explode with a ferocious bang estimated at up to 120 decibels, equal to the roar of an aircraft jet engine.

Trading standards officers warn that roman candles, up to 4ft long, can - at great risk - be used as bazookas.  More than 80 tons of illegal fireworks - enough to topple the Houses of Parliament - have been seized by the police and local councils In the last few weeks.
But huge quantities of these explosives have slipped through the net and are effectively being used as weapons of terror.

Criminal traders selling them from lock-up garages, temporary stores and out of the back of vans are ignoring safety rules and a ban on sale to under-18s.

And as many as one in five legitimate retailers are illegally selling fireworks to children, according to undercover Investigations by Trading Standards and the Daily Mall.

The Government today announces plans for a ban on children having fireworks in the street and £80 fixed penalties for those who throw them.

It is also drafting rules to control the sale of fireworks, Including a licensing regime for retailers and an 11pm curfew, and plans to impose a 120 decibel limit. However, it has refused to ban the sale of so-called 'category three' display fireworks, such as the Diablo, to the general public. Last night police chiefs around the country demanded a ban on the general sale of category three display fireworks, which are available both on the black market and through legitimate retailers. Merseyside Chief Constable Norman Bettison went even further and backed a ban on all fireworks to members of the public. He said: 'I would like to urge the Home Secretary to only permit the sale of fireworks to those with a special licence, to clamp down on the illegal use of fireworks.' Lancashire Chief Constable Paul Stephenson said: 'Fireworks are dangerous and in my view should be licensed so we are all able to enjoy them. I realise that a total ban will be unpopular, but I do support Mr Bettison's view for more regulation.'
Bryan Bell, Assistant Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, said: 'Despite many years of trying to encourage the responsible use of fireworks, the high levels of misuse and distress still caused must call into question their continued open sale. 'Local authorities and organisations do arrange excellent displays. Far better and safer than having fireworks at home and the time may well have come to consider a ban.'
Cheshire Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: 'In this day and age there Is no justification for powerful fireworks to be on public sale. 'There are many professional displays which allow people to celebrate November the 5th without putting anyone in danger and without causing nuisance and concern in residential areas.'
Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt and Home Secretary David Blunkett said the new Fireworks Act -which will come into effect next summer - will protect the public. But they will have their work cut out. Daily Mail reporters found a frightening catalogue of monster fireworks are readily available.
We were able to buy the Diablo under a 'buy-one-get-one-free' deal at a London store for £49.99. The roman candle, which is 3ft tall and weighs 221b, boasts it is the 'God of Destruction'.
And although the fireworks industry introduced a voluntary ban on the sale of air bombs to the public in January, we found these and many other dangerous products were available from specialist stores, corner shops, the Internet and even garden centres.

November 5 2003, Daily Mirror, Firework Ban Plea
As tonight's bonfire parties get under way more people than ever before will be staying at home - too terrified of firework-th rowing yobs to go out.  Teenagers setting off rockets and airbombs are making the lives of their neighbours, particular the elderly and vulnerable, a misery.

Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt is set to unveil new measures today to toughen up firework laws - as a survey reveals one in three people are so afraid of being injured they won't be going out tonight. She will announce that by Christmas the possession of fireworks by under 18s in public places will be illegal.

And fixed penalties for throwing fireworks in the street will be doubled to £80.
The situation has become so bad, campaigners are battling for a complete ban on over-the-counter sales.
Noel Tobin, director of the National Campaign for Firework Safety, says: "People, especially the elderly, are genuinely living in fear and the situation is completely out of control. By selling fireworks in shops we are arming thugs with dangerous explosives. Where is the logic in that? "The consequences could be fatal."

Last year 1,017 people were injured by fireworks, more than a third were children. Legally, under-18s cannot buy fireworks but campaigners say this has not stopped unscrupulous traders and shopkeepers flouting the law.
Experts say a fifth of all the fireworks imported to Britain "disappear" and are sold on the black market.

Already this year, two toddlers have narrowly escaped death after their homes were hit by fireworks.
And thugs in Shropshire attacked firefighters and a police car with bangers while a Range Rover was blown up in Birmingham.

Noel Tobin says: "I have had literally hundreds of phone calls and emails from people who are terrified, not just by the noise of the countless explosions but of fireworks being used as weapons. "At least 29 phone boxes and 30 cars have been blown up already. In Manchester and Liverpool, fireworks have been thrown at people and through windows.

The pressure group is demanding an immediate ban on the sale of over-the-counter fireworks and a move towards organised displays only.

"Is it really worth risking people's lives so people can have their own displays?, adds Mr Tobin.

"Let's make the whole thing professional. We must take the bull by the horns and do something before it is too late."

The problem has worsened recently due to the creation of bigger, more powerful fireworks and all-year- round selling. "Since the 1990s there has been a steady increase in larger, more powerful rockets," says Tobin.
"There are three and four-feet rockets around that should only be used for display purposes but they fall easily into the wrong hands. The industry is pushing fireworks as something to celebrate birthdays, weddings and anniversaries all year round. "I started taking calls about nuisance fireworks this year in September and they usually continue until March."

The government plans to further tighten up the Fireworks Act in the new year including an 11pm curfew on firework use and limiting sales to licensed shopkeepers with local authorities able to revoke licenses. But critics say it still does not go far enough.

"How effective will it be?" says Mr Tobin. "There is legislation already but it doesn't work - it has been an offence to use fireworks in the street since 1875 and that hasn't stopped anyone has it? "And how can you enforce something like an 11pm noise curfew? "I can't imagine the police would come out to people - especially in inner-city areas where they are busy."

Already this year there have been dozens of injuries among youngsters playing with fireworks.

In Belfast two teenagers were badly burned by rockets that went off in their hands and a Scottish schoolboy was blinded in one eye. Dad-of-two Alex Carroll, 23, knows just how dangerous fireworks can be. "If anyone Isn't convinced about fireworks, they should look at the photos of my face," he says. Alex, from Motherwell, Lanarkshire, was scarred for life when a firework exploded in front of him.

A spokesman for RoSPA, the Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents says: "Most of those injured last year were under 18, with a third of all accidents taking place on the street. "As both of these things are illegal the safeguards obviously aren't working. "There is a feeling the situation is getting worse. "There was a time when young people collected their pennies for the guy but now money is no object and they are gaining access to these things."
And the new, larger fireworks do not come cheap.

The Diablo, for example, is a metre high and weighs a staggering 10kg. Requiring a safety zone of 25 metres all around it - half the size of a football pitch - the price is just £50,

The RoSPA spokesman added: "When young people buy fireworks on the black market I can't see them reading all the instructions and following the firework code to the letter. "Some of these larger fireworks need to be watched from a distance of 25 yards -if you're doing that in a back garden your neighbour could be two yards away. "We don't want to be killjoys and ban retail sales but we would ask people to be responsible and treat fireworks in a sensible way or lose them altogether. "It would be a real shame if the mindless few ruined what should be a fun time for everyone."

Noel Tobin says: "If we don't act soon there could be fatalities. Without tighter controls the consequences will be very serious indeed."

November  5 2003, Daily Record, Editorial, Happiness up in flames
THERE was a time when people looked forward to Fireworks Night as a celebration. It, like Halloween, was an occasion for families and young kids to enjoy. But now both nights - and the weeks surrounding them - I have become a time to dread. The reason? Powerful fireworks peddled to irresponsible neds of all ages.
Such callous thugs, some younger than 12, killed a puppy by tying a firework to her tail in Lanarkshire. Every year, victims are injured and maimed by fireworks used by the irresponsible, the reckless or the just plain wicked.  No wonder one in three of us will stay indoors tonight out of fear of being injured by a firework. And four out of five of us want tougher laws to stop fireworks getting into the wrong hands.
Going to an organised display can be a great night out for all the family. But when neds get hold of fireworks, they can destroy neighbourhoods - and lives. That is why the Government have to limit who can buy them and when.  The law might say that only over-18s can  buy them but bitter experience tells us that is not enforced as it should be in many parts of the country.
What should be a pleasure has become a scourge for too many of us.
Whatever you do this evening, keep safe.

November 5 2003, Daily Record, PUP KILLED AS THUGS TIE ROCKET TO ITS TAIL

Help arrives too late to save boxer. By GAVIN WILSON
A GANG of thugs - some younger than 12- killed a boxer puppy by tying a firework to her tail. 
The 11-month-old pup died in agony from burns and shock before an animal welfare. inspector called in by a horrified passer-by could help her.
SSPCA inspector Fiona Greig said last night the incident had been "horrific".
She said: "It was so traumatic. The poor dog was so badly injured she died before I could get her to a vet.
"All the hair on her back was burned off. The woman who called us put a wet blanket over her but it was too late.
"She said she had seen a group of children under the age of 12 hanging about letting off fireworks earlier in the day. She said they had attached the firework to the dog."

Notorious
The pup's owners were last night too distraught to talk about the killing of their pet on the notorious Gowkthrapple scheme in Wishaw, Lanarkshire. She had escaped from their garden into the streets.
SSPCA spokeswoman Mairi Ball last night warned owners to keep pets indoors on Bonfire Night and to keep them away from all fireworks.
She added: "It is awful that any animal should suffer at human hands but it is even more unforgivable that any animal should suffer as a result of something that is considered fun. "Someone heard a group of children playing with fireworks in the street. "The next thing they heard was a dog howling and screaming in pain. We were called immediately but it was too late. "If fireworks are only let off on Bonfire Night then precautions can be taken. "The problems really arise when they are going off weeks before and after Bonfire Night."

November 5 2003, Edinburgh Evening News - New laws to crack down on fireworks
THE Government today announced a UK-wide crackdown on the misuse of fireworks in advance of Bonfire Night.  From next year under 18s will be banned from buying or being in possession of fireworks while sales of the most dangerous explosive devices will be outlawed.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt and Home Secretary David Blunkett announced a raft of new measures, some of which would be in place by Christmas, designed to combat the nuisance which can be caused by fireworks.
Other changes include outlawing the largest and most powerful fireworks for all members of the public, while fixed penalties for people caught throwing fireworks in the street will be doubled to £80.
The Government will also draft regulations before the end of the year to enshrine in law the firework industry's current voluntary ban on airbombs.
Although the new rules come too late for this year's Guy Fawkes celebrations, they will be in place for next year's Bonfire Night.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said it would have been impossible to get the regulations in place for tonight and the Scottish MP who piloted the Private Member's Bill which allows the new measures to be brought in Bill Tynan said he was "heartened" by the action. The crackdown comes amid concern over abuse of fireworks including an incident on Friday in which a dog died of burns and shock after a firework was tied to its tail and lit in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire.
Ms Hewitt said: "In the right place and at the right time fireworks are a real source of pleasure and we want families to enjoy the safe use of fireworks in their gardens and in public displays.
"But people across the UK are sick of being terrorised by irresponsible use of fireworks. We want to drive the fireworks thugs off the street and will use the full force of law to tackle those who are making the lives of others a misery in this way."
The Government will introduce:
A national curfew banning the use of fireworks during anti-social hours
A noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks available to the public
A compulsory training course for operators of public firework displays;
A new licensing system for the sale of fireworks to ensure local authorities have the power to refuse and revoke licences if retailers act inappropriately
Ms Hewitt said the measures would help tackle "loutish behaviour" and the Government would aim to have all the curbs in place by July 2004. Mr Blunkett said: "This package of measures means in future we will have tough penalties against those harassing and intimidating communities with fireworks."
Hamilton South MP Mr Tynan, who steered the Fireworks Act through Parliament, said he was "heartened" by the Government's commitment to using the new powers.
"The case has been clearly made for action on the issue of fireworks misuse and I look forward to the Government building on that case by using the new powers as quickly as possible."
Lothian and Borders Police today issued a warning about the misuse of fireworks following a spate of incidents in the run-up to this evening's bonfire night celebrations. The warning comes after a phone box and a bottle bank were blown up in Uphall, West Lothian, in attacks using what appeared to have been high-power fireworks.
An Edinburgh family have also been the victims of an attack after firework was pushed through the letterbox of their home in Mayfield.
A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "Luckily no one was injured in any of these incidents, but they were all extremely dangerous."

November 5 2003, EDP24 News, Fireworks campaign stepped up
As revellers prepare for Bonfire Night, a West Norfolk woman is continuing her campaign to outlaw the unlicensed use of fireworks.
Teresa Kulkarni presented a 92,835-signature petition to 10 Downing Street in July, having won nationwide support for her crusade.
Now she plans another petition, calling on the Government to amend its Firework Bill to restrict fireworks to licensed displays, to reduce the permitted maximum volume of fireworks from 130 to 85 decibels and to include garden fireworks in the restricted categories.
Miss Kulkarni, of Metheun Avenue, King's Lynn, began her original petition while working in a petshop in the town. Many customers complained about fireworks and how long they went on - and 450 signatures were collected in the first two weeks.
The cause soon spread to other shops and businesses in Lynn and supporters passed petitions to friends around the country.
She says she does not want to spoil people's fun but believes the sale of fireworks needs more control. She has been keeping a record of fireworks being let off illegally and has complained to Norfolk trading standards about a shop in the town displaying fireworks in its window.

November 5 2003, Ellesmere Port Pioneer, Councillor's firework petition sparks strong public support
A BOROUGH councillor's petition to restrict dangerous fireworks attracted more than 2,000 signatures in its first week. Ian Ormerod wants to clamp down on large rockets and bangers which have been creating havoc in Ellesmere Port and across the UK this autumn. He put his petition in council buildings and shops across the town, and is happy to see it receiving widespread support from the public. Cllr Ormerod (Lab, Strawberry Fields) said: 'It has been very successful so far, and there are still a lot of sheets to be collected. We will leave it running until after Christmas.'
The petition calls on Parliament to ban the use and sale of fireworks to individual members of the public, apart from for licensed and organised firework displays. Cllr Ormerod said: 'I'm not against Bonfire Night or organised displays at all, and I'm not a killjoy. 'What I'm trying to get away from is the misuse of fireworks, particularly large and potentially-dangerous ones. 'Years ago, you just used to have fireworks on Bonfire Night. But now they are being let off in the run-up to and well beyond Bonfire Night, usually into the New Year.'
Cllr Ormerod applauds a Private Member's Bill to restrict the sale of the more-powerful fireworks, which is currently going through Parliament. 'I know our local MP, Andrew Miller, has played a big part in this Bill, and I thank him for that,' he said.
MEASURES to crack down on firework terror have been unveiled by Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt. To tackle the anti-social use of fireworks by teenagers, and the problems of noise and nuisance, the Government announced that before Christmas: The possession of fireworks by under-18s in public places will be made illegal The possession of the largest, most powerful, category four fireworks will be outlawed for all members of the public Fixed penalty notices for people caught throwing fireworks in the street will be doubled to £80 under the penalty notice for disorder scheme currently being rolled out nationally.

November 5 2003, Evening Chronicle, The Bonfire Bandits
IT WAS a cold, wet and dark night, back in 1961. I was standing on top of the roof of the toilet at the bottom of our back yard, stick in hand, at the ready. I wasn't the only one. Further down the back lane my mates were doing the same, all keeping watch over our treasured bonfire wood.

For weeks we had built up our collection with discarded fencing, planks snatched from building sites, broken chairs and, if we were lucky and struck gold, an irreparable settee. But this particular night we had got word that the gang from the next street were going to raid us, in retaliation for our daring commando operation two nights before when we scaled their unguarded walls and came away with a great bounty of wood. This was the norm up to bonfire night in the old days.

It was an exciting life but in the end did not lead to much harm and was all part of the competition for the biggest bonfire. Every street had its own bonfire (there were few cars in the streets then) and, after the initial lighting of the towering inferno, out would come the spuds to roast in the embers.

But the same cannot be said for the fireworks. In the wrong hands they were a menace. Bangers would be thrown willy-nilly and the youngest children were often the innocent victims of bad and disfiguring burns. As good as it seemed to us at the. time, things couldn't be allowed to go on.  Inner cities were changing, streets were filling up with expensive cars, they were no longer cobbled, fire services were stretched to the limit and great damage could be done by vandals on November 5.
Indeed, in the early 1960s there were constant reports of firemen or police being pelted with stones or fireworks when they went to check out a dangerous bonfire.  By 1966 North East councils were being criticised for lagging behind the rest of the country in a national, anti-fireworks campaign.

Nationwide there were 2,000 fire-work accident victims a year, the majority in early November. "Every November 5 there is enough high explosive let off in the back lanes of this country to blow up the Houses of Parliament and a fair part of Whitehall to smithereens. "The North East is lagging behind in the move to stop this ridiculous celebration," said the controller of the British Safety Council.
Chronicle headlines screamed: Firemen attacked by bonfire mobs; Father fined for attacking firemen; Detonators sold as bonfire bangers; Don't use trees for bonfires - appeal; Bonfire crowd stone firemen; Firemen stoned and jostled trying to put out bonfires.
But the change was coming and organised bonfire nights were becoming popular. At first it could be a bit of a damp squib going down to Saltwell Park in Gateshead and watching the firework display. But year by year they became bigger and better.

November 5 2003, Evening Star - Worst night of year
EMERGENCY services and animal welfare organisations across Suffolk are braced for tonight's festivities.
Gunpowder, treason and plot may be the prime concern of hundreds of revellers across the county but crime, fire and safety should not be ignored.
And today the government announced a new crackdown on firework crime - banning under-18s from buying or carrying fireworks and introducing new penalties for their misuse, including throwing them.
Trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt announced that the new laws would be in place before Christmas.
Research shows that bonfire night is the worst date in the year for house break-ins while ambulance call outs rise significantly over the period surrounding Guy Fawke's night.
Animal welfare organisations can also be inundated with calls as loud bangs cause distress to animals and others suffer burns caused by bonfires.
Services across the county have offered advise to those attending organised and private events - namely to exercise caution and to protect one's self, animals and property.
To crackdown on the criminals, Suffolk police is today urging people to ensure they lock up their properties.
A spokeswoman for the force said: "Thieves may take advantage of public celebrations, when a large number of people are enjoying a night out, to target empty properties. Make sure your property is secure with all doors and windows locked before you leave home.
"Burglars love to work under the cover of darkness and homes are less likely to be targeted if they're well lit. Security lights outside and lights left on inside give the impression that a house is occupied and will deter a thief."
Today's warning comes after insurer Norwich Union revealed it receives 25 per cent more claims for home thefts on Guy Fawkes' night than on any other day.
And as people try their hand at amateur firework displays, fire-related claims also shoot up 50pc.
On Saturday, Suffolk fire service was called out to two unattended bonfires.
And the fire service is not alone in its concerns, the East Anglian Ambulance Trust received nearly five hundred 999 calls on Saturday which is higher than a usual weekend.
Spokesman for the trust, Matthew Ware said: "We had 322 calls last November 5, that's not loads and it's lower than most weekend call outs but one firework related call out is too many. Private displays are dangerous and should be avoided."
Although there were no firework related casualties in Ipswich last year, hospitals will be on stand-by to receive casualties and the advice from the hospital is to remain vigilant.
Jan Rousall, spokeswoman for Ipswich Hospital said: "The figures last year were promising and it is good news that people are responding to safety messages but for us, one casualty is too many.
"The hospital is always prepared for every type of emergency but the message from us is to keep safe. Burns are terrible injuries that cause pain and suffering and we hope that there are no injuries this year.
"People need to follow advice from safety campaigns and event organisers."
Physical injuries to animals in the region are also rare but the emotional upset caused by loud fireworks can create problems and animals have been known to disappear after loud explosions.
The RSPCA centre in Woodbridge has not been affected by such bangs because of its quiet location but assistant manager, Graham Marwood believes that the regional centre in Peterborough will receive a substantial number of calls.
He said: "It is not particularly busy here but the regional centre is likely to be inundated with calls.
"We have had the odd cat injured in bonfires in the past but that is rare."
"I used to be an RSPCA inspector and calls were always up at this time of year.
"It is particularly bad in rural areas where people set of fireworks near farm animals."
And the Blue Cross Centre in Felixstowe offered advise to those with domestic animals.
Dog Behaviour Advisor, Clare Williamson said: "Pets should be kept inside after dark.
"It is a good idea to prepare a den as a hideaway for pets and to leave them if they want to hide."
The advice from organisations across Suffolk is clear - whatever you are doing tonight, be safe and follow the Firework code.
The Department for Trade and Industry Firework Code is as follows -
Buy fireworks marked BS 7114
Keep fireworks in a closed box
Follow the instructions on each firework
Light them at arms length using a taper
Stand well back
Never go back to a lit firework
Never put fireworks in your pocket
Never throw fireworks
Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
Never give sparklers to a child under five
Keep pets indoors

November 5 2003, Evening Times, Puppy dies after thugs tie firework to its tail
A PUPPY died in agony after a gang of thugs, as young as 12, tied a lit firework to her tail.
Scots animal welfare chiefs were horrified by the attack in which the 11-month-old boxer pup died from severe burns and shock.
Its ordeal ended only when a passer-by in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, intervened and called the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Animal inspector Fiona Greig, who tried to help the injured dog, said the incident, on the Gowkthrapple housing scheme, was "horrific".
She said: "It was so traumatic. The poor dog was so badly injured she died before I could get her to a vet.
"All the hair on her back was burned off. The woman who called us put a wet blanket over her, but it was too late.
"She said she had seen a group of children under the age of 12 hanging about letting off fireworks earlier in the day. She said they had attached the firework to the dog."
Her owners are too distraught to talk about the death of their pet. Ahead of Guy Fawkes celebrations tonight SSPCA officers warned the public to keep pets indoors and away from fireworks.

November 5 2003, Guardian, Crackdown on 'fireworks thugs' unveiled
Under-18s would be banned from possessing fireworks in public places as part of new measures to crackdown on their use, the government announced today.
The trade and industry secretary, Patricia Hewitt, announced a raft of new measures, some of which would be in place by Christmas, designed to combat the noise and nuisance which can be caused by fireworks.
Other changes include outlawing the largest and most powerful fireworks for all members of the public, while fixed penalties for people caught throwing fireworks in the street will be doubled to £80.
The government will also draft regulations before the end of the year to enshrine in law the firework industry's current voluntary ban on airbombs.
The crackdown comes amid concern over abuse of fireworks including an incident on Friday in which a dog died of burns and shock after a firework was tied to its tail and lit in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire.
Ms Hewitt said: "In the right place and the right time fireworks are a real source of pleasure and we want families to enjoy the safe use of fireworks in their gardens and in public displays.
"But people across the UK are sick of being terrorised by irresponsible use of fireworks. We want to drive the fireworks thugs off the street and will use the full force of law to tackle those who are making the lives of others a misery in this way."
The government has already begun consultations on implementing the rest of the Fireworks Act and will publish draft regulations in the New Year to introduce:
A national curfew banning the use of fireworks during anti-social hours
A noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks available to the public
A compulsory training course for operators of public firework displays
A new licensing system for the sale of fireworks to ensure local authorities have the power to refuse and revoke licences if retailers act inappropriately
Ms Hewitt said the measures would help tackle "loutish behaviour" and the government would aim to have all the curbs in place by July 2004 - well in advance of next year's traditional fireworks season.
The home secretary, David Blunkett, said in the wrong hands, fireworks were "not only noisy and alarming, they can be dangerous weapons that can be used to terrorise neighbourhoods".
Tackling the problem was an integral part of the government's work to combat anti-social behaviour in all forms, he said.
"This package of measures means in future we will have tough penalties against those harassing and intimidating communities with fireworks," Mr Blunkett said.
"For this fireworks season, we expect existing powers to be used effectively and we will be working with the police to ensure that nuisance is minimised."
Meanwhile, an investigation was under way today after a police car exploded when a firework was thrown through its window.
The attack, which sent glass showering across the street, took place in Tuebrook, Liverpool, just before 7pm last night.
The police officer was attending a house call when he heard the blast. No one was injured and the vehicle was later examined by crime scene investigators.
The attack comes as the chief constable of Merseyside police, Norman Bettison, called for tougher fireworks laws.
Mr Bettison was today handing a 50-page dossier to Mr Blunkett detailing the number of firework attacks in the region. More than 35 cars have been targeted by vandals in recent weeks.
The police chief wants people to have to apply for a licence before being allowed to buy fireworks or put on displays.
He said dealing with recent incidents had taken its toll on the force.
Mr Bettison added: "It is a criminal waste when there are so many more priorities that my force could be tackling."

November 5 2003, ic Birmingham - Fireworks ban for Under 18s
Youngsters under 18 will be banned from possessing fireworks in public places as part of new measures to crackdown on their use, the Government has announced. Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced a raft of new measures, some of which will be in place by Christmas, designed to combat the noise and nuisance of fireworks.
Other changes include outlawing the largest and most powerful fireworks for all members of the public, while fixed penalties for people caught throwing fireworks in the street will be doubled to £80. The Government will also draft regulations before the end of the year to enshrine in law the firework industry's current voluntary ban on airbombs.
The crackdown comes amid concern over abuse of fireworks including an incident on Friday in which a dog died of burns and shock after a firework was tied to its tail and lit in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire. Ms Hewitt said: "In the right place and the right time fireworks are a real source of pleasure and we want families to enjoy the safe use of fireworks in their gardens and in public displays. "But people across the UK are sick of being terrorised by irresponsible use of fireworks. We want to drive the fireworks thugs off the street and will use the full force of law to tackle those who are making the lives of others a misery in this way."
The Government has already begun consultations on implementing the rest of the Fireworks Act and will publish draft regulations in the New Year to introduce numerous new measures including a national curfew banning the use of fireworks during anti-social hours and a noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks available to the public. Other measures include a compulsory training course for operators of public firework displays and a new licensing system for the sale of fireworks to ensure local authorities have the power to refuse and revoke licences if retailers act inappropriately. Ms Hewitt said the measures would help tackle "loutish behaviour" and the Government would aim to have all the curbs in place by July 2004 - well in advance of next year's traditional fireworks season.
Meanwhile, an investigation was under way after a police car exploded when a firework was thrown through its window. The attack, which sent glass showering across the street, took place in Tuebrook, Liverpool, just before 7pm on Tuesday. The police officer was attending a house call when he heard the blast. No one was injured and the vehicle was being examined by crime scene investigators.

November 5 2003, ic CheshireOnline - Bettison urges end to firework menace
MERSEYSIDE Police chief Norman Bettison will today urge the Home Secretary to clamp down on the illegal use of fireworks. Mr Bettison is to meet David Blunkett in the wake of a two month-long spate of firework-related incidents which have plagued the streets of Merseyside. Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt is set to ban the setting-off of fireworks after 11pm and put restrictions on firework sales - but Mr Bettison wants more. His meeting with the Home Secretary comes as the Daily Post can reveal the huge financial burden the run-up to Bonfire Night places on the emergency services.
The combined cost of police, ambulance and fire cover for the period is now thought to be more than £1m. Merseyside Police has confirmed it has had to shell out £500,000 from its budget. Although unable to produce specific figures, Mersey Regional Ambulance Service and Merseyside Fire Brigade have both reported a sharp rise in activity in the run-up to November 5. In the last three weeks the fire service has been called out to 1,422 secondary fires - which covers most firework and bonfire related incidents - a huge increase on last year's figure of 893.." Over recent weeks, 30 telephone kiosks have been targeted by vandals across Merseyside as well as half a dozen cars, using either commercial fireworks or fireworks that have been adapted to cause bigger explosions.." In the most serious recent incident a car was blown up outside the 051 nightclub in Mount Pleasant at a time when Liverpool city centre was packed with late night revellers.
Speaking prior to his meeting with the Home Secretary, Mr Bettison said: "We're dealing with three different types of firework abuse here.
"The first type involves kids getting their hands on fireworks and throwing them in the street, which distresses and alarms many people.
"The second, a modern day phenomenon, involves vandals putting what can only be described as explosive devices in telephone kiosks, post boxes and cars to cause destruction to property and putting the lives of passers-by at risk.
"And the third threat we're facing and rigorously investigating is even more sinister - criminals using the contents of fireworks to produce low grade explosives, to cause maximum devastation as we've seen twice now in the city centre with the car explosion outside the 051 club and the nail bomb incident in Dickie Lewis's."
Mr Bettison will hand over a 50-page dossier to the Government about the misuse of fireworks and is calling for tougher legislation on the importation of illegal fireworks and licensing of display fireworks for organised events.
Attack log SINCE September 1, Merseyside Police has been called out to almost 800 firework related incidents. They were: * 30 attacks on telephone kiosks; * 34 attacks on vehicles; * 17 attacks on home and other property; * 10 on post boxes.

November 5 2003, ic Huddersfield - Fireworks law set to end `reign of terror' by yobs
MEASURES to crack down on firework terror were unveiled today. The proposals were announced by trade secretary Patricia Hewitt. They will restrict the use and sale of fireworks and should be in force before Christmas this year. They are contained in the new Fireworks Act, and were not expected to come into force until next year. But the Government is to fast-track those elements which deal with anti-social behaviour. John Woodhead, chairman of the Kirkburton-based British Fireworks Association, welcomed the plans. "We support fully the Government's aims and welcome them wholeheartedly," he said. He was keen to see further legislation to more tightly control imported fireworks and their distribution from the "port of entry to the point of sale." Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood, whose campaign for tighter restrictions on fireworks preceded the Act, said: "I'm disappointed that the measures aren't already in force - communities feel under siege at this time of year as the misuse of fireworks escalates. "I am pleased however that the Government is to bring forward the introduction of the measures which are most eagerly awaited."
By Christmas, a curfew for the use of fireworks will be created, possession of fireworks by minors will become an offence and there will be implementation of the firework industry's voluntary ban on air bombs.
The Act's other main provisions - maximum noise limit, licensing of suppliers, rules for public firework displays, importation of fireworks and training of public display operators - will be implemented in the new year.
The new measures also include a and a drive to encourage local councils to use their powers to curb firework noise and nuisance.
An agreement with the firework industry will restrict their sale to three weeks before November 5, for a few days afterwards and for a similar period over the New Year.
Ms Hewitt said:
"People across the UK are sick of being terrorised by irresponsible use of fireworks. We want to drive the fireworks thugs off the street and will use the full force of law to tackle those who are making the lives of others a misery in this way."

November 5 2003, ic SouthLondon, Family seconds from Death
A FAMILY of four were seconds from tragedy after a firework set their home alight as they slept. They were woken by passing motorists who sounded their horns and shouted after spotting flames leaping up the block of flats on the Tulse Hill Estate in the early hours. Rachel Mayhook, 35, got out of bed to investigate the commotion on Wednesday last week and saw flames on her balcony in Tulse House and the balconies of the three flats above. Husband Dean, 34, rushed to get their son, Joshua, out of bed while Rachel frantically phoned for help.
When Dean looked into Joshua's bedroom he could barely make out the 11-year-old for black smoke, which had come through an air vent from the balcony. They managed to get 16-year-old daughter Charlotte and the whole family escaped unhurt. The Mayhooks were forced to watch as flames gutted their lounge and a bedroom, causing an estimated £130,000 of damage.
Firefighters told them they could have been killed if they had woken up 30 seconds later. Rachel said: "People say no one looks out for each other these days but everyone who lives around this area stopped us from dying." The following night, another home on the estate was set on fire when children smashed a window and threw a firework through it. Two of the family ended up in hospital with smoke inhalation and their home was gutted. The family have been moved into emergency housing.
Detective Sergeant Dennis Phelan, of Brixton Police, said they have had reports that a child aged under 12 threw the firework through the window and a woman on the Tulse Hill Estate has been selling fireworks to youngsters. He described her as "highly irresponsible" and pointed out it is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18. He said: "I think these incidents have shocked people on the estate and we expect residents to come forward with the identities of the people responsible." Anyone with information should contact DS Phelan on 020-86492080.

November 5 2003, ic Southlondon - Firework sales laws are upheld
SPOT checks by Greenwich council have proved that shops are sticking to the rules when it comes to selling fireworks. With the help of two 14-year-old girls, the council's trading standards team and the police targeted seven shops in Thamesmead, Abbey Wood and Plumstead. The girls asked for a box of fireworks in each shop but were asked for ID every time.
Avtar Bains, 50, who owns Arnott Close Post Office, Thamesmead, said he never sells fireworks to people under 18. He said: "Every 20 minutes we get under age people in here trying to buy fireworks. We turn them away, even though some of them are big boys who are about 16 or 17 and can threaten us.  "I'm really worried about their safety because sometimes I see them throwing the fireworks at each other."
One of the anonymous 14-year-old girls said: "It's good that kids can't get fireworks here. The shops all asked me for ID straight away and wouldn't sell me any fireworks without it."
Greenwich councillor David Grant said he was pleased that none of the traders got a verbal rocket from the trading standards department. He said: "I am sure that most shopkeepers in Greenwich are law-abiding citizens but the consequences of selling fireworks to under age children are so serious that it is essential that this kind of work carries on."
In August all shops in the borough were sent an information pack highlighting the law about the sale of fireworks.
A spokesperson for Greenwich council said: "We take this sort of action very seriously and will continue to put traders on the spot to ensure that they comply with regulations.  "I'm delighted at the outcome of today's operation as it shows the message is getting through and we are ensuring that traders are aware of the laws."
If anybody wants to report unsafe fireworks or fireworks being sold to under age children, please contact Greenwich council on 020-8921 8377.

November 5 2003, ic Wales - Firework thrown into flat
AN elderly woman was among four needing hospital treatment last night after her flat was targeted with a firework and a blaze broke out. Police last night were speaking to several youths after the rocket was thrown through a window of the pensioner's ground-floor flat in Port Talbot.
The woman, reported to be 70, and three others, who occupied neighbouring flats, were treated by paramedic crews at the scene before being taken to Neath Port Talbot Hospital. One remained in hospital last night. The elderly woman was discharged but her home was too badly damaged by flames for her to return, said police.
Other flats in Cardigan House on Moorland Road, Sandfields, were damaged and local authority housing officers called to the scene. Two appliances from Port Talbot fire station were returning from another firework-sparked fire in Cwmavon when they were diverted to the blaze at 7.10pm. "When they arrived at the scene the fire in the ground-floor flat was well alight," said a spokeswoman for Mid and West Wales Fire Service.
Supt Bob McAlister, divisional police commander for South Wales Police, said, "On the face of it this would appear to be another totally irresponsible and dangerous act with a firework. "Damage could have been worse but on this occasion, were it not for the prompt action of the fire service and the alertness of residents. "Local community members quickly rallied round for those affected."

November 5 2003, ic Wales - Fireworks ban for Under 18s
Youngsters under 18 will be banned from possessing fireworks in public places as part of new measures to crackdown on their use, the Government has announced.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced a raft of new measures, some of which will be in place by Christmas, designed to combat the noise and nuisance of fireworks. Other changes include outlawing the largest and most powerful fireworks for all members of the public, while fixed penalties for people caught throwing fireworks in the street will be doubled to £80. The Government will also draft regulations before the end of the year to enshrine in law the firework industry's current voluntary ban on airbombs.
The crackdown comes amid concern over abuse of fireworks including an incident on Friday in which a dog died of burns and shock after a firework was tied to its tail and lit in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire. Ms Hewitt said: "In the right place and the right time fireworks are a real source of pleasure and we want families to enjoy the safe use of fireworks in their gardens and in public displays. "But people across the UK are sick of being terrorised by irresponsible use of fireworks. We want to drive the fireworks thugs off the street and will use the full force of law to tackle those who are making the lives of others a misery in this way."
The Government has already begun consultations on implementing the rest of the Fireworks Act and will publish draft regulations in the New Year to introduce numerous new measures including a national curfew banning the use of fireworks during anti-social hours and a noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks available to the public. Other measures include a compulsory training course for operators of public firework displays and a new licensing system for the sale of fireworks to ensure local authorities have the power to refuse and revoke licences if retailers act inappropriately.
Ms Hewitt said the measures would help tackle "loutish behaviour" and the Government would aim to have all the curbs in place by July 2004 - well in advance of next year's traditional fireworks season.
Meanwhile, an investigation was under way after a police car exploded when a firework was thrown through its window. The attack, which sent glass showering across the street, took place in Tuebrook, Liverpool, just before 7pm on Tuesday. The police officer was attending a house call when he heard the blast. No one was injured and the vehicle was being examined by crime scene investigators.

November 5 2003, Leeds Today, Blair's praise as firework laws on the way
TONY Blair today praised the Yorkshire Evening Post as the Government unveiled a bid to crack down on fireworks terror.
In a major victory for the YEP Save the Fireworks for Bonfire Night campaign, powerful fireworks used for professional displays will be outlawed to the public. Spot fines on people throwing fireworks will be doubled to £80.
And it will be illegal for under-18s to carry fireworks in the street, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt confirmed. Home Secretary David Blunkett denounced use of fireworks as "dangerous weapons."
The moves follow a wave damage from violent attacks with fireworks including the terrorising of people and pets and the wrecking of cars and telephone boxes.
Today Tony Blair said: "I congratulate the YEP for campaigning for action on fireworks. It shows again how what matters to its readers matters to the YEP.
"I can promise that if those on the front line convince us that more needs to be done to stop the misery that fireworks bring, we won't hesitate to act again."
Mr Blair condemned the misery that left householders too scared to leave their homes for fear of fireworks thrown at them.
Action including an 11pm curfew on letting off fireworks at night and a licence system for shops will not be brought into force until next year, the Government said.
Critics say a planned 120 decibel limit on fireworks noise is still too high. The new restrictions are also too late for this Bonfire Night season and some of the plans will not be in operation until next summer.
Mr Blunkett said: "In the wrong hands fireworks are not only noisy and alarming, they can be dangerous weapons that can be used to terrorise neighbourhoods."
They new regulations were welcomed today by Maurice Johnson of Harrogate, whose late wife Marjorie campaigned tirelessly for new laws before her death in June.
He said: "Marjorie would have been very pleased. It is something we have waited a long time for and is bound to be a step forward.
"These recent incidents where fireworks have been thrown into houses are very concerning so hopefully these new measures will help. But I suppose we will have to wait and see."

November 5 2003, Peterborough Now, CRACKDOWN - Firework victory for campaigners
CITY campaigners who called for a Government crackdown on firework hooligans today hailed the launch of tough new laws as a major victory. 
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewett was due to tell the House of Commons today - Bonfire Night - about a raft of measures that would "drive the thugs off the streets".  The legislation includes an 11pm curfew on using fireworks, a ban on the public having high-explosive rockets, and making the possession of fireworks in public places by under-18s illegal.  There will also be a noise limit introduced, an £80 penalty for people caught throwing fireworks in the street, and local authorities will be given the power to refuse and revoke shop licences to sell them.
Peterborough councillor Graham Murphy, who led a delegation to 10 Downing Street with city MP Helen Clark, to hand over a petition signed by thousands of city residents, today welcomed the proposals.  He said: "Everyone deserves a major pat on the back for this. The people of Peterborough spoke out ,and someone stopped and listened to them.  "Let's hope that from this day forward we will get some peace and quiet.  "I am delighted."
Explaining the reasons for the crackdown, Mrs Hewett said: "We want to drive the fireworks thugs off the streets, and will use the full force of law to tackle those who are making the lives of others a misery in this way."
As reported in The Evening Telegraph, city police say they have seen a "dramatic upsurge" in complaints about fireworks, and dozens of angry residents have called the newspaper.
However, Acting Chief Superintendent David Hankins said he believed the crackdown didn't go far enough. He said: "The measures being introduced are going in the right direction, but my own personal view is that there should be an outright ban - except for legitimate, organised events." He added that £80 penalties for throwing fireworks in the streets could prove difficult to enforce.
The Government hopes to have made all its firework proposals law by July 2004.
RICK Heppolette (54), who sells fireworks at Clowns and Things, in Rivergate, Peterborough, said the tougher measures would cause him to lose "good money". But he said if the legislation was supported by the majority of people, he would accept it.  Mr Heppolette said: "Fireworks don't bother me in the slightest, but you can see how the noise upsets people - they don't want the aggravation."
Meanwhile, vets and pet shops in the city have reported a sales rush of tablets that help calm dogs and cats when fireworks are being set off.

November 5 2003, Scotsman.com, Fireworks used to be fun - remember
IT IS impossible to define when what used to be fun becomes a public nuisance, because by the time we realise that the line has been crossed, it is too late. I write, as you might have guessed as the house shakes, you cover the dog's ears or try to phone the police, of fireworks.
Fireworks used to be fun. They used to be magic. One of my earliest memories is of watching enthralled as blue touch papers burned down to ignite greens, reds, blues and masses of white as the Roman candles and snow fountains, catherine wheels and rockets flared and faded in the garden.
Later, we always had a bonfire on the farm, some of them more successful than others. Those thrown together at short notice, using straw and heavy paper bags, burned out spectacularly in minutes; others were like the average barbecue, and could be seen at their best hours after the last rocket had soared and the crowd dispersed.
But as I recall, as children we never saw a firework before 5 November. Even as teenagers our idea of riotous fun would be a banger in a dustbin sometime after the equally riotous fun of carving out a thick-skinned turnip lantern and dooking for apples of Halloween.
You don't need me to tell you what Halloween has turned into, quite apart from the desperate attempt to make money from every mildly significant date in the calendar that has produced supermarkets groaning with pumpkins, pubs with witches and goblins serving drinks and drumming up trade and "Happy Halloween" cards.
ON THE home front, it means a procession for at least a week before 31 October of "guisers" in twos and threes on the doorstep, masks on, hands out, all singing the same half-baked, conflation-of-seasons offering that goes: "Halloween is coming, the geese are getting fat, please put a penny in the old man's hat ..."
If that doesn't cue a Victor Meldrew "I do not believe it!" moment, nothing will. Where did that bastard - in the true sense of the word, naturally - verse come from? Who dreamed it up? Who managed to confuse Halloween, Christmas and Guy Fawkes and take the fun out of all three by attaching it to a door-to-door begging operation?
This year was especially bad. Not only do I suspect that the same lot appeared twice in different masks, at least two girls were old enough and big enough to demand money with menaces. Their language as they left gave the distinct impression that a miniature Mars bar each was not quite what they had in mind.
They were lucky to get that. Next year, no more Mr Softy and "Oh well, they're only kids" and "It's only once a year" and "No, it's your turn to answer the door." It's going to be a sign warning: "Guisers will be prosecuted" - and wait for the rocket attack.
At one time I might have written that as a joke. But the fireworks season now starts in early October and lasts six weeks. A banger in a metal dustbin, greatly daring, has been replaced in some parts by hours of squib explosions and rockets aimed at cars, doors, windows and people.
There should be a law against it, and it should be a simple one - no fireworks sold until 5 November and then only for organised displays.

November 5 2003, Scotsman.com News - Government crackdown on fireworks abuse
THE misery of fireworks abuse in the run up to Bonfire Night is to be tackled with a series of tough measures due to be announced today.  A ban is likely to be placed on the sale of so-called "airbomb" fireworks, which have caused serious injuries after being turned into home-made explosives.   Under-18s have been blamed for much of the firework-related trouble and injuries reported by hospitals have grown in scale over a number of years.
There has also been an increase in the number of complaints about noise pollution, with many areas having to endure firework explosions at all hours of the day during the run up to Guy Fawkes' night.
Patricia Hewitt, the Trade and Industry Secretary, and David Blunkett, the Home Secretary, will announce today that it will be illegal for under-18s to have fireworks in their possession. She will say police will be handed powers to arrest any such teenagers and confiscate high-powered fireworks.  Mrs Hewitt is also expected to announce a curfew banning the lighting of any firework after 11pm and before 7am, and the introduction of an £80 fixed penalty notices for anyone caught throwing fireworks in the street.  The range of measures will be announced in response to the success of Bill Tynan, the MP for Hamilton South, in securing a place for his Fireworks Bill on the statute book in September. 
However, technicalities mean it will not apply in time for Bonfire Night tonight.
It had been hoped the sale of fireworks would be banned except in the three-week run up to 5 November, but Mr Tynan said last night it was unlikely that measure would be in place by the end of the year as it faces strong opposition from the retail sector.  He said that he opted to champion the control of fireworks after being convinced by safety groups that public opinion was behind him.  "It is unfortunate that all of the act cannot be in place this year, but as far as I am concerned gaining Royal Assent was only the beginning, not the end of the story. 
"I intend to pursue this all the way to the end so the toughest of the measures contained in the act - which is an enabling act that means legislation can be put in place much quicker - will be law by the summer of next year.
"My aim is to achieve a situation where we never have to read again about horrific injuries caused by people using fireworks irresponsibly on Bonfire Night."
It is understood that in the New Year more measures will be introduced to stop the misuse of fireworks.  The government is expected to announce draft resolutions which would require compulsory training for operators of firework displays, a noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks available to the public and a new licensing system for the sale of fireworks.
Ms Hewitt said the new measures announced today were designed to "drive the firework thugs" off the street.  "In the right place and the right time fireworks are a real source of pleasure and we want families to enjoy the safe use of fireworks in their gardens and in public displays.  "But people across the UK are sick of being terrorised by irresponsible use of fireworks," the minister said.  "We want to drive the fireworks thugs off the street and will use the full force of law to tackle those who are making the lives of others a misery in this way.  "The measures I am announcing will help tackle this loutish behaviour and we aim to have all the curbs in place by July 2004 - well in advance of next year's traditional fireworks season," she said.
Mr Blunkett also issued a statement supporting the crackdown.  "In the wrong hands fireworks are not only noisy and alarming, they can be dangerous weapons that can be used to terrorise neighbourhoods.  "Misuse of fireworks can force people to live in fear in their own homes, afraid to go out and enjoy their public space. Tackling this problem is an integral part of our work to combat anti-social behaviour in all forms and the new Fireworks Act will be crucial to this.  "This package of measures means in future we will have tough penalties against those harassing and intimidating communities with fireworks.  "For this fireworks season, we expect existing powers to be used effectively and we will be working with the police to ensure that nuisance is minimised," he said.

November 5 2003, Telegraph  News  Move to curb menace of late-night fireworks
Curbs on the use of fireworks late at night will be announced by the Government today amid growing public concern over their continuing misuse.  Ministers are concerned that Bonfire Night - once a single event held on Nov 5 to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 - is now a cacophony of whizzbangs and explosions spread over a period of a month or more.
MPs receive hundreds of complaints - not only about yobs throwing bangers but also about semi-organised displays lasting into the small hours.  Fireworks are also increasingly used for celebrations throughout the year, including Christmas parties and summer barbecues.
The Government has previously been concerned about appearing too heavy-handed in dealing with the problem.
Ministers are anxious to strike a balance between a killjoy approach towards law-abiding revellers and the legitimate complaints of those whose sleep is interrupted or whose pets are terrified.  Although existing laws can be used to tackle abuse, they appear to be ineffective and are rarely enforced. Earlier this year, private members' legislation was pushed through Parliament giving ministers sweeping powers to bring forward new regulations to control fireworks.
The first of these will be unveiled today by Patricia Hewitt, the Trade and Industry Secretary, including an 11pm curfew and controls on the import and sale of high-powered fireworks.
Britons spend £70 million a year on fireworks but there is also a cost in injuries.  Last year there were 1,300 people hurt, mainly children, but no fatalities.  However, this compares to 2.7 million accidents in the home annually, with 4,000 fatalities.  Critics of new regulations say existing laws were tightened just a few years ago when the legal age for buying fireworks was increased from 16 to 18.
Flash bangers, jumping crackers and fireworks with an erratic flight were outlawed in 1997.
The British Fireworks Association also operates its own voluntary guidelines under which fireworks should be on general sale for just a three-week period leading up to Nov 5.
There is also a concern among some MPs that new rules will be too bureaucratic and will be no more enforceable than existing common law sanctions on anti-social behaviour.
However, the Government says that the new regulations will not prevent people buying fireworks for their own enjoyment in their homes nor would they stop organised and responsible displays being held.
Melanie Johnson, the trade minister, said the new Act would help "minimise the irresponsible supply and anti-social use of fireworks". She added: "It will allow us, for the first time, to produce firework regulations that will make sensible controls possible."

November 5 2003, The Buchan Observer, Council to take action over illegal sale of fireworks
THE SHOCKING results of an investigation into the illegal sale of fireworks to youths has forced Aberdeenshire Council to take action.  A test purchasing exercise using 16 year-old volunteers was carried out by the local authority in an attempt to stop fireworks falling into the hands of youngsters.
Figures showed that out of 37 shops surveyed, 21 were willing to ignore the Fireworks (safety) Regulations 1997, and sell fireworks to under-18s despite risking a £5,000 fine.
The survey also highlighted that some of the offenders were displaying notices stating We only sell Fireworks to Over 21s - several supplied fireworks even after being told by the boys that they were only sixteen.
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure services committee, Councillor Alison McInnes, said: "I am shocked and disappointed that the results have shown so many retailers to be disregarding the law on firework sales.  "At this time of year, councillors receive many complaints from constituents about firework noise and abuse and it is disappointing that many shops are contributing to the problem."
The Consumer Protection Service says it will be issuing warnings to the shops involved.
Aberdeenshire Council's‚ head of consumer protection and support services, Bill Cassie, said: "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.  "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."
Central Buchan Councillor Stan Tennant says the situation could have been prevented if the council had backed his by-law in April last year to permit the sale of fireworks only to authorised persons organising public fireworks displays.
However the motion was blocked by a Liberal Democrat councillor who said it was unworkable.
Instead an amendment was passed calling for stricter guidelines on the sale of fireworks.
The council agreed to remove the sale of more powerful fireworks, and restrict the types of numbers that can be kept without the need to register with Aberdeenshire Council.
The amendment also called for strengthening of the system by giving local authorities the power to revoke or refuse applications, and a restriction on the type of retail outlet which can sell fireworks.
But Cllr Tennant says 18 months on nothing has changed.  He told the Buchan: "If the by-law had been passed it would have solved the problem because only people who were organising fireworks displays would be able to buy the fireworks.  "The irresponsible use of fireworks is happening earlier and earlier each year and I noted that this year fireworks were being let off as early as October 3.  "I do not see why we have Bonfire night, I suppose it is for family entertainment, but I, like many other people, just have to put up with it.  "They cause great distress to people, especially elderly resident and animals are terrified by them.  "I have not reviewed in depth the new national fireworks law yet but I will wait to see how the act takes effect before I think about moving a motion again."

November 5 2003, This is London, Charities demand firework ban
A petition signed by almost 75,000 people is to be delivered to Prime Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street urging him to ban fireworks. The RSPCA-led Animal Welfare Fireworks Coalition will present the petition and personalised messages in London.  The group wants the Government to ensure regulations introduced under a new fireworks law are strong enough.