September 26 2003, ic Birmingham, Court ends brothers' reign of terror
Two teenage brothers who have terrorised a suburb of Birmingham for the last three years were handed one of the city's first anti-social behaviour orders yesterday.
Jimmy Lee, aged 16, and Chad Lee, aged 13, provoked a catalogue of complaints about their aggressive behaviour which ranged from fighting to throwing fireworks into shops.
The brothers were part of a gang who were based around the family's home in Twyning Road, Stirchley, and have run havoc in shops and left neighbours in fear.
Yesterday they were ordered to stop hanging around in groups of more than four people and not to approach any of the neighbours who have complained.
The orders from Birmingham Magistrates Court will last for four years and three years respectively.
Many residents and local businessmen came forward to give evidence against the two during an investigation by West Midlands Police that has lasted more than two years.
District Judge Anthony Callaway said: "The story that each witness gives paints a picture of a group of youths causing trouble in this neighbourhood. "Jimmy and Chad are part of this group which was focused on their home in Twyning Road. "The trouble includes allegations of fighting in the street, driving motor-bikes on the pavement, petty theft, abuse to customers in local shops, threatening behaviour, tormenting a younger child, running in front of moving cars, visiting a shop for no good reason, throwing stones at people and shops, shouting at passers-by, showing aggression towards police officers, abuse and throwing lighted fireworks into a shop."
Jimmy has 16 previous convictions, including stealing cars, burglary, threatening behaviour, assault and intimidating a witness. He is currently being held on remand on another charge.
Chad, who was flanked by his mother Kim Mason in court, has four previous convictions, including one for stealing cars.
Police Sergeant Stephen Beechey, from Stirchley police station, said outside court: "This is a victory for the residents and business people of the Stirchley area."

September 26 2003, ic Lanarkshire, Fireworks crackdown is welcomed in town
EAST Kilbride Guy Fawkes night celebrations in the future should be safer and quieter as new firework controls come into operation.
A new law will result in noise limits being placed on fireworks, ban their use at certain times and force shopkeepers to tightly control who they sell them to.
The law was introduced after Hamilton South MP Bill Tynan brought a Private Members Bill before the Westminster parliament in February.
It received government backing and was given Royal Assent on Thursday.
However, townsfolk will have to endure one more year of fireworks hell as the new rules will not come into force until 2004.
The Fireworks Act will:
Impose a noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks.
Ban their use during anti-social hours (still to be defined).
Licence people who sell fireworks.
Allow local authorities to refuse and revoke licenses if retailers act inappropriately.
Create a compulsory training course for operators of public fireworks displays.

Mr Tynan said: "When used sensibly, fireworks can be a popular form of family entertainment. However, all too often noisy fireworks used at anti-social hours cause real disturbances in local communities.
"These new powers will make a real difference in cracking down on the excess noise and nuisance that so often keeps people awake at night and causes misery to pets."
The news was welcomed by Hairmyres and Crosshouse councillor David Watson.
He said: "It's important that premises are licensed. The fact that local authorities have been given some powers to control those stores which act irresponsibly is also good news.
"There will be those who will still continue to misuse fireworks and all we can do is help the police catch them."
Under the existing voluntary code of practice, fireworks are only supposed to go on sale three weeks before November 5 and a few days afterwards.
There is also a voluntary ban on the public sale of airbombs which came into force on January 1, this year.
Retailers who break the law face fines of up to £5000, imprisonment or both.

September 26 2003, ic Lanarkshire, Gritter attacks in town force change of plan for the winter
YOBS in Wishaw and Cleland have forced council planners to change their plans for gritting roads in wintry weather.
Revised gritting arrangements are being put in place by North Lanarkshire Council and its contractors Amey Roads North Lanarkshire (ARNL), for the treatment of remote footpaths, following concerns raised by staff for their health and safety while carrying out their essential work.
Following experience of serious anti-social behaviour last winter, ARNL, who carry out gritting of footways and footpaths for the council, are concerned with the number of violent and mindless incidents which have occurred and put the safety of gritting operators at risk.
These incidents have generally occurred during the late evening or early morning - 8pm to 5am - and have involved single person operated tractor units used to grit remote footpaths.
The incidents have included the throwing of fireworks, bricks and stones at operators and have caused damage to vehicles and plant equipment, with some of the worst instances occurring in Cleland and Wishaw.
When these incidents occurred the operator would contact their supervisor, who in turn would report the matter to the police. Gritting was then discontinued on these particular routes.

September 26 2003, ic Lanarkshire, Prompt action is needed to curb this menace - MP
HAMILTON MP Bill Tynan this week spoke of his delight that his fireworks Bill will now become law ... but said he'll fight to have it implemented long before next November.
Mr Tynan, who represents Hamilton South, introduced the Private Member's Bill on February 13 and it was given Royal Assent last Thursday, meaning it will become law within three months.
The Department of Trade and Industry will be consulting next year on draft regulations which will be in place for the 2004 fireworks season.
But Mr Tynan feels the fireworks menace is a year-round one and wants action to be taken a lot sooner.
He said: "We overcame a lot of vested interests and I believe this Bill needs to be implemented as soon as possible.
"The government are talking about a consultation period regarding the regulations which will be put in place so that this Bill is law by 2004, but I think we need to do something sooner than that.
"I recognise a need for consultation, but there are a lot of problems that we need to eradicate.
"It's not just Bonfire Night that causes a problem, it's year-round and I want to see this being implemented a lot sooner than November 5, 2004.
"I'm delighted that the government supported the Bill, but we won't be resting on our laurels - we'll try and ensure that this Bill benefits as many people as possible."
The law allows the Government to:
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
allow local authorities to refuse and revoke licences if retailers act inappropriately and
create a compulsory training course for operators of public fireworks displays.
Consumer Affairs Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "I congratulate both Bill Tynan MP and Baroness Ramsay for their careful stewardship through both the House of Commons and House of Lords respectively.
"When used sensibly, fireworks can be a popular form of family entertainment, but all too often noisy fireworks used at anti-social hours cause real disturbance in local communities.
"These new powers will make a real difference in cracking down on the excess noise and nuisance that so often keeps people awake at night and causes misery to pets and other animals.
"These new laws will not apply to Bonfire Night this year, but I hope retailers and consumers will act in the spirit of the new law so that everyone can have fun without causing others misery."

September 26 2003, ic NorthWales, MP hails Bill promising a quiet life for residents
PARLIAMENT may have brought an end to the misery caused by misused fireworks.
Irresponsible sales and use of fireworks, which terrify people and pets alike, will be stopped by the Fireworks Bill, while still allowing families to continue enjoying organised public displays.
Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami has welcomed the Bill's success. He said: 'I have had more than 700 Alyn and Deeside residents sign my petition calling for greater restriction on the sale and use of fireworks, so I know it is a problem that affects many local people.
'Lack of licensing of retail outlets, periods of sale and noise levels, together with problems with importation, distribution and storage, all contribute to the nuisance of fireworks.
'MPs are not trying to be killjoys - the Bill will promote and help to ensure the responsible use of fireworks by limiting the hours of the day, confining general sale to the public to a relatively short period before November 5.'
He added: 'Late night bangs will be banished under the Fireworks Bill, which also outlaws the nosiest of fireworks. Youths will no longer be able to buy fireworks and local authorities will be able to refuse and revoke licences of irresponsible retailers.'

September 26 2003, This is Devon, Trauma Relief From Fireworks
Horses, dogs and cats will no longer be subject to the terrifying trauma they can suffer when fireworks are let off following a new law which gives the government regulatory powers over their use.

The law provides a framework for the government to exercise control by restricting the sale and use to certain times, by licensing public displays, and setting maximum noise levels.

September 26 2003, This is Dorset, Bangers wake town residents
AN ANTI-SOCIAL midnight fireworks party fractured the sleep of Poole residents on Wednesday night.
And whoever was responsible, some of your neighbours around Constitution Hill, Parkstone have a bone to pick with you.
"Thoughtless", "irresponsible" and "selfish" are some of the comments from irate residents woken by bangs, screeches and pretty lights.
The midnight mayhem came barely a week after the Daily Echo's Bang Out of Order campaign reaped parliamentary success.
Among those woken was Roger Luxford of Felton Road. He said his Staffordshire bull terrier Jester was "petrified" and had to be comforted in the bedroom.
Nick Hill of consumer protection, Borough of Poole said: "Most firework displays do not fall into the definition of a statutory noise nuisance and local authorities have no legislative power to prevent there being public or private displays."
It was been reported that more fireworks were set off at 10.30 last night in the same area.

September 26 2003, This is Leicestershire, HONOUR ROLL
A growing list of shopkeepers have pledged not to sell fireworks to under 18s.

Another two traders today signed up to a Leicester Mercury Roll of Honour and promised to abide by the law.

They joined fireworks sellers from across Leicestershire who have backed the campaign this week.

It is illegal to sell to under 18s and shopkeepers can be jailed

and fined £5,000 if caught.

Phil Welford, of NWS County Store, Melton, said it was essential to keep fireworks away from children.

He said: "I think it's right people should know we are being responsible and not selling to young children.

"The safety aspect is crucial. Most of the accidents appear to be caused by young people misusing them."

Richard Caple, of Blaby Fireworks, which sells over the internet, said: "We ask people to confirm whether they are 18 or over when they place an order.

"We will also not hand them over to someone under 18 when we deliver."

September 26 2003, This is Leicestershire, MINORITY IS SPOILING LIFE FOR MAJORITY
How can we have unity and good relations in society when among us are those who, regardless of religion or belief, just do not give a hoot for society or the feelings of others and their neighbours.

I have two glaring examples. Firstly, there is the old favourite of the so-called travellers who plague us all continuously - knowingly leaving disarray behind them and knowing full well that others will pay for and do the cleaning up.

The other example is that of the Loughborough businessman who has placed two large orange containers full of fireworks in his front garden, knowing that his neighbours would quite rightly object.

We all know the "travellers" do not care. Perhaps this man should buy a caravan and join them in their quest to disrupt all others.

We cannot ever have harmony and unity while there are people who do not intend to harmonise in any way. It is time unity took command over this attitude of the few. Amend the laws and deal with them once and for all.
G M, Leicester.

September 26 2003, This is Leicestershire, WILL FIREWORKS LEAVE YOUR CHILD DISFIGURED FOR LIFE
Twelve youngsters will be maimed for life this autumn as a result of fireworks misuse, according to medics.

Senior nurses are braced for a spate of emergency cases involving teenagers suffering severe burns to their hands or face.

Children playing with bangers and rockets could be left disfigured for life, they said.

The warning comes as Leicester City Council relaunches its Leicester Mercury-backed Bang campaign to stamp out fireworks. Posters being put up by police include a hard-hitting picture which illustrates the horrors of fireworks injuries.

Latest statistics show more than half of all people hurt by fireworks are children under the age of 18.

Hospital and ambulance staff have dealt with children who have had fireworks thrown at them or have been hit by a firework they thought was out.

Kirsti Soanes, a sister in the children's A &E unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary, said injuries were often horrific.

She said: "The most common fireworks injuries are to the hands and face.

"Young lads don't realise what fireworks are. They are incendiary devices. Similar to bombs. They can be devastating.

"I have looked after a 13-year-old boy who lost his sight in one eye. He had a firework thrown at him by friends messing about - it exploded near his face.

"October and November tend to be the time we get most fireworks injuries and I would say, based on my experience, we will get as many as 12 youngsters in this year."

Phil Morris, of East Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "Fireworks are for organised displays only. Quite simply, fireworks are very dangerous.

"Many accidents are genuine - people returning to fireworks they think are out." As part of the Bang campaign, hundreds of posters are being displayed around the city, highlighting the misery firework misuse can cause.

Today, mothers said fireworks were a constant fear and urged shops to stick to the law and not serve under-18s.

Julie Peters, of Leicester, who has two teenage sons, said: "I would like to think they are sensible enough not to mess around with fireworks, but you can't watch them all the time."

Sue Short, of Leicester, who has one son, aged 14, said: "I think fireworks shouldn't be sold in shops but they are and shopkeepers need to check for identification at all times."

September 26 2003, This is Wiltshire, Shop owner sold box of fireworks to girl aged 16
A SWINDON shop owner has pleaded guilty to selling fireworks to a child.
Shafquat Hussain, of Shan's Stores and Off Licence in Euclid Street, admitted supplying the fireworks  a Cosmic Selection Box  to a 16-year-old girl in October, 2002.
The girl was a volunteer taking part in a trading standards survey aimed at reducing underage sales of fireworks.
At Swindon Magistrates' Court, Mrs Hussain was fined £250 and ordered to pay £490 costs.
"The misuse of fireworks is a serious matter," said Robert Taylour, group leader of public protection at Swindon Council.
"Local authorities have a role in ensuring traders don't break the law by selling fireworks to those who are too young.
"Parliament has set an age and people need to be responsible when buying and selling fireworks. There is a link between sales of fireworks to young people and the number of accidents."
In 2001 fireworks injured 1,362 people in the four-week period between October and November  a 40 per cent increase on the previous year. Of this total 372  or 27 per cent  were eye injuries.
During the five years from 1996 to 2001, 6,362 people were injured as a result of fireworks and the largest group were under 18.
The number of under-18s that suffered a firework injury rose by 41 per cent between 2000 and 2001.

September 26 2003, This is Worcestershire, Firework night proves stressful for our pets
BONFIRE Night may seem a long way off, but while people enjoy fireworks and sparklers their pets may not be quite so happy.
Animals, particularly dogs, often get stressed by bangs and show symptoms including panting, shaking, salivating, hiding and being difficult to control.
Thinking about the welfare of dogs and other animals before the event is a wise move, particularly as the celebrations often happen for several weeks around November 5.
Vet Richard Chamings, of the Chamings and Carman Veterinary Practice, said: "It is a problem that gets worse and worse every year with the more frequent use of fireworks.
"I think people often unwittingly make it worse by trying to reassure their dog when it is frightened.
"We think we are helping but in fact what this is doing is praising the dog for unacceptable behaviour."
If the practical steps listed on the left do not help your pet, devices to help calm it can be purchased.
The DAP plug-in diffuser works by releasing natural dog-appeasing pheromones, similar to those released by bitches to reassure their puppies. They are available from local vets, cost around £22 and one diffuser is enough for a floor of a two-bedroom house.
The Sounds Scary collection comprises three different CDs designed to combat fear of noise from fireworks, thunder and traffic. Playing the CDs will desensitise dogs to noises that frighten them and improve their behaviour. They are available direct on 01244 371 473.
As a last resort sedatives are available to calm your pet but they are only available on prescription from a vet and predicting the right time to use them can be difficult.
Hormone-diffusing devices to calm cats are also available but Mr Chamings said it was difficult to alter cats' behaviour and, when outdoors, they would often run away from noise and bright lights.
Pet owners will be delighted to hear that the Fireworks Act was given Royal Assent on September 18. The regulations introduced to ensure the safe use of fireworks include imposing a noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks on sale to the public.
Unfortunately, it will not apply until Bonfire Night next year, but with a little preparation, owners can ensure that this year's celebrations do not stress out their pets too much.

September 25 2003, BBC News, Chef 'had explosives for fireworks'
A Portuguese chef accused of plotting to blow up a restaurant at Gatwick Airport has told a court he made the explosives to use as fireworks. Jose Pestana, 41, told Lewes Crown Court on Thursday that he never intended to use two home-made devices found in his flat in Crawley to harm anyone.
He is alleged to have threatened to use a bomb to kill the manager of the airport's Garfunkels restaurant.
Mr Pestana, who is originally from the Portuguese island of Madeira, has denied two charges under the Terrorism Act.
Compensation claim
The chef was angry after having a £1m claim for compensation refused after hurting his hand in 1995 when he worked there, the court heard earlier this week. He asked for £1m in compensation, but was given £22,500 and was later sacked. On Thursday, Mr Pestana denied he was planning to use two devices made from butane gas canisters, gun powder and fuses to bomb the restaurant.
He told the jury he wanted to use the explosives as fireworks at Christmas and the New Year to see the colours they would create. He said he expected the gas canisters would have been empty by Christmas as he was using them to re-fill his cigarette lighter.
Mr Pestana, of Langley Parade, Crawley, denies unlawfully and maliciously having explosive substances with intent to endanger life and a further charge of possession of explosive substances.
The trial continues.

September 25 2003, BBC NEWS  England  London  Firework incidents injure 10 people
At least 10 people have been injured in a series of firework attacks in south-east London
Scotland Yard said there were three separate incidents between Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon.
Police are appealing for any witnesses and information about the attacks which they believe are linked with similar incidents in north Kent.
Police patrols have also been stepped up in the area.

In the first incident, at about 1130 BST on Wednesday, fireworks were fired at a group of night-shift workers on an industrial site in Erith.
Nine men were taken to hospital - eight have since been released.

The next incident happened at 0035 BST on Thursday, also in Erith, when a firework destroyed a telephone box.
A police officer was injured when a second firework exploded at the scene. He is recovering at home after hospital treatment.
Later that day about 1500 BST, a rubbish bin was destroyed by a large firework in Welling.
Chief Superintendent Robin Merrett said: "These incidents have led to a number of people being injured and taken to hospital.
"We are treating these incidents with the utmost seriousness and have increased police patrols in the area.
"I am appalled by these attacks and would stress the extreme dangers of misusing fireworks in public places."
Scotland Yard said it was liaising with Kent Police.

September 25 2003,  ManchesterOnline - News, Flashpoint as MP confronts firework trader
A MANCHESTER MP and a town hall chief were confronted by a snarling dog in an angry clash with a trader during a dramatic raid to stop the illegal sale of fireworks.

Graham Stringer and senior councillor Pat Karney faced torrents of foul-mouthed abuse and threats of violence when they visited the Manchester business.
And they refused to be intimidated when the owner brought out his bull terrier. The politicians escaped unharmed in the stand-off.

They had told trader Leonard Flood to remove a banner advertising Red Devil fireworks, among the most powerful on the market, from outside his bric-a-brac store on Rochdale Road, Blackley - Mr Stringer's constituency.
Mr Flood threatened to "flatten" both men and brought out his dog before finally agreeing to remove the sign.
The raid was part of an Manchester Evening News-backed crackdown by the city council on unlicensed firework sales in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

Mr Stringer, a former Cabinet Office minister, said later that he would press the government to encourage councils all over Britain to adopt a voluntary ban on sales - like the one being promoted in Manchester - until three weeks before November 5. The law is being changed so that an official ban will be in force by next year.

He said: "We have got to work for people in Manchester who are being disturbed by fireworks.

"I am going to put down a parliamentary motion saying traders should abide by the voluntary code and not sell fireworks before October 15."

Mr Flood said he bought fireworks wholesale before passing them to a friend. He said there was no stock in his store when Mr Stringer and Coun Karney visited it.

Red-handed
But the M.E.N. has discovered that the fire service caught him red-handed with fireworks on the premises during a spot-check the previous day. Mr Flood could face prosecution for not having a licence.

He said: "I am only a wholesaler and don't sell fireworks to kids. I agreed to take the banner down but I'm not doing anything wrong.

"They've got a vendetta against me and won't be satisfied until I am completely closed down."

Mr Flood, who says he has given thousands of pounds to children's charities and helped set up a school of graphic design for local teenagers, said he regretted shouting and swearing at the politicians.
But he added: "I told them to get off my land. They were trespassing. I have not worked all my life to have people like that telling me what to do. It is oppressive."

A spokesman for the fire service said: "He did not have a licence. We went there and there were fireworks on the premises. The following day they were not there.

"By virtue of the fact he keeps them on the premises and they are not for his own use he needs a licence. We are considering whether to prosecute."

Coun Karney is leading a hit squad committed to finding and exposing traders selling fireworks without a licence. All legitimate vendors have been asked to sign a pledge to stick by the three-week rule.

"Manchester is going to be a no-go area in terms of firework sales," said Coun Karney. "We will turn up anywhere people have not got a proper licence. The hit squad will go on - and we mean business."

September 25 2003, This is Eastbourne, Detective's shock at bomb find
A detective was startled to discover home-made bombs hidden under a sofa in a flat in Crawley, a court heard.
Detective Constable Christopher Davison told a jury at Lewes Crown Court he feared for his safety after finding the two explosives during a search of the flat above shops in Langley Parade, Langley Green.
Police immediately evacuated neighbours and traders from the area.
An Army bomb disposal unit was alerted and the devices made safe.
The prosecution alleges Jose Pestana, who lived at the flat, made the bombs in order to exact revenge after he lost his job at a restaurant at Gatwick following an accident at work.
Pestana, 41, is accused of plotting to blow up Garfunkels in the south terminal with the devices made from firework powder wrapped in newspaper and strapped to two gas cylinders.
The court has heard how he felt unfairly treated because he only received £22,500 compensation for injuring his finger when he believed he deserved £1 million.
Mr Davison said he was with a team of other officers searching the three-bedroom maisonette on March 18.
Pestana, a Portuguese national from the island of Madeira, was not at home but a flatmate let the officers in.
Mr Davison said when he lifted up the brown sofa, which Pestana used as a bed, he saw two objects beneath.
He said: "I saw two packages which I recognised to be improvised explosive devices or elaborate hoaxes.
"I was startled. I feared for my safety and the people in the surrounding flats. I told everybody to leave."
The officer described how the lining of the bottom of the sofa had been cut away, leaving a space large enough to cover and hide the bombs.
When the bomb disposal unit arrived, the devices were X-rayed before being dissembled in the flat.
Earlier the jury heard how Pestana had become increasingly obsessed with revenge on the company and the manager of the restaurant after he was forced to give up work as a chef following the accident in 1995.
He made threats to his two flatmates that he would plant a bomb and kill the manager.
Flatmate Joao Cabrita told the court Pestana claimed he had a bomb and intended to blow up Garfunkels.
Mr Cabrita said: "I never believed it was true. I never believed he had any intention of causing any danger to anybody."
Pestana has denied illegally possessing explosive substances and unlawfully and maliciously having explosive substances with intent to endanger life or damage property.
The trial continues.

September 25 2003, This is Leicestershire, PETITION URGES BAN ON 'TERRIFYING' FIREWORKS
A petition was today launched urging the Government to ban powerful fireworks which are terrifying animals.

Pet owners are so fed up with the racket that they are trying to sign up thousands of people to back their call.

Campaigners say some modern-day fireworks are too powerful, and leave their pets shivering wrecks.

They are set to visit homes in Leicester to ask people to sign up, and people will also be able to add their names to petitions left in shops across the city.

The petition comes as Leicester City Council relaunches its Leicester Mercury-backed Bang campaign, which aims to reduce the problems caused by firework abuse.

Petition organiser Moira Chambers, 55, of Humberstone, said she will eventually present the petition to Tony Blair.

She said: " I'm calling for people to sign up and join the fight to ban the banger. I want people to pass the word on that misuse of fireworks is unacceptable.

"It causes misery for everyone, especially pets. I just hope Mr Blair listens. My dog becomes very nervous and starts howling and cowering.

"When your animal is upset late into the night, you can't get any sleep. This needs to be stopped."

Fellow petition organiser Wendy Johnston, of Leicester, who keeps cats, a dog and chickens, said: "I support the campaign to ban loud fireworks. The animals go crazy when they go off. It's a real nightmare."

Today vets and the RSPCA welcomed the campaign.

David Bentley of Bell, Brown and Bentley, in Leicester Forest East, said: "We do see a lot of pets who are nervous wrecks from mid-September to the new year.

"A lot of animals are extremely sensitive to the noise. They are shaking and terrified.

"It can lead to behavioural problems, such as clawing at doors or the floor. It's getting worse every year.

"I would call for a ban on loud fireworks, unless it's Bonfire Night or Diwali."

Jim Lucas, the RSPCA's chief inspector for Leicestershire, said he expected record numbers of calls this year.

He said: "People are using bigger fireworks for small family displays. The problem is animals don't like the noise and flashes.

"Some will panic. You get horses running into fences or cats running into the road. We want the Government to ban loud fireworks."

The Department of Trade and Industry is considering a series of measures on fireworks. These could include a noise limit of 120 decibels.

For advice on how to protect animals during the fireworks season, or to report injured animals, call the RSPCA on 0870 555 5999.

September 25 2003, This is Leicestershire, VANDALS USE FIREWORKS TO BLOW UP PHONE BOXES
Vandals have been using high-powered fireworks to blow up phone boxes during a two-week wrecking spree.

Explosions have torn apart phone boxes in three Loughborough streets, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

The fireworks are thought to be of a type used for professional displays.

Detective Constable Mark Tinker, who is investigating the incidents, said: "Because the explosions are contained, they are blowing the glass out of the framework.

"Causing damage in this way has the potential to seriously injure someone. We will be talking to shops and trying to identify the supplier."

He said the latest attack happened at 9.30pm on Tuesday, in Rockingham Road.

Others occurred in Brookside Road, on Friday, and in Sharpley Road, on September 6.

Anyone with any information should contact Det Con Tinker on 0116 222 2222, extension 4054.

The Mercury is backing the Bang campaign to stop firework nuisance.

September 25 2003, This is Nottingham, FIREWORKS ROCKET
Mr Mason (September 19) shows a lack of respect and caring for neighbours, their pets and wildlife, with his "I'm all right Jack" attitude to fireworks.

To compare a (passing) noisy motorcycle to a fireworks bombardment is pathetic. Live and let live has never worked; because it means turning the other cheek or looking the other way; and look where that's got us in today's society.

I wonder if you tell your neighbours of your nightly intentions or just go out and do it. Fireworks are a nuisance and should be kept to the month of November. I hope the coming Commons ruling will mean a visit from the police next time you "live and let live" and let off fireworks at your leisure.
J. B,  Nuthall

September 24 2003, ic Huddersfield - Welcome for new law on fireworks
BATLEY and Spen MP Mike Wood has welcomed new legislation to tackle the dangers and problems caused by fireworks.
The Fireworks Act has received Royal Assent after getting Government and cross-party support in both houses of Parliament.
Mr Wood presented petitions containing thousands of signatures from Batley and Spen to 10 Downing Street last year as part of a national campaign by MPs to secure tougher restrictions.
Mr Wood said: "The irresponsible sale and use of fireworks which terrify people and pets alike will be stopped while ensuring families can continue to enjoy organised public firework displays.
"The misery caused by the misuse of fireworks is a growing problem in Batley and Spen. Lack of licensing of retail outlets, periods of sale and noise levels, together with problems with importation, distribution and storage, all contribute to the problem.
He added: "This Act will promote the responsible use of fireworks by limiting the hours of the day, confining general sale to the public to a relatively short period before November 5 while the introduction of a two-tier licensing system would recognise the need for fireworks to be available under strict conditions throughout the year to accommodate the range of cultural and religious festivities such as weddings and the Chinese New Year.
"This law is not about spoiling people's fun; it is about promoting opportunities for the responsible and safe use of fireworks.
"Far from dampening people's enjoyment of fireworks used in a responsible way I am confident that this Act will be welcomed by the many constituents who have been in correspondence with me about this matter whilst ensuring our organised displays continue to go off with a well controlled bang."
Late night bangs will be banished under the Act which also bans the noisiest fireworks. Year round sale of fireworks will be restricted and stricter rules on training for those who hold professional displays will be introduced.
Youths will no longer be able to buy fireworks and the legislation imposes restrictions on imports.
Local authorities will be able to refuse and revoke licences of irresponsible retailers and the Bill includes measures to reduce accidents, noise and nuisance.
Although the regulations are unlikely to be ready this year, the Department for Trade and Industry will be responsible for developing them and they are due to emerge over the next year.
Despite a fall in firework related injuries last year, more than 1,000 people ended up in hospital as a result of bonfire night accidents.

September 24 2003, This is Leicestershire, COMPLAINTS ARE ALREADY RUNNING AT RECORD LEVEL
Record numbers of residents have called Leicester City Council to complain about the fireworks menace.

Thirty residents have called the council's noise hotline since the relaunch of its Bang campaign in the Mercury on Saturday.

The campaign aims to highlight the misery fireworks misuse can cause.

Adrian Russell, public protection officer at the council, said he expected complaints to exceed the 311 received last year.

He said: "We have received high levels of complaints considering we are in September.

"They all tend to be about fireworks noise.

''It shows the problems we are facing.

'It's difficult to know where fireworks are coming from.

"The message is still that people should be responsible, particularly in not setting fireworks off late at night.

"If people know where the noise is coming from, we will do all we can to follow up the calls."

Mr Russell backed a Leicester Mercury Roll of Honour featuring shopkeepers who pledge not to sell to under-18s.

Today Mukesh Purohit, owner of Crown Hills News, added his name to the growing list.

He said: "It is a good idea. We need to publicise the fact that not all shopkeepers are selling to under-18s.

"I check identification at all times.

''It's important not to let youngsters get hold of fireworks. It's not just the injuries, but also the noise."

* Pledge your shop to the Roll of Honour by calling reporter Dan Parkinson on 0116 222 4259.

September 24 2003, This is Leicestershire, CURBING THE FIREWORK THUGS
Police are stepping up high-profile patrols on city estates to combat the fireworks menace.

Operation Ace will see officers hit the streets to crack down on yobs throwing fireworks and setting them off in the street.

Police say the volume of 999 calls made during the autumn increases because of people intimidated by fireworks menaces.

They hope increased visibility will deter troublemakers and reduce residents' fears.

The crackdown comes as the council relaunches its Leicester Mercury-backed Bang campaign, which aims to reduce the problems caused by firework abuse.

As part of the operation, set to run throughout October and November, officers will visit schools to stress the dangers of fireworks misuse.

Hard-hitting posters will be distributed, showing youngsters who have been injured playing with fireworks.

Police will also visit shops to check they have licences to sell fireworks.

PC Gemma Hudson, of Welford Road police station, who is heading the operation, said: "We're going to be doing high visibility patrols to do with youth disorder and fireworks. We need to raise awareness about the dangers of fireworks and make people aware that the police are out there.

"Last year, we did get a lot of calls during October and November about fireworks and youth disorder.

"It's a problem which is getting worse and worse every year.

"There are offences of throwing fireworks, discharging them in the street and other public order offences."

The areas to be targeted are Saffron Lane, Eyres Monsell, Gilmorton, Aylestone, Knighton and Clarendon Park. Last year, most problems were reported in the Aylestone and Saffron Lane areas.

Today, community groups welcomed the police operation.

Reg Jeffery, chairman of the Eyres Monsell Tenants' and Residents' Association, said: "Seeing is believing, but I would welcome it. Fireworks are going off every night of the week and have been for ages."

Margaret Peacher, Aylestone resident and chairperson of the Police and Community Support Group at Welford Road police station, said: "Last year, it was dreadful where I live and I've heard an awful lot of fireworks recently."

As part of the Bang campaign, hundreds of posters are being put up around the city highlighting the misery fireworks misuse can cause.

Noise pollution officers will also patrol streets at night investigating complaints.

The council warns that anyone found guilty of firework misuse faces a fine of up to £5,000.

* Residents in the Operation Ace areas are urged to contact police on 0116 222 2222 if they have problems with fireworks .

Calls will be followed up by officers the next day.

September 23 2003, Express and Star, Blitz on selling fireworks to children
Unscrupulous shopkeepers who sell fireworks to children in Staffordshire are being targeted in a new crackdown.
Teenagers posing as underage customers are being sent into stores across the county during October and November.
The 14-year-olds have been recruited by Trading Standards following a similar successful blitz in Burntwood earlier this year, when they were sent to off-licences to try to buy alcohol.
Shopkeepers caught selling fireworks to the children are warned they could land themselves in court.
Community safety officer John Falconer said: "The system of test purchasing is extremely fair to the shop keeper so if they do sell to the youngsters then there is justification to say they have been careless."
John Grief, senior enforcement officer, added: "We are going to get as wide a spread of coverage as we can with our test purchasing on fireworks.
"It will be a county-wide exercise and we will act on intelligence from police, watchdogs and the public.
"Any shop caught selling fireworks to a youngster under the age of 18 could be potentially prosecuted."
He added: "Selling fireworks to children is a very serious issue because of the associated dangers, and we have prosecuted people in the past for this offence."
Mr Grief said the clampdown, involving volunteers from Tamworth, would take place during the period leading up to Halloween and after November 5, when sales of fireworks will increase.
Trading Standards officers are also considering carrying out checks on newsagents to ensure they do not sell butane to underage teens.
John Falconer is now inviting people to volunteer to become watchdogs for the county council and to help keep an eye out on any shops selling alcohol, fireworks or butane to minors.
Anyone interested in getting involved should call Tim Leese on 01785 277818.

September 23 2003, ic NorthernIreland - Website Warns of Hallowe'en Firework Danger
AS a 13-year-old girl recovers after being hit in the face by a firework at the weekend, a new website has been launched to curb the spate of such accidents in the run up to Hallowe'en.
Last year, 38 people in Northern Ireland, 70 per cent of them male and mostly under 20, were injured by stray fireworks.
On Saturday, the teenage girl was hit by a rocket as she played on wasteland in the Shankill area of west Belfast, suffering cuts and bruises to her face and also an ear injury.
Ahead of this year's firework season, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has got in early with the launch of its new website - www.saferfireworks.com - offering safety advice, injury statistics and tips on how to organise a successful display.
Legislation, which came into force last year, made it illegal to buy fireworks in Northern Ireland without a licence, and those flouting the law now risk a £5,000 fine.
Despite the penalties, bangers and rockets are expected to be let off on a nightly basis in the weeks running up to Hallowe'en.
Belfast City councillor Frank McCoubrey said: ''It's only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.''
Licences cost £30 from the NIO and the application form is available on the RoSPA's website.
Victoria Dunn from the RoSPA said: ''With the change in legislation last year, we did see a 72 per cent decrease in the number injured by fireworks.
"But, sadly, most injuries were to hands, faces and eyes, and these are the ones that can leave lasting scars. "The safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a properly organised public display."
Yesterday, the Southern Area Accident Prevention Liaison Group, which sees the highest number of injuries within the Province, with the Newry and Mourne areas the worst hit, added its voice to calls for extra vigilance during the firework season.

September 23 2003, This is Devon, New Law Restricts Firework Displays
The Fireworks Act 2003, similar to a bid for stricter controls drawn up by Plymouth MP Linda Gilroy, has now been made law. Mrs Gilroy introduced a private bill in October 1997 calling for tougher safety standards, training and licensing laws to end the annual nightmare of firework injuries and deaths.

Though it passed through the Commons, the following July it was 'talked out' in the House of Lords, and failed to make it onto the statute books.

New legislation was introduced on December 11 last year, when Scottish MP Bill Tynan made the first reading of his Fireworks Bill.

"It sailed through its three stages between July and September, before arriving back in the Commons for Royal Assent last week," said a delighted Mrs Gilroy.

The Fireworks Act now has to undergo three months of public consultation - ironically ruling it out for Bonfire Night this year. It should be in force by early 2004.

September 23 2003, This is Lancashire, Bomb kit found in raid on house
POLICE found ingredients for making a bomb, plus a book on how to do it, when they raided a man's house in the early hours, a jury was told.
Burnley Crown Court heard how officers discovered explosive substances, copper piping and possible detonators stashed away mainly in a cupboard under the stairs or in the attic of the Townhouse Road, Nelson, home Gordon Hudson, 58, shared with his wife Christine.
They also found a floppy disc which featured literature about making explosives, entitled The Big Book of Mischief. A military thunderflash was also in the house, as well as weed killer, fireworks, ammunition and "very precise," weighing scales.
The defendant claimed there was an innocent explanation for each find taken individually and nothing sinister was going on - but the prosecution allege he had them to make a bomb.
Hudson pleads not guilty to having an explosive substance - black powder, sodium nitrate and various pyrotechnic devices on November 21, last year.
Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said police arrived with a warrant to search for explosives at the defendant's property. He was there with his wife and officers discovered items which the Crown alleged if put together could make a bomb.
Hudson was asked to explain the haul, was arrested and taken to Burnley police station. When questioned, he told police who had found empty cartridges and powder, he had dismantled cartridges to reuse as bullets when he had been a member of a gun club. It saved cash as otherwise it cost 20 to fire each round. He said a bench press at his home was used in connection with that and he had also made some of the empty cartridges into keyrings as mementoes.
Hudson claimed the bottle of weedkiller was used to destroy trees.
Mr Lamberty told the court police discovered four firework rockets in the attic but the defendant maintained he had bought them three or four months before and intended to let them off at Christmas.
Three more rockets were also found and Hudson said he had had those for more than a year.
The defendant told officers he had dismantled a rocket a year or so before but that was all he had done.
The prosecutor said a length of copper piping was in the attic but Hudson claimed it was just coincidence it was there.
He said that it may have been left by the previous owners of the house.
Mr Lamberty said that in his interview the defendant told police he had bought the thunderflash for £1 and that the scales had simply been brought into the house.
He said he had not weighed anything in them.
Hudson told officers he did not have a computer and had not read the contents of the floppy disc. He claimed he had never attempted to make any sort of device with anything the officers had turned up.
Mr Lamberty went on: "In this house were three items for making a bomb.
"There were explosive substances, either from fireworks or ammunition, a container - the pipe- and various things which could be used as detonators, in particularly slow-burning fuses which could be used to set off a bomb."
He said a person could possibly be in lawful possession of explosive substances if they were under extreme attack or in fear of life, but Hudson was not.

September 23 2003, This is Leicestershire, BANGS FOLLOWED BY STING
Law-breaking traders who sell fireworks to children will be targeted in a series of sting operations.

Leicester City Council revealed today it will employ youngsters to catch irresponsible shopkeepers who are allowing under-18s to buy fireworks.

It is a criminal offence to sell fireworks, including sparklers, to anyone under 18.

Officials predict around 200 shops will be selling fireworks across the city in the run up to Bonfire Night.

The crackdown on under-age sales comes as the council relaunches its Mercury-backed Bang campaign, which aims to reduce the problems caused by firework abuse.

The council's Consumer Protection Service will begin the sting operations in the next few weeks.

Roman Leszczyszyn, of the service, said: "Shops should not sell to under-18s. We do use a couple of minors to go round.

"Our message is if staff have any doubts about the age of the customer, don't sell.

"As we approach the big events there's more of a temptation for traders to sell to children, because they will come in and say 'it's Bonfire Night, can we have some?'.

"We will not use someone who we think looks 18. They will be children who any reasonable person can see is under 18."

Checks on traders last year resulted in two prosecutions, one formal caution and one warning.

Similar sting operations will be used by Leicestershire County Council, which expects to issue around 250 licences to traders to sell fireworks.

Today, shopkeepers who intend to stock fireworks welcomed the crackdown on unscrupulous traders.

Bharat Limachiya, who owns Belgrave News, said: "People let them off earlier each year. It's important to root out people who aren't abiding by the law because fireworks can be a menace."

Harjinder Singh, of Thiara Food and Wine, Thurnby, said: "I think it's important the council is making the calls.

"I get a lot of children messing around, but without identification, I don't serve anyone.

"When I was a child the only time you saw fireworks was Bonfire Night or Diwali. Around here you get fireworks in July. Some shops are selling them every day."

As part of the Bang campaign, hundreds of posters are being put up around the city highlighting the misery fireworks misuse can cause.

Noise pollution officers will also patrol the streets investigating complaints.

The council warns that anyone found guilty of firework misuse faced a fine of up to £5,000.

September 23 2003, This is Leicestershire, MORE SHOPKEEPERS ARE JOINING THE MERCURY ROLL OF HONOUR
More shopkeepers have joined a Mercury Roll of Honour and pledged to crackdown on youngsters trying to buy fireworks.

Three more traders today promised not to serve under-18s who asked for fireworks.

They said they would keep an eye out for over-18s buying fireworks to pass on to youngsters.

It is illegal to sell to children and shopkeepers can be jailed and/or fined if caught.

Today, Leicester City Council said it would carry out sting operations to catch traders selling to under-age buyers.

Bharat Limachiya, who owns Belgrave News, and Harjinder Singh, of Thiara Food and Wine, Thurnby, both backed the council crackdown and signed up to the Roll of Honour.

Mr Limachiya said: "Youngsters are not old enough for fireworks. They could cause themselves serious injury if they use them unsupervised.

"I have a policy of always checking identification. I definitely back what the Mercury is doing."

Mrs Singh said: "I do back the campaign. It' s important kids don't get hold of fireworks."

Raman Patel, of Rays Newsagent, Glen Parva, also added his name to the roll.

He said: "I'm only going to be selling fireworks three weeks before Bonfire Night. We will be careful to sell them to over-18s.

"I always ask for identification. Kids do try to con you but it's easy to recognise people who are 18.

"It's the safety aspect. When they are so young they don't have the sense to take precautions. They often set them off in the street."

September 23 2003, This is Worcestershire, Shop staff terrorised by raider
AN armed robber who used a firework and syringe to terrorise shop staff in raids across Worcester has been jailed.
Jason Edge, aged 33, of Dines Green, Worcester, pleaded guilty to one charge of robbery and one charge of attempted robbery when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Monday, August 18. He pleaded not guilty to a second charge of attempted robbery.
The court was told that on Saturday June 14, Edge went into the One Stop Shop in Martley Road, Worcester, armed with a firework.
He threatened staff and demanded cash before fleeing with an undisclosed sum.
And just five days later, on Thursday, June 19, Edge strolled into Mr Foss Pet Shop in St John's, at around 9.45am, brandishing a syringe.
He ordered staff to open the till but fled empty-handed when they told him they would ring the bell under the counter.
Police arrested Edge at 11.40pm later that day in Drake Avenue, dines Green, after receiving information. After being interviewed, he was charged with carrying out the raids the following day.
The hearing at Worcester Crown Court was adjourned for reports. Yesterday, Edge was jailed for three years and nine months for the robbery at the One Stop Shop and the attempted robbery at the pet shop when he appeared for sentencing at Hereford Crown Court.
Speaking after the case, Det Sgt Jon Wallis, of Worcester police, said: "This is a good result. These are serious offences, whether the offender stole anything or not, and we will always investigate any such crime vigorously."