62 Incidents

Throwing a firework in the village centre.
February 21 2002, Northumberland Gazette, Firework Charge

A man who threw a fire bomb in a busy city centre, thought to be a ballcock packed with fireworks.
March 2 2002, Daily Mirror, Fire Bomb City Scare

The package was now believed to be a professional firework rather than a bomb.
March 5 2002, IcHuddersfield, Blast drama after chase

A firework was hurled into a church meeting room
March 22 2002, IcBirmingham, Church knife horror

The giant roman candle exploded after being thrown into the premises.
March 26 2002, IcBirmingham, Men sent down for firework attack

Petrol bombs thrown and a large number of fireworks set off.
April 19 2002, Scotsman.com, Riot blast bomb fear

Three very large fireworks thrown yesterday on Alliance Avenue.   Ball bearings were taped to the fireworks.
August 1 2002, Ulster TV,  Sinn Fein urges parades ban

The gang damaged property, threw fireworks.
August 2 2002, This is Nottingham, Standing up to the teenage terrors

Threw stones and fireworks at people's homes and attacked passing buses in Abbey Hey.
September 2 2002, Manchester Online, Racist thug banned from city district

Two teenagers have been banned from using fireworks after terrorising locals for more than a year.
September 11 2002, Manchester Online, Fireworks ban for teen louts

Yobs deliberately aimed the missile at her tower block home which houses scores of old folk.
September 25 2002, Evening Chronicle, Rocket blasted through Evelyn's window

"These things are basically missiles and if people are in the line of the firework they are going to get injured."
October 1 2002, Evening Mail, Jack's a real cracker

A firework containing a series of smaller firecrackers was thrown on to the pitch.
October 8 2002, Times Online, Bigots face tough new laws after Old Firm violence

Shoppers were left terrified when louts launched fireworks at a shop on a troubled Southampton estate.
October 9 2002, This is Hampshire, Thugs target shop in firework attack

A car drove past at 9pm and a firework was thrown from the window.
October 9 2002, Salford Advertiser, 999 man's firework ordeal

Youngsters in Eric Avenue, Thornaby, held a running battle, hurling fireworks at each other.
October 9 2002, icTeesside, Fireworks ban call

He dropped a large rocket on the floor and rode out, leaving it to explode into the wooden ceiling.
October 11 2002, This is The North East, Fireworks pranksters condemned

A skateboarder rode past the Oriental Kitchen, about 100 yards away, and threw another firework in.
October 11 2002, This is The North East, Fireworks pranksters condemned

Arsonists also threw a brick and two bangers through a window in Clay Street, Eagley.
October 12 2002, This is Lancashire, Firework pushed through letterbox

Two pubs and a restaurant reported incidents where fireworks were thrown at customers.
October 12 2002, This Is Bradford, Fireworks thrown in attacks

Yobs in Ashgill were accused of hurling stones, bricks and fireworks at buses.
October 12 2002, icLanarkshire, Don't let the yobs kill off our vital bus link

The gang hurled lit fireworks at pedestrians and into shops during a horrifying rampage through the streets.
October 14 2002, Leeds Today, Fireworks from MP

Police in Cheltenham were flooded with calls about youths letting off fireworks last night.
October 15 2002, This is Gloucestershire, Fireworks disturb residents

Residents in Glynbridge Gardens say boy racers, who regularly meet for "cruises" at Kingsditch Retail Park, have been firing rockets at passing cars. 
October 18 2002, this is Gloucestershire,  Firework yobs spark outcry

But problems began before the match had kicked off on Saturday evening with police seizing fireworks and knives in searches of Wolves fans' coaches.
October 21 2002, Express and Star,  Dozens arrested as hooligans run riot

A gang of BMX riding youths in Heslington Road, York, are said to have thrown the lit firework in the direction of the woman.
October 22 2002, This is York, Police warn fiends of fire danger

The safety of passengers is being jeopardised by maniacs launching fireworks at planes landing at Manchester Airport. 
October 22 2002, Manchester Online, Firework yobs put jets in peril

Letting rockets off horizontally on the Recreation Ground as well as putting lit rockets on the roundabout in the children's play area and then spinning the roundabout so they blast in all directions.
October 22 2002, The Hunts Post, Firework distress

Youths have been terrorising their neighbourhoods by throwing fireworks at people out walking their dogs and running amok with fireworks on estates.
October 25 2002, The News & Star, Shops told not to sell fireworks to children

A woman had to reverse her car to avoid a firework which had just missed someone else in the street. 
October 28 2002, Leicester Mercury,  Stop misuse of fireworks, parents told

Youths launched fireworks through cut-off drain pipes at passing vehicles.
October 28 2002, icLiverpool, My street could be human rights case

A gang of youths who threw a firework through his toilet window.
October 28 2002, Express and Star, Pub boss angered as police free yob

The offenders went around the side of the house, broke a glass panel in a wooden door and put a lit firework through it.
October 29 2002, Preston Today, Gunpowder treason and clots

On Sunday evening, some youths threw a stone through the window of a business unit in the town to smash the window, then they lit a firework and tossed it through the hole.
October 29 2002, Express and Star, Cars and buildings targets for fireworks

Lowton High School had to be evacuated after a firework was thrown into a classroom.
October 30 2002, This is Lancashire, School evacuated in firework attack

A wave of firework bombs sweeping across the city has left many Leeds residents scared to leave their homes after dark.
October 30 2002, Leeds Today, Firework yobs strike

The misuse of fireworks has turned one area of Taunton into a virtual war zone.
October 31, 2002  Bath Chronicle,  Cars wrecked in Halcon 'war zone'

They had to cope with large gangs of youths throwing eggs and fireworks in the Barry Island, Cold Knap and Romilly Park areas.
November 1 2002, icWales, Halloween terror

Gangs of youths using a quiet cul-de-sac as a shortcut are plaguing residents by hurling bricks and fireworks at their homes.
November 1 2002, icBirmingham, Cul-de-sac of terror

In many parts of London and the South-East householders found themselves the target of attacks from flour bombs and fireworks when they refused to pay up. 
November 1 2002, Evening Standard, Halloween 'monsters' target buses

A  Paisley bus driver prevented a serious accident when some idiot set off a firework on his vehicle, packed with women and children.
November 3, 2002, Sunday Post, Mindless

A Kirkintilloch family had their window shattered by a banger.
November 3, 2002, Sunday Post, Mindless

Yobs in Hednesford are terrorising drinkers by hurling fireworks at them as they leave a pub. 
November 4 2002, Express and Star, Fears as yobs target pub drinkers

Teenagers let off fireworks on buses, lit rubbish bins at tower blocks and set property on fire.
November 5 2002, icBirmingham, Yobs 'hell bent' on bonfire mayhem

A gang attacked Yasmins Balti takeaway in Ormond Road, Frankley with a large firework.
November 5 2002, icBirmingham, Yobs 'hell bent' on bonfire mayhem

The pair threw one into a taxi in Rectory Lane, Woodmansterne,
November 5 2002, icSurreyOnline, 'Trick or treat' terror

A lit firework was also thrown into the bar of the Woodman Public House in Woodmansterne Street
November 5 2002, icSurreyOnline, 'Trick or treat' terror

Youths were reported to be throwing fireworks around at Ainley Top, Fartown, Moldgreen, Marsh, Cowlersley, Bradley, Honley and Oakes.
November 5 2002, icHuddersfield, Vicious thugs spark mischief night misery

Animal rights activists have been accused of launching firework missiles into the garden of a farm worker.
November 5 2002, Burton Mail, Activists accused of launching missiles

Youths threw large fireworks into the foyer of a supermarket in Harwood last night.
November 6 2002, This is Lancashire, Fireworks thrown into supermarket

Young people were spotted misusing fireworks and eggs and stones were thrown at properties on Victoria Way.
November 7 2002, Courier co uk, Vandals spoil Halloween fun

Terrified passengers choked back thick black smoke when a thug let off a firework on a busy bus. 
November 8, 2002, Ayrshire Post, Cops lift fireworks hooligans

A woman is believed to have fled a bus in terror after a yob let off a firework on it.
November 12 2002, icHuddersfield, Firework terror on bus

A woman who was frightened to use a subway because nuisance youths had been setting off fireworks was killed while trying to cross a dual carriageway in Rudheath.
November 13 2002, icCheshireOnline, Fear of yobs ends in death

Customers at pubs in Undercliffe were left terrified after a gang threw powerful fireworks through the doors.
November 14 2002, This is Bradford, Terror in pubs as air bombs thrown in

An Ashtead couple had a lucky escape on Monday night when a firework launched at their house and blew a hole in their bedroom window.
November 14 2002, icSurreyOnline, Rocket attack blasts house window

In another incident, three fireworks were directed at Mr O'Leary's neighbours.
November 14 2002, icSurreyOnline, Rocket attack blasts house window

A firework thrown into a pub.
November 15 2002, This is The Lake District, Police continue disorder purge

Fireworks have been thrown in the car park and into the foyer of St Andrew's Church Hall in Starbeck.
November 15 2002, Harrogate Today Drama as Players face firework attacks

An Ilminster family had a lucky escape after a large display firework was set off inside a pub early on Monday morning.
November 27 2002, This is The West Country, Second firework incident hits town

A woman has been injured in a firework attack on an Indian restaurant in Warwickshire. 
December 23 2002, BBC News, Woman hurt in firework attack

A woman was treated for smoke inhalation following a firework attack on a restaurant in Studley.
December 30 2002, This is Worcestershire, Shop attack hurts woman

50 Incidents

They put a big firework up against the plinth and set it off so now there is a big gunpowder mark.
January 24 2002, This is Essex, Hadleigh, War memorial appeal after vandals strike again

Fireworks were thrown into the kiosk, causing the door to be blown off and scattering glass across a wide area.
April 4 2002,  Burton Mail, Hunt on for phone box blast vandals

Fireworks were let off in a wheelie bin in Mill Street, Rocester.
April 4 2002,  Burton Mail, Hunt on for phone box blast vandals

Heard a "pop," and then a "boom," as a Chinese firework went off in the kiosk at Waterfoot.
May 25 2002, This is Lancashire, Man, 19, caged over 'vicious' attack

The fire brigade was called out to deal with a blaze in a post-box caused by a lit firework.
June 11 2002, This is North Scotland,  Firework caused post-box blaze

Gangs of up to 50 children setting off fireworks, building fires and smashing bottles at night
October 3 2002, icLiverpool, Troublemakers torch fencing in fresh outbreak

A stolen display firework was attached to a car and detonated in Collyhurst, Manchester.
October 5 2002, This is Lancashire, Brigade chief's warning over fireworks misuse

A gang of youths blew the top off its post box.
October 7 2002, icWales, Firework 'Bombers' terrorise suburb

Youths lighting fireworks in the kiosk on Parkfield Road, Newbold, at around 11.45pm on Friday.
October 7 2002, icCoventry, Phone box fireworks warning

A fan threw a live firework on to the pitch.
October 8 2002, Telegraph, Sectarian hate 'has no place in Scotland'

We think that possibly a firework had been put in the end of a dry powder extinguisher.
October 10 2002, This is Essex, Basildon Firework thugs warned

Earlier this week police in Cardiff reported a spate of explosions in phone boxes in the Ely area of the city.
October 10 2002, icWales, Police urge shops not to sell eggs and flour to children

A firework was pushed into a post box setting dozens of letters alight.
October 11 2002, This is Lancashire, Firework sets mail alight

A telephone box in Main Street, Hawksworth, was extensively damaged by what is thought to have been a firework.
October 11 2002, This Is Bradford, Families left traumatised by mysterious explosions

Youths also smashed a car window in Owlwood Drive, Little Hulton, and placed a firework on the back seat.
October 12 2002, This is Lancashire, Firework pushed through letterbox

Bins at the rear of the shop were set alight and a firework pushed into pens containing almost 200 bags of donated stock, all of which have been ruined.
October 17 2002, icCoventry, Arsonists close charity shop

A powerful firework thrown into a mailbox on Leicester's Saffron estate exploded with such force it cracked the box's cast iron casing. 
October 21 2002,  Leicester Mercury, Post box firework attack sparks danger warning

A large firework was dropped into it and when the device went off the cast iron box flew off the wooden pole it was attached to.
October 22 2002, this is Scunthorpe, Firework 'bomb' wrecks postbox

Vandals put the lit firework into the post box on Dewsbury Road near the junction with Caldercroft in Elland at 8.45pm.
October 22 2002, icHuddersfield, Firework sold to girl, 14

Firefighters from Gipton station have tackled four blazes in post boxes in the space of two days, all caused by fireworks being shoved through the letter slots.
October 24 2002, Leeds Today, Post boxes targeted in firework attacks, By Charles Heslett

Vehicles are also being targeted and a phone was blown off the wall in a Station Road call box in Bamber Bridge.
October 29 2002, Preston Today, Gunpowder treason and clots

Youths diced with death when they set off a firework in a post box.
October 30 2002, Preston Today, Ban them now!

Somerset Fire Brigade have dealt with five car fires which they believe involves fireworks.
October 31, 2002, BBCi Teletext, Firework badly charity building

A car was seriously damaged by youths who placed a powerful firework inside it in Charlestown.
October 2002, Manchester News,  Terror attack by firework thugs

Two crews were called out to Poplar Street, Blackburn, today when a firework got lodged in the roof a general store causing a small fire. 
November 1 2002, This is Lancashire, Firework fools spark shop blaze

A firework was placed in a bin at London Road, sparking a blaze.
November 1 2002, This is Lancashire, Firework fools spark shop blaze

In Graham Avenue, Patcham, fireworks were put into a Royal Mail letter box. They exploded, blowing off the door and scattering post over the street.
November 1 2002, This is Brighton & Hove, Family's Hallowe'en firework shock

Hooligans have caused havoc for hundreds of people by blowing up a postbox with a firework.
November 1 2002, Leeds Today, Blitzed

Vandals wrecked a phone box by blowing it up with a powerful firework.
November 1 2002, icHuddersfield, Blast wrecks phone box

Vandals blew the door off a pillar box by posting a giant firework in it.
November 2 2002, Daily Mirror, Yobs in letter bomb prank

Letters were destroyed when firebugs put lit fireworks into a post-box in a York street.
November 4 2002, This is York, Firework blast injures mayor

A phone box was destroyed after yobs lit a firework in it.
November 4 2002, icLiverpool, Firework destruction

Across the North Yorkshire Police force area 55 incidents involving fireworks.
November 5 2002, This is York, Mischief night brings mayhem

A group of youngsters smash the windows of the caravan and throw in a lighted firework.
November 6 2002, This is Nottingham, Police Chief says, 'It was like Beirut'

Youngsters were blamed after fireworks were posted through the letterbox of a derelict building in York Terrace, Warsop, and into pillar boxes in Carrington and Beeston.
November 6 2002, This is Nottingham, A hard day's night

Last night, a car was seriously damaged by youths who placed a powerful firework inside it in Charlestown.
November 6 2002, ManchesterOnline, Terror attack by firework thugs

Locals in a Black Isle town thought a modern-day Guy Fawkes was at work when a metal post box exploded and sprayed the surrounding area with potentially lethal debris.
November 7 2002, The Highland News, Police probe post box blast

A firework damaged a window at the residential care home Ainsdale House, Ashton, and another property was damaged in Blackpool Road.
November 8 2002, This is Lancashire, Horror of hair fire

A mother feared for the safety of her nine-year-old son after firework vandals bombed a van outside her house.
November 8 2002, This is Lancashire, Hooligans keep 999 services busy

And a schoolboy lit a rocket which flew across the street in Hayhill.
November 8, 2002, Ayrshire Post, Cops lift fireworks hooligans

A pensioner was forced to move out of his home after a firework set light to his patio furniture, which then set fire to his flat. 
November 14 2002, icSouthlondon, Firework forces OAP out of flat

Fireworks were set alight in a rubbish bin at Bromyard's Rowberry Street car park
November 15 2002, This is Herefordshire, Firework prank

The latest attack saw thugs blow up their greenhouse by breaking in and setting off a high-powered firework.
November 15 2002, icHuddersfield, Five years of hell!

Windows and walls shook as thugs caused a massive explosion which ripped apart a cast iron pillar box. November 19 2002, icSurreyOnline, Vandals blow up postbox

Vandals used fireworks to blow up a village postbox last Friday. Teenagers dumped so many lit fireworks into the Royal Mail box that the shutter blew off, scattering letters all over the street.
November 21 2002, icNorthWales, Vandals blow up postbox

A postbox was blown out of a wall in Masham in North Yorkshire.
November 21 2002, Guardian Unlimited Politics  Special Reports  Exploding postboxes

An explosion in a rubbish bin that shattered windows in a Northampton street.
November 21 2002, BBC News  Firework 'caused bin blast'

Christmas mail was left charred after a firework blew up a postbox.
December 3 2002, This is Local London, Lit firework in postbox

Vandals have recklessly set off fireworks inside kiosks nine times during recent weeks. Two went off in Rhos-on-Sea this week and another exploded in Talybont in the Conwy Valley.
December 13 2002, icNorthWales, The moment a blast shook a quiet village

Dozens of people were evacuated from about 20 houses in the early hours after a firework exploded in a car.
December 24 2002, BBCi Yorkshire Region, Homes evacuated after explosion in car