Call For Fireworks Controls After Police Car Attack

THE sale of fireworks needs to be restricted as the time around Bonfire Night has become “like a war zone”.

South Yorkshire Police Federation Chairman Steve Kent made the comments after a lit firework was thrown into a police car in Grimesthorpe, Sheffield, on 31 October.

The firework exploded, but thankfully the officers escaped uninjured, and only minor damage was done to the vehicle.

Steve said: “Every year in Sheffield that I’ve worked as a police officer, Bonfire Night has been like a war zone. I have been targeted numerous times myself, and there now has to be some kind of review into the sale of fireworks.

“There needs to be some kind of either licensing or a permit. This cannot carry on because it is getting worse and it is honestly only a matter of time before someone gets killed or seriously injured.”

Steve pointed out that pop-up fireworks shops appeared every year and they needed “increased regulation”.

He added: “Everyone loves fireworks. But there should be some control measures to put off the casual sale of them. Certainly in our area in Sheffield it’s absolutely horrific every year.”

There were also reports from across the country of fireworks being launched at officers and firefighters. In Manchester, a firework hit a police officer in the head and left him with life-changing injuries to his ear.

PFEW Chairman John Apter has called on the Government for an urgent review into the sale of fireworks.