This is Bradford   8 November 2001: Firework vandals target hut
IRRESPONSIBLE vandals smashed the window of a wooden scout hut, by strapping a huge firework to it and setting it alight.  Young tearaways - who attached the rocket with tape - blew a large hole in the window, at Addingham Scout Hut. Marilyn Doherty, cub leader, said she was shocked at the mindless damage - and that it could have been a lot worse.
She said: "They have taped the rocket and lit it. It is a wooden scout hut! The window is going to cost us money and the whole scout hut could have gone up."
The building, on Main Street, was also covered in handfuls of flour.
Mrs Doherty said this was not the first time the hut had been the target of vandals.
She said: "We have had a lot of vandalism.  They used to put lighted cigarettes through the letterbox so we blocked it up so they can't do that. " They are just doing it all the time.
"I know they are bored and there is nowhere to go. Sitting there like they do, dropping their litter, we can cope with that but actual damage like that is not good, it is not on."
Mrs Doherty, who has been a cub leader for 14 years, said she and other leaders now faced a clean-up operation at the site so it was fit for the children as young as six who use it every week.
Councillor Gordon Campbell, chairman of Addingham Parish Council, said labelled the vandalism as `unnecessary'.  He told the Ilkley Gazette: "We expect a little bit of vandalism at this time of year but its just totally unnecessary.  "It was obviously a deliberate act. It was hardly a random or loose fire-work."
Coun David Harrison, (Craven, Conservative) said he too was outraged at the incident.
He said: "We have got an element in Addingham who are totally and utterly irresponsible vandals, who have no respect for anybody or their property or anything.
"A lot of it is down to lack of parental control. They do not know where their children are or what they're up to. It is so pointless. They have not gained anything out of it.
"All they have done is cause someone some expense. They should be hunted down and made to pay for it."
Mrs Doherty, of School Lane, added she hoped the re-opening of Addingham Memorial Hall this week would deter vandalism if more people are passing by.  She appealed for any villagers who see anybody hanging about to contact her on (01943) 831156.
IN a separate incident, eight windows of the near-by bowling pavilion were also smashed by thugs.

This is Cheshire  8 November 2001: ANOTHER STORE IS TORCHED
POLICE want to allay public fears that Newton shops are being targeted by racists after an arson attack left an Asian-owned store gutted on Monday night.
Max Sports on Market Street is thought to have been the main target but the flat above the neighbouring Freezer Fillers was also destroyed in the fire.
The incident follows an unconnected petrol bomb attack on the Asian-owned General Store on Park Road South last Tuesday. A 40-year-old man from Parr was arrested in connection with that incident two days later.
DS Paul Foster, of St Helens CID, said: "We would like to calm public fears. We do not perceive any major racist incidents."
Newton firefighters were called to the shop at 6.30 pm and found that a fire was raging in the flat above Max Sports, which had recently been refurbished and was ready to let.
They entered from the back of the building to tackle the fire, which later spread to Freezer Fillers and also slightly damaged two other shops.
They found the address of the owner who quickly arrived and was able to rescue some stock.
Four extra crews were called as the flames spread through the roof. Firefighters cut a fire break into the ceiling to prevent further damage while an aerial appliance sprayed water from above. Crews were finally forced to leave the building as the roof collapsed.
Sub officer Craig Kelsall said: "Almost immediately a passer-by told us that two youths were spotted on the roof. They heard a bang and then the fire became apparent. It would appear that whoever it was threw what may have been a firework into the building itself." On Tuesday police cordoned off the area and said that although the cause was not clear and is still under investigation it appeared that there had been a break-in and a naked flame caused the blaze. Sub officer Kelsall said: "When people are being irresponsible we would like them to consider that they are putting firefighters' lives at risk and all the men on the watch have families to consider. They all did an excellent job tackling the blaze. It is down to our dedicated and professional firefighters that we didn't lose the entire row of shops." If anyone has any information they should call police on 0151 777 6063 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

This is Cheshire  8 November 2001: ANOTHER
HAVING just endured firework fortnight, I feel I must express my disgust at the pain and suffering that animals are put through.
Being a pet owner I can see what they are put through from a so called animal loving nation.
I am no killjoy and have no problem with organised displays but surely there could be better control of fireworks.  K.  B.

This is Local London  8 November 2001: Fireworks need regulating
I DO NOT like to be a kill-joy but am I the only person to be totally fed up with other people's fireworks?
Every year the firework season seems to start earlier and go on longer.
In this area they have been going off virtually every evening since mid-October and at times have gone on constantly until past 2 am.
How did we become so insensitive and inconsiderate to others around us?
Animal owners and people with young children are particularly affected by those selfish people who consider it a right to let off fireworks at all hours with no regard for the people in earshot.
I am not against fireworks and enjoy organised displays but why can't they be limited to one weekend every year, or better still to November 5, as it used to be?
With more and more outlets selling fireworks these days, this is sadly unlikely to happen.
C H. Bexleyheath

This is Local London  8 November 2001: Yard blaze
MORE than 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a waste disposal yard on Thursday evening after 50 tonnes of rubbish was ignited by a stray firework.
Firefighters were called to the yard on Jeffreys Road, Enfield at 8pm. It took firefighter three hours to control the flames which also damaged a mechanical grabber and an articulated lorry parked at the scene.

This is Local London 8 November 2001: Control displays and ban the bangers
WHY don't the councils in each area put on a controlled firework display and lobby the government to stop the sale of fireworks to the public?
There was a disgusting display of people on the Whipps Cross forest land letting off bangers and rockets, frightening people and dogs, not just at night but in the daytime too and children throwing them in the street over Halloween.
If people have money to burn, let it be done in a controlled environment and give the cash to charity.  M. D.,  Leytonstone.

This is Essex   7 November 2001: Southend: 'Ban the deadly rockets'
A businessman whose aircraft was destroyed in a £1m blaze today backed demands for tougher controls over the sale of fireworks.   Henry Hyde, 57, told how he "nearly had a heart attack" after his twin-engine, Mitsubishi-built YS11-500 plane and an antique Fornier aircraft were gutted by a stray firework at Southend Airport.   Mr Hyde, from Southend, whose companies Routair Aircraft Engineering and Trygon, fly in planes from around the world for renovation, said action on fireworks was needed now before someone is killed.
Fire investigators believe the blaze was started when a firework went into the back of a hangar in a secluded part of the airport which then spread to the planes.  He said: "These are not sparklers or little bangers we are talking about - they are real big things which are, quite frankly, deadly. Something needs to be done to make sure these sort of rockets are not sold to the general public. If not, somebody is going to get killed."
Mr Hyde is not alone in his concerns and the case has already been taken up by Rochford and Southend East MP Sir Teddy Taylor  following a number of firework-related incidents.
He believes the sale of fireworks to the public should be banned.
A six-year old boy is still recovering after a firework exploded in his face, teenagers are being hunted after fireworks were thrown at homes in Thundersley and a Leigh woman described some fireworks as "lethal weapons" after a 4 ft rocket blasted a hole in her roof.

This is Lancashire: 7 November 2001: Firework terror
Youths threw a large firework through the window of a frightened pensioner's home.
Betty Wood found a six inch firework in her hallway which was littered with fragments of broken glass.   She believed it had been thrown through the window the night before by a group of children who had been playing nearby.
The 79-year-old woman, of Park View Road, Daubhill, has now called for fireworks to be banned.   She said: "They should only be allowed at organised displays. They are far too dangerous when they get into the wrong hands. My whole house could have set on fire."
The Wolf Attack firework had been set alight but Mrs Wood, who has lived at her home for 40 years, said it did not cause serious damage.

This is Local London  7 November 2001: Firework thugs target OAP
A PENSIONER'S home was damaged by hooligans who dropped a firework through the letterbox of his home in Wemborough Road, Stanmore on Thursday last week.
Over £200 worth of damage was caused when the firework was dropped into the 68-year-old's home while he slept.  "Anything like this can turn into something far more serious," said Harrow Inspector Roger Hall.  Information to 8733 3418.

This is Local London  7 November 2001: Under cover checks yield good results
UNDERCOVER checks on shops selling fireworks across the county have revealed that Surrey retailers have a conscience.
In a bid to crack down on the number of fireworks sold to children, Surrey Trading Standards enlisted the services of volunteers to visit shops to see if they would ask for ID.
In 15 of the 24 outlets the 13 to 16-year-olds were asked for proof of age and none of the stores sold fireworks to the youngsters.
County Trading Standards Officer Peter Denard said: "This is a welcome trend and we hope it continues. National statistics show that last year half of all firework injuries happened to children under 16. There is an obvious link to under-age sales."

This is Local London  7 November 2001: Firefighters hit by gang
A gang of 30 youths threw fireworks at firefighters as they tried to extinguish two bonfires in Mitcham.  The attack took place at around 6.15pm, on Guy Fawkes night, when the crew attended the fires which had been built in the middle of Batsworth Road.
No-one was injured in the incident and the fires were put out within 15 minutes.
A spokesman told the Guardian firework throwing was quite common.
He said: We just stay in pairs all the time and make sure everybody is wearing protective clothing such as helmets and gloves. We also make sure there are people looking out all the time. Mitcham had 16 calls in 24 hours, mostly to private bonfires which had become out of control, but Wimbledon Fire Station said they had no incidents of note.
A spokesman said: Its been very quiet this year and has been for the past few years.
The fire safety message seems to be getting across. People tend to go to organised displays rather than ones at their own homes.

This is Local London  7 November 2001: Curtail use of fireworks?
Is it not long overdue for the use of fireworks to be curtailed?  I realise that I may be considered a misery and a killjoy for posing such a question, but perhaps the firework craze is getting out of hand?  From the end of October to the end of November we hear incessant screams, whistles and explosions that are often loud enough to frighten the elderly, wake babies, scare pets and make you jump out of your skin.  What's more, they can now rattle windows and even set off car alarms. These days fireworks are used to celebrate almost any event and they are becoming more elaborate, more powerful and a lot more frequent!
Yes, fireworks have certainly changed since my time when the penny-banger was considered the summit of most kids' ambition.  L H Harrow on the Hill

This is York  7 November 2001: Boom bang-a-bang
MARGARET Birch asks people to consider others when it comes to letting off fireworks (October 27). This obviously fell upon deaf ears because I and many others have had to listen to many fireworks being discharged. I say had to listen to, because the type of "firework" that is apparently easily available no longer consists of just bonny lights but includes very loud explosions.  For the three evenings up to Sunday night, my dogs have been very frightened because they have been subjected to the excessive explosions that have resulted from individual firework celebrations, not just now and then but constantly for anything up to two hours. I appreciate that many people will have thought it a good idea to let off their fireworks at the weekend rather than November 5, but I know of many who have had to comfort their petrified animals.  Elderly people living alone have also had to endure the fright of these explosives. I wish people would consider what they are doing to others, especially when we now seem to have to have at least three evenings of firework celebrations. G A. York.

BBC News Online 6 November 2001: Fireworks used as missiles
Firefighters in the North West have come under attack from gangs of youths who used fireworks as missiles. In one incident in Greater Manchester, a group of 80 youths pelted firefighters with fireworks at a public bonfire.
On Merseyside, four shops and two flats were destroyed in a single firework attack on a terraced building.  Mike Harris, press officer for the Merseyside Fire Service told BBC News Online: "There is no doubt about it, youths are using fireworks as ammunition.
"They don't give a tupenny toss whether anybody is the subject of the aggression.
"It would seem that even though the legislation is harder, there are actually more fireworks being used in this way."
Mr Harris is concerned that the deliberate misuse of fireworks has become commonplace.
At 2030 GMT on Monday, fireworks were thrown into an empty flat above a sports shop on Market street in Earlestown, the main shopping area of Newton-le-Willows on Merseyside.
It took 30 firefighters to control the fire, which police are still investigating.
In Greater Manchester on Monday night, 80 Asian youths attacked firefighters who had been called out to extinguish a bonfire in Tameside.

BBC News Online 6 November 2001: Surgery for boy hit by firework
A seven-year-old boy has undergone a two-hour operation after he was hit by a firework.
Brett Smith was struck in the head by the rocket at an organised display at a pub in Kegworth, Leicestershire. Brett's father Adrian Smith told the BBC: "It appears the firework has gone off, it has taken off, turned round and come down.
"It has hit Brett on the head and then gone to the floor and exploded."
Eight-year-old Melissa suffered burns to her leg in the accident.

The Belfast Telegraph 6 November 2001: Ban on fireworks is under review
A ban on the sale of fireworks in Northern Ireland is being considered by ministers.
The leader of the House of Lords, Lord Williams of Mostyn, confirmed in a written reply that a ban is one options in a review.     He said Security Minister Jane Kennedy had last month announced a review of "the problems associated with fireworks".

This is Brighton & Hove 6 November 2001: Anger at gunpowder vandalism
A firework blew up a toilet inside the Churchill Square shopping centre in Brighton.
A letterbox was blown up, a lamb was found dead after fireworks were hurled into a field, and a rocket was fired at a woman's home.  David Lepper, MP for Brighton Pavilion, is now taking up the issues of high-powered fireworks and sales to under-aged children with Government ministers. 
A lamb was found dead and others were injured at a farm near Lewes after youths were seen throwing fireworks.  One farmer, who wanted to remain anonymous in case vandals retaliated, said: "My sheep have been traumatised. The lambs are just three weeks old and were deliberately targeted."
Last week in Patcham, a letterbox was blown up and a Jaguar car was damaged by fireworks.
Vandals fired a rocket at a woman's house in Hove and then lobbed eggs through an open window, causing damage inside.

Coventry Evening Telegraph 6 November 2001:  Woman injured by firework
A woman ended up in hospital after being hit by a stray firework from an organised display outside an old people's housing complex in Wood End, Coventry.
A witness at the scene, outside Loxley Court in Loxley Close, Wood End, said: "The woman was lying on the floor unconscious and all the children were screaming.
"The whole evening had to be called off when this firework first hit a child on the leg and was then deflected and went off next to this lady's ear."

Evening Chronicle 6 November 2001: Mayhem for 999 fire crews
Firefighters from around the region were called out an astonishing 724 times as fireworks displays and bonfires burned through the night.  In some areas crews were stoned by yobs and in others vandals pushed fireworks through people's doors.
Last night an elderly couple could have been killed in a firework attack when a Roman Candle was shoved through the letterbox of their terraced bungalow in Garth 24, Killingworth, North Tyneside.  It exploded, setting the front door ablaze.

Huddersfield Daily Examiner 6 November 2001; Busiest night of year for firefighters
Huddersfield firefighters had their busiest time of the year last night.
Last night's incidents included:
* A lit sparkler pushed through a letterbox in Everard Street, Crosland Moor, at 5.10pm.
* A firework set alight inside a plastic bin at the entrance of Scissett First School at 6.15pm. The explosion split the bin but did not result in any other harm.
* A lit firework stuck through a letter box at a student house in Clement Street, Birkby.
Youths lobbed missiles at firefighters in Thornton Lodge, say police.

Ic Scotland 6 November 2001; Riot police patrol town centre
Officers in riot gear have been deployed in Halifax for a second night after violence flared on the streets.  A police spokesman played down the disturbances, saying a small number of fires had been started and fireworks had been thrown by youths in Aspinall Street.
Officers were pelted with fireworks and other missiles and at one point a petrol bomb was thrown at the police.

Ic Teesside 6 November 2001: Bonfire night yobs strike
Bonfire Night fire crews faced yobs hurling fireworks and arsonists torching a pet shop.

Lancashire Evening Telegraph 6 November 2001: Crackdown on fireworks
Whatever difficulties may arise, tighter legislation on the sale of fireworks -- perhaps even to the extent of corner shops being banned from selling them altogether, as Blackburn police supremo Chief Superintendent John Thompson urges tonight -- is plainly needed.
For the widespread abuse of them for weeks before and after Bonfire Night -- testified by the continual explosions and shrieks that terrify old folk and pets -- proves that the current controls are inadequate.
In short, too many go on sale too soon and too easily get into the wrong hands. And the number of incidents involving fireworks that the police have had to deal with in the run-up to Bonfire Night also shows not only the high level of abuse, but also what a wasteful drain they impose on police resources.

Liverpool Echo 6 November 2001: Eight injured in fireworks display
Eight people suffered burns after a rogue firework went disastrously off course during a firework display near Chester.  The accident happened during an organised Guy Fawkes night display at Old Hall Hotel in Huntingdon, just before 8pm.
Seven of the injured people were taken to hospital after the firework hurtled past a line of children and rows of spectators before exploding amongst a group of people.

Liverpool Echo 6 November 2001: Fire services kept busy
Fire fighters were kept busy last night as vandals across Merseyside set fire to empty properties, cars and even wheelie bins.  Revellers across the region were also injured by rogue fireworks, including an 11-year-old boy after a firework went off in his face in Huyton. His injuries were not serious.   And 30 firefighters last night battled for hours to bring a fire under control in a row of shops in Earlestown. Officers suspect a firework thrown into one of the shops was to blame.

Tameside Advertiser 6 November 2001: Firefighters pelted with fireworks
Fire fighters were attacked by a young mob throwing fireworks.
The fire crew were called out to extinguish a bonfire in Ashton last night (Monday).
But when the officers arrived at Burlington Street, fireworks were thrown at them.

Tameside Advertiser 6 November 2001: Firework attack on pensioner's home
Police say a pensioner had a lucky escape after mindless vandals pushed a firework through a pensioner's letterbox.  The attack caused damaged to the door and hallway at the 66-year-old man's home in Woodbridge Avenue, Audenshaw, at 11.30pm, on Friday.
Anyone with information should call Ashton police on 0161 872 5050.

This is Bradford   6 November 2001: On This Day
From the Telegraph & Argus of November 6th, 1976
Bonfire night burns left their mark on several Bradford district children and ten received treatment at Bradford Royal Infirmary before being discharged. That number is five times greater than last year when the hospital treated only two casualties but no one was seriously hurt. Despite the number of children treated at hospital, Bradford Ambulance reported a quiet night and West Yorkshire Fire Brigade said the Bradford division had been out to only a handful of bonfire calls.
From the Telegraph & Argus of November 6th, 1951...
The West Riding was fortunately fairly free from firework and plot night casualties last night but at Keighley rockets caused two minor fires, when they flew through open bedroom windows in Aireworth Street and Berry Street. Children in Springcliffe Street, Manningham had their enthusiasm dampened when police called the fire brigade to extinguish their bonfire which had been built on a concrete road. The police have had instructions that no fires must be lit on either this kind of road or on tarmacadam.

This is Leeds 6 November 2001 MAYHEM
POLICE in riot gear gave protection to fire crews as they were called out to hundreds of Bonfire Night incidents across West Yorkshire.
Crews in Leeds, Halifax and Bradford needed police back-up as they moved in to tackle dangerous bonfires and firework incidents.
In Harehills, Leeds, firefighters dealing with a dangerous bonfire were confronted by a gang of youths shouting abuse in the Banstead Terrace area, close to Bansted Park where riots took place earlier this year.
Youths were hurling fireworks at each other across Roundhay Road and two cars were set on fire. The firefighters left the area but returned with police wearing protective gear, said one firefighter. Two people were arrested for alleged violent disorder

BBC News Online 5 November 2001: Fireworks sold illegally to children
One in five shops across Derbyshire have been illegally selling fireworks to children, according to trading standards officials.   Last year two shopkeepers in Long Eaton were given a conditional discharge after selling fireworks to children under 18.

This is Essex   5 November 2001: Danbury, Maldon: Boy, 7, hurt by firework
A disabled seven-year-old was set alight after a firework exploded on his stomach.
The wheelchair-bound youngster was rushed to the specialist burns unit at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, after the horrific accident at a private bonfire party
The boy was a guest at a display at a Danbury home when a rogue firework blew sideways into the crowd.
Cathy Tregidgo, of Elliot Way, Maldon, had invited the boy and his family, also from Maldon, to the party at her parents' home on Saturday night.
Mrs Tregidgo, the catering manager at Sandon School in Chelmsford, said: "My family have been having a firework display for 30 years.
"My parents have a 150 ft garden and the display has grown every year. My father and my brother are so safe and the guests are always at least 25 metres away."
But this year a small £3.99 firework shot sideways and hit Mrs Tregidgo's aunt before ricocheting on to the child in his wheelchair.
"It set him on fire," said Mrs Tregidgo. "Luckily he bent himself over and put out the fire with his hands. I think it was just a natural reaction. It caused absolute pandemonium."
The child was lifted out of his chair and rushed to the garden tap where he was doused in water until the ambulance arrived.
He then spent the night at Broomfield Hospital being treated for burns on his stomach and hands.
"Luckily his injuries weren't life threatening, but if it had hit him in the face it could have been," said Mrs Tregidgo.
"My family have vowed never to have another firework display. We just can't take the risk and we are all devastated by what has happened."

This is Essex   5 November 2001: Basildon: Boy, 6, burned in explosion
A six-year-old boy was today recovering in hospital after a firework exploded in his face.
The boy suffered what are thought to be minor burns and was taken to Basildon Hospital at about 6.30 pm yesterday.
An ambulance spokeswoman said he was then taken to the St Andrew's burns unit at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford where it is understood he has remained overnight.

Ic Birmingham 4 November 2001: Midlands kids hurt in firework blast
Six Midland schoolchildren were taken to hospital yesterday after a firework exploded in their faces - leaving one of them seriously ill.   The group, aged between 12 and 15, were in Ackers Park, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, when the accident happened at about 12.30pm.
All of the children suffered injuries to their faces and hands when the commercial firework, which had been left over from a party on Friday night, went off.
Three of the group were seriously injured and one youngster's injuries were last night believed to be life-threatening.   Three ambulances took the injured children to the burns unit at Selly Oak Hospital, where four were said in a stable condition.  The most seriously injured youngster was transferred to Birmingham's Diana Princess of Wales Children's Hospital.
The sixth victim was released after treatment.
West Midlands Police said the schoolchildren were not being named until all their families had been traced.  A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "All the children suffered burns and lacerations, some of them quite severe.  "As there were so many of them hurt at the same time, I would have thought something had gone up in their faces as they were gathered round.  "They are being described as blast injuries, with the device a commercial firework eight inches long by four across. "
West Midlands Fire Service said the boy with the more serious injuries had placed his head over a mortar tube firework.
An eyewitness said last night:  "They took the firework about 100 metres from where they found it.  "Then it went off and their faces were covered with black stuff and they were bleeding. They staggered around trying to find water.  "They were right next to a football match and the players called an ambulance."

Lancashire Evening Telegraph 4 November 2001 Light rocket under firework abusers
I think that parents and families should be severely punished by the police, councils and the courts for their children's mindless behaviour and actions as a result of firework misuse, with mandatory and compulsory law-enforced electronic tagging, child curfews, parenting orders and anti-social behaviour orders plus the threat of their kids being taken away if they do not comply with them.
The council should also have powers to evict from their houses single young people, teenagers, parents and families who allow anti-social children and teenagers to misuse fireworks creating nuisance, personal injury and property damage and Trading Standards should have powers to confiscate and seize fireworks from retailers involved in under-age sales and to refuse to register and licence their shop premises in the future for selling fireworks.   A P,  Accrington.

Rochdale Observer  4 November 2001: Ban sale of fireworks before someone is killed
Senior councillor will use a bonfire night meeting to call for a ban on fireworks "before someone is killed".   Lynne Brosnan - Rochdale Council's Greater Manchester Police Authority representative - will ask Monday's Rochdale Council Cabinet meeting for support in the campaign to crack down on firework sales.
Councillors all over the borough claim they have heard more complaints than ever about bangers and rockets being set off near their homes.  Newbold councillor Andy Butler started a petition asking for a blitz on firework sales which has been signed by more than 300 people.
This will be presented to Rochdale MPs Lorna Fitzsimons, Jim Dobbin, and Phil Woolas.
Councillor Brosnan said: "Access to fireworks has been abused for too long and something needs to be done about it before someone gets killed. They've been let off in wheelie bins and pubs, so something serious is bound to happen.  "Fireworks are not meant to be sold until a week before bonfire night, but the banging and the noise has been going on for the last two or three months.   "I would like a total ban on sales except to organisations such as the council. If we can't have that I would like firm legislation stopping sales until a few days before.
"I'm also worried children are taking gunpowder from the fireworks and using them to make their own bombs."
Mr Dobbin supports the call for a ban and hopes to discuss this with a trade and industry department minister next month.   Other North-West MPs are also supporting the cause, including Blackley MP Graham Stringer

Ic Birmingham 3 November  2001: Cat is first casualty of firework season
Pet owners have been reminded to protect their animals and follow the firework code after a cat became the first fatality of the season.  A four-year-old tabby, named Jay, died after suffering severe burns and a deep, open wound in a suspected firework attack in Oldham, Lancashire.
RSPCA inspector Catherine Byrnes said the cat was in agony and could not be touched or picked up.
She said: "He screamed all the way to the clinic. This is an atrocious case of animal cruelty.
"They did everything to try and save him, but he was so wounded that eventually they had to put him down which is always a last resort.
"His injuries were horrific and we believe he may have had a firework attached to his tail."
Chris Laurence, the charity's chief veterinary officer, added: "Each year we are horrified at the number of animals brought to us for emergency care as a result of firework injuries.
"The vast majority of these injuries could be avoided if more care was taken when planning celebrations."

Daily Echo 2 November 2001: MINDLESS IDIOTS
An elderly couple were forced to flee their burning home after a firework prank by "mindless idiots" went disastrously wrong.   The pensioners were lucky to escape serious injury after their Poole bungalow went up in flames when lit fireworks were thrown into a nearby bin.
Pensioners Richard and Alice Nunne heard noises outside their Woodstock Close home while watching television at 9.30pm on Wednesday.
"All of a sudden there was a bang, like a minor explosion.
"I went outside to investigate and saw smoke coming out of a wheelie bin in the rubbish compound.  As I was calling to my wife that it was okay, the whole thing went up in flames."  Flames rapidly spread to the bungalow's roof, melting guttering and scorching the timber fascia.
Mr Nunne, 78, helped his wife to a neighbour's house, gathered up some belongings and then fled the bungalow himself.  Fire-fighters tackled the blaze and today the scene was being examined by detectives and fire investigators.
"My wife was frightened. It is very upsetting," said Mr Nunne.
A group of children aged from 10 to 16 years old had been gathered nearby in the hours before the incident.
DCI Geoff Croft of Dorset police said "It appears to be the result of mindless idiots using fireworks with the intention of scaring people.   "It's a reminder that fireworks should always be used safely, never as toys or to frighten others."
Police have issued descriptions of two young men they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
Both are 18 years old, and one was wearing a white woolly hat and black waterproof jacket, possibly a Helly Hansen type.

Daily Record 2 November 2001: HALLOWEEN KIDS' TERROR
Sobbing youngsters fled a Halloween party in terror after thugs put a lit firework through a letterbox.   The 20 children, aged between five and 11, had been dooking for apples in a flat in Musselburgh, East Lothian.  They scattered as the firework landed just a few feet from them, filling the room with smoke and scorching a carpet. Youth workers led them to safety.
Yesterday, police described the attack as "mindless", adding: "The children were obviously frightened. Luckily, no one was injured."

Daily Record 2 November 2001: THUGS KILL PET IN FIREWORK ATTACK
Firework thugs killed a woman's pet kitten when they pushed lighted rockets through her letter box.  The mindless prank started a huge blaze which caused £12,000 worth of damage to Morag McGowan's home.  Her house in Baillieston, Glasgow, was engulfed in flames and the choking smoke killed her kitten, Perry.
Yesterday, Miss McGowan spoke of the devastating night last month as she launched a campaign to reduce firework injuries.  She said: "I was lucky I was not in at the time. I should have been but I changed shifts and was at work.
"The firemen told me I would have died if I'd been in the house.
"Almost everything I owned was destroyed. It was heartbreaking."

Dorset Echo 2 November 2001: Firework attack at police station
Weymouth is being plagued by a spate of drive-by firework attacks. The latest incident saw an air bomb thrown at the front of Weymouth Police Station by youths in a Ford Escort who officers are now hunting using a partially recorded registration number.
PC Sean Ford said: "We have had a string of complaints, particularly from pedestrians, about youths lobbing fireworks near them from passing cars. Some pensioners were badly frightened, mothers said the noise had left children in tears and one man said his dog was left so frightened it had to be carried home. We believe these incidents are linked to local boy racers who we know have been responsible for throwing fireworks on to the roof of Matalan at Jubilee Sidings. We are warning these tearaways to stop this extremely anti-social behaviour or they will be arrested for misuse of fireworks and criminal damage."

Evesham Journal 2 November 2001 :No flashy toys but explosives
"Fireworks aren't flashy toys for show-offs: they're explosives and should be treated with respect."
That is the stark warning from Government,  Consumer and competition minister, Melanie Johnson, said: "Although the number of accidents from fireworks has been decreasing in recent years, we cannot afford to be complacent. "Last year, two young people were killed in firework accidents and many, many more were injured. Nearly all these accidents could have been prevented if only simple common sense rules had been followed."

Evening Echo 2 November 2001: South Essex: Hallowe'en complaints flood in
Police reported a deluge of complaints about "over-exuberant youngsters" celebrating Halloween night. Officers in Southend and Rayleigh said there was a sharp increase in the number of calls they received.  In the most serious incident fire crews were called to a house in Fryerns Gardens, Wickford, when a gang of youngsters dropped a lit firework through the letterbox.

Ic Liverpool 2 November 2001: Your Letters  Rules on fireworks need to be enforced
It's that time of year again when we have to put up with fireworks going off until the early hours of the morning.  What suppress me was during a recent radio interview a Home Office Minister said shops could not sell fireworks until 21 days before November 5. This being the case, could someone explain why this rule is not enforced, and indeed, why some shops sell them all year round?
I would have thought that, as they are explosives, the outlets would have to be checked and approved by the police/council, and if they are not sticking to the law, could be stopped from selling them.
In an ideal world the sale of fireworks should be stopped altogether but as we live in the real world, may I suggest that our MP and local council press for a change in the law to something like the following; that fireworks can only be sold on the day of November 5.
You can order them, and indeed pay for them up front. But anyone selling them before the day would be subject to a heavy fine. This would also apply to markets and car boot sales, where the people allowing the car boot sale on their land could also be subject to a fine.
It could also carry a heavy fine to set off fireworks before or after the 5th. What do other readers think?  Name and address supplied.

Ic Wales 2 November 2001: Hallowe'en problems
People from outside the area were responsible for public order problems in the Maindee area of Newport on Hallowe'en night when fireworks were thrown, say police

Liverpool Echo 2 November 2001: Crackdown on bus yobs
A £200,000 scheme has been unveiled by police to tackle crime on Merseyside's public transport system.   On Thursday this week the ECHO revealed that 18 bus services are being disrupted by teenage thugs.   Bus companies have pulled out of several communities, after claiming that young vandals are hurling rocks and fireworks at vehicles and even attacking bus drivers.

Manchester Evening News 2 November 2001: Safety fear at Hallowe'en hotspot
Police and National Trust bosses are warning the public to stay away from Alderley Edge on Hallowe'en.   The Edge is dotted with dangerous areas including quarries and mines and has several steep drops. Police fear people may be injured, and on previous Hallowe'ens at the Edge fireworks have been thrown at people.

Manchester Evening News 2 November 2001: Two hurt as firework lands in bedroom
The Bonfire season has sparked fresh calls for firework safety after claiming its first victims.   Two men were hurt as they tackled a fire caused by a rocket that landed in a child's bedroom in Blackley.   A cat received severe burns after it was subjected to a suspected firework attack in Oldham.  In Blackley, a 19-year-old man received burns to his hands and a 48-year-old man suffered smoke inhalation after they tried to put out the fire in a neighbour's home in Cloughtop Road, Charlestown.  It was later revealed the blaze was caused by a stray firework.
The RSPCA is urging pet owners to be on their guard after the attack on the cat in Oldham. Four-year-old tabby Jay has undergone extensive surgery after he was targeted two weeks ago.   Owner, Cathy Earnshaw, 44, from Derker, Oldham, said: ''He was all covered in black and smelled of smoke and was absolutely terrified.
''I can't understand how someone could do something like this to an innocent animal. They must be sick.''

Stretford & Urmston Messenger 2 November 2001: Firework Hurts Girl
A nine year-old girl was injured after being hit by a firework on Higher Road, Urmston, just after 4pm on Tuesday.
Fire officers are urging people to be wary of others, particularly children, when setting off fireworks.

This is Bradford   2 November 2001: Letters to the Editor
SIR - May I heartily applaud those who are sick of the dangers and nuisance caused by firework-wielding idiots. I am pleased to see Gerry Sutcliffe getting involved.
It is also good to have the police taking a stance since I have had precious little support when I have reported incidents to them in the past.
Let us enjoy the brilliant spectacle of fireworks delivered safely and not have to face the annual round of horrific accidents to kids who don't know any better.
S. G.,  Bradford 2
SIR - I agree that fireworks should be banned from being sold in shops weeks before Bonfire Night. They should be in shops on November 1 and removed on November 6.
I think five days to purchase fireworks for Bonfire Night is quite sufficient for everyone, and they should be sold to people aged 25 and over.
This will stop a lot of heartache and misuse of fireworks. After all they are not toys.
J. N., Bradford 8

This is Herefordshire   2 November 2001: Firework causes injury
A 16-year-old girl in Bromyard suffered minor injuries after a firework was set off in Lodon Avenue on October 19.

This is Watford 2 November 2001: Fire chief's fireworks warning
Chief fire officer Steve Seaber said: "Fireworks are dangerous and can be lethal.
"Although the number of accidents from fireworks has been decreasing in recent years we cannot afford to be complacent."
Fire officers in Hertfordshire were called out twice last week after two incidents where fireworks had been placed in post boxes.

Ulster TV Internet 2 November 2001: Children picked up device
A device consisting of a firework and nails was picked up by children outside a community centre in north Belfast on Thursday night.
The children found the device outside the centre in Manor Street and were playing with it before a parent raised the alarm and the device was discarded in nearby Roseleigh Street.   

VOICE OF SCOTLAND 2 November 2001: DAMP THE SQUIBS
Guy Fawkes night now lasts for at least four weeks, thanks to those idiots who take great pleasure in letting off fireworks at all times of the day and night. In the wrong hands, fireworks become lethal weapons.
Half the problem is the availability of these sticks of terror. Retailers all jump on the bandwagon to make money. Why aren't there stricter controls, allowing only licensed retailers to sell fireworks a week before November 5 under stringent guidelines?
They could be constantly monitored and if they break the rules, their licences would be revoked. - A S., Hamilton.
I phoned the police about kids setting bangers off in the street and was told that they need to catch them before anything can be done.
It's time these noisy things were banned and shopkeepers put in prison for selling them to young kids. - S. G., Cumbernauld

Edinburgh Evening News 1 November 2001: Youths put brigade in line of fire 
Attacks on fire crews are on the increase, new figures revealed today. Lothian and Borders firefighters suffered 32 attacks in the past month alone. Deputy Justice Minister Iain Gray today condemned the incidents as "disgraceful" and warned they could lead to lives being lost in other fires which crews were unable to reach. As firefighters brace themselves for their busiest time of the year, leading up to Bonfire Night, Mr Gray spent last night on duty with black watch crew from Edinburgh's Newcraighall Fire Station to see first hand the problems faced by firefighters.  Black watch was involved in a serious attack in Musselburgh in November last year while dealing with a dangerous bonfire.  A large group of youths threw stones and bricks, hitting firefighters and their fire engine. The route was blocked by youths and the crew had to retreat to the fire engine where they continued to be attacked by missiles.  The firefighters were showered with glass, and damage to the fire engine was so severe it had to be taken out of service.  Today's figures, collected from fire brigades across Scotland, show attacks on firefighters can happen at any time of year, but tend to be concentrated around October and November when brigades attend a large number of bonfires in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night. The majority of the attacks are by gangs of youths setting off fireworks or throwing missiles.  Mr Gray said: "Fire crews across Scotland are increasingly facing attack from some members of the public - those they are ultimately there to help. Firefighters are facing abuse, violence and attacks on fire appliances and it is all too often from children.  "The attacks these crews face on an increasing basis are a disgrace and entirely unacceptable "Firefighters continually put their lives on the line in order to protect the public. We need no greater reminder of the selfless actions of the emergency services in light of the recent attacks in America."  Lothian and Borders community fire safety officer Graham Torrie said attacks on fire crews were becoming far more common and far more violent across Scotland.  "This is extremely worrying for fire fighters on the ground who are there to help people but are instead facing abuse and violence.  "These attacks are often vicious and are certainly de-motivating for fire crews. Firefighters face danger daily and do not need the threat of attacks on top of this."  He said crews had been forced to take extra precautions against attacks and were also trying to become more involved with their local communities and especially local schools.  Steven McKenzie, station commander at Newcraighall, said: "We are doing our utmost to get across the message that we are there to protect and assist the community.  "We don't want to spoil anyone's fun, but if there is a dangerous situation we have to deal with it.  Mr Gray attended two fires with the crew last night, but there were no violent incidents.  "There have been a lot of kids around and getting in the way a bit, but basically it has been good-natured," he said.  "But a year ago, this crew attended a bonfire in Pinkie, Musselburgh and came under really vicious and sustained attack - abuse, missiles and fireworks.  "I have spoken to the guys who were there and it was clearly a very frightening experience. "And I've seen for myself that when they are tackling a fire they have a lot to look out for - they don't have time to watch what might be coming from behind or to watch the fire engine and see what might be getting damaged or stolen." He said attacks undermined firefighters' ability to do their job. "There is a problem in Edinburgh with the behaviour of some young people and this is a particularly sickening manifestation of it. "The fire brigade is doing more work in schools with young people to develop the respect for firefighters that the vast majority of citizens have got. "The purpose of my going out with the crew was to make it clear the vast majority of people in Edinburgh and Scotland value the work they do and show a bit of solidarity in the face of a difficult job which is disgracefully being made more difficult."

Huddersfield Daily Examiner 1 November 2001: Firework thrown into pub
A 76-year-old woman was hurt when a firework was thrown into a Huddersfield pub.
The victim, who comes from Elland, was sitting in the White Cross pub at Bradley when someone threw the large firework through an open fire exit door at 10.45pm on Saturday.
The firework exploded and the victim suffered slight foot injuries.
Sgt Tim O'Sullivan , of Huddersfield police, said: "This was an exceptionally dangerous thing to do and we would urge anyone who knows who is responsible to contact us."
Ring PC Jason Goldsborough on 01484 436659

Huddersfield Daily Examiner 1 November  2001: Hooligans wreak Hallowe'en havoc
Hooligans have been warned that vandalism will not be tolerated after a spate of damage across Huddersfield.   A post box on Thornfield Road, Lockwood, was destroyed by a huge firework and the letters inside incinerated.

Irish News 1 November  2001: Emergency services kept on the hop with calls over fireworks
Warnings over the danger of illegal fireworks seem to have gone largely unheeded across the country last night as tons of fireworks were set off and emergency services nationwide responded to thousands of calls.  From Donegal to Tralee, virtually every major Gardai station last night reported dealing with calls over fireworks, bonfires and egg throwing and frightened animals in rural areas.
Dublin Fire Brigade's Tara Street Headquarters said calls started to flood in as soon as darkness fell. "From around 5.30pm on, the phones haven't stopped. There are bonfires everywhere but no major incidents so far," reported one operator.
NSC chief executive Pat Costello said that every year bonfires cause more than £50,000 worth of damage to public property in Dublin alone.
Each year children end up in hospital with severe burns and hand, arm and chest injuries.
Consultant plastic surgeon Patricia Eadie said there were 12 cases of serious injury to children in Dublin hospitals alone last month

This is Bradford   1 November 2001: Letters to the Editor
SIR - Bonfire Night used to be great. It was another day out of the year children could look forward to. Parents would also enjoy watching their children's faces light up along with the beautiful fireworks.
Unfortunately the sale of fireworks has become completely out of hand and now they're a consumable to be scared of. They can be bought at anytime and by anyone who may look 16.
The people who are abusing the use of the firework are immature and blatantly stupid. They don't understand the full consequences that may arise by putting these things through people's letterboxes, not to mention the sickening cruel games they play with our pets.
Bonfire Night entertainment should be put on by specialised people in a specialised venue.
We should ban the sale of fireworks altogether, and bring back those happy and excited faces of children, and leave the rest of us, including our pets, in peace.
Sarah Barker, Eversley Drive, Holme Wood, Bradford.
SIR - The last couple of months have seen fireworks going off every night. I would like to see them banned altogether. There are too many people getting hurt by them, and kids doing wrong things with them.
Every year we have this ritual, bonfires and fireworks, but it isn't just for one day. Oh no, it goes on for weeks before and weeks after the day.
I wish the public could take a vote on whether to ban fireworks and bonfires in Bradford altogether. My name would be top of the list.
Mrs A Williams, Frank Street, Great Horton.

This is Essex   1 November 2001: South Essex: Hallowe'en complaints flood in as kids run riot
Police reported a deluge of complaints about "over-exuberant youngsters" celebrating Halloween night.   In the most serious incident fire crews were called to a house in Fryerns Gardens, Wickford, when a gang of youngsters dropped a lit firework through the letterbox.

This is Stratford Upon Avon 1 November 2001: Remember, remember the horses
The British Horse Society has issued a warning about the dangers of fireworks close to horses.  Anyone holding a firework display should make sure that it is not being held anywhere near fields containing horses or ponies. Last year two horses died and another was seriously injured as a result of a private fireworks party.
The horses in question were in a field adjacent to the display and panicked.  Two of them collapsed and died due to stress and exhaustion; the third ran into a telegraph pole and suffered horrendous injuries. The society says it is essential anyone holding a firework display should tell their neighbours, and behave in a responsible way.
All horseowners should try to see that their horses are brought in or moved if there is to be a display nearby. Kerstin Alford, BHS head of welfare, said: "Anyone holding a firework display has a duty of care to the public and this should include their animals.  " Firework displays should take place well away from livestock, particularly horses. Many horses are easily alarmed and could be terrified by the noise and explosions of light. There is also a real danger that if frightened they will escape from their field and perhaps cause an accident on the roads.  "Anyone holding a party should also check their insurance as a claim for damages could prove very costly."

This is Leeds 1 November 2001, Trader faces court over illegal sale of fireworks
TRADING standards chiefs are to take legal action against a West Yorkshire retailer alleged to have sold display fireworks to under-age children.
They said a 12-year-old and 13- year-old were able to buy 4ft 9in display fireworks at the shop in Wakefield.
The retailer is now to be prosecuted and could face a £5,000 fine and even a custodial sentence.
A boy of 12 acted as a decoy, accompanied by an undercover trading standards officer.
Officers say he went into the shop and bought a display rocket and on another occasion, a girl of 13 managed to buy two display rockets.
The fireworks carried a warning that spectators must stand at least 25 metres away when they were set off.
West Yorkshire joint services chief officer for the trading standards department, Martin Wood, said: "Fireworks are explosives and they are an age-restricted product for very good reasons.
"These particular rockets are subject to specific warnings and instructions which in the wrong hands could be lethal."
Coun Graham Clarke, chairman of West Yorkshire joint services committee, said: "I am shocked that young lives are being put at risk by irresponsible retailers.
"We know that over half the injuries reported each year are sustained by people under 15 and action must be taken to protect them."