FIREWORKS have been thrown at police and members of the public by teenagers in the run up to Bonfire Night.

Thames Valley Police is issuing a warning to young people and parents following a number of incidents involving dangerous use of fireworks on Halloween.

Between 3pm on October 31, and 3am, November 1, Thames Valley Police received around 160 calls related to fireworks.

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The majority of these related to fireworks being used inappropriately by young people, including throwing fireworks at police officers, members of the public, vehicles and buildings.

Calls were received from across the force area but Reading, Aylesbury Vale and High Wycombe saw a larger number of these sorts of incidents.

A firework was thrown at a member of the public in the Castlefield area of High Wycombe which charred their clothing, fireworks were thrown at officers as they responded to reports of anti-social behaviour in the Berryfields area of Aylesbury and fireworks were aimed at shops in Tilehurst, causing customers to have to stay in the stores.

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard List said: “Behaviour such as this is totally unacceptable, irresponsible and dangerous. The time that officers spend dealing with these incidents is completely avoidable and would be far better spent elsewhere.

“It seems that last night, throwing fireworks and setting them off inappropriately was seen by many as ‘a bit of fun.’

“Let me be clear, this is not entertaining, this is criminal behaviour that we take incredibly seriously. If you are caught doing this, you can expect to face criminal proceedings."

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He added: “Fireworks can cause serious, lasting damage to people and property.

“As we approach Bonfire Night, I want to remind the public that it is illegal for a person under 18 to possess an adult firework in a public place.”

This excludes sparklers, caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throw downs.

“If you have fireworks in your home, please ensure that these cannot be accessed by your children and in any case, remind them of the serious consequences that these items can have when used inappropriately.”