Issued on: Wednesday 2 November 2016
PUBLIC WARNED AFTER FIREWORKS LET OFF IN PUBLIC
People are being warned not to let fireworks off in public places following a recent spate of incidents in Leicester city.
Leicestershire Police have had to respond to incidents of fireworks being fired from balconies and windows at student accommodation within the city this weekend.
The actions of these students put the lives of other occupants in the building and members of the public in real danger. These actions are now being investigated by Leicestershire Police and those found responsible will be dealt with accordingly.
A 19 year old man has already been arrested for the offence and has been released on police bail pending further enquires.
Members of the public need to be aware that it is an offence to throw or discharge a firework in any highway, street or public place. It may be seen as a little bit of fun to some but, the implications of actions such as these can end with devastating results.
Anybody found to be responsible for activities of this nature, and therefore breaking the law, will be the subject of a police investigation with the penalties including a maximum fine of £5,000 or six months in prison, or both for fireworks misuse!
We advise everyone to celebrate safely this Bonfire Night by attending an organised event.
For more information on how to celebrate safely on Bonfire Night with fireworks, visit www.celebratesafely.com
ENDS
Notes to editors
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About the Service
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service provides emergency response, prevention and protection services from 20 stations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Its headquarters is based in Birstall, Leicester.
The Service’s prevention, education, enforcement and inspection programmes have resulted in significant reductions in the number of incidents. In the last five years, fire related incidents have reduced by 32.6 percent.
During 2014/15, the Service attended 619 road traffic collisions, of which 155 were extrications freeing 194 people trapped inside their vehicles and completed 4316 home fire safety checks, fitting almost 4339 smoke alarms. Staff organised or supported almost 1590 events aimed at promoting fire and road safety and arson prevention, whilst also visiting 314 schools to deliver fire and road safety education to pupils.
Contact:
Dominic Halliday
Communications and Digital Media Administrator
0116 2292178
dominic.halliday@lfrs.org
