FIREWORK-throwing yobs have been wreaking havoc ahead of Bonfire Night.

Police from Nelson, Brierfield and Barrowford Police said they have had several reports recently of gangs of youths throwing fireworks at passing motorists in Brierfield.

Officers said the incidents have happened over the past few days and have centred around the town centre area near the town hall.

One reported incident saw a gang of up to 20 youths hurl fireworks at motorists and people near to the town’s library in Colne Road, while another incident saw youths throw fireworks at cars in the same area.

PC Nigel Keates, from the neighbourhood policing team at Pendle, there had been an increase in incidents relating to fireworks in recent days.

He said: “These incidents have involved gangs of youths throwing fireworks at pedestrians and motorists in Brierfield town centre over the past few days.

“This is an illegal and dangerous act and we are looking to clamp down on it by increasing police patrols in the area.”

Brierfield councillor Naeem Hussain Ashraf said : “I was in the car on Colne Road the other night and I saw some youths throw a firework at a car a few cars ahead of me.

“I was shocked as it’s so dangerous and distressing for residents.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson described the behaviour as ‘reckless, illegal and irresponsible’ and said he hoped the perpetrators were caught.

It comes as Bonfire Night fast approaches and follows weeks of fireworks misery for residents in East Lancashire, which have caused problems for people in areas including Nelson and Accrington.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it was an offence to set-off fireworks between 11pm and 7am. Under the law, the only exceptions to this rule are for Bonfire Night, New Year, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

It is also illegal to throw or set off fireworks in any highway or public place.