YOBS who throw fireworks have been warned they will be hit with £80-on-the-spot fines.

The warning comes as police launched a crackdown on under-18s illegally carrying fireworks in the build up to this year's bonfire night celebrations.

Police have already carried out seizures in the Accrington Road, Leyland Road and Thursby Road areas of Burnley last week.

These took place while officers were carrying out additional patrols in a joint operation as part of the Bright Sparx campaign, led by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and supported by Police and other local agencies. The fireworks had been found in the possession of youths under the age of 18, which is against the law.

Police said that additional patrols would continue until November 5.

Neighbourhood Policing's Sergeant Martin Selway said: "I would like to reassure local residents and warn local youths, that extra patrols are currently in operation specifically to crackdown on firework nuisance.

"Anyone found throwing fireworks will be at the very least issued with a fixed penalty notice of up to £80 and may even face arrest.

"The youths we have dealt with so far should think themselves lucky that it's just the fireworks they have lost. Messing with fireworks is a very dangerous thing to do and in the past young people have lost fingers, hands and even their lives playing with rockets and other fireworks.

"It was only a few years ago that a young man lost his life when a firework went off in his face."

Anyone who is having problems with any firework related anti-social behaviour should contact Burnley police on 01282 425001.