THE police and fire service have issued warnings after a group of youths were caught on CCTV throwing fireworks at cars and houses.

The footage shows the youngsters, some on bikes, launching fireworks at cars on Windsor Street in Accrington.

The incident took place at around 4.15pm on Tuesday.

A resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "They've been putting fireworks under cars and shooting them at houses.

"It's so dangerous but what we want to know is where are they getting these from and do their parents know what they're up to?"

Posting on social media, many residents said they had seen the same youths hanging around the town centre, with others saying incidents were not only happening in Hyndburn but there had also been some in Blackburn and Burnley.

It is believed groups of youths aged between 12 and 16 were responsible for the incidents in Hyndburn and police have said they will be increasing patrols wherever possible.

A police spokesperson said: "In the wrong hands fireworks can be very dangerous, but misuse can also be very frightening for people and animals.

"We will not tolerate inappropriate, threatening, or dangerous behaviour."

Lancashire County Councillor for Accrington, Munsif Dad, said: "As you know, the silly season is here, especially with those who go out and use fireworks for anti-social behaviour.

"We work closely with the police to identify these people and work with youths to get the message out that this is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

"The police do a great job trying to stop shops selling fireworks to people they shouldn't and we now need to educate young people and parents on the dangers of fireworks, not only to others but to themselves as well."

A spokesperson from the fire service said: "Fireworks can be very dangerous and we advise people to attend organised displays rather than purchasing themselves.

"If you do purchase fireworks from a reputable shop please store them somewhere safely and where children and teenagers cannot access them.

"Fireworks getting into the wrong hands can be dangerous with children not aware of what kind of damage they could cause and using them irresponsibly.

"We are urging the public to stay safe this Bonfire Night."

The incidents have been happening across the borough and on Wednesday, police in Nelson handed out a fixed penalty notice for fireworks offences and issued this statement: "Today your Nelson Neighborhood Team has issued a fixed penalty notice for fireworks offences.

"On October 19 around 6pm a Brierfield youth decided it would be a good idea to ignite a firework in an unsuitable location before throwing it towards other individuals.

"It not only puts members of the public at risk but also themselves. Enquiries are on-going to identify other offenders involved.

"Despite the associated dangers with throwing and setting off fireworks in unsuitable locations we are still seeing people across Pendle engaging in this reckless and idiotic behaviour.

"More concerning is the fact that local children are also taking part.

"Whilst education rightly plays a part we are taking a robust stance this year before somebody gets seriously injured."

Police in Pendle said they will be making enquiries and reviewing local CCTV following reports of this nature. 

They have also pleaded with parents to have a conversation with their children explaining the dangers of fireworks and to make sure they know where they are and what they are doing. 

Leah Lyons, from Accrington, has also been experiencing issues with people setting off fireworks. 

She said: "I think it's stupid, people setting them off at stupid o'clock for no reason, waking young children like my own and scaring children with disabilities.

"I have a young brother who's autistic and he gets really worked up and petrified of any loud noises because of his condition, and also animals. They have no care for anyone, it's just childish.

"Shops should not sell them to anyone, only big companies."

In Blackburn, Allan Sherrington said: “I was getting ready for bed at 00.10am and I heard a car go past, as it was quiet, then all of a sudden I heard a firework going off. I ran to my window and saw a cloud of smoke and a car disappear in the distance.

"I went outside as the whole street was awake looking out of their windows.

"I looked at the cars for any damage and luckily there was no damage apart from the remains of a smoking fire.

"This isn’t the first time this has happened. Something needs to be done now before something bad happens. My poor dogs are going mad and are scared to death of them.

"There is a lack of sleep, waking the house up as I am up for work early and causing massive amounts of distress to my pets and the same for my neighbours.”