Public urged to report 'dangerous' and ‘unacceptable’ firework crime in Portsmouth and Hampshire

Reports of anti-social behaviour involving rockets and firecrackers have been on the rise.

Officers had to implement a dispersal order covering areas of Leigh Park, Havant and Bedhampton last weekend due to a spike in anti-social behaviour (ASB) – namely teenagers throwing fireworks in the street.

SEE ALSO: Leigh Park and Havant dispersal zone set up by police after reports of fireworks being thrown

Havant chief inspector Habib Rahman said: ‘We are aware of reports of fireworks being set off in an irresponsible manner and being thrown around in parts of Havant.

‘This type of behaviour is clearly unacceptable and dangerous to those people involved and the wider community.

‘While we’re pleased to see that the vast majority of people are enjoying the Halloween and Bonfire Night period safely and responsibly, we continue to see a small minority of our young population committing anti-social behaviour that is causing a risk to themselves and others.’

The legislation gave police powers to move people from the area for suspected ASB and to break up groups of two or more people if they caused a nuisance, harassment or distress. The order ended at 5pm on Sunday evening, but a Hampshire police spokeswoman said it is under constant review and will be reinstated if necessary.

SEE ALSO: Firework launched at car with child inside as woman attacked by teen girl

She added that patrolling officers did not encounter nuisance while it was in place but are still monitoring hotspot areas. Numerous shocking incidents have been reported in Hampshire.

On Halloween night, a teenager launched a firework at a car housing a child in the back seat near Baden Powell Lodge, in Pavilion Road, Hedge End. A woman was assaulted after a verbal altercation.

SEE ALSO: Lit firework thrown through fire station window hospitalising two firefighters

A lit firework was thrown through the window of Redbridge Fire Station on Monday, exploding inside the building. Two firefighters were hospitalised and Dan Tasker, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s assistant director of operations, described it as a ‘nasty’ and ‘senseless’ attack.

CI Rahman said he encourages parents to be aware of where their children go and what they’re doing. He added: ‘The public can support us in ensuring that our communities are safe in the run-up to Bonfire Night. You can help by showing respect for fireworks, respect for the emergency services and respect for your neighbours.’ Incidents can be reported via 101.