Police recovered remains of the potentially dangerous fireworks

In one case, a firework exploded, sending 72 separate shots into a house and car in Goose Garth, Wetheral, damaging the property.

Police say a number of the projectiles failed to explode and could have injured anyone who picked them up.

Similar incidents have taken place in Scotby and Rosehill, and police are appealing for information.

In the latest case, the firework was made up of 72 black plastic cylinders containing a small amount of explosive and when detonated at the end of its flight the plastic casing fragments.

Some of the projectiles did not detonate and were later found lying around by officers.

A police spokesman said ''The police will not tolerate loutish behaviour involving fireworks. Fireworks in the wrong hands can make people's lives a misery.

"Householders in Cumbria should not have to live in fear, fireworks can cause harassment, intimidation and potentially serious injury when used indiscriminately and officers will be proactive in dealing with those responsible for this type of behaviour."