Telephone boxes were targeted by youngsters with fireworks

Jonathan Shaw, the Labour MP for Chatham and Aylesford, said the proposed bans would help prevent disturbances in his constituency.

Last year, youngsters used fireworks to destroy telephone boxes and cars in a spate of attacks.

Mr Shaw said a ban on air bombs and stricter controls on mini-rockets would ensure the safety of residents.

'Mindless thugs'

He said "sensible solutions" were needed to what was an escalating problem.

"When telephone boxes and cars are being blown up, no-one's having any fun or joy at that apart from a few mindless thugs who don't really appreciate the seriousness and the danger in which they put people in."

The government is considering imposing a curfew on fireworks between 2300 BST and 0700 BST.

Retailers would also be required to check the age of customers, and could face six months in prison or a �5,000 fine for selling to those under the age of 18.