Abuse of fireworks is growing

Norman Bettison says it is the only way to "deprive criminals and young thugs of their availability".

In recent weeks, there has been a steep rise across the region in the number of incidents involving fireworks.

They range from youngsters throwing them in the street, to criminals adapting them to use as makeshift bombs.

Up to 26 telephone kiosks have been targeted by vandals across Merseyside as well as six cars, in recent weeks, including one outside a nightclub on Mount Pleasant.

'Firework abuse'

Merseyside Police are concerned that large consignments of fireworks are being shipped into the UK from China before being sold by unregistered outlets.

Mr Bettison will present a dossier of all incidents to home secretary David Blunkett in an attempt to get a sales ban for anyone without a special licence.

Mr Bettison said: "We're dealing with three different types of firework abuse here.

"The first type involves kids getting their hands on fireworks and throwing them in the street, which distresses and alarms many people.

'Low grade explosives'

"The second involves vandals putting what can only be described as explosive devices in telephone kiosks, post boxes and cars to cause destruction to property and putting the lives of passers by at risk.

"The third firework threat we're facing and rigorously investigating is even more sinister - criminals using the contents of fireworks to produce low grade explosives."

Mr Bettison said new legislation could have a "dramatic impact" on the distribution of fireworks, which can prove fatal.