Firework attacks are on the increase in the North West

The firework was aimed at a car at about 0100 BST on Saturday in Sandfield Walk in West Derby. It hit the fuel tank which then exploded.

The attack comes after the chief constable of Merseyside Police called for a total ban on firework sales.

The explosion also damaged a nearby house, but no-one was injured.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Naylor from Merseyside Police said: "We are thankful no-one was hurt during this powerful explosion which we believe was be caused by fireworks.

"This just reinforces the need expressed by the chief constable this week for the stricter regulation of the importation and distribution of high powered fireworks capable of causing destruction like this."

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested after a firework was let off on a busy dual carriageway on Friday evening.

Police saw a youth let off a firework across Aigburth Road.

Vehicles had to break suddenly as the firework struck the city-bound carriageway several times.

The teenager has been released on police bail.

Steep rise

Earlier this week, Merseyside chief Norman Bettison called for the ban amid the rising number of attacks.

Mr Bettison said 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.

In one attack, a police officer was injured when a firework was thrown at a police station.