Fireworks are still misused in Northern Ireland

The law on fireworks in Northern Ireland may be further tightened after a BBC investigation revealed evidence of their illegal sale.

Tougher measures were introduced more than a year ago following the misuse of fireworks as improvised bombs during riots.

The new law meant people purchasing fireworks needed a licence which cost �30 from the Northern Ireland Office.

But a number of shops in Belfast and a roadside outlet in County Armagh sold a BBC researcher rockets and other big, outdoor fireworks without requesting the necessary paperwork.

The offence is punishable by fines of up to �5,000 but the police have admitted there have been no prosecutions since the legislation came into force in May 2002.

Security Minister Jane Kennedy said it was up to the police to pursue such cases.

She added: "We are also looking, over the next few months, to strengthen the law by making it possible to confiscate the licence from a retailer who is prosecuted successfully for selling fireworks illegally in this way.

"We are continuing to keep the situation under review."

Arson attack

In one incident last weekend, an 18-year-old man from north Belfast required stitches to a back wound after being struck by a firework attached to a piece of metal.

Fireworks have also been responsible for damage to property and, according to firefighters, may have been the source of an arson attack which badly damaged a house in west Belfast on Tuesday.

Chief Inspector Paul Lawrence of the Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was difficult for the police to be everywhere all the time.

"But we are doing our best and when information comes to our attention then we will take action," he said.

He added there was an onus on retailers and the public to act responsibly.