Youngsters bombard charity with reports of firework misuse ahead of Bonfire Night

Charity, Fearless say they have been bombarded with "actionable’" intelligence that could help prevent harm caused by the explosives or from deliberate fire-raising.

This includes directing fireworks towards people, animals, vehicles or members of the emergency services along with using fireworks in a public space such as a road or public park.

Sourced (Image: Sourced)

Whilst this time of year is enjoyed by many who enjoy fireworks, there can be people injured or even killed due to reckless or stupid behaviour, according to the Fearless.

The youth service of charity Crimestoppers have launched a campaign, supported by Scottish Government’s Building Safer Communities, to highlight both the dangers and impact of firework misuse.

Young people are encouraged to contact the charity 100% anonymously if they know or suspect someone who is involved.

The charity has created a special podcast, funded by the Percy Hoskins Trust, which is being used in schools across Scotland.

There are also digital animations across social media platforms Snapchat and Instagram designed to reach young people with relevant safety information.

Those animations have already reached over 50,000 teenagers in Scotland.

Whilst the Fearless service is directed at young people, Crimestoppers has used its social media channels to make an appeal to adults who have information about those putting lives at risk through reckless or dangerous behaviour with fireworks.

Lyndsay McDade, Fearless National Youth Projects Coordinator at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “We’re absolutely delighted by the response we’ve already had to our fireworks campaign so far. It’s great to see our information viewed by so many young people online within just the first few days and to know that SFRS and Police Campus Officers are including our resources in their school inputs across Scotland.

“It’s incredibly important that young people keep themselves safe and know the dangers of fireworks. The period around Bonfire Night can be a time of much anxiety and fear for some people because of fireworks misuse and instances of anti-social behaviour.

“In the final few days remaining before Bonfire Night, I would really encourage parents and carers to talk to their young people. Help them to recognise the impact that fireworks misuse can and does have and reassure them that, if they have information, they really should speak up before someone is badly hurt.”