A WOUNDED war veteran who avoided serious injury when a firework was set off is urging people to help keep their communities safe during Halloween and Bonfire Night as part of a Merseyside Police campaign.

Andy Reid has shared his experience in the run-up to an operation that will see extra police on patrol over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period to ensure people enjoy festivities safely.

The 40-year-old, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan and triple amputee, escaped injury when a firework was let off near his café in Rainford last October.

After the incident, police spoke to the 14-year-old boy who had set the firework off. 

Andy, who lost both legs and his right arm when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blew up in Afghanistan in 2009, said: "If you set off a firework without a care for who might be around you, there could be veterans, elderly people or children around who could be left extremely frightened or worse.

"I want to appeal directly to people to think very carefully before even thinking about setting off fireworks in the street.

"Please consider the possible consequences not just for the person who could be hurt but for yourself.

"I would also ask parents to be particularly aware of where your children are and what they are doing over the next two weeks.

"Their actions could cost them and you dearly.

"Do you really want to have to go out to see your child at a police station, or pay a fine because of their actions?

"I know some younger teenagers put pressure on older kids and adults to buy fireworks for them – I would ask those older children to do the right thing and refuse.

"There are organised displays taking place across Merseyside that can be enjoyed safely by families and I urge people to take advantage of those."

Recalling his own experience, Andy continued: "The boy was not deliberately directing the firework towards me, but fireworks let off in the street could go anywhere and I consider myself very lucky that I was not seriously hurt.

"The explosion also brought back some harrowing memories for me of my time in Afghanistan."

Police are asking parents to help keep communities safe by taking responsibility for their children’s whereabouts and to be mindful of any neighbours who may be elderly or vulnerable and who might feel frightened or intimidated.

Shopkeepers are also being urged not to sell any items that can be misused to cause damage, such as eggs, flour and cans of shaving foam.

The force has been involved in a multi-agency operation to provide a whole range of activities across Merseyside, organise events and provide public reassurance.

Information about these events is available on the Merseyside Police and council websites.

Chief Inspector Chris Hitchell, who is heading this year's operation said: "This is a fun time of year for everyone across Merseyside and we want people to enjoy the organised events and activities safely.

"We know the vast majority of young people have respect for other people and their property but we know the behaviour of some can go beyond fun.

"Our message during this period is simple – anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone caught committing this type of offence will be dealt with firmly and robustly.

"No one should have to suffer being the victim of anti-social behaviour and I would like to reassure everyone that there will be extra high-visibility patrols during this time.

"While there will be extra officers on the streets, I want to take this opportunity to remind people to take responsibility for themselves, for their children and also consider elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives, to whom even a knock on the door in the dark, can be intimidating.

"The support of parents is vital. Don't let your children hang around streets with nowhere to go. Know who they are with and what they are doing, especially in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

"By taking these simple steps it could prevent that knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or, worse still, has been involved in a serious accident.

"Damage caused by Halloween ‘tricks’, such as throwing eggs and flour, or any objects at windows, doors, cars and people is a criminal offence.

"Anyone involved in such behaviour could be arrested and receive a fine, a criminal record or even jail time.

"If your child is under 16 then you will be liable for payment of any fines.

"We have also been working hard with partner agencies to provide a variety of activities for young people and their families.

"So get involved in local events and have a safe and enjoyable time.

"Finally I would like to remind people who are out 'trick or treating' that throwing eggs or flour at buildings, writing graffiti or any other acts of vandalism is regarded as criminal damage.

"Anyone caught committing these offences will be dealt with accordingly.

"Thankfully it's only a small minority who take it too far and we hope that law-abiding members of the community enjoy this festive period."

Information on activities happening over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period in Merseyside can be found at www.merseyside.police.uk/autumn-fun 

Firework Facts

  • It is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks, shops should refuse to sell to people under 18 and ask for proof of age if there is any doubt.
  • It is against the law to carry or use adult fireworks if you are under 18. An adult firework is any firework except a cap, cracker snap, novelty match, party popper, serpent, sparkler or throw down
  • Under the Explosives Act of 1875, It is illegal to let off or throw a firework in a public place
  • It is illegal to sell fireworks form unregistered/licensed premises
  • Don't light fireworks after 11pm, or midnight on November 5

Some Safety Advice for Young People

Do's

  • Only trick or treat in your own neighbourhood and stick with an adult, if possible
  • Stay in well-lit areas where there are plenty of houses
  • Make sure an adult knows the area you plan to visit and what time you'll be back
  • Look out for 'no callers please' posters and respect your neighbours
  • Keep to pavements and trick or treat on one side of the street before crossing safely to the other side - don't criss-cross
  • Lock away any building materials if you’re having work done
  • If you have a wheelie bin avoid leaving it visible at the front of your home
  • Tidy away anything at the front of your home that could be used for an illegal bonfire

Don'ts

  • Don't cut through back alleys, parks or fields, and don't trick or treat too far from home
  • Don't go alone - take an adult with you or stay in a group
  • Wait to eat any treats until you get home so that an adult can check them
  • Don’t allow children to leave the house with eggs or flour