Fireworks set off at cars and homes on Highwoods

Concerned residents have shared CCTV footage with the Gazette showing explosions going off in Chinook, in Highwoods, on New Year’s Eve.

In the video a number of fireworks can be seen going off in the street close to homes.

Residents say in one case a lit firework was directed underneath a car parked on the road.

Some homes were left with scorch marks on windows where the fireworks had hit.

The incident has now been reported to police.

One resident said: “One firework had gone off earlier in the day but I didn’t think anything of it.

“I don’t know if it was the same people who came back later and if it was just kids messing around.

“People don’t think of the consequences.

“It could have set a shed on fire or worse.”

Mike Lilley, public safety boss, said the incident showed why the sale of fireworks to the public should be banned.

He said: “This type of incident is one of many complaints we get about fireworks.

“As much as people love the spectacle and watch large displays on New Year’s Eve, it can turn into a problem.

Mike Lilley

“This is why fireworks should be banned from being sold to the public.

“We have far too many incidents and times when animals are being terrorised.

“And it isn’t just for New Year’s Eve. We have them before November 5, after November 5, at Christmas and before New Year’s Eve.

“People just buy them and end up making a nuisance of themselves.

“The Government needs to look at the law and banning the sale.

“It is ridiculous people do this to make other people’s lives a misery.”

Mr Lilley urged anyone with information to contact the police.

In total Essex Police attended 1,331 incidents, including, 300 Covid rule breaches in 24 hours over the New Year period.

The forces also handed out £18,000 in fines to organisers of illegal raves throughout the county.

This included one in the Epping Forest district, and others in Brentwood and Thorndon Park.