A councillor has urged people to only attend organised fireworks displays this bonfire night.

He also asked people to buy fireworks from reputable stores in the borough after concerns people were purchasing illegal products.

Bastwell and Daisyfield Councillor Shaukat Hussain said in previous years he had received numerous complaints from residents in his ward. He had also spent time out and about in the evenings speaking to young people who may be causing a nuisance.

Some residents had been attacked with fireworks and emergency teams had also been targeted. One of the biggest areas of concern was Bastwell.

Cllr Hussain said: “I am urging residents to use fireworks in a considerable and responsible manner as bonfire night approaches.

“It’s recommended to attend professional firework displays rather than setting them off in your own at home.

 “For many people, fireworks form a key element in celebrating bonfire night. Watching a firework display can be exciting and beautiful and we want you to enjoy them safely.

“However, we know that many people purchase fireworks every year. It's vital you remember that they contain explosives and can cause a lot of harm if not stored and used correctly.

“Only buy products displaying the official CE mark. Buy only from reputable retailers.”

He added: “In recent years, several of the crews have sadly been victims of anti-social behaviour on bonfire night. This has included making malicious 999 calls, throwing projectiles at fire engines, and verbally abusing firefighters.

“This behaviour is totally unacceptable and there is a zero tolerance policy on abuse of firefighters.

“Thank you to the vast majority of Lancashire residents who do not take part in this anti-social behaviour. We ask that you continue to support us by only dialling 999 in a genuine emergency.”

Earlier this month, a teenager was arrested in Blackburn after a large group were said to have set off fireworks towards the public and the police.

Officers were called to Cathedral Square at around 9.50pm on Thursday, October 18, to reports of around 15 youths letting off fireworks.

Police also said fireworks were deliberately set off in their direction, though none of the officers were seriously injured.