CHILDREN set fire to a shop cellar after being refused fireworks by the owner.

Police today warned children about the dangers of playing with fire and appealed to parents to keep an eye on their kids.

They said they have been besieged by complaints of children pushing fireworks through letter boxes, throwing them across the road and shoving them up car exhausts.

Police are also sending letters to all shopkeepers in Hyndburn reminding them they will face legal action if they sell fireworks to children under 16.

One store owner in the Accrington area is already facing prosecution.

Fire crews also issued a warning after tackling two blazes started by children last night.

They attended a fire in a corner store in Richmond Hill Street, Accrington, at 8.25pm yesterday started by youngsters. Nihida Aziz, daughter of shop owner Mr Abdul Aziz, was serving when four boys entered and asked for some fireworks.

She said: "We knew they were under 16 but when we said no they went outside, lit a fire with something and dropped it into our cellar through a broken glass panel."

Firefighters attended St Mary Magdelene's Primary School, Devonshire Street, Accrington, after children pushed burning rags through the boiler-room door.

Inspector Bob Ford, of Accrington police, said: "We are being inundated with calls due to people being caused distress and various amounts of minor damage by youngsters playing with fire and fireworks.

"Sooner or later someone is going to be seriously injured.

"Trying to respond to concern about fireworks is hindering our response to more urgent things."

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