CCTV shows kids setting off fireworks in West Midlands street endangering shoppers

The knock-off fireworks had been sold to children from the back of a white van

Transcript

00:00This CCTV captures the moment last year when fireworks were set off in Smedic High Street,

00:05narrowly missing a woman and other shoppers nearby.

00:08The fireworks were being sold from a nearby van parked in the street.

00:12This and other incidents have prompted a summit between Samwell Council, MP Gurinder-Josan,

00:17Police, Fire Service and Residence, all came together to urge responsible firework use at this time of year.

00:23Today we've called some of our partners together and we've had a mini-summit discussion around fireworks.

00:32While fireworks have been a traditional part of many celebrations, we all have a duty to use them responsibly.

00:40As you can see on this footage, the misuse of fireworks could lead to a similar serious incident.

00:47By choosing quieter fireworks, being considerate of neighbours and purchasing only from reputable sources,

00:57residents can help protect animals, families and those sensitive to loud noise.

01:04Last year we had a number of instances around Sandwell with fireworks.

01:09Fireworks were being sold from a van and young children were purchasing those fireworks and setting them off in the middle of a high street.

01:15We've had young people open car windows and setting off fireworks, causing all the danger to road users.

01:21We'll be working with our partners like Trading Standards, the Fire Service, the RSPCA, the Local Council.

01:27And one of the strategies we'll be doing is just going to our local schools to educate our children

01:31around the misuse of fireworks and the danger of fireworks.

01:35And then we'll be focused around doing preventative measures with our stores,

01:40licensing premises that are selling fireworks.

01:43Alongside this, if there are any illegal sales taking place in Sandwell with our partners,

01:49we'll take positive action towards that.

01:50Alongside that, we'll have visible presence to ensure that our communities are feeling safe.

01:55Ever since I've been a Member of Parliament over the last year,

01:57I've had numbers of complaints about inconsiderate use of fireworks.

02:02Predominantly it's about fireworks being set off at all times of the day and night,

02:06very loud fireworks and the impact that that has on animals, pets,

02:11but also people, elderly people, people with disabilities and medical conditions.

02:17And for some people, particularly the noise, can be very debilitating.

02:20Part of this is about making sure that we're supporting responsible retailers,

02:23we're encouraging considerate use of fireworks,

02:26so people are considerate towards their neighbours and others in the community,

02:29but also thinking about how we celebrate and bring people together.

02:36you