Stopping Liverpool's firework 'bombers'

By Judy Hobson
BBC News

Fireworks have been used to make crude car bombs

For the first time, police in England and Wales can stop and fine anyone under 18 found with fireworks in a public place.

It is part of the crackdown on anti-social behaviour, but on Merseyside they have gone a step further.

A "firework abuse team" has been set up, with police and fire officers targeting shops and suppliers who sell them to children.

Driving around Manchester and Liverpool this year, you notice a big difference.

In Manchester it's possible to glimpse an exploding firework every few minutes, but on Merseyside this evening I have seen just two.

Once you take away even the stick off a rocket and put it in a confined space it becomes an improvised explosive device Diane Rourke FIRST

This isn't a fireworks free zone, there are just fewer around and children are finding it hard to get hold of them.

The reason is partly due to a new "fireworks squad" called FIRST.

Developed by the police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue, it is the only specialist fireworks abuse team in the country.

FIRST was set up in response to an increase in crime involving fireworks in Liverpool.

Criminal gangs have been turning them into bombs with devastating results.

Organised crime

In the six months leading up to October this year, devices attached to cars were detonated outside three police stations.

But the availability of fireworks has led to attacks being spread beyond organised crime and onto the streets.

The FIRST team goes on patrol in an unmarked four-wheel-drive, looking for anyone under 18 who's carrying a firework.

The team won't just confiscate the fireworks, but try to find out where the children bought them.

After half an hour, there's a call from the control room. It seems someone has let a firework off in a car and it's caused a lot of damage.

The team races there, to join officers from a police neighbourhood unit in north Liverpool.

Shattered windscreen

This is where I see what FIRST is all about. Diane Rourke, a forensics expert, and Chris Case, from the fire and rescue service, spring into action.

They examine the scene. The door of the car has been wedged open and a firework pushed inside.

The seats are burnt and the windscreen is shattered. Within five minutes the team have identified the type of firework used, the make and they have an idea where it was sold.

"Once you take away even the stick off a rocket and put it in a confined space it becomes an improvised explosive device," Ms Rourke says.

Officers say FIRST has made a massive difference. In 2003 two tonnes of fireworks were taken off the streets, this year it's almost 16 tonnes.

Over the past eight weeks they have targeted shopkeepers selling fireworks without a licence or selling to children, and also suppliers who have imported them or are storing them illegally.

Chris Case says: "There's been a 79% drop in incidents regarding fireworks and a 50% drop in nuisance fires.

"Last year the bomb squad spent 702 hours on Merseyside, this year they've spent 20. So we have made an impact on what's going on out there."

Residents in north Liverpool say it has been much quieter this year.

The only loud night was last Saturday - when the people of Liverpool were treated to a free fireworks display, using all the confiscated fireworks.