Warning over fancy dress costumes

Firefighters warn that fancy dress costumes are "extremely flammable".

North Wales firefighters have set alight fancy dress costumes to warn Christmas revellers how easily they can ignite.

Officers, who are also highlighting the dangers of flaming drinks and cocktails over the party season, said costumes can be extremely flammable.

The warnings come as part of a general police and fire campaign to urge people to drink sensibly.

North Wales Police also want bar staff to sell alcohol "responsibly".

With the Christmas party season about to get into full swing, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service used two mannequins at Wrexham station to demonstrate the dangers.

Tony Jones, Wrexham's watch manager, said: "When people go out drinking, their guard is down.

"If you think of a drink like sambuca, it's an accelerant, it's like petrol. It ignites very quickly and the flame is so clear you often can't see it.

"These things can be very dangerous when people light their drinks.

"And if they are wearing a fancy dress costume as well, the materials are very thin, flimsy and easily ignitable."

'Sell responsibly'

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has also repeated its warning for people not to cook after they have been out drinking.

North Wales Police is asking landlords and bar managers not to allow irresponsible drinking.

Inspector Chris Beasley said: "There are activities taking place in licensed premises at this time of year which would never pass any sort of health and safety assessment.

"They include setting fire to drinks, or people putting drinks into their mouths and then setting light to them.

"People also buy every type of spirit from the optics and mix them with a bit of cream and drink them - getting drunk incredibly quickly.

"We would urge bar managers and their staff to sell responsibly."