REDDITCH police are cracking down on firework dangers and have vowed to arrest anyone seen lighting or throwing them in the street in the run-up to bonfire night.

Acting Chief Insp Angela Burnet said there had already been reports of people throwing fireworks in the street and it was only a matter of time before someone was seriously hurt.

She said the police had been fairly lenient last year but were now taking a much tougher stance and would deal with people firmly.

Police have enlisted the help of shops, issuing them with leaflets to be given out when fireworks are sold.

Fireworks should not be sold to anyone under 16, so officers will also be handing out leaflets to anyone seen with fireworks.