A GROUP of around '14 youngsters' were dealt with by police in Worcester after setting off fireworks in a Worcester road.

Two fines were handed out to the group last night, one for setting off fireworks in Hylton Road and one for the breach of Covid-19 restrictions.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "Shortly after 11pm last night we responded to concerns of a group setting off fireworks in Hylton Road in Worcester. There was concern for the safety of those involved and others in the area and officers quickly responded.

"Two fixed penalty notices were issued under section 80 of the Explosives Act (which prohibits setting of fireworks in the street) and also for the breach of current Covid-19 regulations.

A local resident who saw the group said: "There was a disturbance of loud noise and music on Hylton Road River Bank last night. The police arrived just after 11pm to break this gathering up. Approximately 14 youngsters were involved. The police were with them for some time.It is so disrespectful this late at night and especially during the pandemic.

Sergeant for the area, Carl Jones, said: “This was incredibly dangerous behaviour from a group of people putting themselves and those around them at risk of serious injury. It’s also an offence to throw or let-off a firework in a street or public place and as such the officers attending gave two people firm words of advice in addition to the fines for the illegal use of the fireworks. Fines were also issued for gathering in a group of more than six.”