Fireworks safety warning issued
Emergency services attended more than 540 incidents last year

A senior fire officer has issued a warning about the risks involved in using fireworks.

Assistant chief fire officer Peter Craig said emergency services had attended more than 540 incidents last year.

"What we are saying to people is to make sure that fireworks are properly stored," he said.

"Make sure you have bought them from a reputable dealer and that they comply with the relevant British standard."

He added: "Follow the instructions, and never, ever go back to a firework once you have lit it and it has failed to go off.

"If you are at a fireworks display and are walking past something and see it lying there, for goodness sake don't lift it. 

"It could be an unexploded device - that's what fireworks are."