REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith has warned "firework yobs" in Redditch that they will find themselves out of pocket and possibly facing a court appearance - if they get caught breaking new police laws which came into force last week.

Anyone found misusing fireworks will now face an £80 on-the- spot fine.

Ms Smith said: "I have been campaigning for some time for legislation to combat the antisocial use of fireworks. These fixed penalty fines will really help us to get tough on those individuals who misuse fireworks and really make people's lives a misery in Redditch.

"My message to those who may be tempted to misuse fireworks is these tough new powers will be used against you and anybody who makes life a misery for our communities.

"When you are caught, if you refuse to pay the £80 fine, you will face an increased fine of £120 and court action."

Ms Smith added that fireworks could be fun in the right hands, but in the hands of an irresponsible minority, they could cause suffering for many other people.

"Law-abiding families should not have to live in fear of yobs throwing firecrackers, explosives smashing windows or loud bangs going off night after night."