FIREWORK hooligans in Bromsgrove are being warned of the stiff penalties they face in a tough new crackdown.

The police are warning that they will not tolerate the misuse of fireworks in the run-up to bonfire night.

Acting chief inspector Angela Burnet said: "There have already been a number of reports of people throwing fireworks in the street and it really is only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.

"Last year we were fairly lenient, however, this year we shall be taking a tougher stance on offenders and making sure that anyone who is seen lighting or throwing fireworks in the street is arrested and dealt with firmly."

Bromsgrove police have enlisted the help of town shops who are issuing leaflets where fireworks are sold. Officers will also be handing out leaflets to anyone seen with fireworks in the run up to bonfire night.

"The arrests can be made under the explosives act and if someone lights or throws a firework which injures someone then we will be in the position to arrests them for wounding with intent," Ch Insp Burnet said.

"This is an offence that carries the maximum of a life sentence," she added.

The officer went on to say that although fireworks can be fun in the right hands and in the right environment, they can be lethal in the wrong hands.

"Very often youngsters do not see the dangers they are putting themselves and others in, so we hope that by using our legislative powers it will prevent people from being hurt."

Meanwhile, a fixed penalty fine will face hooligans in the Rubery area as the Government pilots a crackdown in the Birmingham area.

West Midlands Police will have extra powers to tackle anyone over 18 caught throwing fireworks in the street.

Birmingham is one of 12 areas nationwide to be picked for a high profile safety publicity campaign in a bid to cut injuries, particularly among young people.