A PLEA has gone out to prevent Guy Fawkes night ending in tragedy in Warrington as a crackdown is launched on shopkeepers who illegally sell fireworks to youngsters.

Police and trading standards officials are intending to investigate traders who flout fireworks legislation.

And Clr John Joyce, chairman of Cheshire Fire Authority, has urged a responsible attitude towards Bonfire Night celebrations today, Friday, after a spate of attacks on homeowners in the town.

Clr Joyce warned: "We are pleading with people to attend only organised bonfires because they will enjoy better displays in a safer environment."

Firefighters and borough council workers have been called out to a series of flashpoints during the past week, including dismantling illegal bonfires for public safety reasons.In recent attacks, a training centre in Irwell Road was hit, with a firework posted through a letterbox, causing smoke damage and scorch marks. A similar incident occurred at an empty house in Linnett Close, Orford, the previous day.

A fire brigade spokesman said: "We were alerted before any serious damage was caused. But the potential is still there for a disaster."

Firebugs also caused chaos when they threw a firework into Boozebusters off licence in Orford Lane.

Det Ch Insp John Hart told the town's police forum on Tuesday: "The biggest problem we have is fireworks getting into the hands of youngsters in the first place.

"But as long as we have got shops ready to sell them then we have a problem," said DCI Hart, confirming that police and trading standards planned to target potential offenders.

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