POLICE are urging youths to stop dangerous use of fireworks before someone is seriously injured or killed.

Officers in Bishop Auckland say it is remarkable that no one has been hurt after missiles were put through the letterboxes of at least two homes.

There have also been complaints from worried residents after rockets were let off or thrown down in the town's streets.

Acting Sergeant Gary Cullen said action would be taken against offenders and appealed to shops to ensure fireworks were not sold to anyone under 18.

He said: "This is an extremely dangerous act and these youths give no consideration to the potential danger they are causing.

"It is pure luck that a serious fire has not started in these houses, and I would ask youths to stop these thoughtless games, which have potentially fatal consequences."

On Monday afternoon, youths ran off after pushing a lit firework through the door of a house in Lowther Road, damaging the carpet.

On Tuesday, a back door and flooring were ruined in a similar incident in Windsor Terrace, Leeholme.

Acting Sgt Cullen said: "We would ask people to call us if they see youths acting suspiciously or using fireworks inappropriately, and encourage parents to be aware of what their children are up to."