POLICE on Teesside have followed up their call for a ban on airguns with a plea to curb fireworks.

Officers in Stockton want a clampdown on over-the-counter sales before Bonfire Night following a spate of injuries.

Thornaby police chief, Inspector Colin White, said: "We have recently had a guns amnesty but it is ridiculous that fireworks - which, in some instances can cause just as much damage as other weapons - have not been banned.

"It is illegal to sell fireworks to under 16s. However, irresponsible adults can pass them on to children to use quite legally, and this is causing police, the fire brigade and local hospitals considerable problems."

The plea comes after a pensioner in Hartlepool had his finger blown off by a firework last month and a 14-year-old boy had his face burnt in Stockton last week.

Police in Thornaby say they have been over-stretched by children setting off fireworks.

There were 14 calls from residents of one street at the weekend where youngsters were setting off fireworks indiscriminately. Gangs of youths have been reported using them around the town centre, the Victoria Estate and outside Thornaby baths.

Insp White said: "There are many organised firework displays which support the concept of Guy Fawkes night taking place in the Stockton area. I can see no reason why fireworks should not be banned for personal use."