FIREWORK hooligans will be caught on camera thanks to security monitors and hand-held video cameras carried on fire engines in the North-East, it has been revealed.

Cameras fitted on the engines of both Tyne and Wear and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Services will be used to record anti-social behaviour against fire crews. The footage could be used in any resulting prosecutions.

Northumbria Police's Do You Feel Lucky? campaign runs until November 12 and is part of Chief Constable Mike Craik's pledge for total policing tackling crime and disorder at all levels.

As well as targeting hotspot areas for problems, the campaign is also tackling people selling bootleg fireworks.

Mr Craik said: " There have been a number of incidents involving attacks on fire crews and Northumbria Police will be relentless in hunting down and prosecuting those responsible, using all means to do this including CCTV technology.

"This may take time, but I want those people to know that we could be knocking on their door at any time between now and Christmas."

Alex Bennett, deputy chief fire officer for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, said: " It is unacceptable that members of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service are being attacked.

"Our role is to protect the public and save lives, yet when we respond to some incidents, we are receiving verbal abuse or physical attacks. For this reason, we now have to install CCTV on fire appliances to help protect our fire crews."

He added: "Fireworks sold illegally not only put the public at risk, but is also a source of the fireworks involved in anti-social behaviour.

"We would encourage the public to buy only fireworks from reputable licensed retailers and not to support the illegal sales of what could be potentially dangerous, sub-standard fireworks."