TIGHTER controls need to be placed on the sale of fireworks in the wake of a series of incidents in Pill, a Newport AM has said.

Jayne Bryant was speaking after fireworks were thrown at an ambulance crew in Commercial Road while they were answering a 999 call on Sunday, October 16. And on Monday, October 24, a firework was left under a car parked at the Millennium Centre in Courtybella Terrace.

Calling the October 16 attack “cowardly and appalling”, Ms Bryant said she was particularly concerned about the availability of larger fireworks intended to be used for large public displays on the internet.

“We need to look at how we regulate these types of fireworks,” she said. “One found in Pill was a Chinese firework you can buy on the internet. They are meant for displays and it’s incredibly worrying they are on our streets.

“We need to make sure it doesn’t happen again and fireworks don’t get into the wrong hands.”

But the Labour AM, who represents Newport West in the Senedd, said when looking into regulation on the issue she found the Home Office does not collect data on firework-related incidents.

“Clearly we need that information to know about the size of the problem,” she said.

“If it is a big issue I would like to know what we can do about fireworks being bought on the internet.

“There could be some regulations for that, but obviously that is for the Home Office.

“Once we know the size of the problem we need to look at how we can stop them getting into the wrong hands.”

Ms Bryant added she would also appeal for the regulation of fireworks to be included in the UK Government’s draft Wales Bill.

“I have seen more firework shops and stalls opening and I think they seem to be more easily available than ever,” she said.

“We need to make sure people are aware of how dangerous they are, they don’t realise the danger they are placing themselves and other people under.

“I would encourage as many people to get out to organised firework displays and enjoy them that way.”

Ms Bryant will also raise the issue during First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday, November 1, when she will ask Carwyn Jones to make a statement on the Welsh Government's powers in relation to the regulation of fireworks.

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy fireworks, or to set off or throw them in the street or other public places at any time, or on private property between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight, or New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year or the Hindu festival of Diwali, when they can be used until 1am.

Gwent Police’s policing commander for Newport and Monmouthshire Superintendent Glyn Fernquest said: “We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour.

“Extra police officers will be patrolling and anyone found using fireworks, eggs, stones or other items in an anti-social manner will be arrested.

“Enjoy Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night but please act responsibility, do not risk receiving criminal record.”

Any information regarding either incident can be reported to police on 101, quoting log 533 of October 16 for the first incident and 333 of October 24 for the third.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.