The adorable kittens found on bonfire night in Plymouth

Terrified kittens found abandoned at building site on bonfire night

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service praise the public for their 'awareness and consideration' after being called to relatively few incidents on Bonfire Night.

North East firefighters praise public after 'Bonfire Night success' 

07102021 - Katherine and Lara-Beau - Liverpool Echo

When the firework was set off in close proximity to the home, Lara-Beau went into “escape mode”.

Mother left 'heartbroken' after rescue dog dies on Bonfire Night

There were four burglaries reported in the Forest of Dean on Friday 5 November where unknown offenders entered people's homes while they were out.

Burglars target multiple homes in single night

The potential effects to the animals from the loud noises could include shaking and not being able to eat or sleep.

Charity encourages public to be mindful of pets during bonfire celebrations

West Yorkshire Police Force has condemned the incident and said that an emergency vehicle has now been taken off the road which could be used to help people. 

Police officer injured and seven people arrested after bonfire night disorder

People with tickets to Leicester's Bonfire Night event on Saturday are being asked to take lateral flow tests before and after attending. 

Leicester Bonfire Night: Visitors urged to get tested as infection rates rise

Scotland's rules regarding fireworks have changed this year and people have been urged to make themselves aware of them. Displays continue over the weekend.

Bonfire Night: Safety advice issued on both sides of the border

Families were filmed running and screaming after a firework shot into the crowd during a pub display in Gateshead.

Gateshead pub staff apologise after firework shoots into the crowd at display

Bonfire Night helps break up the winter gloom but for forces veterans like Richard Smith the sudden flashes and bangs can trigger extreme anxiety responses. 

Richard, 44, a former sergeant with the Coldstream Guards, from Frodsham, is campaigning for publicly organised fireworks displays with the support of his MP Mike Amesbury.

Richard, who served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, says many ex-servicemen and women suffer with mental health problems such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder because of their experience on the battlefield.

Richard, who signed up for the Army at 17, said: “Service people go to places where you would never wish to go and experience things you would never wish to experience.

“Kids used throw fireworks at us in Northern Ireland and in Iraq I was mortared and shot at.”

A First Aid trainer for St John Ambulance, he added: “If I‘m walking down the street with my wife Caz when a firework goes off, I’m likely to grab her and pull her behind a fence for her protection. The adrenalin kicks in and my head goes somewhere else.”

Since leaving in 2013, the father-of-three has lost eight of his comrades to suicide due to mental health issues.

He added: “It’s not just Bonfire Night but any kind of celebrations can involve fireworks; house parties, religious festivals and New Year’s Eve. As a veteran, you’ve got to get your head around that and it’s the ones we don’t know about that really affect us.”  

Richard would like to see organised events held within an agreed time frame to take away the element of surprise so veterans are not upset by unexpected bangs in the street or garden displays.

A Scout Leader at 4th Frodsham (Overton) Scout Group, he also believes public events would bring the community together, reduce accidents and injuries, take pressure off the emergency services and limit the amount of stress for pets.

On Monday, MPs will consider a petition signed by 301,610 people that calls for the sale and use of fireworks to be limited to displays only, by introducing licensing via local authorities.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury, who has long supported this aim, said: “Without being a killjoy we need to consider others and move more towards a system of organised celebrations.

“People tend to focus on the impact on pets and I have a dog myself. But as we approach Remembrance Sunday, let’s spare a thought for people like Richard, one of my constituents, who has served his country and actually his anxiety levels and health are affected by fireworks, which have become an all year-round phenomenon.”



Bonfire Night helps break up the winter gloom but for forces veterans like Richard Smith the sudden flashes and bangs can trigger extreme anxiety responses.

Ex-soldier warns of the impact of fireworks on Armed Forces veterans

 As Bonfire Night approaches, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service have appealed to the public to stop rising incidents of violence against firefighters.

North East firefighters urge public to stop attacking crew

While it's great to gather with friends and family, sometimes people can get hurt because they didn't take proper safety precautions.

Top tips on how to stay safe on Bonfire Night

The RSPCA say an estimated 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear on Bonfire Night.

How to keep pets safe and calm on Bonfire Night

Help for Heros warn Bonfire Night celebrations can trigger bad moments servicemen and women experienced in combat.

'Fireworks heroes code' asks public to consider negative impact on veterans 

Firefighters across South Yorkshire are urging people to stay safe on Bonfire Night after receiving 300 calls last year. 

Bonfire Night

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