Many Swansea residents woke up to multiple loud "bangs" in the early hours of this morning - after fireworks were set-off at around 2.45am. It's understood the fireworks were released in a garden or field in the Townhill area - but residents in Brynhyfryd, Gendros and Cwmbwrla, and a handful of residents as far as St Thomas on the other side of the city, said they also heard them.
Countless locals have taken to social media to raise concerns about the loud bangs and how "frightening" it was for many people, especially the elderly. One resident who heard the bangs recalled: "It was in Townhill on the field by Gwent Road - it woke me and my baby up. I thought it was a dream I was so tired!"
"I could see the smoke from Brynhyfryd!" added another local resident. "Ridiculous when you got to get up at 6am, these people will be sleeping all day!"
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"Fireworks at 2.30am? Really," added another local resident, with an angry-face emoji. "I thought it was thunder and lightning when I first woke as I couldn't believe anyone would set off fireworks at that time of the morning!"
Other locals say they believe the fireworks were potentially set-off in memory of a local resident who passed away - but this has not been confirmed.
South Wales Police has confirmed it was not called to any incidents in the Townhill area at the time of the fireworks, so it's understood local residents did not report any official anti-social behaviour complaints. Residents are encouraged to report the misuse of fireworks to police officers if it becomes an "ongoing problem". You can do this online here.
What the UK law says about the use of fireworks
South Wales Police explains: "Everyone should be able to enjoy fireworks safely, whether at an organised display or in their back garden. Fireworks can be used in the UK any time from 7am to 11pm. Exceptions are: bonfire night (7am to midnight), New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year (7am to 1am the following day)."
There are three categories of fireworks. Category One is 'throwdown fireworks,' these include firecrackers, bangers and party poppers, Categories Two and Three are 'adult fireworks' available in shops, while Category Four is 'Professional display fireworks' available from specialist suppliers.
According to The Fireworks Regulations 2004 and The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015, people over the age of 18 can buy, carry or use category one, two and three fireworks; people aged 16 to 18 can buy, carry or use category one fireworks, and people over the age of 12 can buy Christmas crackers. Only licensed professionals can buy, carry and use category four fireworks.
It's an offence to throw or set-off any firework (including sparklers and category one fireworks) in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space. Under UK law, members of the public may only use fireworks on "private property," such as their back gardens, and only licensed professionals can use them in public places.
What you can do if you'd like to complain about the late-night fireworks
From South Wales Police:
"If a local retailer is selling adult fireworks to people under 18, please report it to your local Trading Standards
"If children are setting off fireworks in your area, our first advice is to ask them politely to stop. It's possible they're unaware that they are breaking the law. If you know their parents, perhaps ask them to intervene.
"If you're having an ongoing problem with people setting off fireworks, please report antisocial behaviour to us."
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