Police and the fire brigade have teamed up to warn people about the dangers of fireworks.

Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service have issued the warnings after receiving a number of reports of people setting them off recklessly.

Officers were called after a firework struck and smashed through a first floor double glazed window.

It happened last Saturday, October 28 at around 10.15pm in Riverside, Dunmow.

Someone used a hollow metal pole of a dog waste disposal bin to set the firework off from.

Once fired the rocket has malfunctioned and travelled into an adjacent street and through a window of a property. It has exploded, setting fire to curtains and bedding.

Fortunately no one was injured.

Investigating officer Sgt James Barnacle said: “Unfortunately this is only one of the many incidents we receive involving reckless use of fireworks.

"In the run up to bonfire night we are seeing an increase in the number of them being set off. Not only can fireworks cause serious burns but they can also endanger life if used incorrectly.

“Don’t mess with them and only use in a controlled environment.”

Witnesses are asked to contact Uttlesford district local policing team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A further incident was reported on Tuesday, October 31 when an Essex Police officer was hit by a firework while on patrol.

The boy responsible was identified and subsequently given a community resolution order and words of advice.

The officer was uninjured.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s Assistant Divisional Officer, Mark Eaglestone, said: “Fireworks can be extremely dangerous and can easily cause devastating injuries and damage to properties. Our best advice is to attend a properly organised fireworks display. The fireworks are better, the bonfires are better, and most importantly they are much safer."