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Firework 'bomb' scare
POLICE have issued a new warning to fireworks yobs after a powerful device shattered the windows of a North Shore house.
Hotel porter Graham Auduchowitsch was woken by an explosion sounding "more like a bomb than a firework" in the back yard of his home.
The force of the blast shattered two rear windows and left distinctive powder markings in the yard in Exchange Street.
The 55-year-old said: "It didn't sound like normal fireworks. It felt like a bomb had gone off.
"It has smashed the back windows upstairs and down.
"The explosion was massive, I've never leapt out of bed so quickly.
"Up until she died last year my mother slept under the downstairs window.
"I went outside and there were powder marks on the paving stones.
"I don't know if they have been thrown into my property on purpose or if they were just throwing them around in general.
"Two windows are going to be quite expensive to replace, it's not something I'd want to do too often.
"When I moved in here 15 years ago this was a nice area, but it just seems to be getting worse and worse.
"When I retire I'm thinking of getting out of Blackpool altogether."
His brother Nigel, 51, visiting the resort from Leeds, was also in the house.
He added: "If it had come through the window it would have set fire to the house. You usually hear them in the air but never that close to you.
"There should be laws about buying fireworks which can break windows.
"They are more like explosives these days than fireworks."
One neighbour who did not wish to be named said the sound of the explosion had woken her young children.
Retirement
She added: "It was really loud. There have been people letting off fireworks around here for weeks now, ever since they went up for sale in the shops."
Graham – who works as a night porter at a town centre hotel – said he had come to the resort to be with his mother and auntie who both lived in Blackpool.
But they had both now died and he said he no longer had any reason to stay in the area and planned to move away on retirement.
On Halloween night last Wednesday, firefighters were called to Beardshaw Avenue in Revoe after trick-or-treaters put a firework through the door of a home while two 15-month-old babies were asleep inside.
Police today said fireworks incidents had not been too common this year but anyone with concerns should contact officers immediately.
Insp Keith Ogle, in charge of fireworks incidents for Blackpool Police, said: "Officers are out in force to clamp down on anyone causing trouble and those that do could face fines or arrest and may possibly end up before the courts with criminal convictions that will affect the rest of their lives."
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Weather for Blackpool
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 14 C to 20 C
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Wind direction: North west
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