Accident warning as Bonfire Night approaches

November 4th, 2009

Accident warning as Bonfire Night approaches

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued a warning to remind people to take care during Bonfire Night.

It urged those hosting bonfires and fireworks displays to think about the safety of their spectators.

Nicola Butters, RoSPA’s home safety development officer in Scotland, said: "In previous years, about 1,000 people across Britain have had to go to hospital because they’ve been injured by a firework during the four weeks around Bonfire Night.

"Nearly half of such injuries are sustained at family or private parties."

She added that only adults should be allowed to set off fireworks and people needed to factor in the possibility of wet and windy conditions.

In another accident-prevention tip, the RoSPA urged party organisers not to use petrol or paraffin to light bonfires, but to stick to fire lighters instead.

The Liverpool Echo has reported that police are to man a fire engine in the city on Bonfire Night in an attempt to cut down on anti-social behaviour related to the event.
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Football fan secures damages after police detainment

June 23rd, 2009

Football fan secures damages after police detainment

A football fan who claimed that he was unfairly treated by the police after travelling to a football game is to receive compensation for his ordeal.

Lyndon Edwards, 38, had caught a coach from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground ahead of a league match last year.

However, when he and the 80 other fans got there, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) detained them on the coach for four hours – meaning that they missed the match – and would not let them leave to even use the toilet.

The fans were instead forced to use cups. Mr Edwards decided to take legal action against GMP for the infringement on his liberties.

He has now been awarded £2,750 in compensation for a breach of the Violent Crime Reduction Act after he sought assistance from the Football Supporters’ Federation.

According to the Home Office, this act is designed to reduce violent crime due to anti-social behaviour and gives the police power to ban individuals from public places if they are causing disorder.

Mr Edwards commented: "I am very pleased that the GMP has conceded they were in the wrong and satisfied with the compensation awarded."

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