YOBS who endangered themselves and others by recklessly letting off fireworks in Keighley's streets were targeted by police last weekend.

West Yorkshire Police reported incidents of fireworks being used dangerously on both Saturday night (Oct 15) and Sunday night, (Oct 16) with youths in Highfield chased by police officers after they were spotted hurling lit fireworks into the road.

A spokesman for the police said on Saturday night that the force was having to deal with a number of calls about nuisance fireworks and antisocial behaviour, including four calls of fireworks being let off in Highfield.

He asked parents to make sure they knew what their children were up to.

The following evening, on Sunday, the police spokesman said: "Officers patrolling the Devonshire Park area of Keighley tonight witnessed fireworks being thrown into the road by youths.

"The officers gave chase and detained one of them.

"As a result of enquiries a further four male youths under 16 years of age were identified.

"Those involved will be subject to anti-social behaviour interventions and required to work with other agencies to recompense for their actions.

"Their respective parents, schools, Youth Service workers and members of the Youth Offending Team will also be involved.

"The consequences of handling lit fireworks or throwing anything – let alone fireworks – into a road can be devastating.

"We ask parents to please keep their children safe during the Halloween and Bonfire periods."

Also on Sunday night, the police were called to North Street at 6.46pm, after a group of youths were seen letting off a firework in this road. Officers say the youths then fled into Highfield Street.

Highfield resident Aftab Murtaza, 43, said: "It hasn't been too bad where I live until last weekend, but it got worse on Sunday night.

"I could hear banging and screeching going on outside, and my neighbour came round and said kids had been chucking fireworks around.

"According to him, they were quite young, not older teenagers.

"They're obviously not old enough to be legally buying fireworks, so how are they getting hold of them?"

Keighley experienced widespread disorder on bonfire night in 2014, though the following year was much quieter.

Responding to last weekend's problems, Keighley Central Ward councillor Khadim Hussain said it was important to avoid a repeat of what happened two years ago.

He said he would like local mosques to use their Friday sermons in the run-up to Bonfire night to include announcements to parents, warning them to keep their children out of trouble.

"This is a vital reminder, as it's easily possible for someone to end up losing their life," he said. "We had a mostly trouble-free bonfire period last year, and we want to build on that.

"Of course we want people in Keighley to enjoy Bonfire night, but it should be enjoyed responsibly."