A SPATE of firework-related incidents in a County Durham town has prompted police to launch a major initiative.

Operation Argon is a two- pronged assault on firework misuse in Newton Aycliffe, involving extra patrols and checks on traders.

There have been several incidents of firework abuse in the run-up to November 5.

Fireworks have been deliberately thrown at people, but the most serious incident was this week, when one was thrown through a letterbox in Anne Swyft Road.

There were no injuries, but police said there could have been a serious fire if nobody had been in the house.

There have also been instances of wheelie bins being stolen and thrown on bonfires started by youths.

When the fire brigade attends, officers have been subjected to verbal abuse.

To combat the problem, police have launched Operation Argon, which will involve increased patrols by uniformed officers.

PC Stephen Wild, of Newton Aycliffe police, said: "We have received numerous complaints in the last few days, and we are not prepared to tolerate this sort of behaviour.

"Fortunately, no one has been hurt so far, but the potential is clearly there.

"This operation will continue until November 6, and anyone we find setting off fireworks in a public place will be prosecuted."

Divisional officer Ian Dockerty, of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, backed the campaign.

He said: "Fireworks are explosives, and fooling with them can mess up someone's life, scar them, or even kill them."

When the fire brigade was dealing with bonfire incidents, other people's lives could be at risk because of it.

Police will also be working with trading standards officials, carrying out test purchases using child volunteers, to make sure retailers are not selling fireworks to anyone under 18.

Retailers have been warned that they could be fined up to £5,000, jailed for six months, or both, if they flout the law.

All parties have urged people to attend a properly organised fireworks display, like the police and fire brigade display, at Aykley Heads, Durham, on Friday, November 3, at 7pm.