Rocket attack (From Barry And District News)

Rocket attack

A BARRY family have told of their horror after a rocket was fired straight through the front door of their Cadoxton home.

It should be a time of fun and entertainment, but the harsh realities of Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night are dangerous and frightening.

October 31 and November 5 are met with a flood of warnings from police and fire officers about potential hazards.

The latest saw a rocket fired through Jackie Gunter and her husband's front door in Cadoxton. Both were home at the time.

Jackie, who runs 'Just Fancy' on Holton Road, said: "There was an enormous bang and there was smoke all the way up the stairs. There was not a sign of anybody. So where it came from I don't know."

There are countless pleas from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Vale police warning parents of the dangers of fireworks misuse.

Head of the Community Fire Safety Department of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Steve Martin, said: "There are so many serious injuries caused by treating fireworks like toys."

But explosive fireworks are not the only concern at this time of year. Tomorrow is Hallowe'en, which has become an unsettling and worrying time for the elderly, and Age Concern Cymru have asked people to take them into consideration.

A spokesman for Age Concern Cymru said: "Hallowe'en is a great night if you have a spooky idea of fun, but it's not everyone's idea of a good time. So if you know someone who's older and living alone, make sure your trick or treat is a friendly call, and don't take the fun too far."

A Vale of Glamorgan Police spokesman added: "We are asking parents to ensure children do not leave home with eggs or flour as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour over Hallowe'en. And equally, we remind parents to teach their children that misused fireworks can seriously hurt, and even kill. Enjoy yourselves, but please take care."