Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is urging people be careful when buying fireworks. 

Divisional Officer Neil Fenwick said: “Our best advice is that everyone attends a properly organised firework display, but if people insist on having their own display it is important that they take all the necessary precautions and the first of these is buying the right fireworks.”

He added: "Fireworks should only be bought from fixed retail premises.

"Don’t be tempted to buy from markets, boot sales and backs of vans, as they may be unsafe.

"All fireworks must have been tested to meet British Standards, and be marked BS 7114."

In October and November 2005, the last time the statistics were recorded, nearly 1,000 people were injured by fireworks.

DO Fenwick said: “Fireworks can be extremely dangerous and must be used with all due care and attention.

“It is important to be sure that all fireworks have passed the British Safety Standards and have been purchased from reputable shops. Making sure that you have a safe bonfire night starts with buying safe fireworks.

“Fireworks should be stored in a safe place, preferably a locked cabinet or display case. They should also be kept well away from other flammables.”