Firework fired from moving car near Hounslow High Street as Halloween night ended
Footage shows a firework sending sparks sideways from a black hatchback at a junction near the town centre shops at about midnight, while people stood on the pavement nearby.
A firework was set off from a moving car near Hounslow High Street as Halloween night came to an end, while people were standing on the pavement nearby.
Footage shared with UB1UB2 appears to show a Roman candle-style firework shooting red sparks sideways from a black hatchback as it turned at a junction. It happened at around midnight, as Saturday 31 October became Sunday 1 November.
In the video, smoke hangs over the road as the car drives on past the shops. The road is understood to have a 20mph speed limit.
The Metropolitan Police have not confirmed whether they are aware of the incident, or whether anyone was hurt. No arrests have been reported.
What the law says
Under section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875, it is an offence to throw or set off fireworks in any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place.
Regulation 7 of the Fireworks Regulations 2004 also bans the use of fireworks between 11pm and 7am in England and Wales, unless permission has been given. The curfew starts later on a few nights of the year: midnight on Bonfire Night, and 1am on New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.
Halloween is not one of those nights, so the normal 11pm curfew applied on 31 October.
Government guidance says that using fireworks illegally can lead to an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison, and that police can also issue on-the-spot fines. Fireworks are not supposed to be sold to or carried by anyone under 18 in a public place.
A busy weekend for fireworks
Earlier the same evening, Hounslow Council held its free Hounslow Lights event at Lampton Park, a short distance from the High Street. The event ran from 4pm to 9pm on Saturday 31 October and included a fireworks display and a funfair. It was the fifth year the council has put it on.
Fireworks season continues across West London, with Bonfire Night on 5 November and Diwali later in the month. Police and fire services regularly urge people to use fireworks only in safe, private spaces such as gardens, or to go to organised displays, and to follow the instructions on the packaging.
Setting fireworks off from vehicles or in the street puts drivers, cyclists and pedestrians at risk. Sparks can also set fire to clothing, property and parked cars.
How to report it
Anyone who saw the incident, or who has information, can contact the police on 101 or report it online through the Metropolitan Police website. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
In an emergency, or if fireworks are being used in a way that puts people in immediate danger, always call 999.
Antisocial use of fireworks can also be reported to Hounslow Council, which works with the police on antisocial behaviour in the borough.