YOUTHS who hurl fireworks at the emergency services are giving their neighbourhoods a "bad name" and must be urged to act "more responsibly."

That's the view of Councillor Arshad Hussain, who has joined the growing chorus of condemnation for a gang of youths who caused a two-car crash by throwing fireworks into Girlington Road, near Thornton Road, on Sunday evening.

The yobs then proceeded to shoot the explosives at police officers who came to help – something which has become commonplace in the city in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

Last night, Cllr Hussain (Lab, Toller) urged parents and elders to keep a close eye on younger members of their community and to know what they are getting up to.

Cllr Hussain, who gave a strongly-worded speech at a committee meeting last year after similar disorder around Bonfire Night, has now said: “Basically, I condemn it in the strongest words possible. This sort of behaviour is unacceptable in any neighbourhood.

“I would urge especially the parents to be much more responsible, but the kids in general need to be more responsible.”

He added: “It’s not just a problem in my ward, many parts at this time of year experience it, however I would urge people across the district to be more careful and responsible when it comes to fireworks.

“The emergency services are there to help assist and protect us as a community. They should be protected and respected at all times. At the end of the day, they’re our protectors and should not be being attacked. I urge community elders to keep an eye on their kids, see what they do. It’s important because it gives neighbourhoods a bad name and it’s unacceptable.”

New legislation - The “Protect the Protectors” bill - received royal assent recently and means tougher sentences for those who assault emergency workers.

The bill was backed by Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson who spoke in the wake of this weekend’s attack. He said: “Emergency service workers do an incredible and selfless job. They run towards danger and put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe. I can’t condemn attacks on them strongly enough and I fully support the zero tolerance message to ensure those thinking of committing these attacks know the consequences, consider the recklessness of their actions and face justice.”

Bradford Council have also asked people to help keep the district safe by reporting dangerous bonfires and keeping control of waste properly in the coming weeks.

Its campaign includes a stern warning for any traders our householders who may see the season as an opportunity to illegally dump waste on bonfires.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: "Bonfire celebrations do not provide people with an excuse to get rid of a load of rubbish on the cheap.

"Council Wardens and enforcement officers will be on their guard, looking out for fly-tipping and cracking down on culprits.”

She added that fly-tipped rubbish can be extremely dangerous if it's set on fire.

Any residents that feel that a bonfire is unsafe or if they witness fly-tipping can report it to the Council on 01274 431000.