FIREWORK attacks by 'yobs' which destroyed two Horsforth telephone boxes this week could end in tragedy, a Town Councillor has warned.

A phone box in Broadgate Lane was left melted and bent out of shape after being targeted by firework wielding vandals at around 5pm on Monday.

Then, at 9.15pm the same day another kiosk outside Morrison's, in Town Street suffered a similar fate.

Mick Grubb, Vice Chairman of Otley Town Council and a retired Detective Chief Inspector, said it was only luck that no passers-by were injured - and believes the attacks are part of a worrying, wider trend.

He said: "They have set off lots of fireworks inside these phone boxes, and they weren't just damaged, they were really blown up.

"I'm absolutely appalled at the damage done, and these are not just firework pranks - they are serious offences, causing an explosion to a public building - in this case a phone box.

"People are in danger of being killed by this kind of thing.

"There have been youths gathering around this area and proving a continual source of nuisance to local people for some time.

"I believe some of them have been subjected to anti-social behaviour orders in other parts of Leeds and have been flooded out to us.

"But it's not just Horsforth - this has been happening in Weetwood, too, and all over. It is getting berserk.

"I have contacted the police, who are doing their best, and will talking to our MP too because something needs to be done about this - and quickly.

"If they haven't cracked down on it by Christmas we'll have no phone boxes or post boxes left."

Weetwood Police confirmed they were aware of the incidents, along with similar attacks in other parts of Leeds, and were actively investigating them.

Meanwhile, some relief could be heading for those suffering at the hands of irresponsible firework users.

The Government chose this year's Guy Fawkes' Day to announce a series of tougher measures to tackle firework misuse starting from next year.