Pub-goers in Heaton have been attacked with fireworks in a spate of incidents around the village.

Two pubs and a restaurant reported incidents where fireworks were thrown at customers.

Nobody was injured in the attacks but residents fear repeats in the run-up to Bonfire Night. And at one pub the landlord claims a bench was pushed against the door after the firework was thrown.

Richard Beeley, who runs the Fountain Inn on Heaton Road, said: "It was about 8.30pm on Sunday, the bar was quite busy, people were just having a drink when the door opened and a firework was thrown in. It was a gang of about eight lads aged between 14 and 18. There is a bench outside which they put across the doors to stop us chasing them.

"Then on Monday night it happened again."

On Sunday night the King's Arms and Clark's, both on Highgate, had fireworks thrown in. Geoff Bennett, manager at the King's Arms, said a very loud banger had been thrown in. "The bar was busy at the time but nobody was hurt, it was more of a shock at the noise."

At Clark's restaurant owner Brian Clark said the incident was one of high jinks.

"It is that time of year. Of course I would prefer if these things did not happen but no-one was hurt, thankfully."

Councillor Stanley King (Con, Heaton) has issued letters to local businesses warning them about the gang.

Heaton resident Elizabeth Hellmich, neighbourhood watch co-ordinator who has campaigned for tighter laws on fireworks, said: "I am shocked but I am not really surprised. As far as the attacks go, it is very sad for the whole village."

A police spokesman said: "We received a call at 8.24pm on October 6 saying fireworks had been thrown into the Fountain Inn. There were no reports of injuries or damage. There was also a call made at 7.36pm from a restaurant which had had a firework thrown in.