Teenagers have been caught on camera launching fireworks at a children’s play park in St Andrews.
The youths used a makeshift launchpad to fire what one witness described as a quantity of “high velocity” rockets in Cockshaugh Park.
Several rockets ended up embedded in the grass next to the play equipment, which is popular with families with young children.
‘High velocity’ fireworks shot at Cockshaugh Park
The incident, which was also reported to police, occurred at 3.30pm on Sunday.
It is understood no one was in the play area at the time but locals fear it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured if anti-social behaviour in the area continues.
However, one of the teens responsible has defended his actions.
One witness saw the dangerous behaviour while walking with his wife at Lade Braes
He said: “It almost beggared belief.
“They had a rocket launch contraption set up at approximately a 45 degree angle and were firing the rockets in the direction of the play park.
“These rockets were screaming through the air with a lot of noise and smoke.
“As soon as they fired off one, they’d run back and fire another, and another, and another.
“Thankfully there were no children in the play park at the time but there were children on the path and a few dogs around too.
“It was downright dangerous.”
Police officers attended and gave the males “suitable advice” and they left a short time later.
St Andrews councillor Jane Ann Liston labelled the behaviour “reckless” and called for an immediate stop to the misuse of fireworks.
She said: “It’s regrettable that the misuse of fireworks always takes place at this time of the year.
“I’d urge common sense and an immediate stop to such reckless behaviour.
“Not only are they putting themselves at risk of harm, but also the great many that visit and enjoy the park for the right reasons.
“Thankfully nobody was affected this time but it could quite easily lead to a young child suffering serious injury if such behaviour is not stopped.
“Furthermore, there is also a serious risk of damage and a potential fire risk by discharging fireworks in such a way.”
Teenager involved defends use of fireworks
One of the teens involved, a 19-year-old who only gave his name as Lewis, told The Courier he did not believe their actions were dangerous.
He said “We were planning something for ‘mischief day’ which is before Halloween. It’s a day where you can play pranks and things, it’s essentially harmless.
“We decided we were going to use an empty place like a range for firing fireworks to see something fun and have a bit of a laugh, and then go about our day.
“We asked members of the public walking through the park if they would be OK with it and made sure there were no children in the park at the time.
It was a little bit of fun. We weren’t intending to cause any damage or fear
“One woman in a Mercedes attempted to drive down and shout at us but got her car stuck.
“It was a little bit of fun. We weren’t intending to cause any damage or fear.”
Lewis added that while he “100%” acknowledges how dangerous fireworks can be, they stopped firing the rockets if someone was walking nearby and said they had been bought legally.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police were made aware of fireworks being set off at Cockshaugh Park in St Andrews around 3.25pm on Sunday.
“Officers attended and suitable advice was given.
“The group dispersed a short time later.”
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