WAR veteran Andy Reid is encouraging individuals, families and businesses to play their part in keeping communities safe over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Police say anyone who commits incidents of anti-social behaviour can expect "a swift response", as extra officers will man the streets to ensure people can enjoy the festivities in their area safely.

Last year Andy, 40, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan and a triple amputee, narrowly avoided serious injury when a firework was let off near his café on Church Road in Rainford.

After the incident on October 19 last year, police spoke to the 14-year-old boy who had set the firework off.

The boy's parents paid £125 for Andy to have his mobile phone replaced after he dropped it during the incident - and the boy wrote Andy a letter of apology when Andy agreed to a community resolution.

Andy said: "The boy was not deliberately directing the firework towards me, but fireworks let off in the street could go anywhere and I consider myself very lucky that I was not seriously hurt.

"The explosion also brought back some harrowing memories for me of my time in Afghanistan. If you set off a firework without a care for who might be around you, there could be veterans, elderly people or children around who could be left extremely frightened or worse.

"I want to appeal directly to people to think very carefully before even thinking about setting off fireworks in the street. Please consider the possible consequences not just for the person who could be hurt but for yourself."

He added: "I would also ask parents to be particularly aware of where your children are and what they are doing over the next two weeks. Their actions could cost them and you dearly. Do you really want to have to go out to see your child at a police station, or pay a fine because of their actions?

"I know some younger teenagers put pressure on older kids and adults to buy fireworks for them - I would ask those older children to do the right thing and refuse."

Ch Insp Chris Hitchell, from Merseyside Police, said: "This is a fun time of year for everyone across Merseyside and we want people to enjoy the organised events and activities safely."

He added: "Damage caused by Halloween 'tricks', such as throwing eggs and flour, or any objects at windows, doors, cars and people is a criminal offence.

"Anyone involved in such behaviour could be arrested and receive a fine, a criminal record or even jail time. If your child is under 16 then you will be liable for payment of any fines."

For information on activities taking place over Halloween and Bonfire Night visit merseyside.police.uk/autumn-fun.