Rocket firework dumped in post box

Police are appealing for witnesses after the lit firework damaged mail in a Thatcham post box on Friday

A ROCKET firework that was lit and pushed through a post box on Friday evening has prompted a public warning about wasting fire officers' time.

The incident happened between 9pm and 9.30pm at the post box in Westfield Road at its junction with Henwick Lane.

Police and the fire service attended and the fire was extinguished but some letters were damaged.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Jonathan Coffman, who attended the incident, said: “People who have used the post box recently should be aware that their mail may have been damaged.

“This was an irresponsible act that highlights the cost of misusing fireworks.

“This may have seemed like fun bit it may have caused important letters to be damaged and could have delayed fire fighters and police from attending a real emergency.

“Fireworks are not toys.”

Anyone with any information about this incident should contact PCSO Coffman on the police non-emergency number 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.