Police receive noise complaints as people let off fireworks ahead of Bonfire Night in Leeds

It comes after bonfires and firework displays usually held across Leeds were cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service have made a plea to residents to not hold their own events ahead or on Bonfire Night (Thursday, November 5).

However, fireworks have begun to be set off in the city.

Staff at West Yorkshire Police's contact centre expressed with pet owners who may be frightened by the fireworks.

However, they reminded them that it is not an offence to let fireworks off in private gardens.

The team said: "We know its not nice when you and your pets don't like fireworks but it is not a criminal offence to be letting them off in your own garden at this time."

"We are getting a lot of noise nuisance calls this evening, this is something that the police do not deal with and you would have to contact your local council."

Leeds City Council announced that they were cancelling the six public bonfires on Thursday, September 8.

The popular events are usually held in East End Park, Roundhay Park, Woodhouse Moor, Middleton Park, Bramley Park and Springhead Park in Rothwell,

They attract more than 100,000 people each year.

The council has made the decision to cancel this year's events as it was "not possible" to host the events while following coronavirus guidelines.

It has also urged people celebrating Bonfire Night this year to abide by the guidance relating to gatherings.

At the time, the council said: "Due to the continued challenges of coronavirus, we have had to take the incredibly difficult decision to cancel this year all of our public bonfires traditionally held across Leeds to mark Bonfire Night.

"The safety and health and wellbeing of all our residents must however come first."

"We ask looking ahead, that anyone wishing to celebrate Bonfire Night this year continues to fully respect and abides by government guidance relating to social distancing and gatherings.

However, the fire service has urged people not to hold their own events as bonfires can get "easily out of control".

A spokesman said: "WYFRS is not trying to ruin anyone’s fun but please do not host an event, abide by local restrictions and practice social distancing this Bonfire season.

"We want everyone to enjoy the bonfire season responsibly and encourage families NOT to host their own bonfires or events.

"Garden bonfires can so easily get out of control.

"Not only do these pose a serious risk to yourself, your family and the public, but they also take our crews away from other potentially life-threatening incidents.

"A great deal of work goes into preparing neighbourhoods for the bonfire period, in order to clear any potential fuel for arsonists."

Last year, the service said they received over 500 emergency calls on the evening of Bonfire Night alone.

In total, 66 of the incidents that they attended were bonfire related, the fire service said.

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