Late night fireworks in Haverhill condemned for damaging impact on residents and their pets

The letting off of fireworks at all times of night for many days in Haverhill has been slammed, with one woman saying it has been a ‘nightmare’ for her mental health.

Police are now investigating after a large amount of fireworks were set off overnight, for a series of days, in residential areas of Haverhill, including the Clements and Parkway estates.

The problem went on for a number of days either side of Christmas Day.

The police probe followed reports on social media of loud bangs in the town, with some saying fireworks were being let off in the street, close to their homes, at regular intervals.

The fireworks were going off at various times between 11am and 3am, according to comments posted on social media.

Posts were made complaining about the impact the fireworks were having on dogs and people’s mental health.

One comment posted on social media on December 27 said: “There was one at 11pm last night that literally sounded like a bomb had gone off.

“Then again a single firework just as loud at 12.30am this morning. It's been the same the last three days.”

One person affected by the fireworks, Carla Makin, told the Echo: “This has been really affecting my mental health, it's been a nightmare. It's sent me into panic attacks and I was struggling to breathe.

“The people who did it think it’s funny but it’s seriously not.

“They don't care about people like me who suffer from mental health and is very jumpy.

“The people who did it created a false Facebook (account) and posted pictures of them setting off the fireworks.

“The number of children and animals and elderly people that have been affected is unbelievable.”

Carla added: “There really should be a ban on fireworks being sold to the public and make them organised events only.

“It is to be expected around bonfire night and New Year’s Eve but normal days for five nights is unacceptable and the bangs petrified me where I went into panic attacks.

“This needs to be stopped and I hope the culprits are found and realise the trauma they have caused.”

A spokesman for Suffolk Police said officers were investigating the incidents and had contacted West Suffolk Council, whose Environmental Health Department primarily deals with fireworks issues.