Family of woman killed by fireworks arson ‘severely affected’

“People are going to be terrorized tonight. What are the good things to blow off at people?”

This is what teenager Kai Cooper asked the man who runs a fireworks shop on the night of October 28, 2021. Later, the 18-year-old, from Leatherhead in Surrey, and Callum Dunne, 15, from Southend, put a lit firework through the letterbox of the home of 88-year-old Josephine Smith, causing a fire that killed her.

The store owner would later plead guilty to selling fireworks to an underage boy, Dunne.

The couple, who were held last year for Ms Smith’s manslaughterhad thrown fireworks at passing cars and into the doorways of shops before they attacked her home in Romford, east London.

“The experience of being there that night and seeing mum come out of that building was just horrible. I don’t want it to happen to anyone else,” Mrs Smith’s son Alan told BBC London.

“Losing my mother like that and seeing them being sold so randomly and irresponsibly. The anniversary was really hard. Sometimes I just turn around and I can’t handle it, it’s the same for the rest of my family. We’re all greatly affected by it.

‘She was such a sweet woman. She always wore bright colors and she always looked flawless.

“She was a big part of the community and a big part of our family. She was wonderful, she is greatly missed.”

Mr Smith is campaigning for stricter rules on the sale and use of fireworks, including checking the identity of anyone who looks under 25, and banning cheaper, smaller purchases of fireworks.

‘I’m not trying to spoil people’s fun. It’s small changes we need. Mama will never come back, but there is something in her name, some kind of change.

‘I would like to see fireworks banned from shopping streets. I don’t think that in addition to fireworks you should also be able to buy a pint of milk or something like that at the newsagents.

“You shouldn’t be able to buy explosives that kill people on the high street.”

It is currently illegal in England to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year. It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase or handle fireworks in a public place.

It comes as London’s fire brigade has issued a warning about the dangers of fireworks misuse in the run-up to Bonfire Night, following a spate of fireworks-related incidents in the capital over the past month.

In 2023, more than 2,000 emergency calls were made during Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night, an increase of 13% on the previous year.

Bonfire Night alone saw a 14% spike in calls, making it the busiest for the brigade since 2016. Diwali also saw the highest number of 999 calls in 14 years.

Craig Carter, Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection at London Fire Brigade, said: “Our advice has always been that it is safer to attend professional demonstrations than using fireworks at home. It is also cheaper and usually easy to get to, as there are numerous exhibitions taking place in the capital.

“If you choose to organize your own display, it is important to ensure that you purchase fireworks safely. Only buy fireworks from a reputable, recognized seller and make sure they have a CE mark. Secure them firmly in the ground and keep them far away from buildings, trees, animals and people.

“Always follow the Fireworks Code and remember that there are strict laws when you can buy and use fireworks. Never light them if you have been drinking alcohol and once fireworks have been lit, never go back with them.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said: “This tragic death could have been prevented and our thoughts are with Josephine’s loved ones.

“We are committed to keeping the public safe and have launched a new fireworks safety campaign to help people use them safely and correctly, and to ensure they are purchased from approved or registered retailers.”