'Dangerous' New Year's fireworks set off in middle of street in Luton Road, Chatham
15:43, 01 January 2023
updated: 19:09, 01 January 2023
Shocking footage shows fireworks being let off in the middle of a street - which one resident says was "like a warzone" with "children crying".
As the county was hit by strong winds last night - causing some displays welcoming in the New Year to be cancelled - the projectiles were set off in Chatham.
One video, recorded from a car caught in the crossfire just before midnight, shows Luton Road engulfed in light as countless rockets are let off.
People are seen releasing the fireworks close to the pavement, while in the opposite direction a launcher appears to have been placed in the middle of the road.
The video shows explosive projectiles blasting off at various angles, with some appearing to fly inches above parked cars.
UK law states that fireworks must not be set off in the street or other public places.
The person who sent KentOnline the footage described the situation as "dangerous".
More footage has since emerged of fireworks hitting the roof of a house - while one resident says the area was "like a warzone".
The man, who lives in Grange Hill, said: "Fireworks were hitting my house and car.
"I also called the police as they nearly set a van on fire and were also setting fireworks off on the roof of a car and in the middle of the road.
"Police did not show. It was like a war zone - children crying, cars could not get past and people were worried as they could not walk past."
A further video shows a man lighting a firework on top of a car, before setting off several more projectiles in the middle of the road.
Kent Police have been approached for comment.
The chaos in Chatham comes after groups of youths terrorised an estate in Gravesend by "using fireworks as weapons of terror" on Halloween.
Families out trick or treating in Riverview Park were subjected to a night of "absolute hell" as yobs let off fireworks in the middle of the street.
One mum and her nine-year-old daughter were by their car parked near Tesco Express and the Balas Little Mart when a firework was fired towards them.
The woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "My daughter was outside our car at the time.
"It was terrifying, she was very shaken up."It was so loud and she has suffered with ringing in her ears since."
Elsewhere, Ramsgate's New Year firework display was cancelled amid bad weather.
The town council revealed the show at the port had been called off due to rain and high winds - with wind speeds predicted to reach 33mph at midnight and gusts of up to 49mph.
The display will now be rescheduled.
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