“People will be terrorized tonight; what are the good things that will be unleashed on people?”

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 15-year-old Callum Dunne, from Southend, loaded a lit firework into the store. A fire broke out in the mailbox in the home of 88-year-old Josephine Smith, causing a fire that killed her.

The shop owner would later plead guilty to selling fireworks to a minor named Dunne.

Couple, Those detained for the manslaughter of Ms. Smith last yearHe threw fireworks at passing cars and shop doors before targeting his home in Romford, east London.

Ms Smith’s son, Alan, told BBC London: “It was truly horrific to be there that night and see my mother walking out of that building. I don’t want this to happen to anyone else.”

“Losing my mother in this way and seeing how these things were sold indiscriminately and irresponsibly. The anniversary was really hard. Sometimes I just flip out and can’t cope, the same goes for the rest of my family. We’ve all been through huge hardships. We’ve all been affected by it.”

“She was such a lovely woman. She always wore bright colors and always looked flawless.

“He was a big part of the community and a big part of our family. He was great, he’s so missed.”

Mr Smith is campaigning for stricter rules on the sale and use of fireworks, including checking the ID of anyone who appears to be under 25 and banning the purchase of cheaper, smaller fireworks.

“I’m not trying to ruin people’s fun. These are the little changes we need. My mom will never come back, but something for her, some kind of change.”

“I would like to see fireworks banned on the high street. “I don’t think you should be able to buy a pint of milk or anything from newsagents alongside fireworks.

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

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

It comes after the London Fire Brigade issued a warning about the dangers of misusing fireworks ahead of Bonfire Night following a series of fireworks-related incidents in the capital last month.

More than 2,000 emergency calls were made during Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night in 2023, up 13% from the previous year.

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

Craig Carter, London Fire Brigade’s assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: “Our advice has always been that it is safer to attend professional displays rather than use fireworks at home. In addition, since many exhibitions are held in the capital, it is cheaper and generally easier to get to.

“If you choose to hold your own display, it’s important to make sure you buy safe fireworks. Only buy fireworks from reputable, licensed retailers and ensure they have the CE safety mark. Secure them properly to the ground and keep them away from buildings, trees, animals and people .

“Always follow the Fireworks Rules and remember there are strict laws regarding when you can purchase and use fireworks. “If you’ve been drinking alcohol, never set them off, and once fireworks are lit, never turn them back.”

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

“We are working to keep the public safe and have launched a new fireworks safety campaign to help people use them safely and appropriately and to ensure they are purchased from licensed or registered retailers.”