Warning after out-of-date flares are dumped outside Hartlepool Coastguard station

Three out-of-date flares were left outside the town’s Coastguard Rescue Team station last night, Tuesday, October 20 - the second time in a month.

A team statement said: “Not only is this illegal, it’s also very dangerous.

"Do not leave flares to be discovered. It’s against the law and dangerous. You may be prosecuted if you leave flares outside coastguard, RNLI, police, or fire service premises.

"Flares may be picked up by children who could be seriously injured or killed as a result.

"Do not put flares in household rubbish, garden waste or public litter bins. They can cause extensive damage to refuse collection facilities and may injure persons who come into contact with them

"CCTV is being checked via Hartlepool marina and anyone found to be disposing of them outside our station will be reported to the relevant authorities.”

For guidance on how to dispose of flares properly, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/disposing-of-unwanted-marine-flares

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.