Secret fireworks discovered at Dovestone

A dedicated litter picker has discovered secret stashes of fireworks hidden near the Dovestone beauty spot.

James Malloy, 57, a professional gas engineer from Oldham, said humbly: "I didn’t realise finding fireworks while doing my voluntary litter pick would attract that type of attention. 
 
“Basically, I was litter picking and like anything I do, I’m always thorough and attentive to detail. 
 
“I came across the first two fireworks in some undergrowth directly behind a fence among the trees as I was approaching Ashway rocks while initially searching for litter. Visitors have a bad habit of throwing litter over fences and among the trees. 
 
“After finding the first two fireworks, I wasn’t too sure at this point what I should do, since I was already aware and knew what started the Dovestone fire, so originally left the fireworks where they were. I didn’t want to touch them in case it was a crime scene.” 
 
He made first contact with a firefighter and was taken to their command centre to seek further advice. 
 
“I didn’t want to physically touch the fireworks in case they needed to go to forensics or put fingerprints on the fireworks, so I used my litter pick stick to pick them up and placed them into a bin bag.. 
 
“And before heading back to the centre with the fireworks, I discovered other fireworks behind the fence so, I had found three fireworks a short distance from each other. I was already aware these fireworks had been deliberately hidden, they hadn’t been thrown there, they had deliberately been hidden for whatever the reason.” 
 
He took all three live fireworks to the command centre and carried on litter picking around the rest of the reservoir. 

 
Mr Malloy added: “I had a suspicion there could be more fireworks, so after I completed my voluntary litter pick I made the decision to litter pick again, but with more focus search, since I became aware of  the deliberate hidden fireworks, it was a pattern of behaviour from whoever had hidden them. 
 
"I found the first two fireworks and other fireworks into short distance from each other in two different areas so, I was suspicious and suspected there could be more fireworks. 
 
“I was already aware the first three fireworks I had previously found somewhat two hours earlier had been deliberately hidden for whatever reasons, but I do have my suspicions and theory why they deliberately hid them. I found another two fireworks, about 350 meters away from the earlier find.   
 
“In all, I had found five fireworks in three separate areas next to the footpath in the vicinity of Ashway rock and behind fences.” 
 
Returning seven days after finding the fireworks, he found another live firework, deliberately hidden behind a fence. Authorities have been informed. 

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “We urge people to act responsibly and not light fireworks, disposable barbecues or campfires on or near moorland. 

“In the current dry conditions, even a small fire can quickly develop into a significant incident, as we have seen with the large wildfires in Dovestone and Swineshaw that our crews continue to tackle. 

“If you have any concerns about deliberate fire-setting you can report what you know anonymously to FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558, and if you see a fire, call 999 and ask for the fire service.”