Coastguards have warned against the use of flares unless in an emergency situation at sea with fireworks events on the horizon.

As a coastal region, the use of flares can ignite an emergency response from first responders, tying up resources and potentially putting others at risk.

Marine flares should only be used in distress situations and should not be used as an entertainment prop in upcoming Halloween or bonfire night celebrations.

A spokesperson for Poole Coastguard said: “Marine flares should only ever be used in distress situations and not for entertainment, so please don’t be tempted to use them as fireworks for bonfire night celebrations.

“If we receive an alert at or near the coast where a flare has been launched, we will always respond and won’t know the difference if you are using them as fireworks.

“This will tie up resources when it isn’t necessary, putting our rescue teams at unnecessary risk and potentially diverted from a legitimate emergency.

“So please, do not use flares as fireworks as they can easily be mistaken as an emergency situation at or near the coast.”