A huge firework rocket crashed through the back of a car, smashing a window and denting its stereo speakers, writes Roseena Parveen.

The metal rod of the rocket fell from the night sky and pierced the rear window of a BMW parked outside builder Edward Hart's home in Davenant Road, north Oxford.

He found it when he went to check the car next morning.

It was the second incident in which a large firework caused damage.

A 4ft rocket punched through six inches of plastic roofing and landed in an elderly couple's conservatory, setting fire to a crocheted blanket on an armchair and nearby curtains.

Keith Thomas, of Guernsey Way, Banbury, returned home with his wife after a day out in London to find their bungalow smoke-logged.

Mr Hart, 57, said he feared someone would could have been killed had they been sitting in his BMW when the rocket struck. He said: "It's unbelievable that something this big is even being sold. If it had hit someone on the head they would have been killed, that's for sure."

Fireworks could be heard going off in all directions all through the night near the Harts' home on Sunday.

Despite numerous loud bangs nearby, the couple were unaware just how close the debris from private firework displays was landing.

Mr Hart said: "We heard some very big bangs near the house. I never thought for a second they were landing so close to us. It's a good thing we stayed in."

Police were called but Mr Hart was told as there was no crime, nothing could be done.

He said: "We have no idea whose fireworks they were. But I wonder whether they even meet safety standards, they're so huge."

Several other metal rods were found scattered around the driveway Mr Hart said.

The local neighbourhood watch co-ordinators were told and will be investigating.

Steve Harrison, Oxfordshire community fire safety officer, said it was not for the fire service to call for a ban on such large fireworks, but warned people to make sure those that are bought are marked with the safety standard mark 7114.

He added: "There were 12 callouts over the weekend. They were all minor, except for the incident in Banbury.

"We would put it down as a freak accident."