New rules banning the supply of fireworks to under-18s came into force this week.

The introduction of the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics (Scotland) Act also means the use of fireworks in an attack on emergency workers will now be an “aggravating factor” that is taken into account when courts sentence offenders.

Last year, steps were taken to restrict the times fireworks can be used, when they can be bought and the quantity.

Community safety minister Ash Regan said: “These important new powers have been delivered at pace and make it a criminal offence for anyone to supply fireworks or other pyrotechnic articles to a child or person under 18.

“Fireworks in the wrong hands can cause serious, life-changing injuries or even prove lethal.

“Any attack on fire, ambulance and police crews is utterly despicable, so ensuring courts are required to take into consideration the use of fireworks or pyrotechnics as a possible aggravating factor in any attack on 999 crews is a real deterrent to such vile behaviour.”

Police have also welcomed the new rules.

Chief Inspector Nicola Robison said: “Fireworks, when not used lawfully, present a significant risk to the public, so preventing such items from being purchased by, or for, anyone under the age of 18 is vitally important for keeping communities safe.

“The new aggravator for attacks on emergency service workers is also a welcome legislative change and should give all frontline first responders additional reassurance that their safety is paramount.”