A PERSON who threw a firework into a pillar box has been slammed for wasting firefighters' time during the coronavirus crisis.

Fire crews were called to reports of a postbox on fire in Summerland Avenue, Minehead, at 8.39pm yesterday (Tuesday).

A resident told firefighters that someone had put a fire cracker of small banger into the mail box.

The firework had already gone out by the time firefighters arrived and no further action was taken.

| Minehead Fire Station spokesman said: "Not only does this irresponsible act make a fire appliance unavailable for a more serious incident, it is also a serious offence to damage the Royal Mail.

"There could be important documents within the box that if damaged could cause the recipient or sender some distress.

"It’s also a response and journey we would rather not make during the COVID 19 lockdown."