Ricky Gervais says ‘I hope you die’ to people letting off fireworks late at night as Londoners call for ban

Comedian Ricky Gervais has joined the call of Londoners for fireworks not to be let off late at night after some people complained of being kept awake until 3am.In a post on X just before 9pm on Sunday night he said: “If you’re letting off fireworks at the moment, I hope you die. C***s.”Jervais lives in a mansion in Hampstead.Other Londoners have also complained of being kept awake by fireworks late into the night, as people across the capital celebrate Bonfire Night and Diwali. Gillian McKeith took part in the ITV show I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here(ITV/PA)Presenter Gillian McKeith, who lives in north London and is known for fronting the Channel 4 show You Are What You Eat, said on X on Sunday night: “Whoever is setting off fireworks tonight: please spare a thought for the poor animals terrified by every bang, and the people trying to sleep. Have some consideration.“Bonfire night was November 5th. It’s turning into bonfire month.”During certain celebratory periods of the year, the public are permitted to buy and release fireworks under specific conditions. On Bonfire Night, November 5, fireworks are allowed until midnight. Whereas on Diwali, November 8, the limit is 1am. On other nights the restriction is until 11pm.Fireworks next to Battersea Power Station on Sunday night (November 8)AFP/GettyYet many Londoners have complained about their neighbours breaking the rules or that the time limits are too late. One Harrow resident said there was “constant noise” from 5pm until 12:30am last night. They said pyrotechnics were being let off next to cars in the street, which is illegal, and called for a ban. Another said they could hear fireworks until 3am. A Peckham resident complained they heard fireworks at 1am on Saturday night. The person said: “There is absolutely no way I’m hearing fireworks at this time? How can people be so inconsiderate? Even if it’s the weekend there are kids sleeping.”Fireworks illuminate the sky above Muswell Hill as the annual fireworks and drone show takes place at Alexandra Palace on November 07GettyJust before 12am on Sunday night a resident said on social media site Nextdoor: “Fireworks still on in Hampstead Garden Suburb. All you guys using loud fireworks both earlier and so late should be ashamed.”James, another X user said: “Fireworks Night is one thing, but some of us in some areas have to put up with them for weeks and months on end. We need a private display only law like Australia.”A petition was set up by Naomi Carter calling on the government to only allow the use of low noise fireworks between 70 to 90 decibels or drone and laser displays to celebrate the annual events in order to protect wildlife. Read MoreThe petition starter said: “Cats and dogs both experience sounds at far greater intensity than humans. According to the RSPCA, fireworks appear for them as discordant noise without warning.“During fireworks explosions, nearby resting birds will flee and can fly into buildings. When animals are nesting or in the early stages of rearing their offspring, the risks can be even greater.”So far nearly 18,000 people have signed the petition, meaning the government will provide a response to the demands. Veterans charity Help for Heroes also called on the government to commission an independent review of the current firework legislation. It said the fireworks season can be particularly distressing for those suffering from PTSD after working in war zones.Research from 2023 shows that 74 per cent of veterans want tighter restrictions on the days and times when fireworks can be set off.