An MP has condemned hooligans accused of aiming fireworks at passing aircraft.

Tim Loughton said their actions at a time of the Iraq crisis was completely irresponsible.

He spoke out after police were called to Connaught Avenue, Shoreham, by worried residents.

They claimed rockets were deliberately being launched as planes from nearby Shoreham Airport flew overhead.

Police spoke to a man who denied aiming the fireworks at aircraft and said he was having a party.

Sergeant Ian Cooke, of Shoreham police, said: "We received a call that somebody was deliberately aiming firework rockets at aircraft from Connaught Avenue.

"The caller said the rockets were going off to coincide with planes going over and he felt the safety of the aircraft was being endangered.

"Officers spoke to a man who denied that he was deliberately firing at planes."

Mr Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, said: "This takes mindless hooliganism to new heights and is entirely irresponsible behaviour.

"It is particularly disturbing that this should take place at a time of heightened terrorism alert and in view of what is happening in Iraq at the moment."

Security at all British airports has been stepped up in response to possible terrorist attacks as the Gulf crisis intensifies.

Shoreham Airport could be seen as a possible target as military vehicles, believed to be being prepared for action in the desert, have been seen at the airport over the past few weeks.

Mrs Rosemary Wetton, 84, of Connaught Avenue, said: "I heard the rockets going off but I did not see where they came from.

"I thought it was a bit unusual to have fireworks at this time of the year. I could not see or hear any sign of a party going on around here, either."

Airport manager John Haffenden was away at a conference yesterday and nobody else was available for comment.