Peru marks 2002 with fireworks - as death roll reaches 290

Exploding rockets and popping fireworks streaked through the Lima sky as Peruvians rang in the New Year - two days after a firecracker sparked the country’s deadliest fire on record.

The crackling displays occurred despite a plea from President Alejandro Toledo not to light fireworks out of respect for the 290 people who died in the fire on Saturday night in the centre of the capital, Lima.