Fireworks seized in joint operation in Newcastle

A crackdown on the sale of illegal fireworks has led to the seizure of more than nine kilos of explosives.

On Friday (October 23) Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) and Newcastle City Council’s trading standards department executed a warrant at an address on Kenton Road in Newcastle.

It followed reports the occupants had been advertising a selection of rockets, warrior and polaris selection boxes, and Grand Finale ‘cakes’ for sale via Facebook, with items priced up to £150.

When officers attended the address, they uncovered 8.5kg of type three and four hazard fireworks inside the property and a further quantity of rockets inside a nearby vehicle.

Ian Bell Head of Fire Safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “Buying fireworks from non-registered traders or through social media sites can be very risky as you have no idea what you’re getting and can’t guarantee the quality and safety of the products.

“In buying these fireworks, you could unwittingly be buying display fireworks which have a higher quantity of explosives or could be illegal and unsafe. These can be particularly dangerous and should never be sold to anyone who hasn’t been trained to let them off safely.

“Storing fireworks dangerously in your home poses a serious risk to the occupiers, as well as the rest of the residents in the area and to firefighters if they were to become involved in a fire. Fireworks are explosives and not toys and should be treated with the respect they deserve.

“The Business Fire Safety Team at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will investigate any intelligence we receive about people illegally storing and selling fireworks without a licence and where the public are being put at risk.”

“We will continue to work with Northumbria Police and local Trading Standards, ensuring the safety of all residents within Tyne and Wear by removing and destroying the fireworks if they pose a risk to the public.

“Remember you should only purchase fireworks from a licenced supplier and if in any doubt you should contact Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service via our website at www.twfire.gov.uk.”

Now police have warned the public that lives will be put at risk if unlicensed fireworks are illegally sold in our region.

Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Ashurst said: “We want to make sure people enjoy fireworks in a safe way and do not put themselves in danger.

Cllr John-Paul Stephenson, the council’s cabinet member for environment and regulatory services, welcomed the joint raid.

He added: “With Bonfire Night just around the corner I am pleased to see us, police and the fire service working together to tackle the issue of illegal firework sales, so that everyone can enjoy a safe and enjoyable evening.

“Ordinarily we would encourage anyone who wanted to watch a display to attend one that has been professionally organised, but we appreciate, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, that this year there are few events taking place.

“Please think twice before buying fireworks for your own use, as they are explosives, they are potentially dangerous, and we don’t want anyone to get hurt, we don’t want to see property or the environment damaged, and we all must be considerate neighbours.

“However, if you do decide to by some, make sure it’s from a reputable supplier, not an advert on social media or someone selling them from their home and that you follow the fireworks code.”

Anyone who wants to report the sale of illegal fireworks is encouraged to visit the Northumbria Police website and use the ‘Tell Us Something’ pages.

“Buying fireworks from a non-registered trader poses all sorts of risks which is why we will be working alongside our partners to take action against anyone suspected of selling fireworks on the street or from their homes – as a strict licence is required to do so.”