Illegal fireworks swoop

Want to buy this photo?

Fireworks

Thousands of illegal fireworks have been seized following a major joint operation between Greater Manchester and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services, the Police and Trading Standards.

The haul, thought to originate from Spain, was removed from premises in Bury New Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, because they were being stored inappropriately and were a danger to local people.

The fireworks, largely ‘bangers’, were recovered following intelligence received by Merseyside Fire and Rescue’s Firework Incident Research Safety Team (FIRST)

First was set up in 2004 to tackle the misuse of fireworks. The team co-ordinated yesterday’s operation to source the supply of illegal bangers that have been flooding into Merseyside. Over the past few weeks there has been an increase in reported incidents involving them.

Merseyside Watch Manager Mike Kirby, from FIRST, said: “These bangers were banned in 1997 because they are dangerous – they are small but powerful. These are particularly powerful because they contain flash powder.

“We have not seen any problems with bangers in recent years but in the last four weeks we have had reports of these bangers being used not just in Merseyside but across the country, being put through letterboxes or being thrown around.”

Chairman of Greater Manchester’s Fire Authority Councillor Paul Shannon said: “This is a great example of teams working across the North West to make sure dangerous and anti-social fireworks and other explosives don’t hit the streets. It’s great news in the lead up to Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night.”

Following yesterday’s seizure, the firework registration for the premises has been revoked and all stock will be removed within 24 hours.