Rockets seized after Facebook fireworks probe

Image source, Handout

Image caption, Boxes of banned bangers, rogue rockets and prohibited pyrotechnics were found in the house

Banned pyrotechnics and rockets have been seized after a house was raided over reports of fireworks being sold to children.

More than 200 packets of suspected illegal cigarettes and 100 non-compliant vapes were also found at the property in Byker Wall, Newcastle.

The city council said the action came after reports that someone was driving a van around the Walker area and selling fireworks to children.

Officers then discovered a Facebook page offering delivery of pyrotechnics in the east end of the city, from which they identified the house that was raided.

Ch Insp David Wheeler of Northumbria Police said: "You may not realise it, but purchasing illegal fireworks often funds much more serious criminality, such as drug-dealing and organised crime."

Paul Russell, area manager for community safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, urged people to attend organised firework displays.

He added: "Buying fireworks from unlicensed sellers can lead to serious, preventable accidents.

"These products often fail to meet essential safety standards, posing risks of burns, blindness and other life-altering injuries."

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