Officers seize nearly 8,000 illegal fireworks

Thousands of illegal fireworks have been seized during a raid in north Manchester.

Manchester City Council trading standards, accompanied by Greater Manchester police and fire service officers, visited a shop in Cheetham on Monday October 25.

They then seized 7,890 bangers - fireworks that have been banned since 1997 because they were used to cause an antisocial nuisance and were potentially unsafe.

The fireworks, which were being sold in packs of 10, were worth more than £1,500. They are now being stored in a secure location while investigations continue.

Police and fire service officers from Merseyside, who also attended the raid, had received intelligence that traders in Liverpool had bought the illegal fireworks from north Manchester.

The City Council has been working closely with residents, as well as the police and fire service, to crack down on the antisocial use of fireworks and illegal sales as part of Operation Treacle.

Officers will continue to visit shop premises across the city to make sure no illegal fireworks are being sold. They will also carry out test purchases using underage volunteers and will use powers under the Manchester Act to seize fireworks being sold illegally on the street.

Last year saw a huge drop in incidents of antisocial nuisance, and residents are being invited to build on this success and attend one of the 10 organised displays being held across the city.

Councillor Jim Battle, Manchester City Council's Deputy Leader, said: "These fireworks were banned because they can be used to cause misery to residents and are dangerous. These fireworks have now been confiscated and investigations continue.

"I would like to praise our officers, who have worked closely with the police and fire service to take these dangerous items off the streets. This sends a clear message to other irresponsible traders that they will not get away with selling illegal fireworks in Manchester."
 
Inspector Dean Stott from the Cheetham and Crumpsall Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "Illegal fireworks can be incredibly dangerous and we are committed to clamping down on them so that everybody can enjoy this time of year without it being ruined by a small minority.

"If there is anything concerning you or if you see anybody acting irresponsibly with fireworks then please approach one of the officers."

Fire service Station Manager Paul Starling, who was among the team who seized the fireworks, said: "All bangers are illegal and have been since 1997. One of the reasons is that they're linked to anti-social behaviour and are extremely dangerous."

Anyone who suspects a trader of illegal selling fireworks should call 08454 04 05 06. Anyone who wants to report a dangerous bonfire should call 0161 954 9000.