Three stores in Telford are being investigated in connection with illegal firework sales following a trading standards sting.

Telford & Wrekin Council has refused to name the stores involved but officers said the investigation was launched after they sent a 16-year-old boy into shops in the borough to attempt to buy fireworks.

The council’s trading standards team reported one shop had sold fireworks to the boy.

And another two in Telford had been found to be selling illegally.

Under new laws stores are allowed to sell fireworks only between October 15 and November 10 but two shops were found to be flouting the regulations as part of spot-checks.

A council spokesman said the authority was not identifying the stores at this stage but said that all three stores were now being investigated by trading standards and prosecutions may be brought against the owners.

Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for community protection, Councillor Jacqui Seymour, said: “While we understand people wish to celebrate events and festivals, the misuse of fireworks causes distress to homeowners and pet owners.

“As a council we are actively engaged in ensuring firework explosives are stored correctly and sold in accordance with the law.”

Unless store bosses apply for and are granted an all-year licence, they may sell fireworks only during limited periods of the year.

They include the first day of the Chinese New Year on February 14 next year and three days before.

It also takes in the traditional Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations from October 15 to November 10 and the day of Diwali – November 5 – and three days before.

Fireworks can also be sold for Christmas and New Year celebrations from December 26 to December 31.

Fireworks can not be set off between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night when the period extends to midnight or Diwali, New Year, and Chinese New Year when it is 1am.

Trading Standards also check fireworks comply with noise and safety standards.