Thieves take £40,000 of fireworks

Thieves have stolen more than £40,000 worth of fireworks and a lorry trailer from an industrial unit in Bridgnorth, it has been revealed today.The thieves struck at the premises overnight on Saturday. The exact location is not being revealed by police.

The theft was reported to police at about 11.15am yesterday.

As well as the haul of fireworks, the thieves also made off with a lorry trailer.

Constable Richard Jones, the investigating officer, said the fireworks were in boxes and each individual firework had the name International Fireworks printed on them.

"I am anxious to receive any information concerning the whereabouts of these fireworks," he said.

"Anyone offered fireworks for sale in dubious circumstances should not be tempted but should contact the police."

Police have declined to give any further details about the theft.

Philip Musgrave, senior Trading Standards Officer from Shropshire County Council's Trading Standards Service, said: "It is an offence under the Fireworks Act 2004 to sell fireworks in a public place such as a car boot sale or a market.

"If anyone is offered, or sees traders selling fireworks, other than in a registered premise, for example in a market, we encourage them to contact us or the police."

He added: "Illegally sold fireworks could be stolen, counterfeit or faulty and as such pose a potential safety risk."

Anyone with any information should call Constable Jones at Bridgnorth Police Station on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.