Three-Quarter Tonne Of Fireworks Seized

ALMOST a tonne of powerful fireworks were seized by investigators during a raid on an unlicensed shop in Wallasey this week.

Members of the Firework Incident Research Safety Team - FIRST - moved in on Monday afternoon after a tip-off from a member of the public.

The high-grade devices - the type often used in official public displays - were being stored in a dilapidated vacant shop at the corner of Liscard Road and Mill Lane that was "totally unsuitable", said FIRST's Divisional Officer Chris Case.

"Two police officers had expressed concern about the fireworks that were being displayed in the shop window," said DO Case.

"We'd also had a tip-off from a member of the public."

"Inside we found huge amounts of fireworks."

The building was almost derelict, and although a license had been requested it had not been granted so the fireworks were being stored illegally.

The person storing them admitted that he had even more fireworks stored in a van parked in a public car park across the street.

There was around three-quarters of a tonne in all.

Most were of such a powerful variety that even in a licensed shop, only very small quantities could be stored together.

The fireworks were seized by the team and are now being stored at a safe location.

A man was cautioned at the scene under the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations.

FIRST is a joint initiative between Mersey Fire and Rescue and Merseyside Police and is the only dedicated firework crime team in the country.

It is also Merseyside Police's Team of the Year.

All its members - including DO Case, a former pyro-technics expert - have been specially trained.

In a separate incident on Monday, FIRST officers were involved in raids on premises in Liverpool where in one case they seized over three tonnes of suspected stolen fireworks and illegal drugs.

The team operates all year round dealing with all firework related crimes from blown up cars and phone boxes to rogue traders, said DO Case.

"For obvious reasons we treat any incidents relating to explosives very seriously and anyone worried should contact us," he added.

If you have any information about suspect fireworks, call Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111.