Authorities have seized nearly 100 kilograms of fireworks worth thousands of pounds that were being sold illegally in London ahead of Bonfire night.
The huge haul was discovered during a raid on a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) in Newham, east London.
It followed a tip-off to authorities that a frightening cache of pyrotechnics were being flogged off by an unlicensed vendor to members of the public.
Fireworks should only be purchased from sellers, such as supermarkets, and not from market stalls or sellers conducting transactions door-to-door.
Britons can also only buy fireworks and sparklers between October 15 and November 10, which coincides with Guy Fawkes Night and Diwali, five days before New Year’s Eve and three days after Chinese New Year.
Those caught illicitly selling or lighting fireworks risk being fined up to £5,000 or sentenced to six months in prison.
Newham Trading Standards obtained a warrant to search a self-contained flat in Forest Gate last week and found the goods stacked on top of each other.
This operation was conducted in partnership with Newham’s Council’s private sector housing department, the Metropolitan Police and the British Firework Association (BFA).
More than a dozen packages — including Desert Storm crates containing rockets and a huge selection of multi-shot barrages — were found stored in a single bedroom shared by four people.
The fireworks, which have an estimated street value of up to £5,000, were later made safe by Scotland Yard’s explosive experts. No arrests were made.
Officers later inspected the property home to at least ten people and discovered severe fire risks alongside the illegal storage of fireworks.
Amar Virdee, Newham Council’s cabinet member for community safety, housing need, homelessness and private rented sector, said: “This is a fantastic example of joined up working, with co-operation between council teams, national trade associations and the police.
“I would urge residents to think very carefully about where they buy fireworks – they are after all explosives and must be stored, handled and used with extreme caution. If you do buy fireworks, please follow the instructions for safe use.”
Last week, the London Fire Brigade reminded Londoners that fireworks should never be used in public places and must be handled with care, following safety distances and disposal instructions.
Firefighters received 1,341 calls during Diwali celebrations on October 20 and 21, at least 35 of which were firework related, including a house fire in Hayes caused by a firework igniting combustible materials.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Paul Askew said: “We’re urging Londoners to follow our advice by attending a safer, organised fireworks display this year.
“If you are going to host your own display, it’s important to ensure you are buying safe fireworks from a reputable, licensed seller with a CE safety mark. Secure them properly in the ground, and keep them far away from buildings, trees, animals and people.
“Always follow the Fireworks Code and remember there are strict laws around when you can purchase and use fireworks. Never set them off if you’ve been drinking alcohol and once a firework is lit, never go back to it.”
