Over £10,000 worth of fireworks have been seized in a series of investigations by West Yorkshire Police, targeting businesses suspected of selling fireworks irresponsibly.

West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Trading Standards and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have carried out joint days of action in all five districts targeting sellers.  

In total, 20 visits were conducted across the county, which has resulted in 350kg of fireworks seized by officers.

Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller, Gold Commander for West Yorkshire Police’s Bonfire Night operation, said: “We know the illegal sale and anti-social use of fireworks is a real concern for people in parts of West Yorkshire and that’s why we’re committed to working with our partners to tackle the issue.

“There is a reason that potentially dangerous items like fireworks can only be sold by legal retailers with safeguards about who can buy them.

“I’d like to thank everybody who reported information about the illegal sale of fireworks to us so that we could take action.” 

Alongside the fireworks, police also seized 52,000 illegal cigarettes, 3500 illegal vapes, over 10kg of illegal hand rolling tobacco, out of date food and unsafe toys.

Linda Davis, Head of West Yorkshire Trading Standards (Protecting Communities) said:  “This series of collaborative action taken across West Yorkshire is designed to reinforce the message that illegal traders are not welcome on our high streets.  

“We will not tolerate illegal traders in our communities who carelessly sell fireworks that could be unsafe and pose a huge risk to the public, especially if those fireworks end up in the hands of children.  

“The age restriction for fireworks is in place for a reason, and businesses must conduct age verification checks if in any doubt before selling.”