A CRACKDOWN on the sale of illegal fireworks has led to the formation of a new team, created solely to ensure shops are storing and selling them correctly.

The group of 20 fire safety technical officers from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are carrying out inspections of stores across Merseyside, including Wirral.

Fireworks can only be sold by retailers with a licence from the fire service between October 15 and November 10.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue officers have been working closely with Merseyside Police since 2006 and in that time, have made several seizures of fireworks stored without a licence along with illegal fireworks.

The illegal sale of fireworks and poor storage of fireworks can lead to prosecution, resulting in prison terms and large fines.

The new team has been formed this year to support local businesses to store and sell fireworks safely and carry out inspections to uncover those who deliberately flout the law and put people at danger through unsafe storage of fireworks and illegal sales.

Fire and Rescue Service officers working with police officers have helped convict people for offences including selling fireworks illegally and poor storage of fireworks.

The number of illegal fireworks seized however has reduced from 12 tonnes in 2006 to 1.5 tonnes in 2012.

The authorities have also issued a warning about the dangers of bangers and selling fireworks illegally.

Watch manager Ian Mullen, who is leading the bonfire strategy this year, said: "The fire safety technical officers already have experience working with businesses and shops in Merseyside to highlight fire safety laws, help improve fire safety and reduce the risk and chance of fire. These are experienced officers.

“Illegal fireworks are unpredictable and are dangerous. People who sell illegal fireworks, particularly to youngsters, could be responsible for leaving them with serious injuries through firework misuse.

“Selling fireworks out of the back of a van or a house is illegal. It is also illegal to throw fireworks in the street. We support local businesses who make every effort to store fireworks safely and sell them responsibly.”

Sellers must have a licence from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service to store fireworks for sale between the legal selling dates, and if they are sold outside of normal periods a further license to sell is required.

Bangers were made illegal by the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997.

Any retailer caught selling bangers may face six months imprisonment and a fine of up to £5,000.