FIREWORKS worth £3,500 were seized from a lock-up in Liscard in a joint operation involving police, trading standards and the fire service.

The commercial grade fireworks, commonly used in organised displays, were taken away by fire protection officers under the Health & Safety At Work Act and will now be destroyed.

The find prompted a warning about the dangers of storing fireworks illegally.

Community Policing Inspector Paul Harrison said: "We have seen recent incidents on the Wirral of fireworks being thrown at people and property.

"The dangers of this, plus their illegal storage, are plain to see, and will not be tolerated.

"We will maintain a common sense approach during the Halloween and Bonfire night period - and are working to encourage people to respect the restrictions and explain why they are so important.

"Where people are flouting restrictions, we will however take action."

Joe Cunliffe, station manager at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: "Fireworks are not toys - they are explosives and should be treated with respect.

"The misuse of fireworks can lead to serious and permanent injury like losing fingers, serious burns and even sight loss.

"Selling fireworks from the back of a van, a house or, in this case a lock-up, is illegal.

"You might think that you are getting a good deal but if it seems too good to be true,

it probably is.

"Only buy fireworks from reputable retailers who are registered with Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.

"When you buy fireworks, always check they have the CE mark.

"If they don't, they are probably fake and should not be used. Counterfeit fireworks are dangerous and can seriously injure you.”

To report a crime, always contact 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or @CrimestoppersUK.