Illegal fireworks risked 'major incident' - police

Some of the fireworks were so powerful they should only have been used by professionals, police said

A huge haul of fireworks found at a house in Wakefield could have caused a "major incident" had they exploded, police have warned.

More than 385lb (175kg) of illegal fireworks were seized from the property in Peacock Avenue on 29 October, West Yorkshire Police said.

The fireworks were being advertised for sale on social media and some were so powerful they should only be used at professional events.

Police said it was "beyond reckless to act in this way".

When officers arrived at the house, the person who answered the doorbell refused to co-operate, the force said.

Police searched the property, where they found the items.

All the fireworks were removed by specially trained officers and stored safely.

The fireworks were advertised for sale on social media

Insp Paul Fraser, from Wakefield Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Had these fireworks exploded in the house then there would no doubt have been a major incident and potentially loss of life or life-changing injuries suffered by anybody in the vicinity.

“It is beyond reckless to act in this way and place people at high risk of harm for the purposes of greed."

He urged people to buy fireworks from registered suppliers.

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