Rockets seized after Facebook fireworks probe

Boxes of banned bangers, rogue rockets and prohibited pyrotechnics were found in the house

Banned pyrotechnics and rockets have been seized after a house was raided over reports of fireworks being sold to children.

More than 200 packets of suspected illegal cigarettes and 100 non-compliant vapes were also found at the property in Byker Wall, Newcastle.

The city council said the action came after reports that someone was driving a van around the Walker area and selling fireworks to children.

Officers then discovered a Facebook page offering delivery of pyrotechnics in the east end of the city, from which they identified the house that was raided.

Ch Insp David Wheeler of Northumbria Police said: "You may not realise it, but purchasing illegal fireworks often funds much more serious criminality, such as drug-dealing and organised crime."

Paul Russell, area manager for community safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, urged people to attend organised firework displays.

He added: "Buying fireworks from unlicensed sellers can lead to serious, preventable accidents.

"These products often fail to meet essential safety standards, posing risks of burns, blindness and other life-altering injuries."