Officers "shocked" at illegal fireworks in Suffolk

The illegal seller in Carlton Colville was shut down recently following intelligence they had been selling them via social media without a licence.

Suffolk County Council's Trading Standards is used to this time of the year being busy due to bonfire night and Diwali celebrations, and the pandemic hasn't changed that.

James Garrett, Senior Trading Standards Officer, said: "If you wish to store fireworks or other explosives you need to be licensed with Trading Standards. The individual in this case did not have any licence to sell fireworks.

"We were shocked to find that these fireworks were kept in cardboard boxes, under the bed. This is incredibly dangerous, fireworks should be kept out of the reach of children and pets, and must be stored in secure, fire-resistant containers.

"This showed little regard for the safety of anyone in the property or living nearby."

People can only buy fireworks and sparklers from registered sellers for private use between 15th October and 10th November, 26th to 31st December and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year.

They can only be purchased from licensed shops at other times.

Councillor Richard Rout, Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection at Suffolk County Council, said: "Our Trading Standards officers have once again demonstrated their commitment to keeping us all safe, and I thank them for that.

"In this case, they have not only protected the public by preventing fireworks potentially getting into the wrong hands and causing physical harm, but also protected our local businesses who sell fireworks legally.

"These reputable retailers would have missed out on potential sales because someone is selling them more cheaply, but illegally, online."

Officers also seized over 170 branded trainers and sunglasses believed to be counterfeit.

Illegal sales of fireworks can result in fines of up to £5,000 and up to six month imprisonment.

• suffolk
• Bonfire night
• diwali
• Trading Standards