POLICE raised fears for public safety after �5,000 worth of fireworks were stolen from storage in a Fenland village.

The fireworks were taken from an address in Elmside, Emneth, between 1.30am and 8am on Friday.

Thieves broke into a padlocked container and stole fireworks which are for both professional display and home use.

Professional display fireworks are of concern to the police as they must be discharged correctly into the air otherwise they could explode sideways.

The names of the manufacturers of the fireworks include: Plant, Vulcan, Brothers and Britannia along with some Kingdom rockets.

Some mortar shells made by Starfleet were also stolen.

Det Insp Sarah Pettengell said: “I’m appealing for anyone with information regarding the theft of these fireworks to come forward.

“Display fireworks should only be discharged by trained professionals. The incorrect use of these explosives could seriously harm or kill someone.

“Members of the public should only purchase fireworks from licensed retailers and not from illegal websites or door-to-door traders.”

CONTACT: Det Insp Pettengell on 0845 456 4567.