Fireworks stolen in Heapham house raid could cause serious injury

The professional explosives are extremely dangerous and will detonate on being lit as they do not have a delay fuse.

A burglar stole the fireworks from a house on Common Lane.

Inspector Gail Hurley said: “A large number of fireworks have been stolen and there is the danger that if these are sold on and fall into the wrong hands, a serious injury could result.

“We have had reports that fireworks have been let off in the Gainsborough area in recent days so we are concerned for the safety of those who may use the stolen fireworks.

“We do not want people putting themselves and others at risk so if you do have any of the stolen fireworks in your possession please contact us and we will arrange collection.

'If you have been offered such items or if you have information that can assist us with our investigation, please contact us on 101 or call Crimestoppers as soon as possible.”

If someone you know is in possession of the fireworks, contact Lincolnshire police on 101 and quote incident number 361 of April 17.

There are a number of other ways you can report:

*By emailing [email protected] remember to put the reference incident 361 of April 17 in the subject box.

*Through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

The NHS reported that in 2018-19, there were almost 2,000 occasions of people going to accident and emergency departments with fireworks-related concerns.

Nearly 1,000 people were admitted to hospital following the discharge of fireworks from 2014-2019. Nine out of ten of those were male and a third in the 20-34 age range.

Injuries from fireworks or bonfires include burns and scalds to the head and hands, shock and eye injury.

People are more likely to suffer firework injuries at private or family parties where there is no trained first aider.

The law states that you can’t buy fireworks under 18 and that it is illegal to set off fireworks between 11am and 7pm except for Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.