A warning has been issued following reports of illegal fireworks being issued to children and adults in the Great Yarmouth area.

Norfolk Police, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and Norfolk County Council Trading Standards have warned parents and children to be vigilant of fireworks that are banned from supply to the general public.

Such fireworks pose a safety risk and could pose a risk to the welfare of those who have bought them, as well as people and wildlife living in the area.

Only fireworks that are CE-marked and have instructions for use in English can be sold or supplied.

If people come across fireworks which are not CE-marked or labelled in English, then they are advised to leave it alone.

Any information about the illegal supply or possession of fireworks should be passed on to the police on 101 or via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506.

The law

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess an adult firework in a public place. Anyone caught faces an on the spot £80 fixed penalty notice.

All fireworks for sale in the UK need to be labelled in English so that essential safety precautions and information can be read and understood.

Fireworks such as “Bangers” and “Flash Bangers” are banned from supply to the general public.

If members of the public wish to buy fireworks they should go to a reputable retailer who has an appropriate licence who has to comply with their duties under safety legislation. This includes obtaining a licence to store the fireworks.

Unless a retailer has obtained a year-round licence to sell fireworks they can only sell them during the following seasonal periods:

• from 15 October to 10 November

• from 26 to 31 December

• on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding this

• on the first day of Diwali and the three days immediately preceding this