ILLEGAL fireworks and counterfeit clothing have been seized in a pre-Christmas crackdown across Middlesbrough.

The sale of fireworks is no longer just confined to the Bonfire Night period but covers New Year and other festive times.

Officers from Middlesbrough Council’s Trading Standards team raided private houses and retail outlets.

Checks were undertaken to ensure fireworks complied with safety standards, were stored safely and were not sold to children.

The operation - part of a multi-agency programme – saw the execution of three warrants at private houses and the inspection of 22 retail outlets including two unlicensed retail sellers.

Middlesbrough Council’s environmental health manager Judith Hedgley said: “The action we have taken this year sends out a clear message to illegal sellers – they have no place to hide and we will take swift action to protect the public from their activities.”

Officers seized fireworks, counterfeit clothing, handbags, trainers and illegal tobacco and investigations are ongoing.

Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for adult social care and public health, said: “The black market in fireworks and counterfeit goods is nothing more than organised crime, and puts members of the public in very real danger.

“Fireworks are explosives and therefore their storage and sales are subject to strict controls which the illegal sellers flout.

“This could lead to dangerous consequences for other members of the public living in the vicinity of the illegal store.”