Dangerous 'Bobby Dazzler' fireworks seized from shelves in Smethwick

The fireworks, which included five boxes of ‘Bobby Dazzler’ contain 14 fireworks each, were seized by Sandwell Trading Standards after officers from West Midlands Fire Service reported them in Smethwick.

The fireworks, without the CE mark, which indicates safety, were removed from sale after the intervention.

A spokesperson for Sandwell Trading Standards said: “Fireworks have been found for sale in Sandwell that do not bear the CE Mark. This means that they do not meet the latest safety standards.

“The fireworks were bought to our attention by the Fire Service who were doing licensing visits. The company in question voluntarily removed them from sale

“The fireworks in question appear to be old stock that has been around since before the requirement to CE mark came into force as they are marked with the old British Standard. Only buy CE-marked fireworks. All fireworks must carry a CE mark – a manufacturer’s declaration that the goods conform to European safety standards.”

Unsafe

Officers from West Midlands Fire were doing inspections when the unsafe fireworks came to light.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, cabinet member for public health and protection for Sandwell Council, said the ‘damage’ caused by using illegal fireworks was ‘frightening’ to think about.

She said: “It’s about making people aware of what to look for. People don’t know what to look for.People should check the date and the CE mark.”

“We want to make sure everybody is safe when using fireworks.Fireworks are dangerous.

“If you have got illegal fireworks and you use them, the damage is frightening to think about.

“Just be careful when purchasing fireworks.”

For information on how to stay safe with fireworks, click here.