Police seize £5,000 of fireworks after stopping van in Edinburgh

A man has been charged after £5,000 worth of fireworks were seized from a van in Edinburgh.

Officers acting on intelligence stopped a van on London Road around 9.30pm on Wednesday.

Following a search, 200kg of fireworks were recovered, with some capable of firing 555 individual rockets.

The 39-year-old was arrested and charged in connection with possession of fireworks in a public place and is due to appear in court at a later date.

Police said the fireworks presented a “significant” risk to the public and emergency services.

Chief superintendent David Robertson said: “It is an offence to buy, possess, or use fireworks without a valid licence and anyone caught doing so may face fines, seizure of items and potential prosecution.

“There was huge potential for these fireworks to be distributed around the city for the purposes of causing disorder. The misuse of fireworks presents a significant risk to the public and emergency personnel, and can result in serious injury, fires and damage to properties.

“Officers will continue to carry out enquiries in the Edinburgh area to detect and disrupt the illegal sale or use of fireworks, and we remain committed to working with partner agencies to ensure everyone’s safety.

“We rely on intelligence from the local communities, and anyone with information about planned disorder or concerns about fireworks is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”