Police believe the fireworks have been stolen for resale

Police believe the thieves used cutting gear and a get-away vehicle to steal the �3,800 haul from a metal store room at Somerfield's in Langley Moor.

The raid happened on Monday night and the fireworks are already being touted for sale, police officers believe.

Among the haul was 700 packets of golden sparklers and 15 selection boxes of Blazing Thunder rockets and bangers.

Det Sgt Denise French said: "The fact that cutting gear was used leads us to believe that this job was planned in advance.

"There is also an obvious safety issue if the fireworks fall into the wrong hands.

"We are urging members of the public to get in touch if they hear of fireworks for sale on the black market."