Thousands of pounds of fireworks have been seized from a garage in Swansea as the drive to reduce illegal sales in the region is stepped up.

South Wales Police and trading standards officers found 46 boxes of commercial fireworks - worth around �13,000 - in a residential area of Sketty.

Safety message

Do not buy illegal fireworks Do not sell to under 18's Only buy from registered suppliers Attend responsibly organised events

With 5 November less than two weeks away, the demand for fireworks is on the increase.

However, police have warned that fireworks are potentially lethal and should only be bought from a registered supplier.

Community safety officer and acting inspector from South Wales Police, Bryan Heard, said: "Illegal fireworks do not conform to British safety standards.

Safe storage

"If you buy the fireworks illegally you are dealing with an unknown - you don't know how they have been constructed or the quantity of explosives they contain," he added.

Police have said that another area of concern was the storage of illegal fireworks.

During the raid in Sketty, flammable substances were found to be stored in the garage alongside the firework haul.

The incident was described by police as an "extreme danger to the public".

Acting Insp Heard said: "The safe storage and use of fireworks is of paramount importance, and we urge members of the public to report instances of firework abuse."

In reaction to the incident, prosecutions are being sought by trading standards and South Wales Police.