Taser thugs steal £25,000 of fireworks from Latifs in Bilston

The gang used an angle grinder to prise locks from two metal storage crates outside the shop on Loxdale Industrial Estate and steal 40 boxes of fireworks.

The goods were then loaded onto a white van before the thieves escaped along Loxdale Street.

Police said security guards received minor injuries during the raid.

Kashif Latif, head of department, said he was concerned the thieves would try to sell the fireworks and they would fall into the wrong hands.

"We want to alert people to where and who they may be buying fireworks from and we want to emphasis safety at this point," he said.

"There is a serious risk to the public with the fact that since these fireworks have been stolen they may have been left in the damp or the rain following the weather conditions the last few days.

"Fireworks are hazardous and lethal when in the wrong hands.

"The company will not be commenting in regards to the raid at this point, as there is an ongoing police investigation in progress."

Police are now examining CCTV footage of the raid, which took place between 9pm and 10pm on Sunday.

West Midlands Police spokesman Lee Page said: "Up to five offenders threatened security guards with Tasers and metal bars before using an angle grinder to prise locks from two metal storage crates. They loaded assorted fireworks onto a white long wheelbase Luton van type vehicle before making off along Loxdale Street.

"The security guards received minor injuries. Detectives are now trawling CCTV footage and forensic experts have examined the scene for clues."

Fourteen display cabinets full of fireworks are still on sale at Latifs, ranging from small selection boxes to outdoor event rocket and shot packs that cost up to £300.

Ashley Martin, public health project manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said people should only buy from a reputable retailer and ensure the packaging carries the 'CE' mark or is marked with 'BS 7114'.