Shops sold fireworks to children

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A sting operation by two councils in north-west London has found shops selling fireworks to underage children.

Three shops, filmed secretly by Brent and Harrow councils, were found selling garden and powerful display fireworks to children as young as 13.

The children were sold fireworks worth about £20 by each of the shops, including three types of rocket.

The shop owners and staff who sold the fireworks will be interviewed under caution, the councils said.

'Deeply distressing'

The children were able to buy three types of rockets - Castle Attack, Titan Fountain and the most potentially dangerous Screaming Wildcat, which radiates 300 sparks when it ignites.

Councillor Susan Hall, who heads environment services in Harrow Council, said: "It is deeply distressing that despite years of publicity about fireworks sales, obviously under-age teenagers still appear able to buy fireworks with ease."

Bill Bilon, director of Trading Standards, said: "Businesses have to play their part as they are, effectively, the first line of defence in ensuring those goods are not sold to children and, as such, need to be extra vigilant especially around festive periods such as Diwali, Guy Fawkes and Christmas."

The mystery shoppers went to the shops in the three days leading up to Diwali and Halloween.

Offenders could face a maximum fine of £5,000 or six months in prison for selling fireworks to children under 18.

It is also illegal for retailers to sell caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throw downs to children under 16.