THOUSANDS of pounds worth of fireworks have been stolen from a Huddersfield firm.

Now police believe the theft could put lives at risk.

The haul of 212 cartons of fireworks was stolen from lorries at Black Cat fireworks - formerly Standard Fireworks - off Blackmoorfoot Road in Crosland Hill.

Some cartons contain many selection boxes in each of them and the number in the cartons depends on the size of the fireworks in them.

Police fear the stolen fireworks may not be stored properly ... and once they get damp could become unstable.

The thieves are thought to be teenagers and there are also concerns they are selling or passing the stolen fireworks on to other youngsters.

The fireworks are all the Standard brand and thousands have been taken.

None are large fireworks that should only be used by professionals.

The haul ranges from sparklers through to selection boxes and rockets.

The theft happened despite a 24-hour security presence at the site and CCTV surveillance. Two youngsters were caught and detained when spotted by Black Cat staff.

Security has now been urgently reviewed and stepped up.

Sgt Paul Denton, of Huddersfield South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "It is vital we find out who the thieves are and get these fireworks back to where they belong.

"They clearly need to be stored in very specific conditions and it could be the fireworks are getting more unstable as each day passes. We need information and we need it fast."

The thieves struck over the weekend.

The two teenagers arrested so far are a boy girl, both aged 15, from Crosland Moor. Fireworks worth more than £1,000 have been recovered.

"But there are many more still out there," said Sgt Denton, who is in charge of the Crosland Moor and Netherton ward area.

"Once these fireworks become damp, they get unpredictable.

"We believe these fireworks may still be in the Crosland Moor area."

Police are visiting schools in the area putting out urgent warnings to youngsters.

It is illegal for anyone to sell fireworks unless it is from registered premises.

Whatever type of fireworks people buy in such circumstances, it becomes an illegal sale, even if the firework itself is legal.

It is also an offence for anyone aged under 18 to buy or possess fireworks in a public place and an offence to let them off between 11pm and 7am.

The penalties are fines up to £5,000 or six months in jail.

Andrew Fowlds, Managing Director of Standard Fireworks, said: "We would like to praise our staff for their quick-thinking and thank the police for their speedy response that led to these two arrests.

"We fully back the police in cracking down on anyone trying to misuse fireworks or sell our products illegally.

"People should only buy fireworks from responsible retailers and anyone trying to use, store or sell these products illegally should be reported to the police."

Anyone with information about the theft should contact Pc Dev Ubhi via Huddersfield police station helpdesk on 01484 436659.

Anyone with information about the missing fireworks should contact Huddersfield South Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01484 436642.

They can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.