YOUNGSTERS had a stash of 30 fireworks confiscated after reports they were being hurled around a town centre street.

Officers from Colchester’s Local Policing Team were called to St John’s Street on Wednesday night after Halloween hi-jinx went too far.

PCSO Lee Compton posted a picture of the fireworks online which included a collection of rockets and other powerful items which were intended to be sold for a home display.

“This evening we have taken 30 fireworks from a group of youths in Colchester town who used them in anti-social behaviour issues,” he said.

“It is not acceptable to use these in an anti-social manner.”

There were also reports of fireworks being thrown into gardens and at windows in Roberts Road, Colchester.

It is believed the fireworks may have been purchased from a supermarket.

It is illegal for fireworks to be sold to anyone younger than 18 in the UK.

During Halloween night, police in Colchester undertook a total of 15 stop and searches across the borough.

As well as confiscating the fireworks, they were also able to obtain two knives.

Essex Police frequently notice an upturn in firework-related anti-social behaviour in the run up to Guy Fawkes night.

Last year, an officer was lucky to escape unharmed after being struck by an errant rocket.

Advice from Essex Fire and Rescue service is it is much safer and almost always more enjoyable to attend a professionally-organised firework display rather than buy your own.

They say anyone who does purchase their own fireworks is urged to light them at arm’s length and stand well back as they are ignited and never go anywhere near them once they have been lit.