A GANG of thieves have got away with fireworks worth thousands of pounds from a yard at a Hedge End superstore.

The raiders burst into a compound at Homebase in Tolbar Way and broke into a container where they emptied the entire fireworks stock worth more than £8,000.

Items stolen during the Thursday night raid included rockets and sparklers.

Now fears are growing that as the build-up to the November 5 celebration starts they could be dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands.

An Eastleigh police spokesman said the thieves would have needed a large vehicle to have made off with such a huge haul of fireworks.

It is believed that these fireworks could now be sold on.

A police spokesman said: "We are concerned about the safety angle because they are not going to be sold through legitimate outlets."

There are also concerns that if such a big consignment of fireworks is stored in places such as garages, which are not fireproof, there could be disastrous consequences.

The Homebase store still has fireworks on sale, but for safety regulations there are restrictions on the number of fireworks that could be kept at the site.

Many of the fireworks taken were in selection boxes marked "The Select Firework Collection", which are only sold in Homebase stores.

There were also lots of rockets and single ignition fireworks.

Anyone who is offered cheap fireworks, which are also marked with the make Men Shun, should ring the police.

There is also concern that the fireworks could fall into young hands at a time when major steps are being taken to crack down on the misuse of fireworks.

No one was available for comment from Homebase.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area is asked to ring Eastleigh police on 0845 045 4545.