POLICE and council officials have made an urgent appeal for information after crates of large air-bomb fireworks were stolen from the site of a council display tonight.

The organisers of the display at Stockton river side are extremely concerned that the fireworks could pose a very serious threat to the safety of untrained users and anyone nearby.

The crates are wooden and measure approximately four inches wide and about two feet high, and contain ten cylindrical cardboard tubes three inches in diameter which slot into them. The tubes have no distinguishing marks but contain an explosive charge which, when detonated, will propel an explosive air bomb into the air on a delayed fuse due to detonate between 100-200 metres.

The air bomb is slightly larger than a cricket ball and marked 'ICON pyrotechnics' and is in clear, grease-proof type paper in the bottom of the tube.

Normally detonated electronically from remote location, the fuses are very short and give anyone using them by hand little time to get clear.

Detective Chief Inspector Derek Carter, of Cleveland Police, said: "We cannot understate the risk to anyone tampering with or trying to ignite these air bombs. "They are highly dangerous to anyone nearby.

"These are not the type of fireworks readily available in local shops. "If not deployed by trained people in a controlled environment, these devices can, in some circumstances, kill.

"No attempt should be made to do this or throw them on a fire etc.

"We ask that if anyone sees these devices NOT to handle them but to remain at a safe distance and call the police on 01642 326326."

Paul Dobson, Corporate Director of Development and Neighbourhood Services for Stockton Council said: "It is absolutely staggering that someone would put their own life in danger by stealing these fireworks.

"We are carrying out a thorough investigation into how the theft took place and, in the meantime, would urge anyone with any information to contact the police without delay and help us recover these fireworks."

Two crates have already been recovered earlier today from bushes in Princess Avenue, Stockton, and three are still missing.

The display itself will still go ahead tonight as planned.