THIEVES with cutting gear have made off with thousands of pounds worth of fireworks from a supermarket.

They forced their way into a metal store at the rear of Somerfields, in Langley Moor, near Durham, late on Monday or the early hours of yesterday.

Rockets, bangers and other pyrotechnics were stolen, with a total value of £3,800.

Police said the thieves would have had to use a vehicle to take away such a large quantity and that the items were almost certainly already being touted for sale locally.

They include Force 10 Mohican Mists, Golden Sparklers packets, Cactus Jack's rocket packs, Blazing Thunder selection boxes, General Lighting selection boxes and Space Salvos.

Anyone with any information is asked to call 0191-375 2819.