A MAN lost his thumb after dangerous chemicals exploded as he tried to mix two fireworks into one.

Police were called to Laygate, in South Shields, South Tyneside, on Tuesday night after an explosion was heard.

They discovered a 31-year-old man who had suffered serious injuries to his hands after he mixed the explosive powders from two fireworks to produce a more spectacular effect.

Officers also discovered a huge hoard of fireworks at the property, which they have seized.

The man was taken to hospital, but doctors were unable to save his right thumb.

A police spokeswoman said: "The man told us he had been opening the individual fireworks to try to combine them to produce a better effect, which is obviously extremely dangerous."