POLICE have issued a warning after an unknown quantity of pyrotechnics, including thunderflashes and stun grenades were stolen from a garage.

The break-in, from a garage next to a house in the Burnside area of east Stanley, in County Durham, is thought to have happened early yesterday (THURS) morning.

Shortly after 7am the owner discovered the door of the garage had been forced open and hundreds of stun grenades, paintball grenades, thunderflashes, smoke grenades and maroons which were kept - perfectly legally - in the garage had gone missing.

Police mounted a major operation in the area after initial fears firearms had also been stolen but when it emerged the only weapons in the garage had been imitation ball-bearing guns, the alert was scaled down.

Later that morning what is believed to be the vast majority of the items were found in a wooded area a few hundred yards from the house, but yesterday afternoon and evening police received a number of calls from residents in Stanley reporting hearing loud bangs in the area.

Police are concerned that some of the flashes are still missing and fear if they are mishandled they could cause serious harm, especially to the user's hands and fingers.

PC Kevin Robson said; "All the devices have a minimum safe distance and are to be used only for wargames and re-enactments.

"We are very concerned anyone playing around with these, especially youngsters, could be seriously injured if they try to set them off. Anyone who comes across what may appear to be a discarded firework should get in touch with the police straight away."

The flashes and maroons are cylindrical and several inches long and the manufacturers strongly recommend that protective gear - for example goggles and ear defenders - should be used at all times.

Members of the public should call 0845 6060 365 if they come across any of the items.