Police say they have discovered 10,000 kilos of illegal fireworks in a warehouse in Vijfhuizen near Haarlem after an anonymous tip-off.

Police searched four homes in Haarlem and arrested four locals between the ages of 25 and 45. Two trucks were needed to collect the fireworks and move them to safety.

The transportation and storage of fireworks is a moot point with police officers because of the dangers involved. Just this week it emerged that private security guards will help the police keep watch on confiscated fireworks until they can be picked up by specialised transport companies.

In 2017 police tracked down a total of 40,000 kilos of illegal fireworks, ahead of the New Year firework frenzy. The score for this year now stands at 23,874 kilos so far.