Offenders netted a haul of £15,000 of fireworks when they forced their way into a Homebase store.

Police are appealing for information following the theft from the Chatham store.

The thieves broke into a container using cutting equipment outside the Homebase store on the Horsted Retail park sometime between 8.30pm on Saturday, October 17, and 9.30am Sunday, October 18.

Det Insp Dave Berry said: "It appears that an unknown number of offenders have forced their way into a container holding the fireworks and fled the scene. This is a substantial theft of fireworks and we are appealing for anyone with information about this incident to come forward.

"If anyone is offered fireworks to buy and they are unsure as to where they have come from they should contact police immediately.

"There have not been any other reported incidents such as this in Medway but we would urge anyone holding fireworks to ensure that they are secure."

Anyone with information should contact police on 01634 792257 quoting crime reference number DY/016509/09 or Kent CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.