The fireworks were in a steel shipping container taken from outside business premises, according to the police.

Four hundred cartons of the potentially dangerous rockets, bangers and sparklers were taken.

The haul of Chinese-manufactured "Men Shuin" fireworks included Apollo Ascent Rockets, Skuds, Screaming Demon Rockets, Mammoth Gold Sparklers and Etna Eruption Fountains.

Brand names include 'Screaming Demons'

Police have appealed for information following the theft on 1 November.

The 20ft container was parked outside International Food and Gifts on the Peffermill Industrial Estate, Kings Haugh.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said the fireworks were stolen for resale.

He said: "The thieves must have had some sort of lifting gear to hoist this very large and heavy container onto a large vehicle or truck."

The same container was broken into last month when fireworks worth £200 were stolen.