The police have seized four tonnes of fireworks from cars at border crossings with Germany, some of which were illegal in the Netherlands, broadcaster NOS reported on Saturday evening.

Officials began monitoring the border on Saturday, at the start of three days of sales in the run up to New Year.

People living in the Netherlands are allowed to import fireworks, but only if the explosives are legal here and weigh no more than 25 kilos in total. If illegal fireworks (such as rockets and firecrackers) are found, the police confiscate the entire collection.

On Dutch Belgian border crossings officials have also introduced one-way systems to try to control traffic heading for Belgium’s firework retailers.

The Dutch towns of Baarle-Hertog and Baarle-Nassau in particular have been overwhelmed by people heading to Belgium, where more powerful fireworks are still on sale.