Petition to stamp out firework sales

She claims the father of one of the injured pair told her someone was going around selling fireworks in pubs and parents were anxious to crack down on the practice.

The woman, who has asked not to be named, was one of the first on the scene when the incident happened on the playing fields behind Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC High School in Worcester.

City firefighters said Monday's accident was the worst incident involving fireworks they had seen in many years.

A man was taken to Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital with serious facial injuries and a child was also burnt.

"I heard some bangs and thought they were just from normal fireworks," said the woman.

"I then heard a very loud bang and could see a big cloud of smoke from the cricket field.

"I went out and heard someone shouting 'help me, help me', but I couldn't see anyone, so I shouted out.

"The older boy and one of the men came into view and I then realised it was more serious than I thought.

"The young boy had black flecks all over his face and the older one was badly burnt and had blood down the side of his face.

"It's not a sight I ever want to see again."

The woman shouted to her husband and another onlooker to get an ambulance.

She said she had since been told a petition against fireworks was being planned. She said a father told her he had been offered boxes of fireworks by a man in a pub.

She added she was reluctant to let any of her grandchildren have fireworks at home since the accident.

The accident has sparked safety warnings to parents and youngsters about the dangers of not following the firework code.

Worcestershire trading standards have highlighted "the inherent dangers involved with fireworks".

"Consumers must take note of statutory warnings printed on fireworks," said a spokesman.

"Some are entirely unsuitable and dangerous for use in the garden.

"A professional firework display is the best way to enjoy and stay safe on Bonfire Night."