A MAN is in hospital with serious facial injuries and a child is recovering from burns after being set alight while playing with fireworks in a Worcester park.

The accident, which firefighters said was the worst involving fireworks in many years, happened while the victims were on the playing fields behind Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC High School.

According to Worcester firefighters, who were called to the scene in Battenhall by alarmed residents, the two victims were with another boy when the accident happened.

They were both taken by ambulance to Ronkswood Hospital with serious injuries, and the other boy was treated at the scene by paramedics.

The younger victim, who was aged 12 or 13, had suffered eye injuries. The man, in his early 20s, had serious facial injuries. He was later taken to the burns unit at Selly Oak Hospital, in Birmingham, as his injuries were so severe. Both remained in hospital today.

Firefighters are now issuing a serious warning to children and youths who may be planning to buy and light their own fireworks while unsupervised.

We've all said this is the worst incident involving fireworks here in many a year, said Sub Officer Steve Laugher, of Worcester fire station.

In the run-up to bonfire night, we'd suggest no one plays with fireworks and they should only be used when supervised by adults.

Better still, do not buy your own fireworks. Go along to a properly organised bonfire and firework display instead.

These are the consequences of playing around with fireworks. They are only safe when handled properly.

A spokeswoman for West Mercia police said officers were not involved at present, but would investigate if either of the youngsters' parents called them in.

Peter Holmes, principal trading standards officer at Worcestershire County Council, said that if fireworks had been sold to children under 18 action could be taken against the seller.