Residents at a residential home in Leigh awoke in terror after a firework shot through an open window.

It exploded in a corridor of the Avro Centre, in Avro Road - which houses people with learning difficulties - setting off the fire alarm last night (Monday).

Children in a nearby car park are believed to be responsible for the incident.

Insp Joe Roche of Southend police said: "When you consider the people who live there, you haven't got a clue what was going through the minds of the people who did this. It was a rotten thing to do to someone.

"It was the height of stupidity and, when these people are caught, the full weight of the law will be used.

"We take a very dim view of this type of incident."

Fire engines from Southend and Leigh and an ambulance were called to the centre.

Residents were left shaken but no one was injured, according to sub officer Jon Payne, from Leigh fire station.

He said: "There was no damage but it was very distressing for the residents, and the warden was particularly shaken by what happened.

"It would appear the fireworks were lit in a car park and one of them went through the window."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Southend police on 01702 431212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

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