An anxious father has issued a warning after his young son was struck in the chest by a stray firework and set alight.

Dominic Morgan, 29, of Carisbrooke Avenue, Great Clacton, said he had a low-key display in the garden after a friend had come round with some small fireworks on Thursday. His two-year-old son James was with him in the conservatory.

Mr Morgan said the door was slightly open. He went on: "One of the fireworks seemed to get caught by the wind and shot by me and hit James. I suppose it must have travelled about nine feet.

"James was wearing a nylon top and the firework just buried itself in it and caught alight and started melting. He was terrified and shouting and I was shouting and screaming at the top of my lungs.

"There was this horrible smell. I threw him on the sofa and smothered him and managed to put the fire out."

Mr Morgan said he then gave him a bath and took him to hospital. James was back home today after being treated for his burns at Colchester General Hospital.

Mr Morgan said: "They were only little garden fireworks.

"The one which hit him was not even a rocket, just a coloured flare. I just want to warn other people to be careful," he said.

"Especially over what youngsters wear. It's just not something you think of."

By Mike Sams

Reporter's e-mail: mike_sams@thisisessex.co.uk

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