Firework shot into crowd at Eardiston Country Club bonfire

Children had to be "dragged away" from a firework display last night (Friday) after an incident at Eardiston Country Club in Tenbury Wells.

The club was hosting a free-to-attend bonfire night when three fireworks shot away from the sky and allegedly landed in a bush, the bonfire and the crowd spectating. 

One mother, who wished not to be named, was holding her one-year-old baby and was with her three-year-old stepson and his cousins at the time of the incident.

Visitors on the night waiting for the fireworks to start. (Image: Submitted) "The start of the fireworks was fine, but then I realised we were rather close," she said.

"Three minutes in, I  got ash in my eye from the firework, and around five minutes in, one shot into a bush, another into the bonfire, and one into the crowd.

"It landed at my stepson's feet.

"I was holding my one-year-old at the time and had to drag my stepson away before it exploded."

The Lower Broadheath resident said this was then followed by screams and the crowd running away from the fireworks.

A spokesperson for the club said it was sincerely sorry to those affected by the incident, which was caused by a faulty firework.

The fireworks being set off during the event. (Image: Submitted) They confirmed there were no injuries, but the police attended the event after a call from a concerned spectator.

The mother added: "We were behind the safety barrier.

"I was angry and scared for the rest of the night - I am never going to see a firework display again.

"If it had killed my stepson, this could have been a whole different story."

She is among many who have used social media to voice their concerns about the event.

One said: "Saying it did not harm anyone is a bit flippant.

"I have an eight-year-old who is traumatised.

Another said: "A firework entered the bush beside us and another rocket followed into the crowd.

"Then, as we ran away, a man legged it towards the fireworks, screaming to stop them."

One spectator also said some shrapnel landed in her eye.

A statement on behalf of Eardiston Country Club committee said: "We are aware of an incident which occurred during the fireworks display yesterday evening involving a faulty firework at which point we stopped the display as soon as it was safe to do so.

"The Police arrived later in the evening after receiving concerns from members of the public.

"They spoke to committee members and also a local resident who attended the fireworks display."

The club added that police were happy with the safety measures it put in place, and they made assurances that additional measures will be implemented in the future.