Two boys in hospital after firework explodes in Hengoed

Two ambulances and an air ambulance were sent to Hengoed Road in Caerphilly

Two boys are in hospital after they were injured by an exploding firework.

The pair, aged eight and nine, were hurt in Caerphilly county on Sunday afternoon.

In a Facebook post, a family member said one of the boys was awaiting an operation to reconstruct his hand.

Supt Mike Richards of Gwent Police said officers had a report of "a medical emergency" in Hengoed Road, Hengoed. Two road ambulances and an air ambulance were sent to the scene.

"Two boys, aged eight and nine, remain in hospital receiving treatment for injuries believed to be linked to an explosion of a firework," he said.

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or send us a direct message on social media, quoting log reference 2300332856."

Police received a report of a medical emergency

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said they were called shortly after 14:00 BST.

"We sent two emergency ambulances, one duty operational manager, one Cymru high acuity response unit and one air ambulance to the scene where we were assisted by colleagues from the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service who travelled by air.

"We conveyed one patient by road to University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, and one patient by air to the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children for further treatment."

Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell called for a ban on firework sales to members of the public following the incident.

Speaking in the Senedd on Tuesday, she said: "Bonfire night is still a month away and every year we seem to hear horrible stories about lifechanging injuries that are suffered by fireworks."

"Surely isn't it time that the sale of fireworks should be banned except for professional displays," she added.

Responding for the Welsh government, Lesley Griffiths - who hold the position of Trefnydd - said the powers to make such a move were a matter for the UK government.

She added that there were currently discussions between the two governments over fireworks sales, and she would ask the relevant Welsh government minister to provide an update.