Surgery for firework burns victims

Firework injuries are on the increase

Two women have undergone surgery in South Yorkshire after a firework exploded in front of them.

The women, aged 40 and 41, suffered extensive burns to their legs after the high-powered rocket blew up as they were out walking.

The unnamed pair from Rawmarsh, near Rotherham, were taken to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital where they are continuing to receive treatment following their operations.

South Yorkshire police said the women had been walking along Stock's Lane in Rawmarsh at approximately 2200 GMT on Sunday when they were injured.

It is not yet clear if the firework had been deliberately fired at the women or accidentally discharged.

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.