Two burned as barbecue explodes

Firecrews were called after neighbours heard a loud explosion

A teenager is in a critical condition with serious burns after throwing methylated spirits onto a barbecue.

Firefighters said the 17-year-old threw the liquid onto embers which then exploded, setting fire to himself and a washing line in a garden in Hull.

As the youth, still on fire, ran into the house in Wellsted Street, he set the hallway and stairs alight.

A 48-year-old man who tried to help the youth was also badly burned. Both are in hospital with serious injuries.

Humberside Fire and Rescue spokesman, Glenn Ramsden, said neighbours had reported hearing a "loud explosion" at the property on Wednesday afternoon.

What seems relatively harmless can end in tragedy in a split second Glenn Ramsden, Humberside Fire and Rescue spokesman

He said the flames had spread rapidly along a washing line and into the kitchen of the house.

The 17-year-old was taken to a hospital in Manchester for specialist treatment, where his condition was described as critical.

The man was transferred to the burns unit at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.

Mr Ramsden said: "This has been a tragic accident, fire can take life in seconds and people should be aware that now, at last the barbecue weather is here, they must only use approved products on their barbecue.

"What seems relatively harmless can end in tragedy in a split second."

He added that should an individual's clothes catch fire the best thing to do was to drop down and roll on the ground to put the flames out while shouting for help.