Two North Tyneside schoolboys were badly injured when they poured petrol into a small toy car and it exploded.
The incident happened when the pair, aged 10 and 12, were playing in a lane at the back of Garrick Close, in North Shields, on Thursday evening.
They suffered serious burns on their upper bodies and were transferred to the specialist burns unit at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said an investigation was under way.
He added: "We are advising parents to make sure their children do not have access to hazardous substances such as petrol."
The 10-year-old, who suffered burns to his neck and throat, is described as in a stable condition.
The other boy, 12, was burnt on his face and chest and is described as comfortable.
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